Barber Shops at truck stops???

sweetnsassy · May 17, 2009

I'm needing some advice and couldn't think of a better place to get it.....I've been a Barber (Yes, I am a female barber and not a beautician) for several years now and I'm interested in putting a barber shop (cuts and straight razor shaves) in a T-stop (that is if I can work out a good business deal). I'm in Central KY and was hoping you guys could give me some advice on this idea? Any suggestions on some of the better/busier truckstops in Central KY? How do you think a shop would do in this area and are there any other barber shops in truck stops throughout KY? I need some feedback, so please let me know what you think. Thanks!

Humble2drive · May 17, 2009

I'm at the Glendale, KY Petro. It is a nice TS with a barber shop/salon. I have noticed that the female stylist working there is usually sitting by herself reading.
It seems like a TS would be the perfect place; however, they never seem that busy. Perhaps because drivers are extremely strapped for cash?
I could be way off on this so if I were thinking of this business venture I would call every truck stop in a 200 mile radius and ask if they have a barber shop. Then I would call the shops and ask them as many questions as they would be willing to answer. Then I would hang out at one or two for a day to observe the reality. That along with the normal research regarding any new business adventure should help.

Crazynuff · May 17, 2009

There is also a barber shop at the Pilot at exit 28 off I-71 in KY and she doesn't seem to do much business either . I don't know how she pays rent and makes a living . Have you thought about asking nursing homes about going to the homes and doing hair for residents ? No shop overhead and little competition .

ATeam · May 17, 2009

There is a barber who has a shop in the Petro truck stop in Spokane, Washington and he seems always busy. He has cut my hair and did a good job. His secret is low prices, low enough to get noticed by drivers who can easily wait a day and get a haircut someplace else.

He told me about increasing numbers of locals that come to him, including every boy in the 5th grade. It seems they all decided it was cool to go to a truck stop to get their hair cut. This particular truck stop is very nice. It is kept clean, has a nice restaurant, and has pleasant seating areas where parents can wait while their kids are in the barber chair. If they do not do so already, I can see it happening that his prices will motivate parents to get their hair cuts there too and maybe even pile a group of parents and kids in a car to go together to the truck stop for haircuts. I would guess he is the lowest priced haircut within a hundred miles.

It is very easy for a trucker to get a haircut at Wal-Mart since truck parking is usually available. I would not set my price for a haircut higher than Wal-Mart does. To attract driver attention, a dollar or more lower might be wise. The Petro guy has a sign out with his prices for short cuts and long cuts. Sorry, I do not remember the prices.

You could probably reach him by phone by contacting the truck stop.

Many truck stops sell a little book called the Pocket Truck Stop Guide. It will list all truck stops in Kentucky and tell you which ones are the largest. I would focus only on the large truck stops as they will have the most traffic. To attract local traffic as well, being located near a city would be a plus.

sweetnsassy · May 17, 2009

Thanks for all the advice and info. I really appreciate it.
I thought one would do great in a T-stop, but maybe my bright idea wasn't so bright after all.

I'll definitely look into it more, if no luck I guess I'll stay in the shop I'm in.
Thanks again, God Bless and Be Safe.

Crazynuff · May 17, 2009

ATeam said:
There is a barber who has a shop in the Petro truck stop in Spokane, Washington and he seems always busy. He has cut my hair and did a good job. His secret is low prices, low enough to get noticed by drivers who can easily wait a day and get a haircut someplace else.

He told me about increasing numbers of locals that come to him, including every boy in the 5th grade. It seems they all decided it was cool to go to a truck stop to get their hair cut. This particular truck stop is very nice. It is kept clean, has a nice restaurant, and has pleasant seating areas where parents can wait while their kids are in the barber chair. If they do not do so already, I can see it happening that his prices will motivate parents to get their hair cuts there too and maybe even pile a group of parents and kids in a car to go together to the truck stop for haircuts. I would guess he is the lowest priced haircut within a hundred miles.

It is very easy for a trucker to get a haircut at Wal-Mart since truck parking is usually available. I would not set my price for a haircut higher than Wal-Mart does. To attract driver attention, a dollar or more lower might be wise. The Petro guy has a sign out with his prices for short cuts and long cuts. Sorry, I do not remember the prices.

You could probably reach him by phone by contacting the truck stop.

Many truck stops sell a little book called the Pocket Truck Stop Guide. It will list all truck stops in Kentucky and tell you which ones are the largest. I would focus only on the large truck stops as they will have the most traffic. To attract local traffic as well, being located near a city would be a plus.

The only problem with larger truck stops is they would demand higher rent .

Jack_Berry · May 18, 2009

i have been to many flying js that have an empty office. sometimes it was used for the financial planning/j bank fella and sometimes it was a barbershop. many are now dark or filled with overstock seasonal crap.

its tough to get some driver to take an interest in their appearance. haircut may not be on the radar when it should be but good luck.