It’s important to seek salon suite tips before putting your signature on the lease agreement

7 Essential tips for booth renting in a salon

It’s okay if you crave independence as a beauty professional. It’s not okay if you invest in a booth but aren’t ready for it.

At Optima, we’ve sat down with beauty specialists who had a million questions running through their minds, like “What is the best location?” and “What about all that paperwork and insurance?” 

We’re here to walk you through everything we’ve learned from our successful suite renters and share 7 salon suite tips you can use to cement your preparedness for the move toward professional independence.

1. Grab the map

One of the most important would-be salon owner tips boils down to selecting the right location with high traffic. It should be visible from the outside and easy to access. Your suite should be a cinch to locate for both new and returning clients. 

Check if it’s located on the ground floor or near high-traffic streets. If the suite is inside a building, it should be easy for clients to find it.

Look for facilities in established salon communities where walk-ins are common. Parking availability for clients might also be a good location benefit.

2. Know what you’re signing up for

Get a copy of the lease before you sign it. Check if the lease period is month-to-month, 6 months, or yearly (these are the most common terms). It’s easier when you don’t have to prolong the term each time the deadline comes. You may want to negotiate the auto-prolongation option for your booth.

Find out if the rent will increase after a certain period and whether you can take advantage of move-in specials, free weeks, or reduced rates. Also, ask if you can switch from a short-term to a long-term lease later.

3. Take a tour

Another tip for booth renting in a salon is to visit the building in person with a checklist of key amenities to inspect. Most owners will be happy to take you for a tour.

Once there, check if there’s hot water and if you’re fine with the water pressure and sinks. Count the number of electrical outlets and see whether they are properly placed for your tools. Think about how you could organize your space so it is comfortable to use.

By visiting the location, you can also detect odors from the building, if there are any. Look for exhaust fans or air purifiers if your work calls for chemical products (hair dyes, nail polish, etc.).

Ask if the suite comes with styling chairs, mirrors, shampoo bowls, and cabinets. Open cabinets to see if they have enough storage space, and check mirrors for cracks or damage.

As you proceed, verify security features and ask if the suite has its own lock or if it’s shared. Make sure there are security cameras monitoring the common areas and an alarm system or controlled entry.

4. Take note of the rules & restrictions

Inquire about the salon’s rules concerning branding, décor, and service restrictions or pay attention to them in the lease agreement under titles like “Tenant Responsibilities,” “Modifications,” or “Use of Premises.”

Here are some salon suite tips on what you can ask your landlord to determine the rules and restrictions:

You can ask the landlord to confirm the key points in an email.

By the way, each state has its regulations concerning commercial leases. So, here’s one more tip on owning a booth for rent in a salon: if you’re unsure about any point in the clause, view state resources like the website of the California Department of Real Estate.

5. Pay heed to licensing & insurance

Each state in the US has its own board that oversees the professional activities of beauty professionals. Depending on what you do, you’ll need a cosmetologist, esthetician, barber, nail technician, or massage therapist license.

Use these salon suite rent tips on how to apply for a license:

If you already have a license that you have received in another state, check if reciprocity allows you to transfer it.

When it comes to liability insurance, you will want to have some coverage to protect yourself if any accidents, property damage, or client injuries occur in your suite. The most common types of insurance packages cover slip-and-fall accidents, property damage, malpractice-related incidents, and tool theft.

6. Familiarize yourself with the exit clauses

Once you have clarified the regulations and obtained a license and insurance, discuss the exit clauses with your landlord.

First, check early termination fines (there may be extra fees or loss of the security deposit). Then, determine the notice period for moving out (typically 30-90 days). If you’re unsure about any point or seek more salon owner tips in the USA, you can explore state commercial leasing laws or consult Optima experts.

7. Rent an Optima suite

If you’re looking for booths in California, Oregon, or New York, Optima is your way to access the best deals at $295/week for professionally equipped facilities. We frequently share salon owner tips and offer a myriad of benefits for tenants, including full control over your business operations, the retail products for sale, and pricing.

Our lease agreements include Wi-Fi, utilities, on-site laundry, and 24/7 access to your booth. We welcome independent beauty professionals from any niche and empower salon growth that can benefit all our tenants.