Wondering how to separate genuine professionals from chancers with clippers? Here are the essential questions that protect you from dodgy haircuts, hidden costs, and cowboys operating without proper insurance.
You’ve decided to try a mobile barber. Brilliant – no more Saturday morning queues, no more wasted time, no more reading magazines from 2019 in crowded waiting rooms.
You’ve found three or four mobile barbers on TraderStreet who operate in your area. Their profiles look reasonable. Prices seem fair. Reviews are mostly positive. Time to book, right?
Not quite yet.
Here’s what nobody tells you: the mobile barber market includes genuinely skilled professionals with years of experience, proper qualifications, and full insurance – and it also includes people who bought clippers on Amazon last month, watched some YouTube tutorials, and decided to “give mobile barbering a go” without any formal training, insurance, or clue what they’re doing.
Both groups advertise on the same platforms. Both have websites with professional-looking photos. Both charge similar prices. From the outside, they look identical.
The difference only becomes apparent when you’re sat in your kitchen chair, watching someone butcher your hair, realising they have absolutely no idea what they’re doing – and discovering they have no insurance when they accidentally nick your ear with their clippers.
This guide gives you the ten essential questions that separate professionals from amateurs. Ask these questions before you book any mobile barber, and you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of ending up with a disaster haircut (or worse – an injury claim with no insurance backing).
Some of these questions might feel awkward to ask. Ask them anyway. Professional mobile barbers expect these questions and answer them confidently. Dodgy operators get defensive, evasive, or offended – which tells you everything you need to know.
Let’s protect you from expensive mistakes.
Question 1: What Qualifications Do You Have?
This is your absolute first question. Don’t skip it. Don’t feel awkward asking it. Just ask directly.
What You’re Looking For
Minimum acceptable qualification:
- NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Barbering (or equivalent)
Better qualification:
- NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Barbering
Specialist qualifications (if relevant):
- Afro-Caribbean hair qualifications
- Wet shaving certification
- Advanced fade/design courses
Why This Matters
Anyone can buy professional clippers and call themselves a barber. There’s no legal requirement in the UK to hold barbering qualifications. But there’s an enormous difference between someone who’s completed proper training under professional supervision and someone who’s self-taught from YouTube videos.
Qualified barbers understand:
- Proper cutting techniques that work with different hair types
- Head and face anatomy (avoiding injuries)
- Hygiene and infection control
- Client consultation and communication
- How to fix mistakes when things go wrong
Unqualified barbers might deliver decent results on straightforward cuts through luck – but they’re disasters waiting to happen on anything complex.
Red Flags
“I don’t have formal qualifications but I’ve been cutting hair for years”
Experience without qualifications means they’ve been practicing without proper training. They might be competent through trial and error, but you’re taking unnecessary risk.
“I did an online course”
Online barbering courses aren’t equivalent to NVQ qualifications. They might provide theoretical knowledge but lack the supervised practical experience that matters.
“Qualifications don’t mean anything – look at my portfolio”
Professional barbers have both qualifications AND strong portfolios. If they’re dismissive about qualifications, it usually means they don’t have them.
Getting defensive or offended by the question
Professional tradespeople expect qualification questions. Getting defensive suggests they’re not qualified and resent being called out.
How to Verify
Ask to see qualification certificates. Professional mobile barbers keep digital copies on their phones or can email/WhatsApp them to you.
Most NVQ certificates include:
- Awarding body name (e.g., City & Guilds, VTCT)
- Qualification level (Level 2 or Level 3)
- Candidate name
- Date awarded
- Certificate number
If they claim qualifications but can’t produce evidence, walk away.
Question 2: Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?
This is non-negotiable. Any mobile barber without public liability insurance should not be allowed near your head with sharp objects.
