Struggling barber tells customers to pay what they can
CLEVELAND, Nov 18 After more than 20 years of renting chairs from other barbers, Gregory Burnett finally opened his own shop, but the down economy has been hard on the haircut business.
It is one of the first things that people cut back on, said Burnett, owner of Old School Barber Shop in Canton, Ohio.
So two months ago Burnett put a sign in front of his place to let clients choose how much to pay. Times are hard, it read. Pay what you can for a cut.
The idea was to draw in new patrons and help the clients who have been with him for decades, and it seems to be working. People come in and want to take advantage of the deal, Burnett said.
For the past two years Burnett has charged US$12 (RM22) for a mans haircut, but recently has given one for as little as US$5. I tell people the haircut is free, he said. The charge is for sitting in the chair.
Burnett said he hoped that a good haircut might mean a new job for one of his clients, and he liked the idea of helping people out. I understand their troubles because I have their troubles, he said.
Business picked up immediately after Burnett began his new make-me-an-offer promotion. Im surprised by all the attention this is getting, he said. You never know. Maybe this is the way I will come out of this rut.
Burnett promises lively conversation and said he loved what he did. He hopes the uptick in business means he can keep his shop.
I had my first job shining shoes when I was 12 years old. I guess Ive always been an entrepreneur. Im always trying to hustle, he said. Reuters
Comments