Opening or expanding a barbershop is a big step—and like most big steps, it comes with serious costs. From buildouts and licenses to marketing and branding, the list adds up fast. One of the biggest expenses? Your furniture and equipment.
At Buy-Rite Beauty, we’ve been working with barbers for over 80 years, and we know how critical it is to balance quality with budget. Buying used barber equipment—especially high-ticket items like barber chairs and stations—can be a smart move when done right. That said, there are some very specific things to watch out for in the world of used barber furniture.
Here are our expert tips to help you make the right decisions and avoid costly mistakes:
1. Choose Trusted Barber Brands
Barber equipment is built for daily, heavy-duty use—and not all brands are up to the task. If you’re buying used, we strongly recommend sticking to names you can trust:
Takara Belmont especially stands out for its legacy in barbering, having acquired the iconic Koken brand. These companies manufacture equipment that is built to last—often for decades—and offer replacement parts like pumps, bases, footrests, and recline mechanisms. That’s something you won’t find with off-brand imports or bargain-basement chairs.
If a chair wasn’t high quality when it was new, chances are it’s not worth investing in now—especially after a few years of wear in a busy barbershop.
2. Barber Chairs Are Heavy—Plan Accordingly
Barber chairs are extremely heavy, often weighing 250–300 pounds or more. If you're picking one up yourself, be prepared:
- Bring at least two strong people (preferably more)
- Use a vehicle with a liftgate or ramp if possible
- Protect your floors and walls—these chairs are awkward to move
Chairs this heavy aren’t just difficult to transport—they can also damage floors or injure movers if not handled properly. Always plan ahead.
3. Inspect Welds, Bolts & Hydraulic Pumps
While high-end barber chairs are built to last, years of use—especially with heavy client loads—can lead to stress on the structure. When inspecting a used barber chair:
- Look closely at welded joints for cracks or rust
- Check all bolts and fasteners for tightness or missing hardware
- Test the pump with someone sitting in the chair (not just empty)
Many pumps appear functional when unweighted but fail under real-world conditions. A failing pump can cost hundreds to replace, so test thoroughly.
4. Look for Complete Matching Stations (And Consider Tool Boxes!)
If you're outfitting a multi-chair barbershop, visual consistency matters. Piecing together mismatched chairs and stations can hurt your brand image. Your best bet? Look for:
- A closing barbershop selling off all of their equipment together
- Package deals from other barbers downsizing or moving to suites
Also, more barbers today are adding toolboxes to their stations—and for good reason. They offer durable, organized storage for clippers, guards, shears, and more. If you're sourcing used gear, don’t overlook used rolling tool chests or carts—they’re often a more practical, cost-effective choice than traditional cabinetry.
5. Inspect Carefully for Wear, Stains, and Repairs
Barber chairs and stations take a beating. Make sure you:
- Inspect the upholstery for rips, tears, and chemical stains
- Test the recline mechanism, footrest, and pump action
- Examine drawers and cabinets for water damage or broken tracks
Keep in mind: it can be more expensive to reupholster a chair than to buy a new one. Likewise, many stations get damaged during removal, especially if they were wall-mounted. Look for discoloration from disinfectants, rust on hardware, and signs of repairs.
6. Use the Right Platforms to Buy
Your best bets for finding used barber furniture are:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- Local stylist or barber groups
The best deals often come from word of mouth. Ask your network if they know of shops closing or moving. Avoid sites like eBay unless you can inspect the item locally—shipping large, heavy items like barber chairs is risky and expensive, with a high chance of damage.
7. Don’t Overpay for Used Equipment
It’s easy to overvalue used barber furniture, especially if you’re comparing it to full retail pricing. But the reality is, many new chairs and stations are priced affordably—and they come with warranties and support.
As a general rule, you should never pay more than 25% of the cost of a new version for a used item—unless it’s in exceptional condition and from a top-tier brand.
Before you buy, check the new price on sites like Buy-Rite Beauty. You might be surprised how little the difference is, especially when you factor in peace of mind and warranty coverage.
New + Used: The Smart Mix
Many barbers find success by mixing used and new furniture. Maybe you score a great deal on used barber chairs but want new stations or shampoo units. Or you need a new reception desk to tie everything together.
At Buy-Rite Beauty, we work with barbers every day to find that perfect balance. Whether you're working with hand-me-downs or building out your dream shop, we can help you fill the gaps, match styles, and source parts.
We also carry replacement parts for most major brands, including pumps, footrests, chair bases, and more—so even if you’ve found a good used piece, we can help you keep it running like new.
Need Help Outfitting Your Barbershop?
Whether you're going all-new or blending in pre-owned pieces, Buy-Rite Beauty is here to help. With over 80 years of industry experience, our expert team can guide you through layout planning, equipment selection, and even sourcing parts for older gear.