What You’re Looking For
Minimum coverage:
- £1 million public liability insurance
Better coverage:
- £2-6 million public liability insurance
Bonus coverage:
- Professional indemnity insurance (covers negligence claims)
- Treatment insurance (covers specific injury/damage claims)
Why This Matters
Public liability insurance protects you (and them) when things go wrong:
Physical injury scenarios:
- You slip on hair clippings in your kitchen and injure yourself
- Clipper malfunction causes cuts or burns
- Allergic reaction to products they use
- Scissors accidentally cut you during styling
- Hot water from wet shave treatment causes scalding
Property damage scenarios:
- They knock over and break your expensive TV while setting up
- Water damage from portable basin leaks onto your carpet
- Hair dye/product stains your furniture or walls
- Their equipment causes electrical damage
Without insurance, you’d need to sue them personally for compensation – which is expensive, time-consuming, and often impossible if they have no assets. With proper insurance, claims are handled professionally through their insurer.
Red Flags
“I’ve never had an accident, so I don’t need insurance”
Insurance isn’t for accidents that have happened – it’s for accidents that might happen. This response shows dangerous complacency.
“I can’t afford insurance yet, but I’m getting it soon”
If they can’t afford £300-500/year for essential business insurance, they’re not running a legitimate business. They’re operating illegally and putting you at risk.
“Insurance is a scam, it’s not really necessary”
Massive red flag. Any tradesperson dismissing business insurance doesn’t understand professional responsibility or legal obligations.
Refusing to provide proof
If they claim to have insurance but won’t show you proof, they don’t have insurance.
How to Verify
Ask for their insurance certificate. Professional mobile barbers can email or WhatsApp their certificate immediately.
Insurance certificates show:
- Insurance company name
- Policy number
- Coverage amount (£1m, £2m, £6m)
- Coverage period (must be current, not expired)
- Policyholder name (should match barber’s business name)
If the certificate is expired, they’re currently uninsured – don’t book.
Question 3: How Long Have You Been Mobile Barbering?
Experience levels dramatically affect service quality. Understanding their experience helps set realistic expectations.
What You’re Looking For
Newly qualified (0-12 months):
- Acceptable if properly qualified
- Expect lower prices (10-20% below market average)
- Might take slightly longer on complex cuts
- Should be building portfolio with enthusiasm
Established (1-3 years):
- Should be confident with all standard services
- Pricing at market average
- Reliable scheduling and communication
- Growing regular customer base
Experienced (3-5+ years):
- Confident with complex cuts and problem-solving
- Possibly specialist expertise developed
- Pricing at or above market average
- Strong portfolio and established reputation
Why This Matters
Mobile barbering requires skills beyond just cutting hair well:
- Time management (scheduling multiple appointments efficiently)
- Navigation and logistics (finding addresses, parking, travel time estimation)
- Equipment management (maintaining cordless tools, portable setup)
- Problem-solving (working in varied environments without shop backup)
- Business administration (booking, payments, customer communication)
These skills develop through experience. Newly established mobile barbers often struggle with logistics even if they’re skilled cutters.
Red Flags
“I just started last month but I’m really good”
Confidence is good, but one month isn’t enough experience to handle the varied challenges of mobile barbering. Proceed with caution or look for more experienced options.
Vague or evasive about experience length
If they won’t give a straight answer about how long they’ve been operating, they’re probably very new and embarrassed about it.
Inconsistent experience claims
If their website says “5 years experience” but they tell you “about 2 years” on the phone, something’s not adding up.
Setting Expectations
Newly qualified barbers:
- Excellent for budget-conscious customers willing to accept some inexperience
- Perfect if you have straightforward, simple cuts
- Expect enthusiasm and eagerness to please
- Don’t expect efficient time management or complex problem-solving yet
Experienced barbers:
- Pay premium pricing for reliability and consistent quality
- Trust with complex cuts and problem hair
- Expect professional scheduling and communication
- Worth paying extra for peace of mind
Question 4: What Happens If I’m Not Happy With My Haircut?
Professional mobile barbers have clear policies for handling dissatisfaction. Amateurs hope the question never comes up.
What You’re Looking For
Good response examples:
“If there’s anything you’re not happy with, let me know immediately and I’ll fix it right away. If you’re still not satisfied after adjustments, I’ll offer a partial refund or comp your next cut.”
“I always check you’re happy before finishing. If issues come up after I’ve left, contact me within 24 hours and I’ll return to fix them at no charge.”
