💇♀️ Why a Generic Contract Could Cost You More Than a Bad Box Colour
Because your business deserves more than a “one-size-fits-all” contract
We’ve all seen it, a client walks in with a supermarket box dye and swears it’ll “do the same job.”
Fast forward a few hours, and you’re deep into a very expensive colour correction.
Well, using a generic employment contract is no different.
It might look like a bargain upfront, but when things go wrong and they often do, you’ll find out too late that it doesn’t actually protect you.
Generic vs Bespoke - What’s the Difference?
A generic contract is like box dye.
It might cover something, but it’s not mixed for your business.
A bespoke contract, drafted by an employment lawyer who understands the salon world, is like a professional colour formula designed to fit your business tone, history, and goals perfectly.
Because every salon is different:
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You may pay commissions or bonuses differently.
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You might offer training, use photos, or share client data.
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You might employ stylists, apprentices, or front-of-house staff.
That’s why one-size-fits-all just doesn’t work.
The Hidden Cost of a Generic Contract
Here’s what we see all too often:
💥 A stylist leaves and takes client data with them.
💥 A team member opens a salon down the road and poaches your clients.
💥 An ex-employee uses your salon images on their new pages.
Every one of these costs you money, sometimes tens of thousands of pounds and happens because the contract wasn’t written to protect your business.
And when someone says “contracts aren’t enforceable”, that’s usually code for “my contract was a cheap generic one.”
What a Good Contract Should Include
Every employment contract must include statutory terms - things like hours, pay, and holidays that the Government sets.
But the real power is in the protective clauses - the ones that defend your brand, your client list, and your hard-earned reputation.
That’s where restrictive covenants come in.
These protect you when employees leave by preventing them from:
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Soliciting or contacting your clients
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Poaching other team members
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Using your photos, systems, or client lists
If these aren’t drafted specifically for your salon, they’re as useful as box dye built for all but fit for none.
With New Employment Law Changes Coming In…
Now is the time to review your contracts.
With the new Employment Rights Bill on the way, many clauses in older or generic contracts will become outdated overnight.
A properly drafted contract gives you:
✅ Confidence you’re legally compliant
✅ Peace of mind that your staff can’t walk out with your business
✅ Protection against costly disputes
The Bottom Line
Think of it like this:
A box colour might seem cheaper, but the correction will cost you a fortune.
The same goes for contracts.
A bespoke, legally drafted employment contract is one of the smartest investments you can make for your salon’s future.
Protect Your Salon Today
Don’t risk everything you’ve built on a copy-and-paste contract.
Get one that’s drafted specifically for your business, with all the right protections in place.
👉 Book a review with RLK Legal and get your salon contracts tailored to fit you, not the salon next door.
Because you wouldn’t trust a box colour on your best client…
So why trust a generic contract with your business?
You can get your statutory contract via www.sou.org.uk and take advantage of RLK bespoke contract services
NB: It is important that you read our Employment Contract Guide (LG002) before you purchase or download our Statutory Contract (LG001) LG002 - Employee contract Guide .pdf
Statutory contracts are FREE to PRO and CEO members, £35.99 to non members.
