In the barbering world, there are two main ways to get paid. At Weiss Barber Supply, we talk to shop owners and barbers every day, and lately, the conversation has shifted. 

We all feel it. Between the recent government shutdown and tariff increases, wallets are tighter. Clients are stretching their cuts, and the cost of doing business is going up.

In Wichita, Booth Rent is the standard. But in an unpredictable economy, the safety of the Commission model is starting to look a lot more appealing—especially for new barbers.

Here is the breakdown on which model protects you best when the economy gets rocky.

The Case for Commission (The "Shield" Model) 

Commission shops aren't very common in Wichita right now, but that might be an opportunity for owners who want to attract talent during tough times. This model shields barbers from market volatility, but it has to be run right to work.

For the Barber:

• Pay Raises for Hustlers: Commission doesn't have to mean a flat rate forever. A good shop structures this on performance. You might start at a 50% split, but as you get busier and hit revenue targets, that can slide up to 60% or more. The harder you work, the higher your percentage.

• The "Desk Person" Advantage: In a proper commission shop, you shouldn't be answering phones. The shop must have a front desk person to handle booking, rescheduling, and checking clients out. This frees you up to focus 100% on the cut, not the calendar.

• The "Slow Week" Safety Net: When clients have less disposable income, walk-ins slow down. If you are on commission (or a guaranteed hourly base), a slow Tuesday doesn't mean you actually lose money.

• The COVID/Unemployment Lesson: We learned this hard lesson a few years ago. W-2 employees have a verifiable income paper trail. Whether it's a pandemic or a recession, having that safety net (like unemployment insurance) is a lifeline that cash-based booth renters often don't have.

For the Shop Owner:

• Recruiting Power: You can pitch your shop as a "safe haven" for new barbers who are scared to take the leap into booth rent right now.

• No Ceiling on Earnings: With booth rent, your income is capped at the rent price. With commission, if your shop gets busy or you raise prices, your profit increases.

The Case for Booth Rent (The "High Risk, High Reward" Model) 

This is the "eat what you kill" model. It offers the most freedom, but right now, it requires the most discipline.

For the Barber:

• Maximum Profit (If You Have the Clientele): If your book is so solid that economic downturns don't touch you, this is still the best way to make money.

• The Risk: You are the business owner. If tariffs make your supplies more expensive, that comes out of your pocket. If the government shutdown means your clients skip a month, you still owe your booth rent.

• Freedom: You set your prices. If your costs go up, you can raise your haircut price tomorrow without asking permission.

For the Shop Owner:

• Steady Income: It is predictable. You collect rent weekly, regardless of whether the economy is booming or busting.

• Simplicity: You aren't stressing about payroll taxes, hiring a receptionist, or the rising cost of backbar supplies—that’s on the tenant.

The Verdict?

The "right" model depends on your risk tolerance.

• New Barbers: If you don't have a full book of clients yet, the Commission model protects you. It lets you earn more as you improve (tiered rates) and keeps you off the phone so you can master your craft.

• Established Barbers: If your clients are loyal and your skills are sharp, Booth Rent gives you the control to navigate the economy on your own terms.

The industry in Kansas is evolving. Maybe it's time we see a few more hybrid or commission-based shops pop up to help the next generation weather the storm. Comment your thoughts!!