Shops that only sell to licensed barbers/stylists: Why?

[K.T.]

I went into a beauty shop recently and asked if they carried any men's grooming products. The first question the clerk asked me was if I had a barber's or stylist's license. Well, I didn't so that was that.

Which got me thinking: what is the benefit of this arrangement? Do they get some sort of tax break, or some sort of discount from the manufacturer? I'd imagine they sell at wholesale prices, but it seems like setting up a brick and mortar shop, especially in a remote strip mall, would be a losing proposition.

Do you know how this business model works?

K.T.

 

[PetersCreek]

My wife is a hairdresser who frequents these shops...a lot. It's a question of tiered pricing. As I understand it, the price they offer falls between wholesale and retail so both the supply shops and the beauty/barber shops can make a profit. Allowing the general public to shop there would cut into the beauty shops' business.

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I've been dragged through patiently shopped these stores with my wife many times. If the supply stores in your area are anything like up here, you're not missing anything in the shaving department.

Not all supply stores are so restricted, though. Sally Beauty Supply is open to the public but I haven't found anything worthwhile there, either.

 

[dpmtherrien]

My wife is a hairdresser who frequents these shops...a lot. It's a question of tiered pricing. As I understand it, the price they offer falls between wholesale and retail so both the supply shops and the beauty/barber shops can make a profit. Allowing the general public to shop there would cut into the beauty shops' business.

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I've been dragged through patiently shopped these stores with my wife many times. If the supply stores in your area are anything like up here, you're not missing anything in the shaving department.

Not all supply stores are so restricted, though. Sally Beauty Supply is open to the public but I haven't found anything worthwhile there, either.

I've often wondered about this myself.

This makes sense though. Good you brought it up, and good we've got an answer.