Intro
Every professional barber knows that having the right tools and products is key to delivering high-quality service. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, finding reliable barber supplies can make or break your business. But with so many options—local stores, online shops, and Amazon—it can be tough to decide where to source your clippers, trimmers, and consumables.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of each option, helping you make informed choices that enhance your barbershop’s efficiency and client satisfaction. As an Amazon affiliate, we’ll also highlight some of the best supplies available on Amazon, a platform that has become a top contender in the barber supply industry.
Local Barber Supply Stores: Are They Worth the Trip?
Pros:
- Immediate Access to Supplies
One of the biggest advantages of buying from a local barber supply store is the immediate access to products. Whether you need clippers, trimmers, or Barbicide, you can walk in, purchase your items, and walk out with them on the same day. For a busy barber running low on consumables like razors or towels, this instant access is a major plus. - Personalized Customer Service
Local stores often provide a personal touch you won’t find online. Store owners and staff can offer tailored advice, product demonstrations, and personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. This hands-on approach can be invaluable, especially if you’re testing a new brand of clippers or want to try out a new trimmer before committing to it. - Supporting Local Businesses
Many barbers feel a sense of pride in supporting local businesses. Shopping locally can foster community relationships, and in return, local suppliers may offer exclusive deals or priority service for loyal customers.
Cons:
- Limited Inventory
While local stores offer quick access, they often have limited stock. If you’re searching for a specific model of clipper, trimmer, or a particular brand of Barbicide, you may be out of luck. Many local stores simply don’t have the space to carry a wide variety of products, and special orders can take time to arrive. - Higher Prices
The personalized service and convenience of local stores often come with a higher price tag. Overhead costs, such as rent and wages, tend to drive up prices, meaning you might pay more for the same product compared to online or Amazon. - Inconvenient Hours
If you’re a busy barber, finding time to visit a local store during business hours can be challenging. Most barbershops are busiest during weekends, which may also be when local supply stores are closed or have reduced hours.
Best for:
Local barber supply stores are ideal if you need something immediately, value personalized service, or want to support small businesses. However, for variety and competitive pricing, online options are often more appealing.
Using Amazon to Price Compare and Price Match with Local Shops
One of the biggest advantages of using Amazon is the ability to easily compare prices with local barber supply shops, ensuring you get the best deal. Many barbers take advantage of Amazon’s vast marketplace to check the current prices of clippers, trimmers, and consumables before making a purchase decision. If you find a product for a lower price on Amazon—like the BaBylissPRO Barberology Clipper available here—you can often use that information to negotiate or price match at your local store. Some local shops are willing to match Amazon’s price or offer a discount to retain your business. This strategy lets you enjoy the convenience of local pick-up while still benefiting from Amazon’s competitive pricing. For consumables like Barbicide or clipper oil, it’s also helpful to compare bulk prices on Amazon, which often offer further savings, especially with programs like “Subscribe & Save.”
Online Barber Supply Stores: More Choices, But Slower Delivery
Online barber supply shops, such as Sally Beauty and Barber Depot, offer a middle ground between local stores and Amazon. These shops specialize in professional-grade tools and products specifically tailored for barbers.
Pros:
- Wider Selection
Online supply stores often carry a more extensive selection of products than local shops. You’ll find a variety of clippers, trimmers, and specialty items like straight razors or high-end shears. Plus, you can compare brands and models more easily before making a decision. - Specialized Products
Online retailers often cater specifically to barbers, offering niche items like unique blade oils, specialized clipper guards, or even custom-branded towels. If you need something beyond the basics, an online store may be your best bet. - Mid-Tier Pricing
Online barber supply stores usually offer more competitive pricing than local stores. While they may not always match Amazon’s prices, you can often find good deals, especially when combined with sales or bulk purchases.
Cons:
- Slower Delivery
The main downside to shopping online is the waiting period. Even with express shipping, it might take a few days for your order to arrive. If you’re in urgent need of a new set of clippers or you’ve run out of Barbicide, waiting for a delivery can disrupt your workflow. - Limited Customer Service
Unlike local stores, online retailers can’t offer personalized customer service or hands-on demonstrations. While many online stores have customer service teams, their advice is often limited compared to what you’d get in-store. - Return Hassles
Returning items purchased online can be more complicated than walking into a local store. This can be particularly frustrating if you receive a faulty product or realize the clipper you ordered isn’t a good fit for your needs.
Best for:
If you’re looking for specialized or niche products and don’t mind waiting for delivery, online barber supply stores offer a good balance of variety and pricing. Just be prepared for potential delays in shipping and fewer customer service options.
Amazon: The One-Stop-Shop for Barber Supplies
Amazon has revolutionized how we shop, and barber supplies are no exception. From professional-grade clippers and trimmers to consumables like Barbicide and towels, Amazon has a vast selection at competitive prices.
