Opening a barbershop in Italy can be an excellent business opportunity. The men's personal care market is constantly growing, and more and more men are looking for quality services and professional experience in modern barbershops.
In this complete guide, we explain step by step everything you need to know to open your barbershop in Italy: from legal requirements and necessary licenses, to initial investment, strategic location, equipment and management tools that will help you succeed from day one.
8 Steps to Open your Barbershop in Italy
Market Research and Business Plan
Before opening your barbershop in Italy, it is essential to conduct thorough market research and create a solid business plan. This step is crucial to understand the market, identify opportunities and minimize risks.
Key elements to research:
- Competition analysis: Identify how many barbershops there are in your area, what services they offer, their prices and what differentiates them.
- Target audience: Define who will be your ideal client: age, socioeconomic level, preferences and consumption habits.
- Average market prices: Research how much other barbershops charge for similar services in your area.
- Service demand: Evaluate if there is sufficient demand in the location you are considering.
- Peak hours: Identify when there are the most potential clients available.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Overview of your business, objectives and main strategy.
- Market and competition analysis: Information about the local market, competitors and your position.
- Marketing strategy: How you plan to attract and retain clients.
- Financial projections: Estimates of revenues, expenses and profitability.
- Operations plan: How your barbershop will function day to day.
You can find free business plan templates and useful resources at:
Strategic Location
Location is one of the most important factors for your barbershop's success. A good location can make the difference between success and failure.
Characteristics of a good location:
- High pedestrian traffic: Areas with lots of foot traffic increase your business visibility.
- Near offices, universities or residential areas: Proximity to your target audience facilitates regular visits.
- Parking available: Many clients arrive by car, so parking is important.
- Good visibility from the street: A visible space with good signage attracts more clients.
- Safe and well-lit area: Clients prefer places where they feel safe.
- Easy access: Consider people with reduced mobility and facilitate access.
How to evaluate a location:
- Analyze nearby competition: Having competition nearby is not necessarily bad, but evaluate if the market is saturated.
- Research demographic profile: Make sure the area has your target audience.
- Consider rent cost vs. revenue potential: High rent is only worth it if you can generate enough revenue.
- Evaluate accessibility: How clients arrive: public transport, parking, etc.
You can search for commercial spaces on:
Staff Hiring
Hiring experienced barbers with good reputation is essential for your barbershop's success. A good team can make your business stand out and generate loyal clients.
Important aspects to consider:
- Experience and portfolio: Review previous work and ask for client references.
- Technical skills: Evaluate knowledge of cutting techniques, beard and current trends.
- Professional attitude: A good barber not only cuts well, but also knows how to treat clients.
- Availability and flexibility: Define clear schedules and make sure they can meet them.
- Payment structure: Clearly define commissions, base salary and bonuses.
Labor obligations in Italy:
- Registration with INPS: It is mandatory to register all your employees with the National Social Security Institute (INPS).
- Formal employment contracts: All employees must have a written contract.
- Compliance with Labor Code: You must comply with all legal provisions regarding schedules, benefits, etc.
- Payment of benefits: Paid leave, bonuses and other legal benefits.
Resources for hiring and staff management:
Management System and Technology
Implementing modern management software is essential to efficiently manage your barbershop. Technology can save you time, reduce errors and significantly improve the client experience.
Benefits of a management system:
- Online appointment organization: Clients can book 24 hours a day from your website or app.
- Client management: Maintain a complete history of each client, their preferences and previous services.
- Automatic reminders: Send WhatsApp notifications to reduce no-shows.
- Reduced no-shows: Automatic reminders can reduce no-shows by up to 40%.
- Reports and analytics: Get insights about your business: most popular services, peak hours, revenue, etc.
- Time savings: Automate administrative tasks and focus on better client service.
We recommend using management software like BarberíaClub to organize appointments, manage clients, send automatic reminders and accept online bookings. This will save you time and improve the client experience from day one.
Other useful technology tools:
- Google My Business: To appear in local searches and receive reviews.
- Facebook Business: To manage your social media presence and advertising.
- WhatsApp Business: For direct communication with clients and confirmations.
- Instagram Business: To showcase your work and attract new clients.
