What are the benefits of working in a salon vs freelance work? It’s a question many stylists and beauticians ask themselves at some point, especially when the grass may seem greener on the other side. The truth is, there are benefits to both and it’s important to weigh these up to find out which suits you better at this point in your career. To help, we’ve laid out several crucial pros and cons.
Salon vs Freelance – Clientele
The salon: First thing’s first, you will be working at an established salon. No matter if you’re a salon owner or a general stylist or beautician, the name of the salon will be easier to find both online and on the street compared to someone going freelance. This established name will encourage more clients and walk-ins that you simply won’t receive otherwise.
Freelance: Working freelance will mean needing to work harder to drum up new clientele. As there’s generally no brick and mortar salon with this avenue, you’ll be relying on a strong online presence as well as word of mouth. You will also be responsible for keeping these new clients and storing their details. However, they are all your clients and those loyal will stick by you.
Salon vs Freelance – Working hours
The salon: When it comes to working in the salon, you will generally know your shift in advance. This will generally be in the form of a rota with the rest of the team. This means you’ll know when you’re working and for long, helping you plan ahead. The added bonus is that you will be entitled to hourly pay and overtime, as you’ll be non-exempt employee!
Freelance: Whilst you won’t be entitled to overtime or sick pay, you will be able to set when and where you work. As your working hours are in your hands, you can flex these to your daily life. That means you’re in full control of when you work, although that does mean you may be working whenever your clients are free, rather than at set hours each day.
Salon vs Freelance – Revenue
The salon: When it comes to sales, these will go to the business itself. However, many salons offer a commission structure for each employee and their role. This will help you earn additional money should you make use of these five salon retails ideas to maximise sales. So, you will still receive additional revenue by maximising every opportunity to upsell via commission.
Freelance: If you go freelance, you will receive 100% of your revenue! On one hand, that’s great, but on the other… this will also go towards your own expenses like water bills, tools and products. So, whilst there is potential to earn more revenue, there is also a much larger cost on your side.
Salon vs Freelance – Development
The salon: One of the key benefits of working in the salon is that you’re trained to a set standard. This is so that you uphold the brand’s reputation with your skills. In time, the salon environment can provide an opportunity to develop your skills and qualification further, allowing for career progression. Arguably best of all, you get to work in a team, interact with others, and learn from them too.
Freelance: When working freelance, you won’t be as restricted in doing your own thing (which may be the case in the salon)! You’ll have more flexibility to do certain techniques, for example. However, any career progression is entirely in your hands and will often be more difficult without the guidance of someone else.
Salon vs Freelance – Insurance
The salon: When employed at a salon, it should have insurance to cover you against any unforeseen circumstances. This will protect both you and your employer. Similarly, the salon may be part of organisations such as the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) or the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) that will help support them and provided discounts on the necessary insurance.
Freelance: When working freelance, you will need to get public and product liability insurance before working with any clients. Whilst this can be a minefield, we have outlined several salon insurance types and why you should have them. We also have advice on how to buy the right business insurance.
Salon by Premier Software® helps manage your business no matter whether you work in a salon vs freelance. From booking management, marketing, client record keeping, rotas, commission and more, Salon has everything you need for your day-to-day. To find out how Salon can help, book a free presentation for more.
