A Barber's Guide to More Regulars and Higher Revenue

Phil Ingram
Oct 15
4 min read

A full appointment book is a good sign. But a book filled with the same names, month after month? That's the sign of a great business. In the world of barbering, the ultimate goal isn't just to get new clients; it's to turn first-time visitors into loyal regulars who wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.

A regular is more than just a customer. They're an advocate. They provide predictable income, they're more likely to buy products, and their word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing you have. But you can't just wait for that loyalty to happen. You have to build it.

Here are some street-smart, guerrilla tactics to get more regulars through your door and boost your revenue, one cut at a time.

1. Make Your Shop the "Third Place"

Your shop isn't a sterile salon; it's a clubhouse. It should be the "third place" for your clients, after home and work. It’s a place they want to hang out.

Vibe Check: Curate your atmosphere. Is the music right? Is it a place for lively banter or a chill escape? Know your brand and own it.
The Small Touches: A decent coffee machine, a fridge stocked with a local craft beer for Friday afternoon clients, a comfortable waiting area—these small investments in hospitality pay huge dividends. They encourage clients to show up a little early and stay a little longer, cementing your shop as a community hub.

2. Master the Subtle, Profitable Upsell

Barbers aren't salespeople, but you are experts. The upsell shouldn't feel like a pushy sales pitch; it should feel like expert advice.

The Beard Trim Add-On: When a regular with a beard sits down, the question shouldn't be if he wants a trim, but how he's finding his current routine. "Getting the lines sharp on that beard can be tricky. Want me to tidy that up for you while you're here?"
The Hot Towel Experience: Frame a hot towel shave or treatment not just as a service, but as a ritual. "You look like you've had a long week. We've got a new hot towel treatment with eucalyptus that would be a great way to reset."
Product as a Solution: When you use a product, explain why. "I'm using this sea salt spray because it'll give your hair that great texture without feeling heavy. It’s super easy to use at home." Then, leave the bottle at the station. The curious client will pick it up.

3. The Power of the Local Alliance

Partner with the other local businesses your clients already frequent.

The "Cut & a Pint" Deal: Team up with the local pub. Create a voucher for a free pint at their place for every client who gets a premium service at yours.
The Menswear Connection: Go to the cool independent menswear shop down the street. Offer them a stack of "20% Off Your First Cut" cards to put in their shopping bags.
The Office Drop: Find the most significant office block in a two-block radius. Go to the office manager and offer an exclusive "corporate discount" for all their employees. Drop off a stack of cards and a box of doughnuts.

4. Create an Unmissable Event

Elevate your shop from a service provider to a destination by hosting a special, after-hours event.

"Whiskey & Trims" Night: Partner with a local distillery or bar for a ticketed evening of whiskey tasting and grooming tips.
Movember Fundraiser: Host a charity event at the start or end of Movember, with shave-downs, prizes for the best moustache, and donations to a men's health charity. It's great for business and even better for the community.

The Digital Glue: Tying It All Together with meed

These guerrilla tactics are brilliant for building a loyal tribe, but tracking it all can be a headache. The old paper "buy 5 cuts, get the 6th free" card is a relic. It gets lost, it feels cheap, and it doesn't reward any of the high-value behaviours you want to encourage.

This is where a simple, digital loyalty platform like meed becomes your secret weapon. It’s the modern way to manage your shop's "club."

A Modern Membership: When a new client comes in, signing them up is as simple as scanning a QR code. There’s no app to download. Their digital stamp card lives on their phone, so it can't be lost.
Reward the Upsell: Your meed program can be more sophisticated than just a haircut stamp. "Every hot towel treatment gets an extra stamp." This provides a powerful, immediate incentive for clients to try your higher-margin services.
Automate Your Referrals: The lifeblood of any barbershop is word of mouth. With meed's Member-Get-Member feature, you can put this on autopilot. When a regular gets a friend to sign up using their personal QR code, the system automatically tracks it and can send both of them a reward, like a discount on their next cut.
Manage Your Partnerships: That "Cut & a Pint" deal? Instead of a paper voucher, you can use meed to send the customer a digital voucher for the pub. It’s trackable, professional, and can't be lost.