This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a barbershop.
Understanding the complete breakdown of monthly operating costs is crucial for any barbershop owner to maintain profitability and ensure sustainable business operations.
This comprehensive guide covers all the essential monthly expenses you'll encounter when running a barbershop, from rent and payroll to equipment maintenance and contingency planning. The figures presented here are based on current market data from October 2025 and reflect typical costs for a mid-sized barbershop operation.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a barbershop. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our barbershop financial forecast.
Operating a barbershop requires careful budgeting across multiple expense categories, with monthly costs typically ranging from 115,000 to 207,000 THB for a standard operation.
The largest expense categories are payroll (60,000-100,000 THB) and rent (25,000-45,000 THB), which together account for approximately 60-70% of total monthly operating costs.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (THB) | Percentage of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Common Area Maintenance | 25,000 - 45,000 | 18% - 25% |
| Payroll (Staff & Benefits) | 60,000 - 100,000 | 40% - 50% |
| Hair & Grooming Products | 8,000 - 15,000 | 6% - 8% |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 6,000 - 10,000 | 4% - 6% |
| Marketing & Advertising | 2,000 - 8,000 | 2% - 4% |
| Equipment & Software | 1,900 - 5,500 | 2% - 3% |
| Cleaning & Professional Services | 5,000 - 11,000 | 4% - 6% |
| Contingency Reserve | 3,000 - 7,000 | 3% - 4% |
What is the average monthly rent for a barbershop location, including utilities and common area maintenance fees?
The monthly rent for a barbershop location typically ranges from 25,000 to 45,000 THB, including utilities and common area maintenance fees.
Prime locations in central business districts command higher rents, often reaching the upper end of this range or exceeding it. These locations benefit from high foot traffic and visibility but come with premium pricing. Suburban areas and secondary commercial zones offer more affordable options, usually falling in the 25,000-35,000 THB range.
The rent calculation should include base rent, common area maintenance (CAM) fees, and basic utilities like water and electricity for common areas. Some landlords include all utilities in the rental package, while others charge separately. CAM fees typically add 2,000-5,000 THB to the base rent, covering shared space maintenance, security, and building management.
Location factors that influence rent include proximity to residential areas, parking availability, street visibility, and competition density. Barbershops located near shopping centers or business districts can justify higher rents due to increased customer traffic and convenience.
You'll find detailed market insights on location selection in our barbershop business plan, updated every quarter.
What is the expected monthly payroll cost, factoring in barbers, assistants, and reception staff, along with taxes and benefits?
Monthly payroll costs for a mid-sized barbershop typically range from 60,000 to 100,000 THB, covering three barbers, two assistants, and one reception staff member, including taxes and benefits.
| Position | Monthly Salary (THB) | Social Security & Taxes | Total Cost per Employee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Barber | 18,000 - 25,000 | 2,700 - 3,750 | 20,700 - 28,750 |
| Junior Barber | 12,000 - 18,000 | 1,800 - 2,700 | 13,800 - 20,700 |
| Assistant | 10,000 - 14,000 | 1,500 - 2,100 | 11,500 - 16,100 |
| Reception Staff | 12,000 - 16,000 | 1,800 - 2,400 | 13,800 - 18,400 |
| Commission (% of revenue) | 20% - 30% | Variable | Depends on sales |
| Benefits Package | 1,000 - 2,000 | N/A | Per employee |
| Overtime (Peak periods) | Variable | 15% additional | 2,000 - 5,000 |
What is the typical cost of hair and grooming products consumed each month?
Monthly consumption of hair and grooming products typically costs between 8,000 and 15,000 THB, depending on client volume and service offerings.
Essential products include professional shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, pomades, aftershaves, disinfectants, and disposable items like razors and towels. High-quality professional products cost more upfront but provide better results and customer satisfaction, justifying premium service pricing.
Product consumption varies significantly based on the number of daily clients and types of services offered. A barbershop serving 40-60 clients daily will typically use 15-20 bottles of shampoo, 10-15 styling products, and various grooming supplies monthly. Beard trimming and shaving services require additional products like pre-shave oils, shaving creams, and aftershave balms.
Bulk purchasing from professional suppliers can reduce costs by 15-25% compared to retail prices. Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers ensures consistent product availability and competitive pricing. Some suppliers offer monthly delivery services and inventory management support.
This is one of the strategies explained in our barbershop business plan.
What are the standard monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, internet, and phone service?
Standard monthly utility costs for a barbershop range from 6,000 to 10,000 THB, covering electricity, water, internet, and phone services.
- Electricity (4,000-7,000 THB): Powers clippers, blow dryers, lighting, air conditioning, and equipment sterilizers. Peak usage occurs during busy periods and hot weather when air conditioning runs continuously.
