I'm looking at a 5 seat shop with possible expansion space in the future, waiting chairs in front of the barbers . . . I could put in a 10 x 15 room for a couple poker tables (or something) and a few vending machines (drinks & snax), and let card players sign up to play poker (I know a bunch of guys who play whist and bridge), the idea being that card players in the shop every night would add to the word of mouth advertising, add to the shop's 'atmosphere,' and I figure if they buy $15 of stuff from the vending machines, it would pay for rent on that part of the floor space.
. . . . anyway, that's what I've got in mind . . . a sort of friendly joint, yah.

On the other hand, some guys prefer going to shops where they take you into a 10' x 10' cubicle, and you get your haircut in private, your choice of music, whatever. I couldn't see myself cooped up in room that small all day long, so that sort of place isn't in the running . . .
On another hand, some guys prefer not to be seated in front of barbers (I don't know why, it just is) and prefer seating in a waiting area out front. I have to pick one format or the other, and personally lean toward having clients sit in front of the barbers (always seemed to work in shops I've worked in), but figured I'd poll the collective wisdom of the Omniscients on this board . . .

What about TV?
Personally, I prefer light jazz in the background, lively conversation in the foreground. TV, with its loud commercials & etc, irritate the blank out of me, especially if it runs all day long. But what do y'all think? Good idea or no? I guess I could put one in the poker room . . .

10,000 Texas-Sized thanks,
--Tock