Practical guide for hairdressers in Croatia to earn on the side

Where paying customers come from

In practice the people who pay for a hairdresser in Croatia come from a mix of nearby, organised and online sources. The most reliable local sources are neighbours and people in the same building or street. Regulars often start from a small social circle and then spread by word of mouth.

Other common sources include workplaces and study places - colleagues and fellow students - and parents who meet at schools and kindergartens. Local shops, cafes and markets create casual visibility: a card, a small poster or a visible haircut at an outdoor event can bring enquiries.

Online search and social media are increasingly important. People search for a service plus a town or neighbourhood, or they look for a profile with photos and prices. Local Facebook groups, Instagram posts, and marketplace sites or apps connect customers who prefer booking online.

Word of mouth - recommendations from friends and family - remains a major source of repeat bookings, especially for services done at home or in a small studio.

• Neighbours and nearby residents
• Colleagues and students
• Parents and school contacts
• Foot traffic near local shops and markets
• Online search, social media and marketplace listings
• Word of mouth and referrals

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start by listing every service you will offer - cuts, colours, styling, child haircuts, simple treatments - so you can quote consistently. Think in terms of time and cost: how long the service takes, cost of materials, travel if you go to the client, and your desired return for that time.

To set the first price, check what other local providers charge for comparable services. You do not need to match anyone exactly, but avoid underpricing so low that you cannot cover materials or time. Be clear on which extras are included and which cost more.

When talking money with a new client, be straightforward. Give the total for the service, mention any extra fees (travel, heavy colouring, or additional time) before you start, and confirm payment methods. If you require a deposit or prepayment for a first appointment, say so when you book.

Be prepared to issue a receipt or invoice if a client asks. If you are unsure how to do that correctly, ask the Croatian Tax Administration what you need to issue and keep for tax purposes.

• List services with estimated time and included materials
• Compare local prices before deciding your first price
• State extras and travel fees up front
• Ask for a deposit for bookings where no-show risk is high
• Confirm accepted payment methods before the appointment

What the first ten customers usually look like

Your first customers are often people you already know or can reach easily: neighbours, friends, family, colleagues. They tend to book simple services so you can build confidence and photos for your portfolio. Early customers may accept a small introductory price if you offer one, but many will expect professional quality regardless of price.

You will also see a mix of walk-ins or local referrals and at least a few online enquiries if you advertise. Expect some variety: an older client who prefers conversation and repeat appointments, a younger client who judges by photos and online presence, and someone booking a quick cut between errands.

Use these first appointments as learning opportunities: note typical timings, how long styling actually takes, which materials you use, and what clients ask about pricing or timing. That information helps you tweak your service list and your availability.

• Friends, family and neighbours - likely first bookings
• Colleagues and school contacts
• Local walk-ins or referrals from early clients
• Clients who found you online or via a profile page

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Croatia

If you plan to take money for hairdressing as an independent person in Croatia, check registration and tax obligations before you start. Ask the Croatian Tax Administration - what to ask: how to register activity, invoicing rules, VAT thresholds, and how to report income and pay income tax and contributions.

Also check with the local city or municipal office and the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (Hrvatska obrtnička komora) about whether you should register an obrt or other legal form for your activity, and about any local permits or hygiene requirements for a home salon or mobile work.

If you are unsure about health insurance or pension contributions after you start earning, ask the relevant authorities such as HZMO or HZZO which items you must pay or declare based on your employment status. If clients ask for receipts or invoices, confirm with the Tax Administration what documents you must issue.

• Ask Croatian Tax Administration about registration, invoicing and VAT
• Ask the Chamber of Trades and Crafts or local office about registering an obrt
• Ask health and pension authorities about contributions based on your status
• Keep records of income and expenses from day one

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Several problems appear often at the start. Underpricing too low makes it hard to cover costs and time. Lack of clear booking and cancellation rules leads to no-shows and lost time. Poor photo documentation or no way for customers to see your services online reduces trust.

Other common issues are not tracking expenses, which complicates taxes, and inconsistent opening times that confuse clients. Communication problems - vague messages about time, location or price - cause misunderstandings. Finally, relying on a single source of clients is risky; if the main source changes, income drops quickly.

Avoid these by documenting prices and services, setting simple booking and cancellation rules, keeping an expense log, and asking early clients for feedback or short written references you can show on your profile.

• Underpricing and not covering material or travel costs
• No-show clients without a cancellation policy
• Poor online presence or lack of photos
• Not keeping basic income and expense records
• Relying on one channel for most clients

How a Websta profile fits into this work

A Websta profile is a single page you can send to anyone that lists your services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. It is also discoverable in a marketplace where people nearby can find providers by service and place. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe; you set your prices.

Use that page as your centralized booking and proof of what you offer. Send the link when someone asks, include it on a business card, and use it in social posts. The profile reduces back-and-forth by showing services and available times, and the booking tool can reduce missed calls and messages.

A profile does not replace legal steps: you still need to check registration and invoicing requirements. But it helps present consistent information and reach customers who look online.

• A single page with services, photos, prices and booking
• Discoverable in a marketplace by service and place
• Card payments handled through Stripe to your bank account
• You remain in control of prices and scheduling

Practical next steps and keeping momentum

Start small and local: offer a clear list of 3-5 services, test prices with people you know, and record how long each service really takes. Create a Websta profile and put up photos of recent work. Ask early clients for permission to use their photos and for short recommendations.

Keep simple records of bookings, income and expenses from day one. Set a clear cancellation rule and a small deposit policy if you need it. Contact the Croatian Tax Administration and your local Chamber of Trades and Crafts to confirm registration and invoice requirements. Build slowly: regular quality work and clear communication bring repeat bookings and word of mouth.

Be patient. Growing a client base takes time and consistent service rather than sudden shortcuts. Use tools that reduce administrative work so you can focus on the craft.

• Define 3-5 core services and test them locally
• Create a Websta profile with photos and booking
• Keep records and confirm tax and registration steps
• Ask early clients for feedback and referrals