This weekend I went to a new barber shop with my son. The first thing that happened was that I couldn’t get the front door open, and once I did, I came in loud and full of enthusiasm!
Hay que empujar la puerta con ganas aquí! – You gotta push this door like you mean it!
Everyone in there looked at me because I was loud, and they also gave me a puzzled look because I had trouble opening the door. Once we walked in, the little dance began. I explained to my son that most of the people in there were waiting for a specific barber. Though there are no official schedules or appointments, there is definitely an unwritten order when it comes to being seen.
My son was surprised. How is that? Don’t you just walk in, get a barber, pay, and go? Well yes, in theory that’s the process, but in real life it’s not quite like that. For example, a barber can prioritize an established client ahead of you by saying, “he had an appointment.” How could you prove otherwise?
So you’re basically waiting for someone to free up, not have someone else waiting, or deciding not to take a break, etc. When you’re new at an established local barbershop, it can feel like you’re asking for acceptance, almost like an audition. It’s an unusual experience, especially since you’re the paying customer, but that’s how it often is at these neighborhood spots. There’s an unwritten code. My son noticed how some guys just walked in and were seen quickly, while I was sitting there waiting for someone to free up.
Eventually one barber became available, and it seemed like he didn’t have a queue. He didn’t invite me over or acknowledge me, which is just how it goes. If you expect the traditional business protocol here, you might be mistaken. So I nodded at the guy and pointed at the chair, and he nodded back. That meant it was my turn.
One more thing to consider: if a barber doesn’t have a queue, it could mean they’re less in demand. Trying out barbers at a new shop is all about trial and error. That wasn’t the case here though; he was pretty good. But it’s something to keep in mind. Like any business, the busier someone is, especially in this kind of field, the more likely it is they’re skilled and well-regarded.
Once you become a regular and have your “guy,” you can usually call them for an appointment or just walk in, greet them, and they’ll automatically queue you up. That’s a small glimpse into barbershop dynamics. And don’t even get me started on the conversations that go on in there!
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