tanTALK - Tanning Salon Business Owners Community

tanTALK - Tanning Salon Business Owners Community (http://tantalk.com/)
-   Canadian Forum (http://tantalk.com/canadian-forum/)
-   -   Question on purchasing either new or used beds (http://tantalk.com/canadian-forum/2382638-question-purchasing-either-new-used-beds.html)

glamtanBC 03-10-2010 01:23 AM

Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
We are just getting to the final details of finally entering into the industry and are trying to keep are costs down. My question is do we pay the high price and buy new from our local distributor, or do we try to buy used or refurbished beds at a far cheaper price?

We plan to buy a couple from the distributor already, but would like to know what hurdles we might have with used equipment, and which companies sell used/refurbished equipment.

We are new to the industry, so the ability to have the equipment serviced is important, getting a quality product is also important, and we also worry about the cost of shipping and setup of the equipment.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

lizard25 03-10-2010 08:40 AM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
If you want to keep cost down you may want to look at leasing the beds. Has some tax advantage and you wont be putting out thousands of dollars out right away. I would get mostly new and look for used beds from a manufacturer. This way they will come out and set up and make sure everything is done correctly. Also if your opening a new salon you want to give the impression of good quality beds by having new. Doesn't look good when you have a salon full of older used equipment. Your beds are what make your salon. don't cheap out too much. Uvalux was very helpful with our set up.

Brian Oshman 03-10-2010 05:42 PM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
Used all the way. Add one or two nice high end new pieces but save your money for survival the first year and go mostly used. All of the beds will look used in six months anyway.

trackerbuddy 03-10-2010 05:52 PM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lizard25 (Post 15031122)
If you want to keep cost down you may want to look at leasing the beds. Has some tax advantage and you wont be putting out thousands of dollars out right away. I would get mostly new and look for used beds from a manufacturer. This way they will come out and set up and make sure everything is done correctly. Also if your opening a new salon you want to give the impression of good quality beds by having new. Doesn't look good when you have a salon full of older used equipment. Your beds are what make your salon. don't cheap out too much. Uvalux was very helpful with our set up.

I have to say I disagree very strongly. There are quite a few reputable bed dealers on this and other industry forums. Take advantage of the downturn in the business and economy and pick up great equipment for a fraction of the cost.
The only advantage of going through a manufactuer/distributor is that the may finance. The downside is you are saddled with debt and they want paid 30 days after the install irregardless of how long it takes to build your business and cash flow.
Bed Dealers
Brian Oshman
MATT A
Sunsally works with Highline Capitol and has beds
lastly take a long hard look at the equipment listed in the marketplace can you touch anything new for anything close to that price, so what you may have to rent a uhaul and or hire a technician

lizard25 03-11-2010 01:26 PM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
Ya I did say have a nice mix of used and new but mostly new as you can lease. This is one way to keep cost down somewhat. And all depends on how many beds they are wanting to go with and what the mix is. I did not mean to say the people on here are not reputable but its a little different coming from the US to Canada. And really for the cost for this person who is from what i see Vancouver shipping something from the east coast is going to cost a lot and they probably wont drive across country. Just one example i am sure there are places on the west. But than you have to look at taxes and duties at the border. Not much recourse if something goes really wrong between Canada and the US.
Oh and thank you Brian for you advise.

glamtanBC 03-11-2010 02:32 PM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
Thanks for the advice guys.

I do share those concerns in shipping and any potential recourse that lizard25 has mentioned.

I am looking at starting really small, and only having 4 pieces. If I could find someone selling quality used equipment on the westcoast, it might be a good excuse for a road trip vacation (LA would be nice:cool:).

I am not quite sure how to find an installer for the equipment either?

trackerbuddy 03-12-2010 09:04 AM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
GlamtanBC I noticed you already contacted Islandsuntans those beds are already in BC but Lets put a little example together
Ergo 850 Combi 12,000
KBL 5600 9,200
Super Cyclone from Robert K with 790 hrs for 3,500 plus about a 1,000 for shipping
and a Tan America 3200 160/100 no facials for a base bed from Pammygirl in LA for 750. That bed will fit in a pick-up truck easily.
That ads up to $27,000 for a base bed to Kickin' VHR's and High pressure. You just can't do new for that price.
You will have to do some leg work
You will have to find a technician
That is what starting a business is about

leedavis 03-18-2010 04:10 AM

Re: Question on purchasing either new or used beds
 
If you plan to buy used beds make sure that they are still in good shape. Some beds may be too old already and so safety may be a question.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:34 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.1.0
Copyright 2009 - tanTALK.com