How to Prepare Your Solo Salon Business for Sale

For many stylists, the salon is more than just a workplace—it's a labor of love built over years of dedication, creativity, and hard work. But too often, when it's time to step away—whether for retirement, relocation, or simply to start a new chapter—many find themselves with nothing to show for their efforts except memories.

Selling your salon business, even if you're a one-person operation in a suite or booth rental, is an often-overlooked option that can create financial freedom and reward you for the business you've built. The key is planning ahead—ideally two years or more in advance.

Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to help you prepare your salon business for sale and maximize its value.

This framework is built from insights shared by Dior Metcalf of Primus Beauty Ventures, who presented these five key considerations for beauty business owners during the July 7, 2025, ANHC PRO Business Mastery webinar session.

Why Start Now?

Building a sellable business doesn't happen overnight. Even if you're the only person working in your salon today, you can take deliberate steps to turn your hard work into an asset someone else would be eager to buy. Most importantly, starting early gives you time to get your house in order, increase your business's value, and attract the right buyer.

Your Two-Year Salon Business Exit Plan

1. Shift from "Me" to "We": Eliminate Key Person Risk

Right now: Your salon likely revolves around you—your clients come for you, you handle the operations, and without you, there is no business. That's a red flag for potential buyers.

Action steps:

• Systematize everything: Document how you run your business—from client scheduling and follow-ups to service protocols and product ordering. Write it down or digitize it.

• Build a brand, not just a name: Create an identity that clients recognize beyond you as an individual (a name, a logo, a look).

• Start mentorship: If possible, begin grooming a protégé or junior stylist who could one day take over or help reduce reliance on you alone.

2. Clean Up Your Financials and Pay Yourself

To sell your business, you need solid, clear financial records that tell the story of a profitable, well-run operation.

Action steps:

• Track your income and expenses: Use accounting software or work with a bookkeeper to maintain up-to-date Profit & Loss (P&L) statements and balance sheets.

• Separate personal from business expenses: Stop running personal costs (like car payments or travel) through your business account.

• Pay yourself consistently: Set a reasonable salary or owner's draw so future buyers see that the business can support both them and itself.

3. Address Tax and Legal Housekeeping

Buyers (and lenders) don't want to inherit hidden headaches.

Action steps:

• Ensure tax compliance: File and pay all business taxes, including sales tax, income tax, and any employment taxes.

• Resolve any outstanding debts or disputes: Clean up vendor relationships, legal matters, and unpaid bills.

4. Grow Beyond Just Your Chair: Reduce Customer Concentration

If 100% of the revenue comes from your hands, that's risky for a buyer.

Action steps:

• Diversify income: Consider adding retail sales (hair care products, styling tools) or additional services (scalp treatments, classes).

• Add people or partnerships: If possible, bring in another stylist or rent out a chair on occasion to show the business has potential beyond just you.

5. Know Your Value (and Keep It Real)

Your business is likely valued using a profit multiple—meaning a buyer will pay a multiple of your annual net profits.

For example:

• If your salon earns $50,000 annually in profit, and the typical industry multiple is 2x, your business might sell for around $100,000.

Action steps:

• Get a business valuation: Consult with a business broker or advisor to estimate your business's current worth.

• Boost your multiple: Stronger systems, steady profits, and clean financials can help increase your valuation.

Consider Creative Sale Options

For solo businesses, traditional buyers may be limited. But you can create opportunities by:

• Offering owner financing: Allow the buyer to pay over time while you continue to earn income.

• Staying on temporarily: Agree to help train the new owner during the transition.

This flexibility can help you sell for a higher price and attract serious buyers who might not have all the cash upfront.

The Takeaway: Don't Wait

The most important step you can take is starting now. Even if you don't plan to sell for five years, the work you put in today—organizing your finances, documenting your processes, and building a brand—will pay off when the time comes.

If you'd like help mapping out your salon's path to sellability, schedule a free discovery meeting with ANHC PRO to get started: https://www.anhcpro.org/services.

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Need help getting started?

ANHC PRO members have access to tools, webinars, and support to help build sellable beauty businesses. Book your free discovery meeting at https://www.anhcpro.org/services.