Ok, sorry for the long post but as you can tell, I am a newbie; little experience but a fast learner : ) My business partner and I have decided to go into the tanning salon business (or hoping too) and wanted to know anything you can tell us. We should have the financial backing soon and wanted to know what steps should we take to get going in the right direction. Maybe some does and some do nots perhaps? We are located in the Midwest, in Portage, Indiana. At least that is where we are looking at buildings right now.
We were thinking of opening up a salon with approximately 12 beds. Depending on demographics and such, one of these will be a stand-up, one with be spray tanning, but the other 10 beds, what would you suggest? And what power? Wattage? Etc, etc?? And what type (make, model) of bed? Tropical Rayz, Wolf Tanning Beds (Solaris, Velocity, Sun Scape, Solar Force, etc?) Or other?
What products do you sell? I mean besides tanning lotions and such? If any? Drinks, power bars, smoothies, sunglasses?
What is the best time of year to open?
Worst time of year?
I would think the reception area would be very important because you want them to keep coming back? Is this true? You need an eye catcher? A good theme perhaps?
Best advice for someone starting up you can give?
How much would you allow yourself for starting up something like what we are trying to do?
Pros, cons of a business partner? Paying yourself?
How many bathrooms? Employee? And customers?
Have an office? Laundry room?
Clock in reception area?
Any colors you are against when painting? Like some restaurants for example?
(Sorry if some of these seem like stupid questions)
Business plan, licenses,
liability issues: What all do you need?
Is the book, How to open a tanning salon from A to Z really all that?
I know its location, location, locations…so are there any things you would suggest?
If you could do things over or add on to your business, what would you do different?
How many employees besides you, the owner(s) do you have?
To start from the ground up, minus rent, typically, how much would you suggest on spending to open up your business?
Are there places to stay away from when ordering supplies? What good places are recommended?
So many questions but I will stop here… so I don’t drive anyone crazy! Any suggestions, comments, ideas, good, bad, and ugly, are greatly appreciated.
I do want to thank everyone around here for all the input I have been reading from other topics and such. I apologize for probably repeating some of the same questions already asked a million times. Even though Im sure I will have more questions and probably do it again... Thanks again!