beauty industry business plan

Free Hair and Beauty Salon Sample Business Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

6 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Looking for a free,  downloadable hair and beauty salon sample business plan Word doc  or  PDF  to help you create a business plan of your own? Bplans has you covered.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to find a sample business plan that exactly matches your business. Whether you’re launching an upscale, full-service salon in a bustling city or a neighborhood barbershop, the details will be different, but the bones of the plan will be the same.

Are you writing a business plan for your salon because you’re seeking a loan? Is your primary concern building a clear roadmap for growth? Either way, you’re going to want to edit and customize it so it fits your particular company.

No two salons are alike. Your business model will be different if you’re renting space to independent hairstylists, rather than taking on employees, for example. So take the time to create your own financial forecasts and do enough market research so you have a solid plan for success.

• What should you include in a hair and beauty salon business plan?

Your hair and beauty salon business plan doesn’t need to be hundreds of pages—keep it as short and concise as you can. You’ll probably want to include each of these sections:

• Executive summary
• Company summary and funding needs
• Products and services
• Marketing plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

One of the things that makes a salon business plan different from some service-based business plans is that you might decide to offer a combination of products and services.

Maybe you’ll sell shampoo, beard oil, or other cosmetics and beauty products, in addition to offering services like haircuts, manicures, or massages. If that’s the case, make sure you include your ideas for upselling products to customers to increase the value of every appointment you book.

Here’s an example of a salon business plan outline.

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• The 7 elements of an effective hair and beauty salon business plan

1. Executive Summary

The  executive summary  provides a high-level overview of your business plan. It should outline the objectives of your hair and beauty salon, such as to offer high-quality services, to expand the client base, or to break into a new market.

Your salon’s mission statement should describe its purpose and what sets it apart from competitors. For example, you may aim to offer a personalized experience for each customer or provide eco-friendly hair and beauty services.

The keys to success are the factors that will help your salon thrive. These may include a prime location, hiring experienced staff, excellent customer service, or a unique product and service range.

2. Company Summary and Funding Needs

The company summary offers a detailed overview of your salon, including its legal structure , location, and history. Also, it highlights your salon’s funding needs if you are seeking financial support.

Clearly state how much funding you need, what you will use it for, and how it will benefit the salon. For instance, you may need funds to renovate the premises, purchase equipment, or boost marketing efforts.

3. Salon Products and Services

This section should detail the products and services your hair or beauty salon will offer. These may include haircuts, hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty treatments.

If you plan to retail beauty products such as shampoos, conditioners, or skin care items, include this information too. Highlight any unique services or products that differentiate your salon from competitors.

4. Salon Marketing Plan and Analysis

Your marketing plan should outline the strategies you will use to attract and retain customers. These strategies might include social media advertising, loyalty programs, partnerships with local businesses, and special promotions.

Additionally, you should conduct a thorough market analysis. Understand your target customers, their preferences, and their spending habits. Identify your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can differentiate your salon.

5. Salon Management Team

The management team section provides information about the salon’s key personnel. This could include the salon owner, managers, stylists, beauticians, and other staff members. Highlight their roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and experience.

If you plan to rent chairs to independent stylists rather than hiring employees, describe how this arrangement will work and the advantages it offers for your business.

6. Financial Plan and Forecasts

Your financial plan should present detailed financial projections, including revenue, costs, and profitability. Include a cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet. This section should clearly demonstrate the salon’s potential profitability and financial viability.

Also, outline your pricing strategy. How have you priced your services and products, and how do these prices compare with competitors? What are your wage costs, and how will they affect your profitability?

7. Appendix

The appendix includes any additional supporting documents that complement your business plan. This might be market research data, lease agreements, employee contracts, or licensing and permit documents.

While not always necessary, the appendix can provide valuable context and proof to support your business plan’s content.

• Crafting a Successful Salon Business Plan: Key Considerations

Understanding your target clientele’s needs is crucial to writing a hair or beauty salon business plan that you can put into action. To ensure your business plan is the foundation of a growing operation rather than just checking boxes, ask yourself whether you’re taking these considerations into account.

1. Comprehensive Services Offering

In the beauty industry, customer preferences vary significantly, and staying versatile in your offerings can help cater to a broader clientele. Include a wide range of services that cater to different demographics. You may also consider offering unique or specialized services that distinguish your salon from others.

2. Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your salon. Competitive pricing attracts customers, but your pricing should also cover your costs and ensure profitability. Effective market research can help you understand the average cost of services in your area, which you can use to set your prices competitively.

3. Salon Atmosphere

The ambiance of a salon plays a significant role in attracting and retaining customers. Consider factors like décor, cleanliness, and customer service when planning your salon.

4. Staff Training and Expertise

Quality service is crucial in the hair and beauty industry since word-of-mouth exposure from existing clients is a major driver of new business. Investing in ongoing staff training ensures that your team stays updated with the latest trends, techniques, and customer service skills.

5. Digital Presence

Although word of mouth is one business driver, many of today’s customers research online before visiting a salon. Having a strong online presence, including a well-designed website, effective search engine optimization and active social media accounts, can significantly boost your business.

• Download your free hair and beauty salon sample business plan PDF

Download this  hair and beauty salon sample business plan PDF  for free right now, or visit Bplans’ gallery of more than  550 sample business plans  if you’re looking for more options.

There are  plenty of reasons  salon business owners can benefit from  writing a business plan —you’ll need one if you’re seeking a loan or investment.

Even if you’re not seeking funding, the process of thinking through every aspect of your business will help you make sure you’re not overlooking anything critical as you grow.

