As a mobile hairdresser, you juggle many expenses—product costs, car maintenance, fuel, and more. It can feel overwhelming, but tracking your travel expenses is essential for knowing your real income and making smart pricing decisions.
Here are practical tips to help you stay organised, track expenses effectively, and protect your profits.
1. Keep Accurate Mileage Records
Start by logging every trip you take for work. Include:
- Date
- Destination
- Purpose of the trip
Mileage tracking apps can make this easy. These tools automatically record your trips, saving you time and helping you stay consistent.
Why track mileage? Because your driving cost isn’t just fuel, it includes:
- Car depreciation
- Maintenance
- Registration and insurance
Accurate records can also help you claim deductions during tax time.
2. Track Your Fuel Costs
Fuel prices fluctuate, so keeping monthly records helps you understand how much you’re really spending. Some tips:
- Keep receipts or use a fuel-tracking app
- Consider using a fuel rewards credit card to earn cashback or points
This approach won’t just save you money, it’ll give you insights into when and how you spend on travel.
3. Log Your Time (Yes, It Matters!)
Time is money especially when you’re self-employed. Track:
- How long each job takes
- Travel time between appointments
- Prep or pack-up time
This gives you a more accurate picture of your real hourly rate. If you’re spending 3 hours per client (including travel), you’ll want to make sure your pricing reflects that.
4. Categorise Your Expenses Clearly
Proper expense categorisation makes your finances easier to manage and report. A few examples:
- Transport expenses: Fuel, insurance, repairs, car washes
- Product supplies: Shampoo, hair colour, gloves, tools
- Business admin: Software subscriptions, booking systems, printing
Using accounting software or spreadsheets can help you see where your money is going and where you can cut back or invest more.
5. Set Your Prices Based on Your Costs
Don’t just copy competitors’ pricing. Instead:
- Start by calculating your total costs per job (products, fuel, time)
- Determine your minimum profitable price
- Check what others in your area charge, and use that as a guide, not a rule
If your costs are higher, consider offering value-adds, package deals, or loyalty incentives to justify your rates.
Bonus Tip: Consult a Tax Professional
Tax rules change, and deductions can be tricky. A qualified accountant or tax agent can:
- Help you report expenses correctly
- Show you what deductions you’re eligible for
- Keep you compliant with the latest regulations
This advice can save you stress and potentially hundreds of dollars.
Tracking your expenses isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding your business, making smart decisions, and ensuring your mobile hairdressing work remains profitable.
By keeping detailed mileage logs, recording fuel and time, organising your expenses, and pricing based on real costs, you’ll stay in control of your finances and build a sustainable business.