Additional resources:
Marketing and Promotion
A good marketing strategy is crucial to attract clients and grow your barbershop. In the digital age, having an online presence is as important as having good service.
Effective marketing strategies:
- Social media presence: Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are excellent for showcasing your work and attracting young clients.
- Opening promotions: Offer special discounts or free services to attract first clients.
- Influencer collaborations: Work with local influencers to reach more audience.
- Google Ads advertising: Advertise in local searches to appear when someone searches "barbershop near me".
- Referral program: Offer discounts to clients who bring new clients.
- Quality visual content: Professional photos and videos of your work attract more clients.
Digital marketing platforms:
- Instagram: Ideal for showcasing work, trends and building a community.
- Facebook: Perfect for events, promotions and reaching local audiences.
- Google My Business: Essential to appear in local searches and receive reviews.
- WhatsApp Business: For direct communication, confirmations and reminders.
- TikTok: To reach younger audiences with creative content.
Marketing resources:
Legal Requirements and Licenses in Italy
To legally operate a barbershop in Italy, you must comply with the following requirements. Each has specific processes and processing times that you should consider:
Registration with Chamber of Commerce (CCIAA)
Registration with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture (CCIAA) is mandatory for any commercial business in Italy. This is your legal business identification. You can do it online through the Business Register or in person at your local Chamber of Commerce.
Required documents: Identity document, proof of address, and depending on the legal form chosen (sole proprietorship, SRL, etc.), the corresponding documents.
Estimated time: 1 to 5 business days if online, 7 to 15 days if in person.
Cost: Approximately €50-200 depending on the legal form.
Business Register →VAT Number (Partita IVA)
The VAT number (Partita IVA) is mandatory for any business activity in Italy. It is your tax identification number with the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). You can obtain it online or at the Revenue Agency office.
ATECO Code: For a barbershop, the ATECO code is 96.02.01 - "Hairdressing and other beauty treatments".
Tax regime: You can opt for the simplified regime (regime forfettario) if your annual revenue is below €85,000, or for the ordinary regime.
Estimated time: Can be done online the same day.
Cost: Free
Revenue Agency →Business License (Licenza di Esercizio)
This license authorizes you to operate your barbershop in the municipality. It is obtained at the municipal office (Comune) of your area. It is essential to have it before opening to the public.
Required documents: Chamber of Commerce registration, VAT number, identity document, proof of business address, and in some cases, floor plan of the space.
Estimated time: 15 to 30 business days (varies greatly by municipality).
Cost: Approximately €100 to €500 (varies by municipality and business size).
Note: This procedure is municipal. Search for "licenza di esercizio" on your municipality's website or consult directly at municipal offices.
Health Compliance
Barbershops in Italy must comply with strict health standards. You must ensure that your space meets hygiene, ventilation and safety standards. Health inspections may be carried out by the Local Health Authority (ASL).
Main requirements: Clean and well-ventilated space, sterilization equipment, compliance with hygiene rules for tools, price display, and registration of cosmetic products if you sell them.
Estimated time: Inspection may occur after opening, but compliance must be ensured from the start.
Cost: €200 to €1,000 for compliance equipment and possible modifications.
Ministry of Health →Professional Liability Insurance
Although not mandatory by law in all cases, it is highly recommended to have professional liability insurance that protects you in case of accidents or damage to clients during service. Some lease contracts require it.
Typical coverage: Accidents during service, damage to client property, and general civil liability.
Estimated annual cost: €200 to €600 approximately, depending on coverage.
Note: Consult different insurance companies like Generali, Allianz or Unipol to compare options.
Commercial Lease Contract
You must have a formal and registered commercial lease contract. Make sure the contract specifies that the space can be used for commercial activities (barbershop). It is recommended that a lawyer review the contract before signing.
Important contract elements: Lease duration, rent amount, security deposit, renewal clauses, maintenance responsibilities, and permission to make modifications to the space if necessary.
Contract registration: Contract registration is not always mandatory, but may be required for certain procedures or loans. Some municipalities or banks may request it as a condition.
Cost: €500 to €1,500 for legal review and contract registration (if applicable).
Recommendation: Verify that the owner has all documents in order and that the space is free of encumbrances.