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How to Write your Beauty Products Business Plan

Updated: 24.09.24

Embarking on the journey to create your own beauty brand is an exciting yet challenging adventure. As an indie brand founder, you need more than just passion and creativity; you need a clear vision and a robust business plan.

This plan serves as your roadmap, guiding you through the complexities of launching a cosmetics company. But where do you begin, and what should your business plan include?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the ten essential steps every aspiring beauty entrepreneur must take to craft a successful business plan. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a beauty empire from your home or taking the first steps in your entrepreneurial journey, this guide is for you.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Formula Botanica (@formulabotanica)

Our step-by-step video guide below is based on the business planning exercises we provide as part of our Diploma in Beauty Brand Business Management . The diploma is an extensive, six-module course that teaches you how to start a cosmetic business at home and build a beauty brand from scratch. Pre-enrol to find out more about this diploma and our other award-winning courses.

Step 1: Why your beauty business needs a plan

Writing a business plan isn’t just a checkbox task; it’s your roadmap to success. Before diving in, ask yourself why you’re crafting this plan. It’s more than a document—it’s your guide to launching and growing a thriving beauty business.

Although writing a business plan might seem daunting, it’s crucial to focus your energy, time, and resources on achieving your goals. Your plan is not just for investors; it’s a strategic tool for decision-making and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Take the time to build your business plan, as it involves essential groundwork: discovering your vision, defining your brand, identifying your market, understanding competitors, and mapping out a financial plan. Each step prepares you for success and ensures you’re ready for what’s ahead.

Step 2: Defining your brand mission and vision

Before you dive into designing your beauty brand’s logo or packaging, take a step back and consider why you’re in business in the first place. Your vision and mission are the guiding lights of your brand, and they should come first.

Your vision statement is about your bigger dreams and how you want to make a difference in the world. It’s not just about selling organic products; it’s about the impact you want to have. For instance, at Formula Botanica, our vision is to make natural formulation as commonplace as cookery.

Your mission statement is how you plan to achieve that vision. It should be practical, active, and specific. For us at Formula Botanica, our mission is to “teach the world to formulate,” which we accomplish through our online courses.

Crafting your vision and mission isn’t a quick task or a generic exercise. These statements are the heart of your beauty business, defining why your brand exists and how it serves your customers. Take the time needed to get them right before moving on to the next steps. Total clarity here is crucial, as these statements will guide everything else you do.

Step 3: Defining your niche and customers

Having a clear vision and mission is great, but without knowing your niche or target market, your beauty business might not get off the ground. Understanding exactly who you’re selling to is crucial. You need to know who they are, how they live, and how they shop. This might seem tedious, but this is a crucial step.

Once you identify your target customer, everything becomes easier. You’ll know which marketing messages resonate, what they’re looking for, and how to effectively reach them. Your niche can’t just be ‘organic’ or ‘natural’—those markets are saturated. Instead, explore untapped niches like skincare for women over 50, athletes, or teenage boys. 

While you don’t need to follow every trend, thorough market research is essential. Identify your niche and position your brand strategically within the market. Find out about the latest market trends below:

Beauty news: your exclusive guide to the top 10 ingredients for 2024

Step 4: Detailing your beauty products

Your business plan must clearly outline your initial products, their unique selling propositions, and how they meet your target customers’ needs. This might sound straightforward, but many beauty entrepreneurs face costly challenges when they change direction after launching. Often, introducing new products can distract from the essential tasks of marketing and sales.

When you’re formulating natural skincare or haircare, it’s easy to get carried away with a wide array of products. But remember, as a business, you need a cohesive lineup that resonates with your audience and offers a compelling sales proposition. Your products should work together seamlessly as part of a beauty routine that solves your customers’ problems.

You don’t need a massive product range to make a splash in the market. In fact, launching with a single, standout ‘hero’ product can be incredibly effective. Focus on how your products complement each other, and consider the growing trend of sustainable consumption—think about creating a versatile product that delivers multiple benefits.

Step 5: Researching your competitors

Your competitors should have a prominent place in your skincare business plan. While your unique perspective and experiences as a founder give your brand a distinctive edge, keeping an eye on the key players in your niche is essential—especially at your product range’s price point. Understanding your competitors not only keeps you sharp but also provides crucial insights any potential investor will want to know early on.

Researching competitors can be challenging, especially when their websites are filled with PR jargon that doesn’t reveal much. But don’t let that deter you.

Dive deeper by looking for interviews with their founders and following them on social media. Competitor research can reveal opportunities for your brand to thrive and uncover strategies to boost customer loyalty and growth. By understanding what works for them and what doesn’t, you can identify their strengths and weaknesses, which helps you position your brand more effectively.

However, don’t become obsessed with your competitors. Instead, check in on their activities every few months. Your goal isn’t to mimic them but to shape your own brand narrative. If you have clarity on your mission, vision, niche, and target customer, you’re already on solid ground.

Keeping tabs on the market is simply smart business practice and can guide you to make informed decisions that enhance your brand’s position.

Step 6: Determining your manufacturing strategy

Your manufacturing strategy is a key part of your business plan. Decide whether to produce your beauty products in your own lab , partner with a contract manufacturer, or use private-label products. Each option has its pros and cons and should align with your brand’s mission and vision. Consider whether you plan to stick with your initial choice or switch models as you grow. We cover all this in detail in our Diploma in Beauty Brand Business Management.

