Finance

What is Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)? A Guide for Salon Owners (2026)

Definition

Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the direct product cost tied to delivering services – colour, treatments, disposables as opposed to rent or marketing.

Industry context (2026)

UK colour services can hide large product costs inside a glamorous ticket. Time-based pricing only works if you count product honestly. Untracked usage is one of the invisible leaks described in the finance chapter.

💷 – (track per service family; colour usually higher than cuts)

How to manage cost of goods sold (cogs) with Appointica

Frequently asked questions

Is COGS the same as all expenses?

No. COGS is direct product cost. Rent and ads are separate overheads.

Why do colour tickets mislead?

High tickets can still earn poorly per hour after product and processing time.

How do I control COGS?

Standardise formulas where possible, train against waste, and review supplier prices.

Should stylists see product cost?

At least seniors should understand it – otherwise discounting feels free.

Where to go next?

Pricing academy/book and finances academy.

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