“Complete satisfaction is important to me. If the cut doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll work with you to make it right – whether that’s fixing the cut, partial refund, or next cut free.”
Why This Matters
Haircuts are subjective. What you envision and what the barber delivers might not align perfectly, even with good communication. Professional barbers acknowledge this reality and have systems for handling dissatisfaction.
Amateur barbers either:
- Insist every cut is perfect and refuse to acknowledge problems
- Become defensive when questioned about results
- Have no policy because they’ve never considered the possibility
Red Flags
“That’s never happened before”
Every barber occasionally has customers who aren’t completely satisfied. Claiming it’s never happened suggests dishonesty or so little experience they haven’t faced this situation yet.
“I’ll know if you’re happy – I’m a professional”
Dismissive response that ignores customer feedback. Professional barbers check satisfaction explicitly rather than assuming.
“Once I’ve left, the cut is final”
Unreasonable policy. Professional services include reasonable remedies for genuine dissatisfaction.
“You should have said something during the cut”
Customers often don’t fully assess results until after the barber’s packed up and left. Professional barbers accommodate this reality.
What Good Policies Include
- Immediate fixes: Opportunity to address concerns before barber leaves
- Return visits: Willingness to return (within 24-48 hours) to fix genuine problems
- Partial refunds: Refund portion of cost for significantly subpar work
- Future compensation: Next cut free/discounted if current cut genuinely unsatisfactory
You’re not looking for guarantees of perfection – you’re looking for acknowledgment that reasonable fixes are available if needed.
Question 5: What Are Your Total Costs Including All Fees?
Transparent pricing upfront prevents unpleasant surprises when you’re paying.
What You’re Looking For
Clear, upfront pricing that includes:
“Standard men’s cut is £35. You’re 8 miles from my base location, so there’s a £6 travel fee. Total cost will be £41. I accept bank transfer or cash.”
What you need to know:
- Base service cost
- Any travel fees (and how they’re calculated)
- Time-of-day premiums (if applicable)
- Payment methods accepted
- Whether price includes all products/services or if anything costs extra
Why This Matters
Some mobile barbers advertise attractive base rates but add multiple fees that significantly increase final cost:
- Travel fees (fair if clearly stated upfront)
- Weekend premiums (annoying but acceptable if disclosed)
- “Difficult hair” premiums (subjective and often unfair)
- Product charges (reasonable for premium products, not for standard)
- Card payment fees (increasingly unacceptable in 2026)
You need to know the actual total cost before committing to booking.
Red Flags
“It depends”
On what? If they can’t quote you a total price before booking, they’re either disorganised or deliberately vague to avoid customers shopping around.
Price significantly increases after service
“I quoted £35 but your hair was thicker than expected so it’s actually £45” is unacceptable. Prices should be fixed before service unless customer requests additional services mid-appointment.
Hidden travel fees mentioned after booking
“Oh, I forgot to mention there’s a £15 travel fee” is unprofessional and borderline dishonest.
Vague about payment methods
Professional businesses clearly state accepted payment methods. Vagueness suggests potential issues.
Questions to Ask
“What’s the total cost for [specific service] at my location [give postcode]?”
“Are there any additional fees I should know about?”
“What payment methods do you accept?”
“Is the price different for weekends or evenings?”
Get the total confirmed via text/email so you have a written record.
Question 6: How Do You Handle Hygiene and Sterilisation?
Professional hygiene practices protect you from infections and cross-contamination.
What You’re Looking For
Good hygiene practices:
- Fresh neck strips for every client (disposable, single-use)
- Equipment sterilised between clients (Barbicide or similar)
- Clean cape/cover for every appointment
- Hand washing before service begins
- Professional appearance and clean clothing
Excellent hygiene practices:
- Visible sterilisation procedures (you see them clean equipment)
- Separate clean/dirty equipment containers
- Disposable razors for shaving services (never reused)
- Professional disinfectant spray for all surfaces
- Portfolio photos showing clean, organised equipment
Why This Matters
Poor hygiene in barbering can transmit:
- Bacterial infections (through unsterilised blades)
- Fungal infections (from contaminated combs)
- Blood-borne diseases (from blades that have contacted previous clients’ skin)
- Skin conditions (cross-contamination between clients)
Professional barbers follow strict hygiene protocols. Amateur barbers often skip sterilisation steps because they’re time-consuming or they don’t understand infection control.