Each manufacturing model affects crucial aspects like distribution, logistics, financing, and retailer contracts. How many units do you plan to produce annually? Which model aligns with your ambitions and lifestyle?

Your manufacturing strategy directly impacts your overall business model and operational strategy.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understand the implications of your choice. While making products at home in small batches might seem ideal, many entrepreneurs face rapid growth and need to quickly transition to outsourced manufacturing to meet demand.

Consider your vision, time, staffing, and financial situation carefully, as this decision is critical to your success.

Step 7: Determining your retail strategy

We’ve seen many indie beauty entrepreneurs think they can sell direct to consumers from their website alone. But to do this successfully, you need to be a skilled digital marketer—or hire one.

While selling directly from your site allows you to keep all the profits, getting your products stocked in stores and online retailers can significantly boost your brand’s visibility. Retailers have established customer bases, while you’ll need to build brand awareness from scratch.

Your work in defining your niche, target customers, and product range should guide you in choosing the right retail partners. Consider where your brand fits: mass, “masstige,” premium, or luxury categories.

Which retailers do you want to stock your products, and what are their profit margins? How will these margins affect your manufacturing model and financial forecasts? Should you work with distributors, especially overseas, and how do their margins impact your bottom line?

Address these questions in your business plan. You don’t want to be stuck figuring out how to sell your products once they’re sitting in boxes in your living room or warehouse!

Step 8: Outlining funding options

We might have left finances to last, but securing funding is a thread that runs through your entire business plan. Every decision you make has financial implications, and a firm grasp of your finances is essential for a successful beauty brand.

Your business plan should outline the various funding options available to you, from “love money” from friends and family to bank loans and crowdfunding.

Consider both short-term and long-term funding strategies, and be prepared to answer potential investors’ questions. Show them why you and your business are worth investing in. We cover finances in the following posts:

How to start a cosmetics business from home How much does it cost to start a beauty business? How to start a beauty brand on a small budget Budget-friendly strategies to start a beauty business

Step 9: Learning about financial forecasting

If you’re reading this, you are likely thinking of starting an indie beauty business. Writing a business plan in your first year is crucial, especially if you’re pre-revenue or pitching to investors. Even without sales, you can highlight key market data and your brand’s potential.

Begin your financial forecast with a timeline showcasing milestones such as launch date, key achievements, brand development, current stage, and investments raised. If you’re already selling, include details of investments, sales, and financial projections.

Don’t forget to factor in hidden expenses like retailer promotions. Stores often expect you to contribute to product promotions, and cash flow is vital. Waiting for retailer payments can lead to cash shortages, halting operations if funds are tied up in stock and you can’t buy materials or fund promotions.

Financial forecasting is integral to your daily business operations, making it essential to regularly update your business plan. Keep a close eye on profit and loss, and track trends monthly. Learn about financial forecasting, and consider hiring an accountant to prepare for day-to-day operations and investor discussions.

Step 10: Using your business plan

Congratulations on completing the first draft of your business plan!

Now comes the most crucial step: using your plan effectively rather than letting it gather dust in a filing cabinet. Your business plan is a living document, a roadmap to revisit and adjust as you measure your business’s health and performance. It’s not just for impressing banks and investors at the start.

So, how should you use it and how often? Here’s a quick guide: 

• Weekly: Keep an eye on your competitors and market trends. Have things changed that might impact your product range, pricing, or development? While you need time to establish your market position, use your plan to monitor shifts and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
• Monthly:   Review your financial forecast. Compare your budget against actual sales and expenses to see if you’re on track. Whether you’re ahead or behind, this gives you a clear benchmark for your business’s health and guides your next steps.
• Annually: Reassess your mission, vision, and niche. Was your initial research accurate? Has your brand and product range proved its concept? A mastermind group or mentor can help you evaluate necessary changes to your core statements. Base these decisions on sound financials, too.

Formulate your future 

We hope these insights have provided you with a solid foundation for starting your beauty business. If you dream of creating a brand that’s bigger than yourself—whether it’s a skincare line, haircare range, or makeup collection that transforms lives—we’re here to help you turn that vision into reality. Learn to formulate your own products and bring your brand to market with confidence.

Pre-enrol now in our Diploma in Beauty Brand Business Management – the ultimate online training programme for launching or growing your indie beauty brand. Think of it as a Beauty Brand MBA, combining award-winning teaching materials with insights from a web summit featuring 30+ influential speakers from the beauty and business world.

Or why not pre-enrol in one of our formulation courses in skincare or haircare and change your life through natural formulation? All our courses are easy, fun, empowering and life-changing.

Start-up costs for a beauty business can vary greatly based on your goals and circumstances.  If you choose to outsource, be prepared for higher initial costs, as most contract manufacturers require large minimum order quantities. Branding and packaging can also add up, especially if you’re targeting the luxury market.

How much does it cost to start a beauty business?

Writing a business plan can help you navigate these expenses and plan your finances as your business grows. You can start on a smaller budget by making products at home to sell at local markets. Identify your personal goals and lifestyle needs to estimate your start-up costs effectively. 

Indie beauty is booming, and more skincare entrepreneurs are finding their niche in the market. However, simply being “natural,” “green,” or “organic” isn’t enough to differentiate your brand. To stand out, focus on how your products address specific consumer needs and solve real problems. Avoid trying to be everything to everyone. Writing a beauty brand business plan will help you refine your ideas, define a viable product offering, identify your target customer base, and determine your route to market.

Join us at Formula Botanica, where tens of thousands of students and followers take our free and paid online courses to learn how to formulate organic skincare and haircare for themselves or to sell and also how to set up a beauty brand and business.

