A Pakistani startup, GharPar is gathering accolades for compensating its beauticians who provide ‘at home salon’ services to its clients, with an increasingly skyward stream of steady income. The idea behind GharPar is to provide beauty services to customers at their doorstep.
Although the startup began its operations in September last year but it recently came in limelight owing to the cheer for the higher wage rates it provides to its employees. Freelance beauticians have always existed in the country but this business has been tainted with poor work ethics. Not only that the service providers are exploited by the clients in terms of minimal payment, but also that there has been no check and balance for quality assurance of the services provided. Thus, the payment is dependent on the client who can conveniently cut the price by blaming the service levels.
Following a wholesome, modernized approach, this startup not only provides growing wages but also provides a professional platform to its employees through training. Subsequently, this is among the major reasons for its popularity.
GharPar maintains fixed service standards that are reinforced frequently. Other skills such as communication and the appearance of the workers are also matter of significance with the startup. Furthermore, prices are clearly communicated to the clients before the service starts to avoid any disagreement in the end.
Business And a Social Enterprise
Arooj Ismail, who is one of the stakeholders in the business stated:
“The basic inspiration behind the idea was that we realized there’s a lot of exploitation in the salon business. The average beautician in these parlors, according to both official statistics and our findings, is only paid roughly $80 a month. They get a little bit extra as tips but that’s about it”
In addition, she commented:
“In the beginning, when we had just started our community mobilization, lots of women we spoke to were highly skeptical of the idea. They were used to being paid low wages. When we told them they could increase income by more than 300 percent, they laughed at us. Some thought they might be forced into prostitution”
Owing to its unconventional approach, it was difficult for the owners to convince the workers. Since Arooj’s sister already runs a salon so it became a channel for them to access many workers. She also said:
“We are first and foremost a social enterprise company. A lot of our work is centered around helping minority groups and other disadvantaged communities”
Also Read: Pakistan’s first female-led startup BeautyHooked raises $280K in seed round funding
Wages Are Much Higher Than Industry Averages
The startup currently has 17 freelance beauticians on its payroll. The payment mechanism works on a ratio of 30:70, out of which the company takes 30 percent of every transaction for its marketing and overhead expenses.
The average take home salary for its staff touches $450 per month. This may sound low by international standards but compared to the minimum wage rate of $140 per month in Pakistan, the number is quite reasonable. Compared to the average wage rate of $80 per month at regular salons, the salary levels given by this startup are highest in the industry. Top beauticians at GharPar earned a whopping amount of $1000 during December.
The entity currently maintains a client base of 1200 mostly from Lahore, however, they plan to expand to other cities as well. Clients could book for services on their website, Facebook page and over the phone. The startup is also planning to launch an app but that is on their cards for future.
GharPar has all the required training, products and accessories which enable them to provide quality services. If a particular client is asking for multiple services then two or three workers are sent to perform the tasks.
If the clients behave unethically or refuse to pay the price, they are blacklisted from this service. To ensure workers’ security, an ID card number is required by the company during registration.
Source: Tech In Asia
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