Red Flags
Dismissive about hygiene questions
“Don’t worry, I’m clean” isn’t an answer. Professional barbers explain specific hygiene protocols confidently.
No visible sterilisation equipment
If you don’t see Barbicide jar, disinfectant sprays, or sterilisation equipment, they’re not properly sterilising between clients.
Reusing neck strips
Single-use neck strips cost £0.05 each. Reusing them is unacceptably cheap and dangerous.
Dirty equipment or cape
If equipment looks grimy, cape is stained, or general setup appears unclean, their hygiene standards are inadequate.
Working with visible cuts/infections on their hands
Barbers with open cuts or skin infections shouldn’t be working until healed. This protects both of you.
Questions to Ask
“What’s your sterilisation process between clients?”
“Do you use fresh neck strips for every customer?”
“How do you clean your clippers and scissors?”
Watch their response. Confident, detailed answers indicate professional practices. Vague or defensive responses suggest poor hygiene habits.
Question 7: Can I See Your Portfolio or Examples of Your Work?
Visual evidence of skill level helps you assess quality before booking.
What You’re Looking For
Good portfolio includes:
- 15-30 photos of different cuts
- Variety of styles (fades, traditional cuts, beard work)
- Different hair types (if relevant to you)
- Clear, well-lit photos showing detail
- Before/after comparisons (ideal)
- Recent work (within last 12 months)
Red flags in portfolios:
- Only 3-4 photos (very limited work)
- Blurry or poorly lit photos (hiding details)
- Only one style repeated (limited skills)
- Stock photos from Google (blatant dishonesty)
- No photos at all (“I don’t do photos”)
Why This Matters
Anyone can claim they’re skilled. Photos prove it (or don’t). Portfolios show:
- Technical skill level (clean lines, even fades, proportions)
- Style range (can they do what you want?)
- Attention to detail (finishing, precision)
- Consistency (do all cuts look professional?)
Red Flags
“I don’t have any photos”
In 2026, every professional mobile barber has Instagram or at least phone photos. “No photos” means either they’re very new (no portfolio yet) or their work isn’t good enough to photograph.
Refusing to show work before booking
“Just book and you’ll see” is completely unacceptable. Professional service providers show examples before customers commit.
Portfolio doesn’t match claimed experience
Someone claiming 5 years experience should have extensive portfolio. If they’ve got 6 photos, something doesn’t add up.
Photos that are clearly not their work
Reverse image search suspicious photos. Some dishonest operators steal portfolio images from other barbers’ Instagram accounts.
Questions to Ask
“Could I see some examples of your work?”
“Do you have Instagram or a portfolio I could look at?”
“Have you done [specific style you want] before? Can I see examples?”
If they specialise in certain styles (fades, Afro-Caribbean hair, beard work), ask specifically for examples of those specialisms.
Question 8: What Do You Need From Me in Terms of Space and Setup?
Understanding setup requirements prevents problems on appointment day.
What You’re Looking For
Reasonable requirements:
- Chair (dining chair, kitchen stool, or similar)
- Small table or surface for equipment (optional but helpful)
- Access to power outlet (for some equipment, though most is cordless)
- Indoor space (kitchen, living room, garage, spare room)
- Adequate lighting
Unreasonable requirements:
- Expensive equipment you must buy
- Specific type of chair you don’t own
- Professional barbershop-style setup
- Outdoor space requirement (weather-dependent, problematic)
Why This Matters
Mobile barbers should adapt to normal domestic environments. They’re providing mobile service specifically because they work in non-shop settings.
Professional mobile barbers work efficiently with basic setups. Demanding barbers who require extensive special arrangements aren’t really offering convenient mobile service.
Red Flags
“I need professional barber chair”
That’s not mobile barbering – that’s bringing a barbershop to your house. Most homes don’t have these.
