The Business of Style

Did you know your WorkSafeBC premiums could rise next year? And that how you handle tips could affect your reporting? A recent conversation with WorkSafeBC shed light on both of these important issues that every salon, spa, and barbershop owner should understand. 1. How WorkSafeBC Wants You to Report Tips WorkSafeBC is planning to all have salon owners, independent chair renters, and aestheticians to include verifiable tips when calculating total salaries on their annual payroll reports. Edit Oct. 28, 2025: WorkSafeBC is planning to implement the change in the first quarter (Jan - Mar) of 2026. This article is so you can prepare for the upcoming changes. So what counts as “verifiable”? Verifiable tips are those that can be traced and confirmed through your records—typically tips processed through your POS or credit card system. Non-verifiable tips—like a $20 bill handed directly to a stylist—don’t count toward this total because there’s no documentation. The reasoning is simple: if a worker gets hurt and receives compensation from WorkSafeBC, that payout should reflect their true earnings, including tips. However, this creates a bit of a headache because WorkSafeBC’s rules differ from the Canada Revenue Agency’s. CRA uses the terms controlled and uncontrolled tips. If the salon owner handles and distributes the tips (controlled), they’re reported as part of payroll. If clients give tips directly to the worker (uncontrolled), the worker reports them personally. That means you’ll likely need to track two sets of data—one for CRA and one for WorkSafeBC. It’s extra admin work, yes, but it keeps your business compliant and audit-ready. If you’re unsure how to set this up, BeautyCouncil members can contact us for help. We can walk you through what to record and connect you to CRA or WorkSafeBC advisors for clarity. 2. A 6.7% Rate Increase Coming in 2026 WorkSafeBC also announced a projected 6.7% increase in industry premiums starting in 2026—roughly four cents more per $100 of payroll. That’s higher than inflation and above what many other sectors will see. Why? Two main reasons: The average time off work after an injury in our industry is over 100 days—longer than the provincial average of 80. That extra time off means higher costs for WorkSafeBC, which translates into higher rates for everyone in our sector. The BeautyCouncil is collaborating with WorkSafeBC and other associations to help reduce claims, improve recovery programs, and hopefully ease future increases. What You Can Do Now Review how you record and distribute tips. Make sure your staff understand how tips are tracked and reported. Keep clean records—especially for verifiable (POS-based) tips. Stay tuned for updates and surveys from us; your feedback helps us advocate for fairer rates. Need guidance? If you’re a BeautyCouncil member, reach out anytime for support on payroll reporting, tip policies, or WorkSafeBC compliance. We’re here to help you keep your business safe, fair, and in step with new regulations. See the replies from WorkSafeBC here: Watch the webinar on tipping policies here: Disclaimer: The information provided in this post reflects the author’s understanding of the subject at the time of writing. Every reader’s situation may differ, and specific circumstances or regulations can vary. Readers are encouraged to seek their own legal advice and confirm their requirements with the appropriate authorities or agencies. The BeautyCouncil and the author accept no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on this content.

In this episode, we welcome back Caylee Auge for another insightful discussion. Building on our previous conversation about doing more with less, Caylee delves into the concept of financial modeling for salon owners. She explains how to be intentional about your profit margins, the importance of understanding different business models, and why salon owners should prioritize themselves financially. Whether you're struggling to take money out of your business or taking out too much, Caylee offers a balanced approach to help you stabilize your profit margins and grow your business sustainably. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to take control of your salon's financial future.

In this comprehensive episode, we explore the multifaceted realm of human resource management in the beauty and grooming sector. We'll also address the critical issue of client data ownership and its significance for both owners and staff. Segment 1: The Role of HR in the Beauty Industry Uncover the vital role that HR plays in ensuring the prosperity and well-being of your salon, spa, or barbershop. Segment 2: Employee Agreements Gain insights into the key elements and legal aspects of employee agreements that safeguard both your enterprise and your team. Segment 3: Chair Renters vs. Employees We clarify the distinctions between chair renters and employees, providing guidance on effective management strategies for each. Segment 4: Non-Competition Legalities Learn how to navigate the complexities of non-compete clauses and their ramifications for your business and workforce. Segment 5: Payroll and Compensation Understand the different payroll structures and their legal prerequisites to ensure you're operating within the law. Segment 6: Performance Reviews and Employee Development Discover the importance of routine performance evaluations and their role in fostering employee growth. Segment 7: Employee Benefits and Perks Examine common benefits offered in the beauty industry and how they can be leveraged to enhance employee retention.

Navigating the complexities of credit card payment systems can be daunting for any salon, spa, or barbershop owner. But guess what? It doesn't have to be. This episode dives deep into the world of payment systems, demystifying fees, equipment, and much more. And this isn't just for business owners—individual chair renters, this one's for you too! What You'll Learn: 1️⃣ The Importance of the Right Payment System: Discover how your choice of a payment system can elevate the customer experience, streamline your operations, and even boost your bottom line. 2️⃣ Demystifying Fees: Chris Browes explains the types of fees you might encounter, like flat fees, interchange fees, and tiered rates. Learn why opting for the cheapest option isn't always the best route to take. 3️⃣ Equipment Choices and Costs: From traditional POS systems to cutting-edge mobile solutions, we discuss upfront and rental costs and what's optimal for different setups, including multi-station salons and individual chair renters. 4️⃣ Mobility Matters: Get insights into the advantages of mobile payment options, especially if your services extend beyond the walls of your salon or you're a chair renter hopping between locations. 5️⃣ Reliability is Key: Learn why it’s crucial to opt for a payment system known for reliability and how to handle unexpected system outages. 6️⃣ Customer Service: Hear real-life stories that highlight the critical role of customer support when things go south. 7️⃣ Software Integrations: Chris emphasizes the importance of a system that seamlessly integrates with your existing business software.

Here’s a question for you. Is there a shortage of staff these days ? Maybe the bigger question is, do we need more staff or should we be looking at how to optimize our salon or spa to do better with the team we already have? Hey beauty and barber pros, welcome to The Business of Style Podcast, brought to you by the BeautyCouncil. My name is Greg Robins and today in our first episode, we tackle the thorny problem that so many of our members are talking about - staff shortages. My guest today is Cayle Auge, a well-loved coach to the professional beauty industry and previous owner of the highly successful Vancouver salon, Hype. Stick around to hear how Caylee offers strategies to thrive with the team you have today in this 20 minute episode.