In a crowded industry with over 220,000 barbershops across the United States, Floyd Klein has carved out a distinctive position as a premium barber whose business model defies conventional wisdom.
The founder of Floyd Klein Studios in Philadelphia and a third-generation barber rejects the high-volume, low-margin approach that dominates much of the barbering landscape. His signature razor-cutting techniques, honed through intensive training at the London School of Barbering and years of practice, have earned him a devoted clientele including professional athletes from his days with the Philadelphia Phillies. Klein’s studio consistently books weeks in advance despite charging premium rates that exceed typical market prices, proving that quality can indeed command value in an often price-sensitive industry.
With industry growth outpacing many other sectors, standing out requires more than technical skill. It demands business savvy, brand clarity, and a deep commitment to craft that many barbers struggle to balance with commercial realities.
Finding Your Price Point
Perhaps no topic generates more anxiety among barbers than pricing. Charge too little, and you’re leaving money on the table while potentially signaling low quality. Charge too much, and you risk driving away clients before they experience the value you provide.
“Many barbers make the mistake of pricing based solely on what others in their area charge,” Klein explains. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we take a different approach—we calculate our rates based on the value we provide, the expertise behind our services, and what allows us to deliver consistently excellent results without rushing.”
This value-based pricing strategy requires confidence backed by skill. Klein spent years honing his craft, including intensive training at the London School of Barbering following his decision to leave sports analytics and fully commit to the family barbering tradition.
“I couldn’t justify premium prices without premium skills,” Klein acknowledges. “The investment in my training wasn’t just about improving technique—it was about building the confidence to charge what my work was genuinely worth.”
For barbers struggling with pricing decisions, Klein recommends a gradual approach rather than dramatic increases. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we started with modest price increases that reflected real improvements in our service quality. As client demand grew and our expertise deepened, we continued adjusting our rates to maintain balance between accessibility and sustainability.”
Competing in a Crowded Market
With barbering jobs projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, competition has never been more intense. In this crowded landscape, Klein believes differentiation is essential but must be authentic rather than gimmicky.
“At Floyd Klein Studios, we don’t try to be all things to all people,” he explains. “We focus on what we do exceptionally well—precision cuts, razor work, and personalized service—rather than chasing every trend.”
This focused approach extends to target clients. Rather than attempting to appeal to the broadest possible market, Floyd Klein Studios caters to clients who value quality over convenience and are willing to pay for expertise.
“Finding your niche doesn’t limit your business—it strengthens it,” Klein asserts. “When you become known as the best at serving a particular clientele or performing specific services, you create natural differentiation that’s hard for competitors to replicate.”
Education as Competitive Advantage
In an industry where technical skills can begin to plateau, Klein believes ongoing education provides both personal fulfillment and competitive advantage. His commitment to continuous learning includes regular attendance at advanced workshops, peer exchanges with master barbers, and experimentation with new techniques.
“The moment you think you know everything about barbering is the moment you start falling behind,” Klein warns. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we budget time and money for education every year—not just technical training but business development, client communication, and other skills that enhance the total service experience.”
This educational mindset extends to Klein’s approach with clients. Rather than treating haircuts as transactional services, barbers at Floyd Klein Studios take time to educate clients about their hair type, optimal styling methods, and product selection. This consultative approach transforms a simple haircut into a comprehensive grooming solution.
Beyond his Philadelphia studio, Klein extends his industry influence through his weekly podcast ‘The Cutting Edge,’ where he tackles the business side of barbering that many professionals struggle with. ‘On the podcast, I bring in shop owners who’ve cracked the code on pricing, client retention, and sustainable growth,’ Klein explains. ‘We go deep on topics most barber schools never touch—like calculating your true hourly cost, negotiating commercial leases, or structuring commission systems that actually retain talent.’ With thousands of downloads per episode, this audio platform has become a virtual mentorship program for barbers looking to transform their technical skills into thriving businesses.
Building Client Loyalty in the Instagram Era
While social media has created unprecedented opportunities for barbers to showcase their work, it has also contributed to a culture of client transiency. Many clients now follow multiple barbers online, booking with whoever posts the most impressive transformation that week.
Klein has observed this trend with interest but remains committed to building long-term client relationships rather than chasing viral content. “At Floyd Klein Studios, our social media presence is authentic rather than aspirational,” he explains. “We share real client results and genuine shop moments rather than highly filtered, unrealistic images.”
To strengthen loyalty, Floyd Klein Studios maintains detailed client records that go beyond basic preferences. “Remembering personal details—from a client’s upcoming vacation to their son’s baseball tournament—creates connections that transcend the service itself. People remain loyal to barbers who make them feel valued as individuals, not just as appointments.”
Another loyalty driver is the shop’s approach to scheduling. While many high-demand barbers create artificial scarcity to build prestige, Floyd Klein Studios prioritizes accommodation for regular clients, ensuring they can maintain consistent appointment schedules that suit their lives.
Managing Business Realities
Beyond the creative aspects of barbering lie practical considerations that determine business viability. From lease negotiations to insurance requirements, barbers must navigate complex operational issues with limited formal business training.
“The romanticized version of barbering rarely acknowledges the back-office work that keeps the lights on,” Klein points out. “At Floyd Klein Studios, I spend about 30% of my time on business management—everything from inventory control to financial planning to regulatory compliance.”
For barbers considering shop ownership, Klein recommends starting with a detailed business plan that addresses both visible aspects (location, design, service menu) and behind-the-scenes elements (cash flow projections, staffing models, contingency planning).
The Professional Mindset
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Klein’s approach is his professional mindset—treating barbering not just as a creative outlet but as a serious career deserving of the same respect as any skilled profession.
“There’s sometimes a casual attitude in barbering that undermines our collective value,” Klein reflects. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we approach our work with the same professionalism you’d expect from any specialized service provider, from appointment policies to continuing education to ethical business practices.”
This professionalism manifests in everything from the shop’s punctuality to its transparent communication with clients. Klein believes this approach elevates not just his individual business but contributes to raising standards across the industry.
As the barbering industry continues evolving, Klein remains optimistic about opportunities for barbers who combine craftsmanship with business intelligence. Despite increasing competition, he sees room for distinctive voices and approaches that transcend commodity service.
“The future belongs to barbers who view themselves as both artists and entrepreneurs,” Klein predicts. “Technical skill alone won’t guarantee success in tomorrow’s market, nor will business savvy without quality service. The sweet spot lies in bringing both aspects into balance.”