This business idea was inspired by my friend Wylie. He’s literally too busy to get a haircut. It’s sad. He looks like a shaggy dog, not exactly his clean-cut, J.Crew style. I actually feel for him- he can’t find 60 minutes to quit working and go to a barbershop.
I have a solution, I think it’s genius, and please tell your stylist friends about it. I want a mobile stylist. Restaurant is to food truck as barbershop is to mobile stylist. Instead of paying rent, buy a truck or some other vehicle that can be retrofitted with barbershop chairs and a sink. Get a tank for water, a way to heat it, and a drainage system, and you’re ready to roll. Make it simple, but comfortable (men just want to be serviced). There is at least one company that’s doing this in LA. Another example rolled through Denver a few years ago.
The clientele will come to you, but have a regular schedule of about 20 office buildings and park outside that building on a regular day. Example: on the third Tuesday of every month, I’ll be parked outside Wylie’s office building. Use a little technology to let clients signup for spots online. Have an app that shows where you will be on such and such a day.
Want weekend income? Park outside a mall or a weekend gathering. I’m willing to bet a number of guys will stop in because it’s convenient and what guy wouldn’t rather get a shave and a haircut than accompany his significant other shopping?
I realize this isn’t a terribly scalable business, but I think the convenience factor matters more these days than ever. What other businesses could become mobile if they really thought about it? Let me know your thoughts.
