How to start a waxing business.

What are the steps to starting a waxing business?

Preparation

Be patient as you prepare. Expect the preparation time to take anywhere from couple of months up to a couple of years. This depends on how many daily hours you put in to the research component of starting a business.

Education and training

Training or certification is not mandatory to offer waxing services in Alberta. However, taking a technical course is highly recommended in order to understand the science behind a waxing service. This includes contraindications and infection control- 2 very important topics when working on clients.

Research Tips

You will need to conduct research in many areas:

• Gather research on pricing in your area. The larger your sample size, the more reliable your data will be.
• Look into the distributors in your area and the supplies and brands they carry.
• Compare your options for payment acceptance. Most people pay with some type of card, so offering this method of payment is a must. Check out what different companies have to offer.
• If you are able to have a website from the start, review different online booking companies. Online booking is extremely helpful because it reduces the amount of missed calls. There are free options for online booking and websites.
• If you are renting a commercial space, scope it out for a week. Pay special attention to the cleanliness on a Sunday morning
• Start looking for used equipment. A big purchase for a new waxing business owner is a spa bed. You can save money by purchasing a used bed.

Marketing

Think ahead! Create a one-year marketing plan and stick to the schedule. Your plan should de detailed with topics of discussion, images, videos, places you will advertise, time frames, etc. Find places where you can advertise your business for free, for example, social media sites.

Licensing and Registration

You will have to register your business. You have options when registering your business with Canada Revenue Agency. For example, when you register your business as a sole proprietorship, you and your business are seen as one. On the other hand, when you register your business as a corporation, you and your business are separate entities. Once you have registered your business, you will need to open a GST account.

Where business registration is a federal government concern, business licenses are overseen by the municipal government. In your application you will be asked to list all different services your business will offer. Licenses are renewed annually. This is the time to report any new business activities, for example, teaching beauty industry courses such as waxing. NOTE: Should you go the teaching route in the future, depending on your beauty course details, you may need a training license. This particular license is issued provincially.

Commercial vs Home Business Location

Different types of licenses are issued to home businesses and store fronts.

Start small. Whether you are opening a commercial store front or a home business, start small. Initially you will wear all sorts of hats: service provider, spa assistant, spa receptionist, bookkeeper, marketing specialist, janitor, etc.

Best of luck!

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
Alberta Beauty Industry Resources
(780)604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com