sc2btan

Wow - I've been away for a while - it seems that peak season is still running in full mode here even into October - still seeing 70-80 clients a day and now that I've added airbrush tanning, I'm seeing more of my clients than I ever cared to. My clients have stated to me on more than one occasion how glad they are that I'm finally offering this type of service. It's something they have wanted to do but did not want to betray my salon by going somewhere else. My whole thought on this is this - business cannot be compromised to the BIG BUYS when your efforts are put more into the focus of the busines "the clients" and not worrying about your competitors. It's a dog eat dog world it always has been and it always will be. Wouldn't go into Wal Mart here in the good ol US of A or in Japan for that matter unless I absolutely had to. NO customer service, NO speedy checkouts, NO clue as to where I can find a particular item. Would rather go into a mom and pop store and support THEIR income. As a small business owner, my efforts are concentrated on helping out the little people. If more people would do this, the BIG GUYS would finally understand why they will never be able to "stomp on the little guy" as Neon Beach so blatently puts it.

sweettimm

I heard that blockbuster was looking into tanning, because the video rental business is falling apart because people would rather buy a movie than rent it.

lil_missfit

That will be interesting if that's true in my town. There is a Blockbuster next door to a Malibu Tan and the manager from Blockbuster drives to my salon and tans because of the customer service he receives. I can't compete with the bigs dogs in town, and I don't worry about them. There is room for us all and I will come out on top as the little guy.... Tan On!

COCONUT

Perfectly said lil misfit!!

Sheila in Minnesota

Small Independent salons (those that are not finacially backed by a Bed MFG or a Lotion MFG or combo of either) will certainly need to be 'aware' of the intent of the future.

I smacked Keyser for his brusk way of reaching out and touching someone - - felt there was ill intent behind such postings.... but regardless of WHAT HIS INTENTIONS ARE ~

The math remains the same.

Say my salon gets 7.50 for a base bed 24 lamp single.....

what will happen when the Monolith comes on with the $3 buck ride in the ERgo 650?

I will retain the true lovers.... but they won't be enough to survive.... No matter how impersonal or sh*tty service a Monolith may provide.... with a real concerted effort by the Corporate Stores to shut me down... it will be hard to withstand it...alone.

Keyser says - - -BUY the big toys now and dump your prices low.... and I disagree.... I HAVE TO DISAGREE cause I could not afford to pay my rent if I did that..... He is a LARGER op.... multi location op..... he is doing what he feels he must to survive ~

and that equation will not work for me - - - or for many of you.

Keyser tells us that we are fools to be supporting the very group that will dance on our graves.

I agree.

But it will take some EFFORT and DEDICATION to save your businesses ....

I have not seen too many people willing to make the EFFORT.

Too many years of EXPECTING the ITA or SMART TAN to come to the rescue..... and we saw recently that AUNTIE TAN has a free smack card any time she freeking wants one.... So does Sunless ~ our ITA won't lift an eyebrow never mind a hand to stop it.

The message here is TOOOOOOO negative for many of you fine folk..... but just like the bit*chen about Diversion - you will have to ADMIT you were advised ~ you CHOSE not to be proactive in your own survival.

keyser

Most WILL NOT MAKE IT ....HOWEVER I truly Hope that Many do .....

This is tanning Folks in it DO not want to listen or fess up to there own shortcomings and try and Fix what is going to be a VERY TOUGH road ahead for all of US.

sHEILIA I DO HEAR You Loud and clear on the big bed theory However it is the truth of the matter i know it sucks it should not be like this ,,,However its tanning and now Big money has moved in and there overall operating costs yes will be much More but they are use to working on MUCH Smaller profits ,,,,,THIS WHAT TANNING DOESNT UNDERSTAND ,,,Most have been used to 30% and plus profits ever year ,,,Those days are coming to a near end in Most area"s of the Country Very soon......THIS IS what Most do Not understand ,,,Profits are going to be less overall FOR EVERYONE ......How many can surrive this ?????????? I will be 100% right on everything as much as I DO not want to be.......

DakotaFL

You know....My opinion really only matters to myself, but I do want to make a few points.
I think everyone has very valid points but you must ask yourself this.

Aren't customers going to go to the salon where the staff knows their shi*, and understands customer service.
Aren't customers going to go to the salon where there is always friendliness and discounts are given?
And isn't it true that giving free drinks, and candy, wearing uniforms, and being proffesional gives a better appearance and therefore shows that your salon isn't dirty like a lot of tanning salons in this country?
Offer discounts, give tours of your salon, be knowledgable about your products, learn how to be a good salesman, and make your customers feel important and appreciated and I guarentee that you won't go out of business that quickly....

cliffor123

it is always the losers that cant succeed saying that whatever they are trying to do is imposible, a smarter person would rethink their strategy no just say "because i cant do it, no-one can.

Neon Beach

Woah, that topic died a year ago!

sandstan

let's send keyser to Japan!!!! lol