What To Do If You Find Out Your Rent Is Higher Than Others In The Salon

That feeling when you find out you’re paying more in rent than your fellow stylists 😑 .…is this fair? Should you talk about it with the salon owner? How would you handle this? Keep reading for advice from the BTC Community!

“I just found out I am paying more than any other stylist renting a room in the salon. I would like this to be posted to get opinions.”

Reasons Why Rent Could Be Different

There are MANY factors in play here, and it all comes down to supply and demand. Take a look at what could be affecting rent price.

“Have they worked there a lot longer? Were they grandfathered in? Did salon change ownership before you started? All things to consider…if no to all above then KINDLY and PROFESSIONALLY inquire as to why your rent is higher.” – @shaylamichaelshair

“For me as an owner, I bought a pre-existing salon and the stylist who stayed on, I honored their previous agreement as a thank you. For the new renters under my ownership, their rent was raised 25 dollars and based on how many days they would use the station. I think each salon based their rent on location, space, days and value. For me I’d much rather a renter come to me and ask then talk with other colleagues about it and get upset without understanding the intent behind it. I think you should ask the owner. Also I think we as salon owners are always open to negotiation as well.” – @studio519pg

“😬😬 …. same square feet? Do you have a window? Prime real estate in the building? All these come into play with rent price.” – @stylingpretty

“Sometimes you could be charge more or less depending on how many days you work or how many hours you work 💇‍♀️” – @hairbyadele.ny

“It depends on so many things. I charge what I feel I can get at the time…sometimes I run a special if I need to fill more chairs. Sometimes I don’t need to get chairs filled, so I charge more. Sometimes I have ‘that stylist’ I charge more to make it worth it.” – @hairbyglamx

“Although it feels unfair, rent is based on availability of space. So if there are three spaces for rent they may be less expensive versus when there is only one space left. It’s not always the case, sometimes it’s a flat rate across the board and it is first come…but in a high demand venue, the rent varies.” – Crystal Joy Bass

“Where I’m at, it’s based on size and view. Are you newer than the others? Perhaps they are grandfathered in at their rates because they’ve been there so long. I would have a conversation with the owners and ask what the rates are according to location and length of time you’re there.” – @jeriberripie

“Do you have a great following? If not I think it’s worth discussing to the owner that you had wondered if you can work out a negotiation for a lower rent until you can build your clientele, but if your clientele is great, then I would just let it be.” – @sandrarosemuller

“Over the course of the year I pay more than the other stylists I work with because of how holiday pay works. To figure the deduction, the owner takes the booth rent and divides it by the number of days you work each week and takes away one day worth. I work 5 days a week and the others only work 3-4 days a week. I’m compensated with more vacation time. Over my 27 years I have seen many ways to do both booth rent and commission.” – William Eric Eubanks

“I know it’s up to the owner to decide but that’s really unfair. Our suite rental rates are based on size but differ by 20/40 a week in prices. When rent is raised, it is because the owners rent had been raised on the entire space and every space has an increase.” – @luv.of.colour

“Sometimes rent goes up every year. I charge more rent for the renters that use my towels/laundry and some of my products.” – Stephanie Dubé

“If the other stylists have been there longer, theirs should be cheaper. Loyalty counts, my clients that i have been doing for years pay less for their services. Reward loyalty.” – @leeshairandskincare

“Seems like it would be dependent on when they came on board. In my apartment building we all pay different rents too, because if you moved in 10 years ago, you would have a rent-controlled suite that is below current market value. You pay for what the value was when you came in.” – Amber George

“Are you the newest stylist? Not saying it’s ok, but some owners will charge newer renters more before they actually raise rent on others or they’ll just charge new people more rent. I’ve seen it happen.” – Sabrina Vink

“Rent is a function of the value of the space you are renting and the amenities provided. All this varies from location to location. Even if located on the same city block. This holds true in all industries. There are many variables that determine the rent and you as the stylist must determine if your business supports that specific location. This is business 101. If you have not a clue I would suggest you having a conversation with your CPA or someone in the commercial real-estate business who can help guide you with greater knowledge.” – Frank Santo Schiciano

What To Do If This Happens To You

The solutions for this situation were all over the board, from “mind your business” to “get out of there.” Keep reading to see what people said!

“I’d ask the landlord why. Keep it simple and kind, but don’t be afraid to ask.” – @shannonb_hair

“You shouldn’t even be discussing rent with other stylists. Your rent is a business agreement between you and the owner.” – @glnez

“Basically, what ever you agree to, they can charge you.” – @kmyezefski_

“If you agreed to it, it is what it is. It sucks but when your contract is up, renegotiate or move locations. Good luck!! 😭” – @artandcrumbs

“This happened to me. When I finally got up the courage to ask for lower rent my landlord said, ‘Oh I thought yours was that price too!’ And lowered it. It was no big deal.” – @lindseyreesehairco

“I agree, I would definitely ask professionally but to the point. But come up with a game plan Incase your next move is going to be to relocate! Good luck!” – @izzy.miaki

“Simple solution here. Move!” – Kon Kotsiras