Clash of the Chargers: a closer look at charging innovation for barber Clippers
Cordless charging is the current battleground of innovation. As cordless clippers have become the norm, companies are heavily competing in the charging space. They want you to buy their clipper and use their charger. Let’s take a look at a timeline that breaks down the key products that kickstarted this recent wave of innovation.
Release date not confirmed
Charging Dock (or stand) eliminated the problem of finding the cord. The cord plugged into the dock, that would be on your station which allows the tool to easily be picked up and set down. You could place your tool in the charging stand and a light would typically tell you if it was fully charged or not. A great way to save space on your station, show off your clippers and easily handle your tool. Andis had a charging stand for their ProFoil and Slimline series.
Release date not confirmed
The first dual charging station where you could pop out the charger. This innovation seems to have flown under the radar, but if you bought a replaceable charger this would allow your Octanes unlimited battery life. This is the only dual charging base for a detachable clipper. The only barrier to this tool could be the price.
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May 2019 (from Instagram)
Tomb45 introduced wireless charging. Since they don’t sell their own clippers, they were in a unique position to create a charging method that could be used for different types of tools. This came in the form of a wireless charging ecosystem for all the most popular clippers.
“The Tomb 45 PowerMat, Expansion Module and PowerClip (which used) patent protected methods to enable wireless charging for the most popular clippers, trimmers, and shavers on the market. Additionally, the ecosystem enables wireless charging for the most common wireless charging capable devices (iPhones or iPods.)”
We had never seen clipper charging like this before. In many ways, this innovation may have been the catalyst for the major clipper companies to get to the drawing board.
August 2021 (from Instagram)
Founded by Youssef Barber, the OnePlug was able to charge different types of clippers as well. There was no charging dock, but most barbers don’t mind just resting their clippers on their station mat.
Do you use cordless clippers? Are you tired of all these plugs even though you’re all cordless ? Are you tired of not finding space on outlets for all these big blocks? Well, look no further. OnePlug Multi Clipper charger First Ever multi clipper & phone charger...
For barbers who might have lost their original charging cord, the OnePlug was a great solution.
May 2022 (from Instagram)
The Snapfx was a similar idea as the Octanes but for their clipper and trimmer. Oster might have something to say about this product description, the Octane did have a dual battery system. Calm down, I’m not trying to start anything. This hidden language is common in this industry.
“For the first time ever, the power of UNLIMITED cordless runtime is in your hands with our patent-pending, industry-first dual battery system. Effortlessly snap in/snap out the high-capacity battery cartridges while you work. Charge one cartridge while using the other, enabling you to cut for as long as you want, client after client.”
The SnapFX represents Babyliss taking charging into their own hands, not leaving a need for another alternative. For the record, Babyliss has perfected their product launch. Teaser videos in conjunction with a release at the CT Barber Expo…well played.
December 2022
Andis celebrated their Centennial year (100 years) with this drop that features a new stand.
“Induction charging stand provides convenient charging, proudly displays your trimmer, and is compatible with other induction charging Qi-compatible devices, such as your phone.”
This trimmer can only be charged by the stand, there is no other option. Again, taking charging into their own hands while also presenting a clever phone charging option.
January 2023
Wahl is finally getting in on the action. If you read this product description closely, you might find a subtle jab at their oldest competitor. I’ll let you read between those lines.
“Professional Power Station that charges three tools faster than a wireless charging pad and easier than separate charging stands.” Customize your stand with six interchangeable direct charge inserts for trimmers, clippers, and shavers. Work smarter by charging three 5V tools at the same speed it takes to charge one.
It also features a USB-C port to charge your phone, tablet, or mobile payment device. This seems to be the first charging stand to accommodate 3 tools at one time which could be very appealing to the barber with at least 3 Wahl tools in their rotation.
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The battle over charging is real.
Clipper companies want their users to not only buy their clippers, but to use their chargers. There was an uproar with Apple users when they made the massive switch to USB-C ports, making certain chargers obsolete. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a similar uproar when a barber looks to replace a charging cord but is forced to buy the newest model instead.
Then again, you could always just take it old school and buy the tool with a cord…who am I kidding? My line up is cordless too.
Written by Matthew Mendoza
Licensed barber, educator and consultant based in California. He is passionate about helping barbers pass their barber exam, develop their business and diversify their income. He hosts a podcast, writes a weekly newsletter and offers 1-on-1 consulting.
