New Salon Opening Checklist
A comprehensive checklist covering everything a new salon owner needs — from licensing and setup to booking systems and marketing.
New Salon Opening Checklist This free checklist covers 18 items across 4 sections to help you complete every step without missing anything. Browse all scheduling checklists.
Your Checklist
18 items across 4 sections
1Legal & Licensing4 items
- Business license and DBA registration filed
- Cosmetology or salon-specific licenses obtained
- Liability insurance policy active
- Health and safety inspection scheduled or passed
2Space & Equipment5 items
- Salon stations set up and equipped
- Reception and waiting area furnished
- Product inventory ordered and organized
- POS system installed and tested
- Salon software and booking system configured
3Online Presence4 items
- Google Business Profile created and verified
- Website live with booking embed
- Social media profiles created (Instagram, Facebook)
- Online booking page published and shared
4Pre-Launch Marketing5 items
- Grand opening date announced
- Opening promotion or discount designed
- Friends-and-family soft launch scheduled
- Email or SMS list started with early contacts
- Local partnerships or cross-promotions arranged
Tips for Success
Do a soft launch with friends and family 1-2 weeks before the public opening to iron out kinks.
Get your Google Business Profile verified before opening day — it takes time but is essential for local search.
Set up online booking from day one. New clients expect to book online, and it saves you from answering the phone during services.
Take professional photos of your space before clients start coming in — you will use these everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start planning?
Start 3-6 months before your target opening date for licensing, buildout, and marketing prep.
Do I need a website to accept bookings?
No. A hosted booking page from SchedulingKit works independently. A website helps with SEO but is not required to start.
What is the biggest mistake new salon owners make?
Underinvesting in marketing and online presence. Beautiful salons fail when nobody knows they exist.
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