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Learn how to become an organic skincare formulator, how to become an organic skincare entrepreneur, leave us a comment.

Liz was Formula Botanica’s Content Coordinator between August 2020-2024. Liz worked as a professional blogger, journalist and site developer for many years and was also part of the Formula Botanica student community. Read more about the Formula Botanica Team .

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Beauty Salon Business Plan Template & PDF Example

• September 4, 2024

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful beauty salon. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your salon’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a beauty salon business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the beauty industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your beauty salon concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our beauty salon business plan is designed with clarity and thoroughness, addressing all crucial aspects needed for a comprehensive business plan. It details the salon’s operations, strategic approach, market environment, competitive landscape, management team, and financial projections.

• Executive Summary : Provides a snapshot of your beauty salon’s business, market environment, management, and financial overview.
• Salon & Location : Describes the beauty salon’s ambiance, equipment, and unique features.
• Treatments & Pricing : Details the types of beauty treatments and services offered, along with pricing.
• Key Stats : Includes industry size , growth rates, and significant statistics relevant to the beauty salon sector.
• Key Trends : Highlights current market trends affecting the beauty industry (customer preferences, technological advancements, etc.).
• Key Competitors : Analyzes main competitors in the area and your salon’s competitive edge.
• SWOT : Analyzes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Marketing Plan : Describes promotional strategies to draw in and keep clients.
• Timeline : Lays out key milestones and objectives from launch to expansion, covering at least the first 12 months.
• Management : Introduces the team behind the salon, detailing their roles and contributions to the salon’s success.
• Financial Plan : Projects the salon’s 5-year financial performance, including expected revenue and expenses, and outlines funding expectations.

Beauty Salon Business Plan Template (Download)

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary serves as an introduction to your beauty salon’s business plan, providing a succinct overview of your salon and the variety of beauty services it offers. This section should outline your salon’s market positioning, the comprehensive range of beauty treatments and services provided, its location, size, and a brief on operational practices.

Additionally, this section should assess how your beauty salon positions itself within the local market. It should enumerate the number of direct competitors in the vicinity, identify these competitors, and emphasize your salon’s unique selling points that set it apart.

It’s also essential to include details about the management and co-founding team, specifying their roles and how they contribute to the salon’s operational and strategic goals. Lastly, a summary of the financial projections, highlighting expected revenue and profit margins over a 5-year period, should be incorporated to outline the financial plan of your beauty salon.

Beauty Salon Business Plan Executive Summary Example

Business Overview

A concise and informative  business overview  is pivotal. It introduces essential details like the salon’s name, location, and a snapshot of its daily operations.

These details set the stage for your salon, framing its unique characteristics. A unique selling proposition (USP) distinguishes your salon. Whether focusing on premium organic products, specialized skincare treatments, or personalized client experiences, the USP should stand out in your executive summary, encapsulating your salon’s  unique value proposition .

Example: In the US beauty salon industry valued at $57 billion, experiencing a 7.0% CAGR, “Radiance Beauty Haven,” located in the heart of Vibrant City Heights, occupies a spacious 2,500 square feet area on Oak Street. We specialize in a myriad of premium beauty services, including haircare, skincare, nail artistry, makeup, and spa therapies. Our USP lies in providing customized beauty solutions with a focus on organic, cruelty-free products, offering clients a holistic and rejuvenating experience.

Market Overview

Understanding the  market size , growth trends, and industry dynamics is crucial. This section should highlight the potential of the local beauty and wellness market, supported by relevant data such as market value and growth rates. Discussing trends, such as the rising demand for natural beauty products or holistic wellness therapies, sheds light on the evolving landscape and your salon’s positioning within it.

Equally important is outlining the  competitive  landscape. Identify  key competitors  and elucidate how your salon distinguishes itself within this framework. Whether through specialized services, exceptional customer care, or innovative beauty techniques, this section showcases how your salon stands out amidst the competition.

Example: In the local beauty and wellness market of Vibrant City Heights, valued at $8 million annually with a 10% growth rate, Radiance Beauty Haven stands out by emphasizing organic, cruelty-free beauty products and personalized wellness experiences. Amidst competition, our commitment to holistic beauty practices positions us as the preferred choice for clients seeking a revitalizing and natural approach to beauty care.

Management Team

The expertise and background of your management team are significant assets. Highlight the qualifications and experiences of key team members in your executive summary.

This could include your salon manager’s extensive experience in beauty service management or your marketing director’s specialized skills in client engagement. Demonstrating the team’s proficiency builds credibility and assures potential investors and partners of your salon’s capacity for success.

Example: At Radiance Beauty Haven, Emma Johnson, with a decade of experience in beauty service management and business development, leads the team. Supported by a roster of skilled beauty professionals and wellness experts, each dedicated to curating luxurious and personalized client experiences, the salon promises expertise and excellence in every service.

Financial Plan

A concise overview of your financial goals and projections is crucial. Summarize revenue targets, profit margins, and anticipated growth trajectories, offering a clear picture of your salon’s financial trajectory.

Example: Radiance Beauty Haven aims for a projected revenue of $700,000 within its first year, targeting a 20%  net profit  margin. Investment in premium beauty equipment and a strategic focus on personalized client experiences, complemented by a robust  marketing strategy  aimed at wellness enthusiasts, drive anticipated growth and profitability within the local market.