Extensive equipment requirements
If they’re asking you to provide professional equipment, they’re not properly set up for mobile work.
Vague about requirements
“I’ll see what you have when I arrive” creates risk of arriving and discovering your space isn’t suitable.
Outdoor-only work
Some barbers only work outdoors (in gardens/driveways) to avoid cleaning indoor spaces. This is weather-dependent and often uncomfortable.
Questions to Ask
“What do you need from me in terms of space and setup?”
“Will a standard dining chair work, or do you need something specific?”
“Can you work in my kitchen/living room?”
“How much space do you need?”
“What happens if it’s raining?” (for outdoor-working barbers)
Get clear answers before booking so you know you can accommodate their requirements.
Question 9: What’s Your Cancellation Policy?
Understanding cancellation terms protects you from unfair charges while respecting the barber’s time.
What You’re Looking For
Fair cancellation policies:
- 24-48 hours notice for free cancellation
- Short notice cancellation (less than 24 hours): 50% charge
- No-show: Full appointment charge
- Emergency situations handled flexibly
- Rescheduling allowed within reasonable timeframes
Unfair cancellation policies:
- Must cancel 7+ days in advance (excessively rigid)
- Full charge for any cancellation (unreasonable)
- No rescheduling allowed (inflexible)
- No exceptions for genuine emergencies (lacking compassion)
Why This Matters
Mobile barbers travel to your location and block time in their schedule specifically for you. When you cancel with little notice, they lose that appointment slot and the income it represents. Cancellation policies protect their livelihood.
However, life happens. Illness, emergencies, and unexpected situations occur. Fair policies balance protecting the barber’s time with reasonable flexibility for genuine circumstances.
Red Flags
No clear cancellation policy
Professional businesses have clear terms. Absence of policy suggests they haven’t thought through business practices properly.
Extremely rigid policies
Life happens. Barbers who allow zero flexibility for genuine emergencies lack empathy and might be difficult to work with generally.
Full charges for all cancellations regardless of notice
Charging full price when you cancel 5 days before appointment is unreasonable – they have time to fill the slot.
Threatening language in policy
“No cancellations accepted under any circumstances” or “legal action will be taken for cancellations” suggests someone difficult to deal with.
Questions to Ask
“What’s your cancellation policy if something comes up?”
“How much notice do you need for free cancellation?”
“What happens if I need to reschedule rather than cancel?”
“Are there exceptions for genuine emergencies like illness?”
Fair policies show professional approach while protecting both parties’ interests.
Question 10: Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Social proof from previous customers helps verify quality and reliability.
What You’re Looking For
Strong review profile:
- 10+ reviews (sufficient sample size)
- 4.5+ star average (consistently good)
- Recent reviews (within last 6 months)
- Detailed reviews mentioning specific positives
- Mix of different review platforms (Google, Facebook, TraderStreet)
Warning signs in reviews:
- Only 2-3 reviews (very limited feedback)
- All 5-star reviews with generic praise (potentially fake)
- Recent negative reviews about reliability or quality
- Patterns of complaints (always late, poor communication)
- No reviews at all (no track record)
Why This Matters
Reviews provide unfiltered feedback from previous customers. They reveal:
- Reliability (do they show up on time?)
- Quality (do customers like their haircuts?)
- Communication (are they professional and responsive?)
- Value (do customers feel pricing is fair?)
- Problem handling (how do they deal with issues?)
Barbers with strong review profiles have proven track records. Those without reviews are unknown quantities.
Red Flags
“I don’t do reviews”
In 2026, every professional service provider has online reviews. Refusing reviews suggests they’re hiding something.
Defensive about negative reviews
Every business gets occasional negative reviews. How they respond matters. Defensive, aggressive responses to criticism suggest poor customer service.
Asking friends/family to leave fake positive reviews
You can often spot these – very generic praise (“great barber, highly recommend!”) without specific details, all posted within short timeframe.
Deleting or hiding negative reviews
Some platforms allow business owners to remove reviews. Suspiciously perfect review profiles with zero negatives might indicate review manipulation.
