This Small Business-Actually, Microbusiness
Updated: Sep 8
Perruque Boutique is a microbusiness. Although the term has existed since the 1970s, it only recently became part of my vocabulary as I began looking for better ways to understand and explain the realities of running this business. To many people, the difference between a small business and a microbusiness may not seem important. As a business owner, however, that distinction helps explain a great deal.
Microbusinesses often face different realities when it comes to finances, taxes, staffing, long-term survivability, and opportunities for growth.
As the person who operates the boutique each day, I hear and understand customer concerns. The most common concerns are that prices feel too high, that the customer’s financial position is not being considered, that returns are not offered, and we're too hard to find.
Concern: Prices feel too high.
Wig prices are set by the manufacturers and reflect the full cost of creating medical-grade, high-quality pieces from start to finish. That cost includes sourcing materials, construction, quality standards, and the value of the manufacturer’s name and reputation.
In addition to product costs, the boutique carries expenses that online businesses often do not. Rent, utilities, security, credit card processing fees, point-of-sale fees, and the cost of keeping inventory available in-store all add up. These expenses make it possible to offer customers full, in-person service and support
Concern: I do not understand or respect the customer’s financial position.
As a microbusiness, the boutique operates with limited revenue. As the owner and sole operator, I fill many roles in the business and have not taken pay for that work. Instead, I have repeatedly used personal funds to help cover business expenses. I understand that customers are also making difficult financial decisions, and I do not take those concerns lightly.
Concern: No returns; all sales are final.
During my first year as owner, the boutique’s core business practices have remained consistent, including the final-sale policy.
The no-return policy has always been in place because wigs and related products are worn directly against the skin or hair. For that reason, returns create health, hygiene, and product-integrity concerns.
At the same time, some added costs—including product shipping, tariffs, and credit card processing fees—have not been fully passed on to customers.
Concern: The boutique is too hard to find.
Perruque Boutique has been open since 2017 and remains in the same shopping center. The boutique moved only two doors down the walkway, well before 2024, to allow for more inventory and to provide customers with a more private, comfortable environment.
I continue to actively maintain the company website (www.wigsfayettevillenc.com), Facebook page, Instagram page, and Google Business Profile. The website includes detailed directions to the shop, and Google Maps will guide customers to the correct location.
A reader board is also placed in the breezeway outside the boutique and is visible from both directions to help direct customers to the entrance.
Additionally, Shopify was added this year to give customers another way to shop. Customers who already feel confident about the item they want may place orders online. Shopify also displays current boutique inventory, allowing customers to review available options before visiting in person.
Upcoming changes
While some tariff-related pressures may be easing, several of the companies I work with have notified me that their production and manufacturing costs are increasing. As a result, a wig you have purchased before may have a different, higher price in the future.
Beginning in October 2026, a cash discount added. If paying by card, there will be a 1% increase at checkout. This is the due to the increased processing fees across financial institutions. I chose the smallest percentage possible to help offset these fees, which vary by card company and card type.
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