- Water (800-1,500 THB): Essential for hair washing, cleaning, and general sanitation. Usage increases with the number of wash services and cleaning frequency.
- Internet and Phone (1,200-2,000 THB): High-speed internet supports booking systems, payment processing, and social media marketing. Phone service handles appointment scheduling and customer communication.
- Waste Management (300-500 THB): Regular disposal of hair clippings, used towels, and general business waste.
- Security Systems (200-400 THB): Alarm systems and surveillance equipment for after-hours protection.
What is the average cost of maintaining licenses, permits, and insurance on a monthly basis?
The monthly cost for licenses, permits, and insurance averages 2,500 to 4,200 THB when annual expenses are spread across twelve months.
Business licenses typically cost 3,000-5,000 THB annually, covering basic business registration and health department permits. Professional licensing for barbers requires individual certifications that cost 1,500-2,500 THB per barber annually, depending on local regulations and renewal requirements.
Insurance coverage includes general liability, property insurance, and workers' compensation. General liability insurance protects against customer injuries and property damage, costing 15,000-25,000 THB annually. Property insurance covers equipment, furniture, and inventory, typically costing 8,000-15,000 THB yearly based on coverage limits and location risk factors.
Additional permits may include signage permits, music licensing fees, and waste disposal permits. These miscellaneous permits typically add 2,000-4,000 THB to annual regulatory costs. Workers' compensation insurance becomes mandatory when employing staff and costs approximately 3-5% of total payroll.
We cover this exact topic in the barbershop business plan.
What is the typical monthly cost of cleaning services, laundry, and waste disposal?
Monthly costs for cleaning services, laundry, and waste disposal typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 THB, depending on service frequency and shop size.
Professional cleaning services cost 1,500-3,000 THB monthly for deep cleaning floors, mirrors, workstations, and washbasins. Daily maintenance cleaning can be handled in-house, but weekly or bi-weekly professional services ensure thorough sanitation and maintain professional appearance standards required in the grooming industry.
Towel and cape laundry represents a significant ongoing expense, costing 1,000-2,500 THB monthly. Many barbershops use 30-50 towels daily, requiring frequent washing with professional-grade detergents and sanitizers. Some owners invest in commercial washing equipment, while others outsource to professional laundry services for consistency and convenience.
Waste disposal includes hair clippings, used disposable items, and general business waste. Specialized disposal for chemical products and sharp objects may require additional services. Regular waste pickup typically costs 500-1,000 THB monthly, depending on volume and pickup frequency.
Cleaning supplies for daily maintenance add another 300-500 THB monthly, including disinfectants, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, and sanitation products required for health code compliance.
What is the usual monthly spend on marketing and advertising, both online and offline?
Barbershops typically invest 2,000 to 8,000 THB monthly on marketing and advertising, combining online and offline strategies to attract and retain customers.
Social media advertising represents the largest portion of modern barbershop marketing budgets, typically 1,000-4,000 THB monthly. Facebook and Instagram ads effectively target local customers with before-and-after photos, customer testimonials, and promotional offers. Google Ads can add another 500-2,000 THB monthly for local search visibility and map listings.
Traditional marketing methods include printed flyers, local newspaper ads, and promotional materials, costing 300-1,500 THB monthly. Business cards, loyalty cards, and promotional merchandise help build brand recognition and encourage repeat visits. Window displays and storefront signage require periodic updates and maintenance.
Customer retention programs like loyalty cards, referral bonuses, and birthday discounts typically cost 200-800 THB monthly in direct incentives but generate significant return on investment through increased customer frequency and word-of-mouth marketing.
It's a key part of what we outline in the barbershop business plan.
What are the monthly costs for software or booking systems, including point-of-sale and customer management tools?
Monthly software and booking system costs range from 900 to 2,500 THB for standard barbershop operations, covering point-of-sale, scheduling, and customer management needs.
| Software Type | Monthly Cost (THB) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic POS System | 300 - 800 | Payment processing, basic reporting, inventory tracking |
| Online Booking Platform | 200 - 600 | 24/7 scheduling, customer notifications, calendar sync |
| Customer Management | 150 - 400 | Client history, preferences, contact management |
| Integrated Solution | 600 - 1,500 | All-in-one POS, booking, and CRM system |
| Payment Processing Fees | 2.5% - 3.5% of sales | Credit card and digital payment processing |
| Additional Features | 100 - 300 | Marketing tools, analytics, staff scheduling |
| Mobile Apps | 50 - 200 | Staff mobile access, customer app maintenance |
What is the expected monthly cost of equipment maintenance and replacement?
Setting aside 1,000 to 3,000 THB monthly for equipment maintenance and replacement ensures optimal performance and prevents costly emergency repairs.