Questions to Ask
“Could you share some customer reviews or references?”
“Do you have Google reviews I could look at?”
“Can you provide contact details for a couple of previous customers as references?” (for new barbers without online reviews yet)
Check reviews on multiple platforms – TraderStreet, Google, Facebook. Consistent positive feedback across platforms indicates genuine quality.
What to Look for in Reviews
Positive indicators:
- Mentions of reliability (“always on time”)
- Quality praise (“best fade I’ve ever had”)
- Professionalism comments (“clean setup, friendly service”)
- Value statements (“fair pricing, worth every penny”)
- Specific details (shows genuine customer experience)
Warning indicators:
- Lateness complaints (“arrived 45 minutes late”)
- Quality issues (“uneven cut, had to fix it elsewhere”)
- Communication problems (“didn’t respond to messages”)
- Hidden fees (“charged more than quoted”)
- Unprofessional behaviour (“rude, left mess”)
One negative review in 20 positives isn’t concerning. Patterns of similar complaints across multiple reviews indicate real problems.
Bonus Questions Worth Asking
Beyond the essential ten, these additional questions provide extra insight:
“How far in advance should I book?”
Understanding booking lead time helps you plan. Popular barbers need 1-2 weeks notice; newly established barbers might have immediate availability.
“Do you have backup if you’re unable to make an appointment?”
Professional barbers have contingency plans for illness or emergencies. Knowing how they handle unavoidable cancellations shows their professionalism.
“What happens if I’m running late?”
Understanding their flexibility around timing helps prevent schedule conflicts and shows their customer service approach.
“Do you work with [specific hair type/condition]?”
If you have particularly curly, thick, fine, or ethnic hair that requires specific expertise, ask directly about their experience.
“What products do you use?”
Understanding product quality matters to some customers, particularly those with sensitive skin or product preferences.
Red Flags That Mean Walk Away Immediately
Some warning signs are so serious you should abandon the booking without hesitation:
No insurance
Never, ever use an uninsured mobile barber. The risk isn’t worth any amount of money saved.
No qualifications and defensive about it
Unqualified barbers who get angry when asked about training are disasters waiting to happen.
Significantly cheaper than everyone else
If average local mobile barber pricing is £32-£38 and someone’s charging £18, ask yourself why. Usually it’s lack of insurance, qualifications, or proper business setup.
Poor communication before booking
If they’re unreliable, vague, or difficult before you’ve even booked, imagine how they’ll be once they have your money.
Pressure to book immediately
“Special price only if you book right now” is manipulative sales tactics, not professional service provision.
Can’t or won’t answer basic questions
Professional tradespeople expect and answer questions confidently. Evasiveness suggests they’re hiding something.
Previously banned from platforms
If they mention being removed from other booking platforms, find out why. Usually it’s policy violations or customer complaints.
Criminal record for relevant offences
While many people with criminal records deserve second chances, offences involving violence, theft in customer homes, or fraud are legitimate concerns for someone entering your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to ask these questions?
No. Professional mobile barbers expect these questions and answer them confidently. You’re hiring someone to provide a service in your home – vetting them thoroughly is sensible, not rude.
What if they get offended by questions?
That’s a red flag. Professional tradespeople don’t get offended by reasonable questions about qualifications, insurance, and practices. Defensiveness suggests they’re hiding inadequacies.
Should I ask all ten questions to every barber?
Minimum: Questions 1 (qualifications), 2 (insurance), and 5 (total costs) are essential for every booking. Ask others based on your concerns and their responses to initial questions.
Can I ask for proof of qualifications and insurance?
Absolutely. Professional mobile barbers provide certificates, insurance documents, and portfolio photos without hesitation. Asking for proof is sensible, not insulting.
What if they have good reviews but can’t answer some questions?
Weigh the overall picture. Extensive positive reviews carry significant weight. However, absence of insurance or qualifications should be dealbreakers regardless of reviews.
Should I check their insurance is actually valid?
You can contact their insurance company to verify policy exists and is current. Most customers don’t go this far, but it’s not unreasonable if you have concerns.
What if I’ve already booked before asking these questions?
