Commission split, explained
A split is written barber-first: 60/40 means the barber keeps 60% and the shop keeps 40%. Shops in Canada commonly sit between 40/60 and 60/40, and the number tracks what the shop carries. A shop supplying product, chairs, front desk, marketing and the client flow sits at the lower end for the barber. A shop that hands over a chair and a booking link sits at the higher end.
Commission is the opposite risk profile to booth rent. The barber earns nothing on an empty day and never owes the shop money, so a new barber building a book is safer on commission and a booked-solid barber is usually better off on rent. Retail is a separate percentage — product commission is normally lower than service commission, because the shop paid for the inventory.
The mistake shops make most is splitting on the wrong number. Tips belong to the barber and never enter the split. Tax is not revenue and never enters it either. Card fees, promo codes and refunds have to be handled the same way every period or the barber will find the inconsistency before you do.
Percentage of sales is one of BarberFlow's two pay models, set per barber. Service commission and retail product commission are separate percentages, so the shelf can pay differently than the chair. Payouts run off the same numbers the POS recorded, so nobody rebuilds the math in a spreadsheet on Sunday night.
See EmployeesFrequently asked questions
What is a normal commission split for a barber in Canada?
Most Canadian shops use a split between 40/60 and 60/40 in the barber's favour, and the exact number depends on what the shop supplies. A shop covering product, front desk, marketing and client flow keeps a larger share than one renting out a chair and a booking link.
Do barbers get commission on retail products?
Usually yes, at a separate and lower percentage than services, because the shop paid for the inventory. A 10% product commission on a $30 pomade pays the barber $3 while the shop recovers its cost and margin.
Are tips included in a commission split?
No. Tips belong to the barber who earned them and are paid out in full on top of commission. Sales tax is also excluded, since it is money collected for the government rather than shop revenue.