Professional clippers and trimmers require regular maintenance including blade sharpening, motor servicing, and replacement parts. Quality clippers cost 3,000-8,000 THB each and typically last 18-24 months with proper maintenance. Monthly servicing costs average 200-400 THB per clipper, including blade sharpening and basic repairs.
Barber chairs represent significant investments ranging from 15,000-40,000 THB each. Regular maintenance includes hydraulic system servicing, upholstery cleaning and repair, and mechanical adjustments. Chair maintenance typically costs 300-600 THB monthly per chair, with major repairs or replacements needed every 5-7 years.
Sterilization equipment, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and washing stations require periodic maintenance and eventual replacement. UV sterilizers need bulb replacements every 6-12 months, costing 500-1,000 THB per unit. Hot towel cabinets, blow dryers, and other electrical equipment require regular servicing to maintain safety and performance standards.
Emergency repair reserves should account for unexpected equipment failures during busy periods. Having backup equipment or rapid repair services available prevents lost revenue from equipment downtime during peak business hours.
What is the average cost of supplies for beverages or amenities provided to customers each month?
Monthly costs for customer beverages and amenities typically range from 800 to 1,500 THB, depending on service levels and customer volume.
- Beverages (400-800 THB): Coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks for waiting customers. Quality coffee service creates a premium experience and encourages longer visits.
- Reading Materials (100-200 THB): Magazines, newspapers, and digital subscriptions to keep customers entertained during waiting periods and services.
- Comfort Items (200-400 THB): Mints, wet wipes, hair product samples, and small grooming accessories that customers can take home.
- Seasonal Amenities (100-300 THB): Air fresheners, hand sanitizers, tissues, and seasonal decorations that enhance the customer experience.
- WiFi and Entertainment (Free-200 THB): High-speed internet access and entertainment systems, including music streaming services or television programming.
What is the typical monthly budget for professional services, such as accounting or legal support?
Professional services typically cost 2,000 to 5,000 THB monthly, covering accounting, legal support, and business consulting needs.
Accounting services handle monthly bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting, typically costing 1,500-3,000 THB monthly for a small to medium barbershop. Professional accountants ensure compliance with tax regulations, manage payroll processing, and provide financial insights for business decision-making. Many accounting firms offer package deals that include monthly bookkeeping and annual tax preparation.
Legal support covers contract reviews, employment issues, and regulatory compliance, averaging 300-1,000 THB monthly when spread across the year. Legal consultation becomes particularly important when signing lease agreements, hiring employees, or dealing with customer disputes. Retainer agreements with law firms often provide cost-effective access to legal advice when needed.
Business consulting services help with marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and growth planning, typically costing 500-1,500 THB monthly. Consultants provide expertise in areas like digital marketing, customer service training, and business process optimization that owners may not have time to develop internally.
Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our barbershop business plan.
What contingency amount should be set aside monthly to cover unexpected repairs, seasonal variations, or emergencies?
A monthly contingency reserve of 3,000 to 7,000 THB provides essential protection against unexpected expenses and seasonal business fluctuations.
Emergency repairs can occur without warning, including equipment breakdowns, plumbing issues, electrical problems, or air conditioning failures. A broken chair or clipper during peak hours can result in significant lost revenue if replacement parts or repair services aren't immediately available. Setting aside 2,000-4,000 THB monthly for emergency repairs ensures quick resolution of unexpected problems.
Seasonal variations affect barbershop revenue, particularly during holiday periods, school breaks, and weather changes. Customer traffic may decrease during certain months, while expenses remain relatively constant. A seasonal reserve of 1,000-2,500 THB monthly helps maintain operations during slower periods without compromising service quality or staff retention.
Insurance deductibles, regulatory fines, utility deposit changes, or sudden rent increases require immediate cash availability. Economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, or local construction projects can temporarily impact business operations. A well-funded contingency reserve provides peace of mind and operational stability during challenging periods.
This contingency fund should be kept in a separate, easily accessible account and replenished immediately after use. Many successful barbershop owners maintain contingency reserves equal to 2-3 months of operating expenses for maximum financial security.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding these monthly operating costs is crucial for barbershop success, but it's just one piece of the financial puzzle.
Proper budgeting and cost management will determine whether your barbershop becomes profitable and sustainable in the competitive grooming industry.
Sources
- Entrepreneur - Barbershop Business Planning
- Small Business Administration - Market Research
- IBISWorld - Barber Shop Industry Statistics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Barber Occupational Outlook
- SCORE - Barber Shop Business Templates
- NFIB - Small Business Economic Trends
- Cosmetology.org - Barbering Licensing Requirements
- Franchise Direct - Barbershop Franchise Information