For a Beauty Salon, the Business Overview section is structured into 2 slides:

Salon & Location

Illustrate the ambiance and layout of your beauty salon, highlighting features that create a welcoming and luxurious experience for clients. Discuss the salon’s strategic location, emphasizing how its accessibility and the surrounding area contribute to attracting your target market . Mention the benefits of your chosen location, such as high foot traffic or nearby complementary businesses.

Treatments & Pricing

Explain the variety of beauty treatments and services your salon offers, including facials, manicures/pedicures, makeup, waxing, and more specialized services. Provide an overview of your pricing structure , showing how it aligns with the quality of services and the expectations of your clientele. Also, introduce any special offers, memberships, or loyalty programs designed to retain customers and enhance their experience at your salon.

Industry Size & Growth

In the Market Overview of your beauty salon business plan, initially address the overall size of the beauty salon industry and its prospects for growth. This provides a foundational understanding of the market’s scale and potential for expansion.

Key Market Trends

Next, explore recent trends within the industry, such as the increasing consumer preference for holistic beauty treatments, the demand for eco-friendly and natural beauty products, and the rise of personalized beauty services. For example, point out the growing popularity of bespoke skincare routines and treatments that cater to individual skin concerns, as well as the shift towards sustainable practices in beauty care.

Competitive Landscape

A  competitive analysis  is not just a tool for gauging the position of your beauty salon in the market and its key competitors; it’s also a fundamental component of your business plan.

This analysis helps in identifying your beauty salon’s unique selling points, essential for differentiating your business in a  competitive  market.

In addition, competitive analysis is integral in laying a solid foundation for your business plan. By examining various operational aspects of your competitors, you gain valuable information that ensures your business plan is robust, informed, and tailored to succeed in the current market environment.

Identifying Your Beauty Salon’s Competitors

The initial phase involves identifying and mapping out competitors within the vicinity of your beauty salon. Consider various establishments, such as hair salons, spas, nail studios, and wellness centers, as your primary competitors. For instance, if your salon specializes in organic skincare treatments, your direct competitors might include nearby spas known for their natural therapies, as well as upscale salons offering similar services. Additionally, explore indirect competitors such as makeup stores or mobile beauty services that might cater to overlapping clientele.

Utilize online tools like Google Maps, Yelp, or social media platforms to gain insights into competitor distribution and customer reviews. Reviews often provide valuable information about competitors’  strengths and weaknesses . For instance, if several reviews highlight the exceptional customer service and expertise at “Glow Spa & Beauty,” this signifies a key strength of your competitor, influencing customer preferences.

Beauty Salon Competitors’ Strategies

Analyzing competitors’ strategies encompasses various dimensions:

• Service Offerings:  Evaluate the array of services offered by competitors. If “Natural Hair & Wellness” is gaining traction with its emphasis on sustainable beauty practices and holistic treatments, this signals a market inclination towards eco-friendly beauty solutions.
• Technological Advancements:  Consider the technological aspects incorporated by competitors. A salon like “Innovate Beauty Lab,” focusing on cutting-edge beauty tech such as laser treatments or AI-driven skincare analysis, might attract a different clientele compared to a traditional salon offering classic beauty services.
• Pricing Structure:  Compare your salon’s pricing with that of competitors. Are your services priced similarly to mid-range salons or more in line with premium offerings at “Luxury Beauty Haven”?
• Marketing Approaches:  Study how competitors market their services. Do they heavily rely on social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, or do they prioritize loyalty programs and referrals to attract customers?
• Customer Experience:  Assess the in-salon experience. For example, “Serenity Spa & Salon” might be recognized for its tranquil ambiance and personalized attention, contributing to an exceptional customer experience.
• Operational Innovations:  Observe if competitors employ innovative techniques for efficiency and convenience, such as “Effortless Beauty Bar” utilizing appointment apps or self-check-in kiosks.

What’s Your Salon’s Value Proposition?

Define your beauty salon’s  unique value proposition . It could be specializing in bespoke bridal makeovers, offering exclusive organic hair treatments, or providing niche services like permanent makeup artistry that distinguish your salon.

Identify gaps in the market through client feedback and industry trends. For instance, an increasing demand for sustainable beauty products might present an opportunity if competitors are yet to cater extensively to eco-conscious consumers.

Tailor your salon’s offerings and ambiance according to your location. A salon situated in a cosmopolitan area might focus on avant-garde trends and express services. At the same time, one in a suburban locale might emphasize a relaxing, family-friendly environment to cater to a different demographic.

First, undertake a SWOT analysis for the beauty salon, identifying Strengths (such as a diverse range of beauty treatments and experienced beauticians), Weaknesses (like substantial ongoing costs or intense local competition), Opportunities (for instance, an increasing interest in self-care and beauty services), and Threats (such as economic downturns impacting discretionary spending).

Marketing Plan

Next, craft a marketing strategy that describes ways to attract and retain customers through targeted advertising, special introductory offers, active engagement on social media platforms, and participation in community events.

Marketing Channels

These channels are vital for building brand awareness and engaging potential clients.

Digital Marketing

• Leverage Social Media:  Showcase your expertise and salon ambiance on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Engage your audience through captivating content and live sessions.
• Email Marketing:  Regular newsletters featuring beauty tips, exclusive offers, and updates can keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Website and SEO : Develop a professional website optimized for local SEO to rank high in search results.

Local Engagement

• Print Media and Flyers : Design eye-catching flyers distributed in local hotspots. Collaborate with local businesses or influencers for joint promotions.
• Community Events : Participate in or host local events to showcase your salon’s services and connect with potential clients.
• Partnerships:  Collaborate with complementary local businesses like hair salons, spas, or bridal shops for joint promotions or package deals, amplifying brand visibility.

