I wrote this post last year, after I had an epiphany one day while getting my hair cut. I’m posting it again, because I think it’s a great idea and my old blog is toast. Bear with me…

In most cases, getting a haircut is a joyous occasion. I think most people would agree that, when it’s done right, it is very much like therapy. It gives you a sense of peace, confidence, and a feeling that you’re both taking care of yourself and being taken care of. Plus, you can’t beat the confident swagger that comes from knowing you look good.

Most men get their hair cut about every 4 to 8 weeks. And these days most men pay anywhere from $15 to $25 (or more) for a typical haircut session. But when asked, most men admit that they would much rather get their hair cut about every 2-3 weeks. This insures a more optimum length, which in turn produces the above-mentioned confident swagger associated with a fresh haircut. However, for most men, they wait. They stretch the haircut interim out to 4, 5, even 6 weeks or more because they just don’t want to pay the $25 twice or more per month.

Here’s my proposed solution: The subscription haircut pricing model. Why not apply the subscription model, which is so popular and successful with everything from movie rentals to web-based software to women’s make-up, to the haircut?

Not only would this model benefit the people getting the haircuts, it would potentially be even more profitable for the hair salon!

The Plan:

2 haircut allowance per month. Scheduled in advance, either online or over the phone. 15-20 minutes maximum time required by the stylist (because the cuts occur more frequently, less time is required for each session.)

PRICING. It should be less than $20. Probably less than $15 at the basic level. Of course, various pricing tiers could/should be explored. More expensive plans could involve a shampoo, massage, etc. Either way, payment is automatically deducted from ones credit or debit account, with an email invoice follow-up. And the whole experience is no frills, no fuss, dead easy.

Benefits To The Salon

• Increased volume potential based on the shorter session length.
• Increased yearly revenue per customer. (see chart below)
• Auto-deducted payments. Money in the bank. This is always better. If the customer doesn’t show, the salon still gets paid. What’s not to like about that from a business-owner’s perspective?
• Massively increased direct-marketing opportunities based on the subscriber list. Email specials, announcements, promotions, etc. This could be tailored to individuals or groups…e.g., “Tips for Styling Your Short Hair”…”How to Keep that Color Looking Fresh”…”Deals on XYZ Awesome Hair Product”…etc.
• Make more money…A Possible Revenue Breakdown, as I see it:

Benefits To The Customer

• Always looking good! Fresh haircuts every two weeks. Eureka! Instead of waiting 8 long weeks until you finally have a mop-top that is a source of frustration and embarrassment, you have a fresh crisp look every two weeks.
• Feels cheaper. Instead of paying that high price every 6-8 weeks, you pay a reasonably affordable amount once a month, and have it automatically deducted. Painless. It’s the modern age.
• A stress-free, ultra-easy payment plan. Out of sight, out of mind.
• Payment-free visits. Just walk in and walk out.
• Easy booking / scheduling with online account management. Set-up your credit card info. Pre-schedule your appointments. Heck, even track your hairstyles with digital photos. Automated SMS and/or email reminders prior to your appointments. There are LOTS of possibilities here.

I’m not suggesting there is not a place for the more expensive salons, or that this is for everybody. But I do believe that many modern men would take advantage of this system if it were efficient, easy, and affordable.