Interviewing Booth Renters

Before you offer a booth or suite to a new stylist, it is important that you first make sure it's going to be a good fit. Since they are their own independent business and not an employee you are going to have to change up the questions you ask in an interview. In fact, there are some things you might ask a potential employee that you can not ask an independent stylist. Here is a list of questions to ask before asking a tenant to sign a lease.

• How many years of booth rent experience do you have?

If a stylist is booth renting for the first time, the chances that they are going to need some coaching are greater.  You will need to analyze your own situation, and decide whether you have the ability to not only be a landlord but also a mentor.  If a stylist already has years of experience as a booth renter, it is helpful to also know why they are changing locations.

• What is your understanding of being a booth renter?

It is important that the stylist has a clear understanding of what being an independent business owner entails.  They need to know that they are responsible for everything from marketing, bookkeeping, to inventory, and booking client appointments.  The salon owner is not responsible for the success of the stylist’s business.

• What are some ways you advertise your business?

This is a good way to bring up that the salon owner will not be advertising for the stylist.  It is also a good way to gauge whether or not the stylist has a plan of action to keep a steady flow of clientele because, after all, that ensures you will receive your rent payment.

•What kind of sales promotions have you ran in the past, what worked & didn’t work?

Knowing what kind of sales promotions the stylist has run in the past (or plans to run) gives you an idea of their ability to gauge what works and what doesn’t work.  

• Do you have liability insurance?

The salon owner’s business insurance does not cover booth renters, because they are considered independent contractors. They are their own small independent business under the same roof.  It is important that the stylist understands that, in case of an accident or emergency, they can potentially be sued, if they do not have liability insurance.  In some states, it is a requirement for independent stylists to have liability insurance coverage to receive the special permits/licenses required. 

• Do you currently rent, if so where?

Knowing the environment of the previous place the stylist last rented will give you insight into their past experience.  This question is also a great opportunity to see more of the stylist’s character based on how they answer the question. For example, do they bad mouth their current/previous location, or do they answer professionally?

• Why are you looking for a new place to rent?

Again, this question is also a great opportunity to see more of the stylist’s character.  Did something happen at the last salon they worked at that might cause you concern?  

• What date are you wanting to move-in?

This enables you to work out a potential move-in date to ensure you have time to get the space ready for a new tenant. 

• How far in advance are you usually booked out? 

Another way to gauge the stylist’s work ethic.

• Do you think the owner of your most recent salon will give you a favorable reference?

Asking if the most recent landlord would give a favorable reference gives the stylist the opportunity to talk about themselves and highlight what they are good at. 

• Does the owner of your current salon know you are thinking of moving?

Knowing if the stylist is going to leave their current salon high and dry or follow through with giving notice is a great way to judge their character.  This also gives you a heads up as to whether or not you should call the salon owner as a reference.

• What is your policy regarding customer complaints?

Generally, clients do not understand the booth rental concept. They assume that the stylist works for the salon owner.  It is important to know how the stylist plans on handling customer complaints, so that you are both on the same page.

• What services will you be offering?

Knowing what services the stylist will be offering gives the salon owner a heads up as to what areas of the salon they will need to have access to.

• Have you ever been evicted or asked to leave a booth rent position?

Just because a stylist has been evicted or been asked to leave a booth rent position does not mean they will not work out.  Maybe the previous salon was not a good fit or maybe there were personal events that affected the stylist's ability to finish out a lease.  Try to get the full story, and keep an open mind.  

• How long have you been licensed?

Knowing how long a stylist has been licensed will help you gauge their experience behind the chair.  

• Do you already have all proper licensing & permits?

Each state has their own requirements for someone to practice in the beauty industry and some require special permits/licenses to be an independent stylist.  The salon owner will want to ensure the stylist has all the necessary licenses/permits needed not only to practice their profession but also to sell retail.