Promotional Activities

• Membership Drives : Introduce loyalty clubs offering exclusive benefits to loyal clients, such as early access to new services or VIP appointments. Offer referral bonuses not only to clients but also to staff to encourage team participation.
• Holiday Specials:  Apart from holiday-themed packages, consider extending your holiday promotions beyond discounts. Organize charity events or initiatives, aligning your salon with a social cause to resonate with socially conscious customers.
• Referral Bonuses:  Incentivize existing clients by offering discounts or freebies for referring new customers to your salon.

Sales Channels

In addition to marketing, various sales strategies can enhance customer satisfaction and maximize revenue for a beauty salon.

Upselling and Cross-Selling

• Enhanced Services : Offer add-on treatments or specialized beauty packages for special occasions.
• Retail Products:  Retail beauty products within your salon and educate customers about the benefits of at-home beauty care products.
• Package Deals:  Provide bundled services at reduced prices.

Online Booking and Sales

• Efficient Booking System:  Implement a user-friendly online booking system on your website and social media platforms. Offer incentives for online bookings.
• E-Commerce Integration : Sell beauty products, gift cards, or exclusive salon merchandise through your website.
• Virtual Consultations : Offer online consultations for personalized beauty advice.

Membership and Loyalty Programs

• Membership Options:  Create membership plans offering a range of benefits, such as discounted monthly services or exclusive access to new treatments, encouraging clients to commit to regular visits.
• Loyalty Rewards:  Develop a digital loyalty program rewarding clients for every purchase and encouraging repeat business.

Strategy Timeline

Finally, map out a comprehensive timeline that highlights essential milestones for the beauty salon’s launch, promotional campaigns, customer growth, and plans for scaling the business, ensuring that the salon advances with strategic intent and defined objectives.

The Management section focuses on the beauty salon’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the salon towards its financial and operational goals.

For your beauty salon business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your beauty salon’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your beauty salon business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

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Beauty Salon Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Beauty Salon Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your beauty salon business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their beauty salons.

Below is a salon business plan example to help you create your own beauty salon business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is a newly established hair and beauty bar located in Glendale, Arizona that is founded by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician that has worked in the industry for over 15 years. Jenna’s knowledge in hair, nail, and facial trends have made her a popular stylist in the community. As her client list continues to grow, Jenna realizes that it’s time for her to open up her own salon.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be located in Glendale’s upscale district in a 5,000 square foot retail space. The area is highly trafficked with middle to high income residents who spend on luxury items such as cars, clothes, jewelry.

The beauty salon will offer haircuts and treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Major Lengths will also carry a large selection of hair and beauty products that will be available for purchase. Jenna will have a loyalty program where the top clients will receive discounts on their service as a thank you for remaining loyal and referring other potential clients to the salon.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Major Lengths Beauty Salon will provide:

• Color Treatment
• Healthy Hair Treatment
• Nail Services

Customer Focus

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will target the male and female adult population of Glendale, although the majority of clientele will be women. They will be middle to high income and working in a variety of industries, such as medical, legal, business, education, or other white collar professions. The salon will target stay at home mothers as well who enjoy a day of pampering.

Management Team

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local Arizona hair stylist and aesthetician. Her years of experience and in the industry have allowed her to meet the following talented individuals.

Jenna has recruited a talented nail technician and aesthetician from her previous salon to join her at Major Lengths. Jenna regards them as the best in the industry and knows that their quality of work is up to her high standards. They also have a loyal and large list of clients that will likely follow them to the new salon.

While the three of them will be in charge of their respective department, Jenna will be the head manager to oversee the entire operation of the beauty salon.

Success Factors

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Latest hair and nail trends
• Modern and comfortable environment
• More selection of each service offered than any other salon in town
• Major Lengths Beauty Salon offers the best pricing in town

Financial Highlights

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is seeking $100,000 in debt financing to open the beauty salon. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the retail space and purchasing the salon furniture, equipment, decorations, opening inventory, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Beauty salon build-out: $30,000
• Opening inventory, furniture, equipment, decorations:  $40,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities):  $15,000
• Marketing costs: $5,000
• Working capital:  $10,000

  The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Major Lengths Beauty Salon.

Company Overview

Who is major lengths beauty salon.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is a newly established hair and beauty bar located in Glendale, Arizona. The company is founded by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician that has dedicated her career to making women look and feel their best. Throughout her years in the beauty industry, Jenna gained extensive knowledge in hair, nail, and facial trends as well as how to give exceptional customer service to all of her clients. Jenna realizes that men and women invest a lot of time and money into their appearance and she takes extra care to ensure her clients not only feel special, but walk away with their desired result.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be located in Glendale’s upscale district in a 5,000 square foot retail space. The area is highly trafficked with middle to high income residents who spend on luxury items such as cars, clothes, jewelry. Some of Arizona’s most expensive homes are within a 15-mile radius from the location. The salon will be decorated with a contemporary style, have modern furnishings, and include a welcoming waiting and reception area, large hair styling room, and separate areas for facials and nail services.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon History

Major Lengths is owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician who has made her career working in the beauty industry for the past 15 years in Glendale. She has gained extensive knowledge through her continuing education and industry seminars. Jenna has a long list of loyal clientele who will follow her to her new salon. Aside from her beauty salon knowledge and expertise, Jenna has taken local business courses to learn salon management and leading a small team of stylists, manicurists, and aestheticians.