Pros:
- Unmatched Selection
Amazon’s selection is unparalleled. Whether you’re looking for a high-end Wahl Professional 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip available here on Amazon, or a basic pack of disposable razors, you can find nearly anything you need with a quick search. They also carry an array of consumables, such as Barbicide disinfectant and Sanek Neck Strips, making it easy to stock up on everything in one go. - Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s massive scale allows it to offer some of the lowest prices around. Plus, you’ll often find daily deals or discounts on professional-grade equipment. For barbers working on tight budgets, the cost savings can be substantial, especially when purchasing items like clipper blades, razor blades, or trimmer oils in bulk. - Fast, Reliable Delivery
With Amazon Prime, many products are available with same-day or two-day delivery. This is especially valuable for barbers who can’t afford to wait a week for supplies. If you run out of Barbicide or your trusty trimmer dies unexpectedly, Amazon’s speedy delivery ensures you’re back in business fast. - Easy Returns
If you receive a defective product or decide that the clipper you ordered isn’t quite right for your needs, Amazon’s return process is easy and hassle-free. This flexibility offers peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with a product you don’t want. - Customer Reviews
Amazon’s extensive customer review system is a game-changer. Before purchasing any barber supply, you can check hundreds (or even thousands) of reviews from other buyers. This gives you an idea of how well a product performs in real-world conditions. For example, a highly rated clipper like the Andis Master Cordless Clipper available here provides reassurance from fellow professionals.
Cons:
- Lack of Personalized Service
While Amazon is great for convenience, it lacks the personalized customer service of local or specialized online stores. You won’t get hands-on demonstrations or advice tailored to your specific needs. If you’re trying a new product for the first time, this can be a disadvantage. - Potential for Counterfeit Products
Because Amazon’s marketplace includes third-party sellers, there is always a risk of counterfeit or subpar products. Always check that you’re buying from reputable sellers, preferably those directly linked to the manufacturer. - Overwhelming Choices
Amazon’s massive selection can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of options, particularly when comparing various models of clippers or trimmers. While customer reviews help, some barbers may find it difficult to choose between similar products.
Best for:
Amazon is the best option for barbers who want a one-stop-shop for all their supply needs, offering convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. It’s ideal for those who need fast delivery and want the assurance of easy returns. Just be mindful of counterfeit products and choose sellers wisely.
See our full Amazon Guide here.
Finding the Best Deals on Barber Supplies
One of the best ways to save on barber supplies is to keep an eye out for deals, particularly during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day. Prime Day, which happens once a year, is a great opportunity to stock up on professional-grade tools and consumables at significantly reduced prices. From Wahl clippers to bulk packs of disposable razors, many essential barber supplies often see deep discounts. Amazon’s lightning deals and flash sales during this event can help you score high-quality products, such as Andis trimmers or Sanek Neck Strips, at a fraction of their regular price. If you plan ahead and create a wishlist of products, you can quickly grab the items you need when they drop in price, ensuring that your barbershop stays fully stocked without breaking the bank. Additionally, subscribing to Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” program for consumables like razor blades and towels can further maximize your savings throughout the year.
Key Barber Supplies: Clippers, Trimmers, and Consumables
Now that we’ve compared sourcing options, let’s focus on specific barber supplies that every professional should consider, regardless of where you shop.
Clippers and Trimmers
Clippers and trimmers are the backbone of any barber’s toolkit. When choosing these tools, it’s essential to consider their power, battery life, and weight for comfortable, all-day use. Brands like Wahl, Andis, and BaBylissPro dominate the market, offering options for every barber’s budget and style.
- Wahl Professional 5-Star Cordless Magic Clip available here: A favorite among barbers for its lightweight, cordless design and ability to deliver sharp, clean fades.
- Babyliss Pro Clippers available here: Known for its powerful motor and precision cutting, it’s ideal for professional barbers who demand
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Barber Supply Needs
When it comes to sourcing barber supplies, each option—local shops, online stores, and Amazon—has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Local shops offer personalized service and immediate access but can be more expensive and have limited inventory. Online barber supply stores provide a wider range of specialized products, but you’ll need to plan for slower shipping times. Amazon, with its unmatched selection, fast delivery through Prime, and competitive pricing, stands out as the most convenient and cost-effective solution for many barbers. Whether you’re looking for professional clippers, like the Wahl Magic Clip available here, consumables like Barbicide, or bulk packs of disposable razors, Amazon can meet your needs while saving you time and money. By taking advantage of sales events like Prime Day and comparing prices across platforms, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal on high-quality tools and supplies to keep your barbershop running smoothly. Ultimately, finding the right balance between price, quality, and convenience will ensure that your barbershop remains well-stocked and ready to serve your clients efficiently.
