i have just opened a barber shop, and i know how horibble it is waiting for you turn, what would ease the wait

Answer 1

Dont do anything....
Waiting is part of life.
All the usual paraphanalia doesn't work.
Rather have unusual decor [include a soothing water feature], wear interesting clothing and adopt the 'silence is golden' approach....
You will soon become known as 'the' barber shop to go to and chill out, gather your thoughts and escape from the madding crowd! Life is so hectic man, engender some peace!!

Answer 2

Well it depends on how much you're willing to put into it... here's the list from most expensive to least expensive.

1. Magazines
2. Films/TV Show (you just need one REASONABLE sized tv and perhaps let them pick what to watch... if that's possible - don't loose the remote)
3. Coffee Bar
4. Games Machines (Ppl would prefer if they were free - but make sure only your customers use them otherwise ppl will be taking advantage of you)
5. You could offer manicures and pedicures... (for female customers) - i mean if they're there to cut their hair, obviously they want to pamper themselves, but that depends on how many female clients your expecting - though it is a good way to get extra $$$$$

Or basically anything to make them comfortable and @ home... you could even post a little survey near the waiting area "what would you like to do while you wait", especially if you get certain clients regularly...

That's all I can think of - good luck with your new shop... oh and hopefully with all the suggestions you get... ppl will WANT to wait at your barber shop

ps: comfy chairs are a MUST! How many times have I wished that my back didn't ache... I dunno... lol, maybe somewhere they can rest their feet as well...

Answer 3

There isn't a time that I get my nails done when I don't see a guy in there getting his done too. Ever thought about manicures while they wait for their hair? What about chair massages? Real certified massage therapists can bring a special chair into your shop and give shoulder massages to your customers while they wait.

Keeping a TV on sports or CNN is a great idea too. Be careful of movies because you would not want little ones to hear or see something inappropriate. I'd keep any television or music generic if you want to draw a diverse clientele. If you are targeting a particular ethnic group, then of course make your choices to their liking.

Answer 4

A TV on the wall, plenty of magazines on the table of various subjects, a selection of the days newspapers.

Comfy chairs plus enough chairs as nobody likes to stand for half an hour waiting or be squashed in between 2 people the don't know on a wooden bench.

A cheap coffee machine would be good too.

Answer 5

Have a tv and a comfy couch with plenty of sports magazines. Maybe put a playstation in there. Who knows? Have the remote on nearby so ppl can change it to whatever they want. But since its a barber shop you might just want to keep it on ESPN.

Answer 6

Iif you don't want your customers waiting, don't you think you should tell them it would be easier if they called and made an appointment time. This should be done for all your customers. That way you have an idea how busy you'll be that day and your customer won't have to wait. if you do allow walk in's , you must explain you have an appointment system and if your appointment comes after your walk-in, you take the appointment first. next time that walk-in will make an appointment. believe me I call all the time. I hate to wait. Good Luck With you Shop.

Answer 7

Go with something nuetral to people like news on tv, or music classic songs. Buy or bring in some small toys that children can play with, and get some magizines for people to read. Try to keep at least a few up to date and any others around that you've found have popular articles. good luck

Answer 8

Use appointments , so as they don't have to wait long if they come in time , but that will B after U have a long waiting list , I mean U need some few years to reach that famous

Answer 9

TV, Magazens/ Books, Music is big. I don't recomend having the radio on because that would just have commericals and may have other hair cuting place ads on I would recomend for music CD's or XM or Sirius satellite radio.

I hope i helped Good Luck!

Answer 10

Something to read (not 10 month old golfing mags!), a decent radio station, space so I am not sitting on top of the person next to me. Coffee would be good.

Hope you get some good answers and best of luck!