[Wenny]

Start by working out exactly what you want to do.
Are you looking to do sales, consulting, some other service ?

I want to open up a barber shop/spa. What is my first step?

[ScottGem]

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on someone else's. This can lead to confusion. You should start a new thread. So I've moved your question to its own thread.

Second, I would recommend score.org and sba.gov as good places to get startup help.

[ifidddle]

A Barber's License is the first step.

Market analysis is the second step. Find a town or an area of a town that is in NEED of a barbershop. I live in a valley of 7800 people and I am the only barber for an hour in any direction. I am buried with work. I am looking for another barber to come in.

Barbershops depend on location as much as anything. Find a spot that has foot traffic during the day. Most men come in because they see the barber pole and remember that they need a haircut.

Get a good quality, comfortable, barber chair. It will last a lifetime, so don't scrimp. Also, buy the best clippers, shears, and straight razors that money will buy. Your work will reflect it in better cuts.

Decorate the shop nicely, nice colors on the walls, wooden flooring if your wallet allows. Wood creates a warm, welcoming feel.

Keep your shop CLEAN. It shows the customer that you are concerned for them, and that you are organized. They shouldn’t be sitting in your chair thinking of the last five customer’s hair on the floor. Throw a hot towel on the guy’s neck while you sweep up his hair. Then give him a nice neck shave with hot lather and a straight edge. When you release him, you have it swept for the next client to come in.

Have a comfortable waiting area with nice, soothing colors on the walls. Use lamps instead of overhead lighting, no fluorescent lights! Track lighting is best. Have interesting books as well as magazines and newspapers. NO TV!

Treat everyone the same. Remember: everyone needs a haircut. Rich, poor, sick, healthy, young, and old. They are all buying your food and making your house payment. Be kind to all of them, and you will be a success. You want each one to not only return, but to tell others of their great experience.