Kid’s haircut services accounted for 10 percent of the general salon market at the start of the millennium, and the untapped potential within each market continues to attract new franchises and independent salons alike.
However, starting a new business – even a franchise with a proven business model – can be a daunting venture. Knowing the steps to open a children’s hair salon, from the introduction call to being awarded a franchise, can help make the entire process much more seamless.
Here are some of the steps involved in owning a Pigtails & Crewcuts children’s hair salon franchise, as well as how our corporate team makes the process easier for franchisees every step of the way:
1. Introduction Call
The first step in our franchise development process includes an introduction call, where our Franchise Development Coordinator, Hannah Swanson, will learn more about you and your background. During this first contact, we’ll also discuss your broader objectives in business ownership and the main goals you hope to accomplish with a children’s hair salon franchise. This will help us both get to know each other, as well as make sure it’s a good fit for a mutually-beneficial partnership.
We’ll then direct you toward the franchise information packet, where you’ll find all the details you need to assess the franchise opportunity. The franchise packet includes everything from franchisee testimonials to more in-depth information about our marketing, operations, training, support, and more.
2. Fill Out the Application
After reading the franchise information packet, you can fill out the application included at the end of the packet and send it to Michelle Holliman, our Vice President of Franchise Development. Or, you can continue to our secure website and complete the application there. It’s important to note that you are not obligated to do business with us by completing the application. Instead, it simply lets us know that you are seriously interested and financially capable of undertaking this venture.
3. Review the FDD
Once your application is approved by our franchise development team, you will receive a copy of our franchise disclosure document (FDD) to review. This legal document includes our financials as a company and a copy of the franchise agreement. The FDD is one of the most important documents in the franchise development process, and reviewing it will be a crucial step in deciding whether or not to invest in a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise.
4. Attend a Discovery Day
After reviewing the FDD, it’s time to come to Atlanta for a Discovery Day. Discovery Day is a one-day visit at our franchise headquarters that typically lasts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Here you’ll meet the executive team and members of the franchise corporate office staff. During Discovery Day, you’ll also:
- View a brief presentation
- Visit our corporate-owned children’s hair salon
- Attend a lunch event
- Discuss any questions you may have
Discovery Day is usually the step in the process that helps solidify the decision of whether this is the right investment for you, and if we’re the right people for you to do business with.
5. Join the Family
If you decide you are ready to sign on with us, we’ll start the process of finalizing the paperwork. We will confirm the areas of interest, entity name, address, and signees of the franchise agreement. For multi-salon owners, we’ll confirm all of that information as well as determine the development schedule and larger protected territory.
After that, we’ll determine the closing date, at which we will collect signatures on two copies of the franchise agreement – one for you and one for us. Both copies will receive Wade’s signature, and the franchise fee check, if applicable, will be sent into our corporate office.
6. Site Selection
After the paperwork has been signed and you have identified potential locations, we will make a site selection visit to your market. Because prime real estate is paramount to run a successful kid’s salon, we offer comprehensive site selection support for our franchisees. Backed by industry-leading expertise and data-driven insights, our corporate support team helps position franchisees for success from the very start.
A strong site helps generate high foot traffic and drive sales while setting the stage for inviting interior design that creates a fun, memorable atmosphere for your young clientele. Once we help you find and secure an appropriate space, we will also assist with the lease negotiation.
7. Pre-Opening
After you sign the lease, we will start your training, at which time the pre-opening process will also begin. Pre-opening usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks and includes finding a contractor, beginning construction, purchasing the salon furnishings, and also a soft opening prior to the grand opening. The timeline of the process may be longer, pending the time of year, municipalities, and other factors.
Our corporate team is with you throughout each step of the franchise development process, in order to make sure your opening is as seamless as possible.
To learn more about the Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise opportunity, download our franchise information packet today!
