How to Create a VIP Experience That Clients Pay Premium For
Some barbershops charge $100+ for a haircut. And clients happily pay. Here's the secret: it's not about the cut.
Sarah Mitchell
Content strategist with a passion for helping businesses grow.
Two barbershops. Same neighborhood. Same skills.
One charges $30. The other charges $85.
Both are fully booked.
The difference isn't the haircut. It's the experience.
What Clients Actually Pay For
They're not paying for hair removal. They're paying for:
- Escape from their busy life
- Transformation in how they feel
- Status of going to "that" barbershop
- Ritual that's just for them
- Connection with someone who gets them
The haircut is just the excuse.
The VIP Framework: 5 Touchpoints
1. The Booking Experience
Standard: Phone tag, paper calendar, "whenever works"
VIP: Online booking with preferences saved. "Your usual Thursday 4pm is available, Marcus."
Upgrade ideas:
- Remember their preferred drink
- Note their usual style
- Send a confirmation that feels personal
2. The Arrival
Standard: Wait on a bench, flip through old magazines
VIP: Greeted by name. Offered a beverage. Comfortable seating. Curated music.
Upgrade ideas:
- Hot towels in winter
- Cold drinks in summer
- Phone charging station
- Premium reading material (not 2019 Sports Illustrated)
3. The Consultation
Standard: "What are we doing today?"
VIP: "I noticed last time we went a bit shorter on the sides. How did that work for you? I'm thinking we could try..."
Upgrade ideas:
- Reference their history
- Offer suggestions based on face shape/lifestyle
- Show reference photos
- Explain what you're doing and why
4. The Service
Standard: Haircut. Done.
VIP: Hot towel. Scalp massage. Face massage. Detailed finishing. Every step intentional.
Upgrade ideas:
- Multiple hot towels
- Premium products (that smell amazing)
- Shoulder/neck massage
- Meticulous detail work
- Conversation or comfortable silence (based on their preference)
5. The Departure
Standard: "That'll be $30"
VIP: Style tips for home. Product recommendations. Easy rebooking. Genuine goodbye.
Upgrade ideas:
- Walk them through how to maintain the style
- Offer to book their next appointment
- Remember something personal for next time
- Thank them by name
The Math of Premium Pricing
Standard shop:
- $30 × 8 clients/day = $240/day
- 20 days/month = $4,800/month
VIP experience:
- $75 × 5 clients/day = $375/day
- 20 days/month = $7,500/month
Result: 56% more revenue with 37% fewer clients.
Less burnout. Higher margins. Better clients.
Real Example: The $85 Haircut
Take James in Austin. His "Signature Experience" includes:
- Warm greeting + espresso or whiskey
- Consultation with style discussion
- Shampoo with scalp massage (5 min)
- Precision haircut (30 min)
- Hot towel + face massage (5 min)
- Styling + product education
- Complimentary touch-up within 2 weeks
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Clients don't bat an eye at $85. They're not paying for 30 minutes of cutting. They're paying for an hour of feeling like a king.
Starting Your VIP Tier
You don't have to go all-in immediately.
Phase 1: Add one premium service "Executive Cut" - Your regular cut + hot towel + face massage. $15-20 more.
Phase 2: Elevate the basics Better products. Better music. Better greeting. No extra cost, just attention.
Phase 3: Create the full experience Design a signature service that's uniquely yours. Name it. Price it properly.
What Makes Clients Choose Premium
It's not wealth. Plenty of rich people go to cheap barbershops.
Premium clients value:
- Their time (fast, efficient, no waiting)
- Consistency (same great experience every time)
- Feeling known (you remember them)
- Quality (visible attention to detail)
- The story ("I go to this amazing barbershop...")
Common Mistakes
❌ Raising prices without improving experience
❌ Copying luxury shops without understanding why it works
❌ Adding "premium" to the name without premium delivery
❌ Rushing through the service to fit more clients
❌ Inconsistent experience (great one visit, mediocre the next)
The Investment Required
Most VIP upgrades cost little or nothing:
- Better greeting: $0
- Remembering names/preferences: $0
- Hot towels: $50 for warmer + towels
- Better music: $10/month (Spotify)
- Scalp massage: $0 (just time)
- Quality products: $200/month
Total: Under $500 to transform your experience.
One premium client pays for a year of upgrades.
Start This Week
- Greet every client by name
- Remember one thing about each regular
- Add 5 minutes of intentional care (massage, hot towel, detailed finishing)
- Create one "premium" option on your menu
The clients who value experience will find you. And they'll pay what you're worth.
👉 Vinci 26 stores client preferences and history—so every visit feels personal without you having to remember everything.
Build something that's truly yours.
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