A lot depends on where you located at. I live in a village with less than 1000 people. We (my husband and I) just opened up a salon last month. There is 2 other tanners (beds) in beauty salons where ours is only for tanning. I did have a little advantage before hand as I also manage the Curves in town. What I did before we opened was go though the active members list and made a list of those who I thought might be interested in tanning. I when to vistaprint.com and had postcards made announcing our grand opening. The postcard entitled them to a free visit upon them presenting the card. This worked out fantastic as most of my clients go work out at Curves and then which is even better walk across the street to tan. I also give a first tan free as a way of building up clients. We already have built up a strong client list from being more of a customer service type business. The other places in town, I done think have even changed
bulbs and make the clients clean the bed after there done. I can't believe how many people have said how ours is a much cleaner, friendlier, definitely better beds, and all around nice facility. IMO if giving a free visit away gets them in the door so be it. Once they are in and see the place also on what we have to offer most sign up. Again a lot depends on your location, if I was in a bigger city there would be no way that I would offer it.