Come aprire un make up shop

From a legal and administrative standpoint, you should check with your local Chamber of Commerce to determine whether you qualify for subsidized financing and how much money is needed to start your business. These figures are, of course, indicative, unless you consult a consultant who can provide you with the exact costs, taking into account the specific characteristics of your store: size and layout of the space, quantity and type of products, and whether or not you employ staff.

Once these aspects have been clarified and the project’s feasibility verified, it’s time to identify all the necessary paperwork for opening the shop. With all this information in hand, we move on to what is probably the most exciting part: choosing the products.

What products does a makeup shop sell?

Cosmetics generally refer to substances applied to the external surfaces of the body to modify it in various ways, so this category also includes shower gels, deodorants, and perfumes, as well as makeup, which is usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think of cosmetics .

And makeup is the star of the show in makeup shops, because other products are mostly sold in perfumeries, not alongside makeup. Lipsticks and lip glosses, mascara, eyeliners and lip pencils, eye shadows, blushes, powders, foundations, nail polishes, and glitter for lips, eyes, and body: these are the products that make a makeup shop inviting, irresistible. Even more so when the variety is wide and each product is available in different versions at different prices.

Variety is key, because the more you display, the more you pique customers’ curiosity, encouraging them to try new products over and over again. To further expand your offering, you can also include hair products , which open the door to a world even broader than that of makeup.

There’s no woman who doesn’t care about her hair, and each has different needs: short or long, straight or wavy curls, frizzy or limp, they all require specific products and care, not to mention hair ties, headbands, and various clips. It’s enough to drive you crazy when you take stock, but it’s worth the effort.

Single-brand or multi-brand store?

As often happens, the sector is divided into two: on one side, single-brand stores , like Kiko , for example, and on the other, multi-brand stores, like Body Shop . Neither is better than the other, and both ensure profit. In the case of a single-brand makeup shop, franchising is almost inevitable, because you’re joining an already established project and entering the market along its lines.

The offering is still wide, because in both cases all products are provided, but obviously those hosting more brands will need a larger exhibition space to accommodate all the most important ones.

Kiko stores are famous for their small size, as they only carry the brand’s own products. Yet, you can find everything there, and it’s not uncommon to find lines of customers stretching right to the door. It’s a well-known fact that when you enter, you’ll spend money and not go home empty-handed, unlike in makeup shops with a more varied selection.

When choosing between one type of shop or another, you need to carefully consider the type of commitment and the type and amount of resources to be allocated to the business.

Make-up shop staff

Staff is crucial in a makeup shop. They’re not just traditional sales assistants, but a more dynamic figure who actively serves as advisors, even when unsolicited. The makeup sales assistant doesn’t wait for customers to ask for directions; instead, they spontaneously approach customers to explain the store’s newest products, any special offers, and “the newest products from…” that are absolutely worth checking out.

It doesn’t have to be pushy, but it’s still an important tool for selling a lot and selling well: the best ones become points of reference for some customers, perhaps the most hesitant, who tend to return to the store for advice and guidance from someone they now consider a trusted person.

A good appearance is an essential requirement, to the extent that the staff also acts as a kind of showcase for the merchandise on offer: make-up and hair must clearly demonstrate that the shop’s products are being used, especially those that have just arrived or that one is particularly happy to promote.

As for clothing, a uniform would be preferable, not too formal, black or blue trousers and a T-shirt, in any case in a solid color, to create the image of a staff, of which the shop owner can also be part, adopting the same uniform.

Open on the street or in a shopping center?

Location is crucial to the success of a business, and a makeup shop is no exception. However, different options also come with different prices, so renting a shop on the street or in a shopping mall is quite different. Regarding the street , it’s important to distinguish between the city center and the outskirts, between a main road and a side street, because Via del Corso in Rome is one thing, and a neighborhood street is quite another.

When drafting your business plan, it’s important to keep this variable in mind, researching the price differences associated with location. Shopping centers are even more challenging, as they guarantee greater visibility, but also require a similar financial outlay and a greater commitment in terms of time.

Shopping malls are always open, even on Monday mornings and Sundays (in accordance with the regulations regarding Sunday opening times throughout the year), and with extended hours , at least until 9 pm. These are variables to take into account, along with the fact that shopping malls are increasingly becoming meeting places for young people, and in the case of a makeup shop, this is definitely helpful.

Where to buy the goods

The issue of purchasing goods is particularly delicate, especially for those starting a business and unsure of who to turn to. It’s a fool’s errand to launch a business venture without even a basic set of contacts, because the success of the business depends largely on the suppliers.

A supplier who delays delivering goods, perhaps during an important period like Christmas, damages the store’s profits and image.

The best solution, in the absence of previous contacts, is to create a range of opportunities: a network of wholesalers and distributors for stock, and a market of outlets specialized in the sector, so as to have more possibilities.

Cosmetics wholesalers and their websites

As for wholesalers, it may be useful to know that there are sites with a complete list of wholesalers divided by category.

• Wholesaler
• Wholesale Center