Question - Decent used beds or New Crazy beds - tanTALK

suntouchtanning · 07-30-2003, 11:09 PM

Just starting a salon, and wanted to know, if we should get some used, older beds, with hot bulbs or go all out and get the crazy, insane high dollar beds? Which would be better, better return on money, etc?
I know it depends on a lot of factors, so ill hit them real quick, money - would have to borrow, or buy them slowly and store until opened, location - pretty busy, mix of people, Possibly to open at the end of the year or next.
Thanks!

TanningEmporium · 07-31-2003, 07:00 AM

I say new beds, why buy someone else's problem, hot bulbs...now that is crazy...a bed only gets hot due to the components in the bed...dont say hot bulbs..you want your clients to be comfy and cool when tanning in your salon..When buying beds you want a mix. I have 5-20min beds, 1-10min bed, and a 12 min bed, this is a mix and I can please all clients with different tanning preferences. Never buy more than you have to spend, going into business is not cheap. And the less headaches you create for yourself the better. Try to open the closest to season as you can. I opened 2 years ago in June and man was that a haul. Season normally runs Mid Jan to May...try to open during these months.

richard9091 · 07-31-2003, 01:56 PM

There are some really nice looking basic beds out there. I just purchased a couple of Lumina beds by Prosun. they look nice and don't break the bank. Also, sometimes the manufacturers have beds that have been refurbished. you can get these at usually less than half of the new price. Depending on your finances this might help. I would consider getting at least one premium bed, just to give your clients an upgrade option. Also depends on your competition. I wouldn't open with lesser equipment than the people I'm competing against. Tanners know the best stuff and will go to it.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: richard9091 on 2003-07-31 13:58 ]

LazyTANS · 07-31-2003, 11:35 PM

Get ya some decent 2500 to 3000 dollar base beds,and you must have at least 1 VHR bed.(160 watts or more).You would be smart to call Andy at Sontegra.I have the Baby X 34/3. I must say it's a hit with all the clients.It is a mighty machine.You won't get a better customer service representative as great as Andy.He will walk you thru anything at anytime of day.Which is unusual of most of the tanning bed reps.I also like the fact he will not sell to competition within a 25 mile range of you.For me-and any other state,if you are the 1st to get one in your state,he even gives you a certificate to hang up and show off.You really should check it out.My sales doubled more than half the previous year.You get upgrade fees ,where as if you get all base beds,you basically won't get anymore money from clients till they buy thier next pkg. for another month,or a lotion if you are lucky!Check out the site(you won't regret it!);) http://www.sontegra.com
(you can get some cool graphics for your beds .I have the zebra themed one.)

_________________
on the SUNNY SIDE ! [ This Message was edited by: LazyTANS on 2003-07-31 23:39 ]

suntouchtanning · 08-02-2003, 10:26 PM

Thanks guys, great info! I was looking at the Future Industries, and man, thats expensive. Im sure there great beds, but it will break the bank. Not sure if i should look into those, or some alternates, or a mixture. I will def check the site and take the advise. Thanks again richard9091 and lazytans for responding!
Thanks, Matt

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07-30-2003, 11:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
suntouchtanning Waiting Confirmation Join Date: Jul 30 2003 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	Just starting a salon, and wanted to know, if we should get some used, older beds, with hot bulbs or go all out and get the crazy, insane high dollar beds? Which would be better, better return on money, etc? I know it depends on a lot of factors, so ill hit them real quick, money - would have to borrow, or buy them slowly and store until opened, location - pretty busy, mix of people, Possibly to open at the end of the year or next. Thanks!

07-31-2003, 07:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
TanningEmporium Join Date: Jul 15 2003 Location: 213 Skyland Shp Ctr Posts: 2,613 Rep Power: 22	I say new beds, why buy someone else's problem, hot bulbs...now that is crazy...a bed only gets hot due to the components in the bed...dont say hot bulbs..you want your clients to be comfy and cool when tanning in your salon..When buying beds you want a mix. I have 5-20min beds, 1-10min bed, and a 12 min bed, this is a mix and I can please all clients with different tanning preferences. Never buy more than you have to spend, going into business is not cheap. And the less headaches you create for yourself the better. Try to open the closest to season as you can. I opened 2 years ago in June and man was that a haul. Season normally runs Mid Jan to May...try to open during these months.

07-31-2003, 01:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
richard9091 Join Date: Dec 17 2002 Location: Forrest City, Ar. Posts: 228 Rep Power: 22	There are some really nice looking basic beds out there. I just purchased a couple of Lumina beds by Prosun. they look nice and don't break the bank. Also, sometimes the manufacturers have beds that have been refurbished. you can get these at usually less than half of the new price. Depending on your finances this might help. I would consider getting at least one premium bed, just to give your clients an upgrade option. Also depends on your competition. I wouldn't open with lesser equipment than the people I'm competing against. Tanners know the best stuff and will go to it. _________________ [ This Message was edited by: richard9091 on 2003-07-31 13:58 ]

07-31-2003, 11:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
LazyTANS Join Date: Dec 15 2002 Posts: 105 Rep Power: 22	Get ya some decent 2500 to 3000 dollar base beds,and you must have at least 1 VHR bed.(160 watts or more).You would be smart to call Andy at Sontegra.I have the Baby X 34/3. I must say it's a hit with all the clients.It is a mighty machine.You won't get a better customer service representative as great as Andy.He will walk you thru anything at anytime of day.Which is unusual of most of the tanning bed reps.I also like the fact he will not sell to competition within a 25 mile range of you.For me-and any other state,if you are the 1st to get one in your state,he even gives you a certificate to hang up and show off.You really should check it out.My sales doubled more than half the previous year.You get upgrade fees ,where as if you get all base beds,you basically won't get anymore money from clients till they buy thier next pkg. for another month,or a lotion if you are lucky!Check out the site(you won't regret it!);) http://www.sontegra.com (you can get some cool graphics for your beds .I have the zebra themed one.) _________________ on the SUNNY SIDE ! [ This Message was edited by: LazyTANS on 2003-07-31 23:39 ]

08-02-2003, 10:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
suntouchtanning Waiting Confirmation Join Date: Jul 30 2003 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	Thanks guys, great info! I was looking at the Future Industries, and man, thats expensive. Im sure there great beds, but it will break the bank. Not sure if i should look into those, or some alternates, or a mixture. I will def check the site and take the advise. Thanks again richard9091 and lazytans for responding! Thanks, Matt

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