Since incorporation, Major Lengths Beauty Salon has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Major Lengths Beauty Salon, LLC to transact business in the state of Arizona.
• Has obtained the necessary salon permits and licenses for the state of California.
• Has a lease contract in place for the 5,000 square foot beauty salon.
• Has developed the complete list of salon services and products.
• Has developed the beauty salon’s logo and branding image.
• Began recruiting a team of stylists, manicurists, and nail technicians.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon Products

The following will be the services Major Lengths Beauty Salon will provide:

Industry Analysis

The Beauty Salon industry is expected to increase in size by 2.5% over the next five years. Demand for industry services mirrors broader economic performance, as economic growth boosts consumer spending on personal care products and services. Specifically, new products and services have favorably contributed to industry revenue growth over the majority of the past five years.

Online platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have provided a convenient and low-cost marketing strategy for many stylists and technicians to garner new clientele. Higher service prices and increased consumer spending on high-margin merchandise and services have also fueled revenue growth, as operators capitalize on rising per capita disposable income. Continued growth in household income over the outlook period is expected to drive consumer spending and boost demand for premium personal care services. Moreover, equipped with larger budgets, consumers will likely continue to favor professional salon products and services, such as hair coloring services, over less expensive alternatives sold at drugstores and supermarkets. Environmental sustainability concerns are expected to become more prevalent over the next five years, leading salons to offer a wider array of eco-friendly products that appeal to trending consumer preferences. Specifically, nontoxic products will likely benefit industry revenue, staff and patrons. This growing niche will likely drive hair salon revenue over the coming years.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Glendale, Arizona are:

Customer Segmentation

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Stay at home mothers and fathers
• Working professionals
• College students
• Retired females
• Mothers with adult or teenage daughters

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Hair Xtreme

Hair Xtreme is located on the west side of Glendale and is owned by a local hair stylist with over 30 years of experience. Hair Xtreme specializes in haircuts and hair coloring services as well as hair color correction. The owner is also certified in Balayage highlighting by the prestigious L’oreal SOHO Academy. Hair Xtreme Beauty Salon was established to create a higher level of service in the Glendale community and has amassed a large clientele. The salon is regarded as the go-to salon for anyone looking for extreme color or haircut transformation. The pricing of services are on the higher end of the spectrum and caters to the community in the middle to higher income range.

Hair Xtreme Beauty Salon’s full list of services include haircuts, balayage, ombre, highlights, color retouch, hair treatments, and special occasion styles. The salon is open Tuesday through Saturday and is by appointment only.

The Complete Package

The Complete Package is not only a hair and nail salon in Glendale, but also provides massage treatment, eyelash extensions, and body treatments. The salon is moderately priced and leans to be more affordable to target the population who doesn’t spend lavishly on beauty services, but also occasionally like to get pampered. Owned and operated by a mother and daughter team of hair stylists, The Complete Package is located in a small retail shopping center in the middle of the city. The salon has been in operation for over 20 years and was founded by Kate Beneducci. She was able to bring The Complete Package into operation due to her experience and background in cosmetics, marketing, and management. Every single stylist is a certified cosmetologist and are all required to attend a mandatory training every year to learn the latest techniques.

The Complete Package’s full list of salon services include hair, makeup, eyelash extensions, and nails. The full list of spa services include waxing, facials, microdermabrasion, massage, and body treatments. The salon regularly posts promotions to increase customer loyalty. The Complete Package is open daily by appointment and is able to take walk-ins Friday through Sunday.

Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa

Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa is located on the west side of Glendale, Arizona and was established in 2013 as a premier beauty salon. Fringe caters to the higher income clientele and their pricing is the most expensive in town. The owner relocated to Glendale to start her own beauty salon after working in the beauty industry in New York and Los Angeles for many years. She did hair and salon services for many celebrities and has been known to be the stylist for awards shows such as the Emmys and Oscars.

As a Glendale native, she relocated to her hometown to provide a higher quality of salon services to the community. The full list of services for Fringe Beauty Salon include haircuts, hair treatments, hair color, balayage, ombre, special occasion, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, eyelash extensions, waxing, and makeup.

With a luxury atmosphere and relaxing spa environment, Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa is frequently booked for those wanting a full day of pampering.

Competitive Advantage

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly and knowledgeable staff who are all trained and experienced in the latest hair and beauty trends.
• Complete list of beauty salon services intended to provide a full day of pampering and relaxation.
• Casual and comfortable environment with a luxurious feel.
• Major Lengths Beauty Salon offers the best pricing in town for the high quality of services provided. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Complete list of beauty salon services all provided by trained and knowledgeable hair stylists, manicurists, and aestheticians.
• Pricing is affordable and moderate so customers perceive value when visiting the beauty salon.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Major Lengths Beauty Salon is as follows:

Website/SEO Marketing

Major Lengths Beauty Salon has hired an advertising firm to develop their branding image and logo. They will also develop the hair salon’s website. The website will include a full list of services, pricing, and pictures. The advertising company will also manage the company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Glendale beauty salon” or “beauty salon near me”, Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be listed at the top of the search results.

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Jenna Diaz has a long list of loyal clients that have been with her for decades. They will follow her to the new salon and will receive additional clients from their referrals.

Social Media

Once the branding and logo is finalized, Jenna will use social media to her advantage and create social media business pages on all of the popular social media platforms. She will commit to posting daily to increase the list of followers and use it to regularly engage with customers.

Print Advertising

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in local magazines and hand out flyers to local businesses.

The pricing of Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their salon services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Major Lengths Beauty Salon.