Employment Contracts (if you hire staff)
If you hire barbers or staff, you must register them with INPS and have formal employment contracts. This is mandatory by law and protects both employees and employers.
Obligations: Registration with INPS, written contracts, and compliance with the Labor Code.
Estimated time: 5 to 10 business days for initial registration.
Cost: Social security contributions are calculated on salary. Consult the official INPS calculator.
Consult INPS →⚠️ Important
The times and costs of these procedures can vary considerably depending on the municipality. Some procedures may take longer in large cities like Rome, Milan or Naples.
Recommendations:
- Consult directly with local authorities in your municipality
- Consider hiring an accountant or manager to help with procedures
- Start procedures at least 2-3 months in advance before opening
- Keep copies of all documents and payment receipts
For more official information, consult Impresa.gov.it or your local municipality's website.
Equipment Needed for your Barbershop
To open a professional barbershop in Italy, you need to invest in quality equipment. Here are the essential elements with reference prices:
Professional Barber Chairs
Barber chairs are the most important element. Look for hydraulic, comfortable and durable chairs. You need at least one per barber.
Estimated price: €1,000 - €3,000 per unit
Barbershop Mirrors
Large, good quality mirrors are essential. We recommend mirrors of at least 60x90 cm, preferably with integrated lighting.
Estimated price: €200 - €1,000 per unit
Professional Scissors
Invest in professional quality scissors. Each barber will need at least one pair of cutting scissors and one pair of texturizing scissors.
Estimated price: €100 - €600 per pair
Professional Clippers
Professional clippers are essential. Look for recognized brands like Wahl, Andis or Oster. Each barber will need at least one main clipper.
Estimated price: €80 - €1,000 per unit
Razors and Blades
For precise shaves and finishes. Include traditional razors, disposable blades and replacement blades.
Estimated price: €15 - €400
Professional Combs and Brushes
Complete set of combs of different sizes, beard brushes and brushes for applying products.
Estimated price: €15 - €200 per set
Professional Hair Dryer
High-power professional hair dryers. One per barber or shared depending on workflow.
Estimated price: €20 - €500 per unit
Professional Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for precise work. Professional LED lamps, mirror lighting and adequate general light.
Estimated price: €150 - €1,000
Hair and Beard Products
Initial stock of products: gels, pomades, waxes, beard oils, aftershave lotions, talcs, etc.
Estimated price: €600 - €2,000 (initial stock)
Additional Furniture
Waiting chairs, auxiliary tables, product shelves, coat racks and decorative elements.
Estimated price: €1,000 - €3,000
Estimated Initial Investment
The initial investment to open a barbershop in Italy can vary considerably depending on size, location and equipment level. Here is an approximate breakdown:
Note: These are estimated ranges. A small barbershop with basic equipment can start with around €25,000, while a larger and better equipped barbershop may require up to €60,000 or more. Prices can vary depending on location, equipment quality and space size.
Manage your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organize appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders via WhatsApp
- Reduce no-shows and improve organization
- Save time on administration
Frequently Asked Questions about Opening a Barbershop in Italy
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Italy?
The initial investment can vary between €20,000 and €60,000 depending on size, location and equipment level. A small barbershop can start with around €25,000.
What licenses do I need to open a barbershop in Italy?
You need registration with the Chamber of Commerce (CCIAA), VAT number (Partita IVA), business license (Licenza di esercizio) and, depending on services, health compliance. It is also recommended to have professional liability insurance.
Is a barbershop profitable in Italy?
Yes, the barbershop business is growing in Italy. With a good location, quality service and proper management, a barbershop can be very profitable. The break-even point is usually reached between 6 and 12 months.
Do I need previous experience to open a barbershop?
It is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended to have business knowledge or hire experienced barbers. You can also take business management courses.
What services should I offer in my barbershop?
Basic services: haircut, shave, beard grooming. Additional services that increase revenue: hair treatments, personal care products, subscriptions and promotional packages.
How can I manage my barbershop appointments?
We recommend using management software like BarberíaClub, which allows you to organize appointments online, manage clients, send automatic reminders and accept bookings 24/7 from your website or app.
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