The above was for everyone, because Tan Hopes has asked the very questions that everyone new to the industry is thinking and wondering -- thanks for that!!
Now - for Tan Hopes - my "advice" would be -- read the above, and see if you feel you can adequately address each of them. If so -
sure, open a salon - you have as much chance as anyone to be successful, and in fact, if you can do all of those things, probably MORE chance than most because many don't even think those things through!!!!
Just understand, that in the particular market that YOU are considering, you will have ONE competitor who already does all of those things, PLUS has the benefit of a huge organization of many years history behind them.
They will pay less for equipment than you, less for rent, less for advertising, less for buildouts, less for products, less for
insurance, etc.
They will benefit MORE from their advertising dollars (one radio ad or billboard can advertise 10 stores - for the same cost) and already go in branded with very good name recognition which will create a much greater "reach" for their message.
They will have more capital, so if there were to be a "war" (and Robbie does NOT have the reputation of being a vindictive or "nasty" competitor, but not a doormat either!), they will be able to outlast you. Or, maybe the two of you will "survive" and the other operators in the market will all fold, and leave plenty for you both!
If it were me - I'd probably call and try to set up a time to meet with Robbie. There might even be an opportunity to use your customer skills experience and enthusiasm and work ethic within his organization, perhaps as a manager or regional trainer, maybe as a licensee for a new store in this market?? Might give you many of the "opportunities" to do what you see an opening for, with fewer of the risks.
Just a thought -- best of luck no matter which way you go! Keep us posted!!!