Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers actually come from
In the beginning most paid work comes from people you already know and the places you spend time. Think neighbours, family and friends, colleagues at work, and parents or staff at local schools. Word of mouth is often the first driver - one good cut shared with a neighbour can lead to another booking.
Local face-to-face opportunities include pop-up bookings for colleagues, babysitter swaps where parents trade haircuts, and walking past a local cafe or shop where you can leave a simple business card or flyer. Online search and social platforms are increasingly important - people look for services by area and service type. Local community groups and workplace noticeboards also send real bookings.
- Neighbours, friends and family
- Work colleagues and workplace events
- Parents, students and local schools
- Local walk-ins and community boards
- Online search and local listings
- Word of mouth and referrals
Setting your first price and talking about money
Your first price should cover your time, materials and the value of your skill, while staying attractive to new customers. Start by listing what a job includes - consultation time, shampoo, products, cutting and styling, plus any travel or setup. Add the cost of consumables and a margin for your labour.
When you talk money, be clear and direct. Give service names with what is included. State whether price covers hair wash, styling or just a cut. If you travel, state a travel fee or set an area you serve. Ask for a deposit or a card to hold a booking if you need commitments. For new clients offer a clear one-off price or a simple introductory booking that you can point to when confirming.
- List what each service includes
- Factor materials and your time into price
- State travel fees and cancellation or deposit policy up front
- Use clear service names so clients know what to expect
Who the first ten customers usually are
The typical first ten customers tend to be a mix of repeats from your personal network and a few strangers who respond to local posts or a listing. Expect family, close friends, neighbours, one or two work colleagues, and perhaps a couple of parents from your child’s school or local sports club. A single satisfied client often introduces another or becomes a regular.
Be prepared for varied expectations. Friends may ask for favours or lower prices - decide before you start whether you will offer a preferred rate and be consistent. New local customers are the ones who teach you to manage time, pricing and clear communication.
- Family and friends
- Neighbours and local parents
- Work colleagues and their referrals
- First local clients from listings or groups
Getting legal and tax basics right in Australia
There are administrative steps you should check before you accept paid work. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the authority for questions about registering an Australian Business Number (ABN), declaring income, and whether you need to register for GST. If you are unsure what to ask, contact the ATO and ask whether you need an ABN, how to report this income, and when GST registration is required.
If you plan to trade under a business name, check ASIC for business name registration requirements. For home-based work or hosting clients, check your local council about home business zoning, health or safety rules and any permits. For contractor versus employee status or workplace obligations, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. For insurance questions - public liability and professional indemnity - speak with an insurance provider and ask what covers clients in a home setting and at external locations.
- Ask ATO about ABN, income reporting and GST registration
- Ask ASIC about registering a business name
- Ask your local council about home-business rules and permits
- Ask Fair Work Ombudsman about contractor versus employee status
- Ask insurers about public liability and professional indemnity
What tends to go wrong in the first months
Common early problems include undercharging, poor time estimates, and unclear service scope. Undercharging makes growth harder; poor time estimates mean late starts and unhappy clients. Not having a deposit or cancellation policy leads to short-notice no-shows. Another common issue is weak record-keeping for income and expenses, which complicates tax time.
Operational issues also appear: running out of products, not having an efficient booking system, or failing to communicate clear arrival instructions. Insurance gaps and unclear arrangements about minors or consent can create risk. Plan simple systems from the start - price lists, a booking confirmation that sets expectations, and a basic income and expense record.
- Undercharging and inconsistent pricing
- No deposit or cancellation policy
- Poor time management and late starts
- Weak record-keeping for tax purposes
- Running out of supplies or lacking backup products
- No insurance or unclear client consent procedures
Taking payments and keeping records
Decide in advance how you will take payment. Card, bank transfer and cash are common choices. Keep a clear record of every sale, including the service provided, date and client details. Good records make tax reporting straightforward and help with bookkeeping.
A Websta profile connects to card payments processed through Stripe and pays out to the provider’s own bank account. You set your prices and the profile shows services, photos, a contact form and online booking. Use a consistent invoice or receipt format and save copies of payments and refund records.
- Record every booking, payment and expense
- Issue a receipt or invoice for each paid service
- Decide on deposits or cancellation fees and record them
- Use bank statements and saved receipts for tax records
How a Websta profile fits into your work
A Websta profile is a single page you can send to anyone - clients, workplace groups or local community pages. It lists services and prices, shows photos of your work, and offers online booking and a contact form. People nearby can find providers by service and area and can post tasks for providers to make offers on.
Card payments from customers are processed and paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You control the services and prices shown on the page. A clear profile reduces time spent answering the same questions and gives prospective clients a place to see your services, availability and photos before they book.
- Single sharable page with services, photos and booking
- Bookings and contact through the profile
- Card payments processed and paid out to your bank account through Stripe
- You set your prices and manage your availability
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an ABN to take paid hairdressing work in Australia?
- Check with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Ask whether your activity counts as carrying on a business, whether you need an ABN, and how to report income from casual or part-time work.
- Can I work from home as a hairdresser?
- Ask your local council about home-business rules, zoning and any health or safety requirements. Also check insurers about whether your public liability policy covers clients at your home.
- Should I register for GST?
- Speak to the ATO about GST registration and the thresholds that apply. If you expect your turnover will reach or exceed the GST registration point, the ATO will advise on your obligations.
- What insurance should I have?
- Talk to an insurer about public liability and professional indemnity cover for hairdressing work. Also ask whether the policy covers work at clients’ homes and any products you use or sell.
- How do I take card payments as an independent provider?
- A Websta profile accepts card payments processed through Stripe and pays out to your bank account. You can also accept bank transfers or cash, but keep clear records of every payment for tax reporting.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
Related guides
- How to find and choose a hairdresser in Australia
- How to set up a Websta profile as a hairdresser in Australia
- How to make money as an accountant in Australia: practical steps
- How to make money as an artists and designer in Australia
- How to make money as a barber in Australia - practical guide
- How to make money as a beauty specialist in Australia - steps