Running a shop, written down.
Guides on booking, payments, pricing and growing a barbershop in Canada. Plain answers, no fluff.
Latest guides
ComparisonZelko vs Square Appointments for barbershops
Square Appointments or Zelko? An honest comparison for barbershops in Canada covering pricing, booking, payments and when each one fits.
Zelko vs Fresha: which is better for barbershops?
An honest comparison of Zelko and Fresha for barbershops in Canada: pricing models, marketplace fees, client experience and when each one makes sense.
PaymentsTap to pay for barbers: take cards on your phone, no reader
How tap to pay on iPhone and Android works for barbers in Canada, what it costs, what clients can pay with, and when you still want a countertop terminal.
ComparisonSquire alternatives for barbershops in Canada
Squire is built for barbershops, like Zelko. Here's how the two compare on pricing, features and fit, and when each one is the better choice.
GuideOnline booking for barbershops: the complete guide
How to set up online booking for your barbershop, what a good booking page needs, how to choose an app, and how to get clients to actually use it.
ComparisonLooking for a Booksy alternative? An honest guide for barbers
Why some barbers move off Booksy, what to look for in an alternative, and how Zelko compares on pricing, client experience and who owns the client.
PaymentsInterac debit for barbershops: what to know before you take it
Why Interac debit matters for Canadian barbershops, how it differs from credit, what it costs, and the quirks around tips, refunds and online payments.
PaymentsCard terminals for barbershops in Canada: how to choose
Countertop, handheld or phone? How to choose a card terminal for a Canadian barbershop, what to check for Interac and tips, and what it really costs.
GuideBarbershop booking apps in Canada: what barbers use and how to choose
Do you need a booking app, what do barbers in Canada use, are free apps really free, and how to pick software without overpaying. An honest guide for 2026.
GuideWalk-in vs appointment: which model works for your barbershop?
Walk-in, appointment-only, or hybrid? Compare the three scheduling models for barbershops and find out which one fits your shop best.
GuideHow to open a barbershop in 2026 (step by step)
A practical, step-by-step guide to opening a barbershop in 2026. Licensing, location, equipment, pricing, online booking, and everything in between.
GuideHow to get more Google reviews for your barbershop
Practical tips to get more Google reviews for your barbershop. Learn when to ask, how to make it easy, and why reviews matter for ranking on Google Maps.
GuideHow much should you charge for a haircut? Barber pricing guide
A practical guide to setting haircut prices for your barbershop. How to research your market, structure pricing tiers, and know when to raise your prices.
GuideChair rental vs commission: which model is right for your barbershop?
Chair rental or commission split? Compare both barbershop pay models, their pros and cons, and find out which one fits your shop best.
GuideWhy every barbershop needs its own website in 2026
Your Instagram is not your website. Here is why every barbershop needs its own website in 2026, what it should include, and how to get one without hiring a developer.
GuideHow to grow your barbershop in 2026
Practical strategies to grow your barbershop: get bookings online, build a client list, reduce no-shows, rank on Google, and use Instagram the right way.
GuideHow to get your barbershop on Google (step by step)
A step-by-step guide to getting your barbershop on Google Maps and local search results. Claim your profile, get reviews, and rank higher.
GuideHow to build a client list for your barbershop
Learn how to build and use a client list for your barbershop. Capture client data automatically through bookings, and use it to drive repeat visits and grow your business.
GuideBest barbershop software for small shops (1-3 chairs)
The best booking and management software for small barbershops with 1-3 chairs. Honest breakdown of Zelko, Square, Booksy, and Fresha for small shop owners.
GuideBarbershop software features that actually matter (skip the rest)
Which barbershop software features actually matter? We break them into must-have, nice-to-have, and marketing fluff so you know what to prioritize.
GuideBarbershop payment processing: cash, card, tips, and deposits
Everything barbershop owners need to know about payment processing: accepting cards, tracking cash, managing tips, and using deposits to reduce no-shows.
GuideBarber commission tracking: how to pay your team fairly
Learn how to track barber commissions accurately, from choosing a pay model (percentage split, chair rental, hybrid) to avoiding common disputes with your team.
Guide12 barbershop marketing ideas that actually work
12 practical, proven marketing ideas for barbershops. No fluff, no theory. Tactics you can start using today to get more clients in your chair.
GuideHow to stop no-shows at your barbershop (5 proven methods)
No-shows cost barbershops thousands per year. Here are 5 proven methods to reduce no-shows: deposits, reminders, waitlists, and more.