Operation Functions:

• Jenna Diaz will be the Owner and Manager of the beauty salon. She will order salon inventory and products, oversee staff, payroll, and manage customer service.
• Melanie Brooks – Head nail technician that will oversee the nail department.
• Fiona Adams – Head aesthetician that will oversee the facial and massage departments.
• Jenna has hired third party companies to manage the bookkeeping, accounting, tax payments, insurance, and legal requirements.

Milestones:

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

8/1/202X – Finalize retail space for beauty salon

8/15/202X – Begin build-out of beauty salon to include stylist stations, facial and massage rooms, and nail service area

9/1/202X – Order opening inventory

9/15/202X – Begin marketing campaign

9/22/202X – Hire staff of hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, and aestheticians

10/1/202X – Major Lengths Beauty Salon Grand Opening Event

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local Arizona hair stylist and aesthetician. Jenna has made an impressive career helping women achieve their desired look and feel. As an Arizona native, Jenna has attended the local beauty college and attends industry trade shows and training seminars annually. She has amassed a large and loyal clientele and has even done hair treatments, cuts, and facials for local celebrities and sports personalities. Jenna is committed to establishing a beauty salon in her hometown of Glendale and making it a place where the women and men flock to when they want the latest hairstyle, manicure, or facial.

While the three of them will be in charge of their respective department, Jenna will be the head manager to oversee the entire operation of the beauty salon. She will also outsource a third party insurance company, CPA, and attorney to take care of her insurance, legal obligations, and tax filings. Jenna will also employ a part time bookkeeper to handle her day to day accounting and payroll of staff.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Major Lengths Beauty Salon are the sales from hair services, nail services, massages and facials.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required to staff the beauty salon. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, salon inventory, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is seeking $100,000 in debt financing to open the beauty salon. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the retail space and purchasing the salon furniture, equipment, decorations, opening inventory, and working capital. Jenna will need to allocate funds for the first three months of payroll and operating expenses as well as spend approximately on branding and marketing. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Beauty Salon Services Sold Per Month: 300
• Average Revenue per Month: $20,000
• Beauty Salon Lease per Year: $110,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, beauty salon business plan template faqs, what is a beauty salon business plan.

A beauty salon business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your beauty salon. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your beauty salon business plan using our Beauty Salon Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Beauty Salons?

There are a number of different kinds of beauty salons, some examples include: Beauty salon focusing strictly on hair styling, beauty salon offering hair removal services, skin care services, nail services, tanning services, or massage services, and beauty salon offering products.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Beauty Salon Business Plan?

Beauty salons are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a business plan for a beauty salon or a hair salon business plan.

Why do You Need a Business Plan Template?

If you’re looking to start a beauty salon business  or grow your existing salon business, you need a business plan. A hair salon business plan template will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your beauty salon in order to improve your chances of success. Your salon business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Where Can I Get a Beauty Salon Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free beauty salon business plan template PDF here . This is a sample beauty salon business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Cosmetic Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Cosmetic Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their cosmetic companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a cosmetic business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a cosmetic business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Cosmetic Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your cosmetic business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Cosmetic Company

If you’re looking to start a cosmetic business or grow your existing cosmetic company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your cosmetic business to improve your chances of success. Your cosmetic business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Cosmetic Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a cosmetic business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for cosmetic companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to Write a Business Plan for a Cosmetic Business

If you want to start a cosmetic business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your cosmetic business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of cosmetic business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a cosmetic business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of cosmetic businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the cosmetic industry.
• Discuss the type of cosmetic business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of cosmetic business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of cosmetic businesses:

• Niche market cosmetics: This type of cosmetic business specializes in one particular segment of cosmetics. For instance, a niche cosmetic business could sell only fragrance-free products, all vegan products, or gluten free products.
• High-end cosmetics: This type of cosmetic business develops and sells premium make-up and skin care products.
• Kids cosmetics: This type of cosmetic business specializes in producing inexpensive play-makeup products for children.
• Beauty blogger/influencer: This type of cosmetic business involves trying out products from different types of cosmetic brands and providing tutorials, reviews, and other helpful information for people who may be interested in the products. Usually, beauty companies will pay the blogger/influencer to sample or endorse their products.
• Make-up Artist: This type of cosmetic business involves providing make-up services for special occasions like weddings or graduation ceremonies.

In addition to explaining the type of cosmetic business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of products sold, and reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the cosmetic industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the cosmetic industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your cosmetic business plan:

• How big is the cosmetic industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your cosmetic business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your cosmetic business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of cosmetic business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Cosmetic Business Plan in 1 Day!

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other cosmetic businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes mass market cosmetic brands and retailers, as well as secondhand cosmetic retailers. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of cosmetic business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a cosmetic business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of cosmetic company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide premium make-up, skin care products, or esthetician services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your cosmetic company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your cosmetic business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone store, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your cosmetic marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your cosmetic business, including answering calls, stocking shelves, greeting customers, and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your cosmetic business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your cosmetic business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing cosmetic businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a cosmetic business or successfully running a small salon.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you expect to serve 20-30 customers per day, and will each customer purchase 1-5 items on average? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your cosmetic business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a cosmetic business:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or photos of happy customers using your products.  

Writing a business plan for your cosmetic business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, you will be able to prepare a winning beauty product business plan, makeup business plan or a business plan for a cosmetic company. You will understand the cosmetic industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful cosmetic business.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Cosmetic business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   See how Growthink’s business plan writers can create your business plan for you.

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