I've had complete opposite with my job. I work retail at a high end mall where babies have a leash and their dogs are in the stroller. These customers that come in expect service right away. Im the only one in the mall that looks like Dumbledor but i feel with me, the longer and tamed beard you have the more wisdom you have inside. It makes it easier for the customer to actually accept me. Luke an icebreaker for the initial sale. Keep the beard and tame it. They shall follow!