Ask them now. If answers are unsatisfactory, cancel the booking and explain why. Reputable barbers refund deposits when customers have genuine concerns.
Are newly qualified barbers without much experience acceptable?
Yes, if they’re properly qualified, fully insured, transparent about experience level, and priced accordingly (10-20% below market average). Everyone starts somewhere.
Do I need to ask these questions for every repeat booking?
No. Once you’ve established a barber is professional, qualified, and reliable, you don’t need to re-verify for each appointment. Annual insurance checks are sensible (certificates expire yearly).
What’s the difference between public liability and professional indemnity insurance?
Public liability covers accidental injury/damage. Professional indemnity covers negligence claims (customer sues claiming you ruined their hair/scalp through poor professional practice). Both are valuable.
Using TraderStreet to Find Vetted Mobile Barbers
TraderStreet’s platform helps you ask many of these questions before even contacting barbers:
Profile Information Shows:
- Years of experience
- Qualifications held
- Services offered
- Clear pricing (including travel fees)
- Portfolio photos
- Customer reviews
Direct Communication Allows:
- Asking specific questions before booking
- Clarifying costs and policies
- Requesting additional information
Zero Commission Structure Means:
- Barbers keep full earnings (no platform fees hidden in prices)
- Direct customer-barber relationships
- No middleman complications
Use TraderStreet’s filtering and search tools to shortlist barbers, then ask relevant questions from this guide to make informed decisions.
Making Your Decision
After asking these questions, you should have clear picture of each mobile barber’s:
- Qualifications and skills: Can they actually cut hair properly?
- Professional standards: Do they operate legitimately with insurance and hygiene?
- Reliability and experience: Have they built proven track record?
- Communication and policies: Are they professional and fair in business practices?
- Value proposition: Do their pricing and services justify cost?
Green lights (book with confidence):
- Qualified (minimum NVQ Level 2)
- Fully insured (minimum £1m public liability)
- Experienced (1+ years for standard work, 3+ years for complex cuts)
- Strong reviews (10+ reviews averaging 4.5+ stars)
- Professional communication (clear, responsive, thorough)
- Transparent pricing (upfront about all costs)
- Good portfolio (demonstrates skill level)
Amber lights (proceed with caution):
- Newly qualified (under 1 year experience)
- Limited reviews (fewer than 10)
- Basic insurance only (£1m minimum, not higher coverage)
- No website/limited online presence
These aren’t necessarily problems if price reflects experience level and you’re getting simple cuts. Just understand you’re taking slightly more risk.
Red lights (walk away):
- Unqualified (no formal training)
- Uninsured (no public liability insurance)
- Poor reviews (pattern of complaints)
- Unprofessional communication (evasive, defensive, unreliable)
- Unclear pricing (vague about costs, surprise fees)
- No portfolio (can’t demonstrate skills)
Don’t compromise on insurance and qualifications. Everything else is negotiable to some degree, but these two are non-negotiable safety requirements.
Final Thoughts
Asking these questions might feel like due diligence overkill for “just a haircut,” but remember: you’re inviting someone into your home with sharp objects near your head.
The difference between a brilliant mobile barber and a disaster isn’t always obvious from websites and marketing. These questions reveal the reality behind the professional image.
Professional mobile barbers welcome these questions. They’ve invested in qualifications, insurance, equipment, and skills. They’re proud to demonstrate their professionalism and happy to answer thoroughly.
Amateur operators get defensive, evasive, or offended because they know they’re inadequately prepared. Their defensiveness is your warning sign.
Take twenty minutes to ask these questions properly before booking. That twenty minutes protects you from dodgy haircuts, potential injuries, hidden costs, and the frustration of dealing with unprofessional service providers.
Your hair, your home, your money. Protect all three by asking the right questions before anyone gets near you with clippers.
TraderStreet connects you with mobile barbers across the UK, and the platform’s review system helps you quickly assess each barber’s track record. But don’t stop at reviews – ask these questions directly to ensure you’re making informed decisions about who cuts your hair.
Welcome to smarter mobile barber hiring. Welcome to asking the questions that matter.