First 90 Days: A New Salon Owner's Stocking and Supply Plan

Before you open: the minimum stock list

The first stocking list should be short. Buy what you will use in the first month, not everything a catalogue offers.

• Back bar: shampoo and conditioner in professional sizes, one bond or repair treatment, and the styling essentials you actually use — heat protectant, texture, finishing.
• Colour: the shades you use most, developers, lightener, bowls, brushes, foils and caps.
• Tools: dryer, irons, combs, brushes, shears, towels and capes.
• Retail: four to eight products you use on clients and can recommend from experience.

Our opening checklist covers equipment and setup costs, and the business plan worksheet helps you cost the list before you sign anything.

Weeks 1-4: write down what clients ask for

For the first month, keep a small notebook at the desk. Every time a client asks about a product, asks how to repeat a result at home, or names a brand, write it down.

That list tells you what to add next. It also tells you what not to buy: the products you assumed you would need and nobody has asked for.

Because there are no minimum orders, you can order what this month's demand actually shows instead of guessing a quarter ahead.

Weeks 5-8: add retail and book training

Once your service rhythm is steady, build the retail shelf. Start with products you already use on clients, so your recommendations are genuine. Our retail revenue guide covers display and how to introduce a product without a pitch.

These weeks are also a good time to book education. A colour or cutting course in your first quarter sets standards for your team before habits form. Metro Academy runs hands-on courses in Toronto and Ottawa, and partner salons get partner rates.

Weeks 9-12: review, prune and plan the season

At the end of the first quarter, count your stock and look at what moved. Anything untouched for 60 days is either a display item or a mistake — move it, promote it, or stop reordering it.

Then plan the next season: holiday retail, summer sun care, back-to-school booking. Order ahead for the seasons you know are busy and keep the rest lean. The inventory method walks through a weekly count and a simple reorder point.

A 90-day checklist

• Before opening: back bar, colour, tools, a small retail shelf, and a supplier account in place.
• Week 1: start the client request list; confirm delivery days with your rep.
• Week 4: first full stock count; add the three most-requested products.
• Week 8: retail shelf built; one course booked for you or your team.
• Week 12: prune slow movers; place seasonal orders.

Getting your supply account ready

Metro Beauty Supply works with salons, barbershops, spas and mobile stylists across Toronto, Ontario and Canada. Applying is free, there are no minimum orders, and a representative helps you choose brands that fit your salon instead of a package you do not need.

Become a Partner, browse the brands we carry, or see upcoming courses.