With the growing popularity of hair extensions, many entrepreneurs are wondering if selling them online is a profitable venture. In this article, we’ll discuss whether selling hair extensions on Shopify is worth trying and how it might fit into your business plans. 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer idea of the potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities that come with running a hair extension store on Shopify.

Is selling hair extensions profitable?

Selling hair extensions can indeed be a profitable business when approached strategically. Success hinges on offering high-quality products, implementing effective marketing strategies, and cultivating a loyal customer base. However, profitability is influenced by factors such as market demand, competition, and operational expenses.

The average retail price for hair extensions varies depending on the type and quality. For instance, clip-in extensions typically range from $200 to $600, while more permanent methods like fusion extensions can cost between $600 and $3,000. 

Assuming an average order value of $195 and one sale per day, annual gross sales would amount to approximately $71,175. Profit margins in the hair extension industry generally range from 30% to 60%. Applying a 50% profit margin to the aforementioned sales figure results in an estimated annual net profit of around $35,587.50.

Should you sell hair extensions on Shopify?

I’ve often wondered if Shopify is the right platform for selling hair extensions, considering the unique challenges in that market. It’s definitely something that has pros and cons, and it depends on your goals and how you want to run your business. Right now, I’ll break down the key points to help you figure out if Shopify is the best fit for selling hair extensions.

• Ease of Setup: I was able to create my store within a day without hiring a developer or learning to code. Their drag-and-drop builder let me design the store exactly how I wanted, which allowed me to start focusing on building my brand immediately.
• Scalability: Whether you’re selling 10 or 1,000 products, Shopify can handle it. I’ve seen businesses grow fast, and Shopify keeps up without a hitch.
• Seamless Integration with Suppliers: Many hair extension suppliers are already integrated with Shopify through apps like Spocket. This made it simple for me to manage inventory, automate order fulfillment, and reduce logistics hassles.
• Payment Gateway Flexibility: Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways. I used Shopify Payments and PayPal to cater to both local and international customers, which increased my conversion rate. 
• Marketing and Sales Tools: Shopify’s SEO tools helped my products rank higher on Google. I also ran Instagram ads directly linked to my Shopify store, which drove traffic effectively. The built-in discount code feature made it easy to create promotions, which attracted more customers during peak sales periods like Black Friday.
• Customer Support: Shopify provides 24/7 customer support, which is a big plus when you’re dealing with any issues, especially during peak sales periods. The ability to quickly resolve issues has been crucial in maintaining customer trust and minimizing disruptions.

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Selling hair extensions on Shopify: How to get started?

When preparing to start an online hair extension business on Shopify, I’ve been there myself, wondering where to start and what steps to take to get everything running smoothly. In the section below, I’ll break it all down step by step so you can confidently set up your Shopify store and start selling those extensions.

Step 1: Define Your Target Market

Think about their age, lifestyle, and what kind of extensions they might prefer. Understanding your target audience will help you create more effective marketing and product strategies.

Step 2: Build Your Shopify Store

Sign up for Shopify and create your store. Use a theme that suits your brand and makes browsing easy for customers. I found that choosing the right theme makes a big difference in customer experience.

You can check out Build a Shopify Store for step-by-step guidance. 

Step 3: Source Quality Hair Extensions

Your products need to be high quality, so finding a reliable supplier is key. Apps like Spocket make it easy to integrate suppliers with Shopify, saving time and ensuring smooth operations.

However, personally, I reached out to suppliers directly to ask questions—it helped me build trust and make sure they matched my standards.

Step 4: Set Up Product Listings

Upload great photos and detailed descriptions of your hair extensions. Include length, color options, and care instructions. This part can take time, but it’s worth it. Quality product pages help build trust with customers.

Step 5: Set Up Payments and Shipping

Enable payment options like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Stripe. Set up your shipping rates based on where you’re delivering to. Offering free shipping can be a good incentive for customers, and I’ve found it helps reduce cart abandonment.

Step 6: Market Your Store

Use social media like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your products. Partner with influencers if possible—they can help you reach a bigger audience. I also ran some targeted ads on Facebook to get initial traction.

Step 7: Analyze and Optimize

Once your store is running, use Shopify’s analytics (with Live View and Reports function) to see what’s working. Look at traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior. This data will show you what needs improvement so you can tweak your marketing and product pages.

FAQs

Can I sell hair extensions on Shopify? 

Yes, you can sell hair extensions on Shopify. It’s a great platform for setting up an online store, and it has all the tools you need to get started, from payment processing to marketing.

Can you sell used hair extensions? 

Selling used hair extensions is generally not recommended due to hygiene concerns. Most customers prefer new, high-quality extensions, but if you do consider them, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

What industry is selling hair extensions? 

Selling hair extensions falls under the beauty and personal care industry. It’s a growing market, especially with trends in hairstyling and fashion.

Is there money for hair extensions? 

Yes, there is definitely money in hair extensions. Profit margins can be quite high, especially if you source quality products and market them effectively. The key is to find your niche and offer excellent customer service.

Final thoughts

Overall, we have shown you all of the important information about selling hair extensions on Shopify. Keep in mind that creating a profitable hair extension business requires time and work. Prepare yourself to change your tactics as you gain knowledge and experience. You can establish a successful hair extensions store on Shopify with commitment, focus on quality, and a customer-centric strategy.

Author bio: Elsie

This is Elsie from Jen Hair Vietnam, who is a renowned content marketer and a true master in the art of hair extensions. Her extensive understanding of numerous methods such as fusion, weave, clip-ins and so on enables her to develop unique solutions that boost the branding values.