run life on tanning beds - Page 2 - tanTALK

tanu01 · 12-10-2004, 01:43 PM

I'm not saying an older bed does not tan well. But there is good reasoning to upgrading older units if you want ot stay the leader.
Bob

SwedaGuy · 12-10-2004, 04:42 PM

Our beds are 10+ as well...we're replacing two of them this month and maybe trading one in for a booth early next year. The most popular? Our older than dirt sundash...go figure...

But we've managed to replace a lot of parts in the beds we're keeping...even though they don't LOOK new, they work almost like it...

MJ · 12-12-2004, 04:09 AM

Tanargonaut,
If you maintain your equipment, and it is quality steel construction. Not a bunch of plasitic..I hate yellowing endcaps!But those are easily replaced if that is all that is plastic on your beds.
I see no reason why they should not last. Now the Market for new beds is diverse. And so are the opinions of when and how often you shoudl upgrade/trade in your units. Just remember new is not always better and more dependable.

The auto industry has proven my point if you think about it. Cars were made much better, stronger more dent resitant and to last longer. If any of you remember...not that I am saying NEW is bad...either.
Just know your equipment and what you are buying. The perfect example of what you should do is right here. You posted asking questions....looking for answers instead of taking the sellers word for what is the average life a tanning unit and risking not knowing.

I have great old Sontegra Super Palm Beaches~Split top. I love them they are in great shape for their age~ solid steel and very confortable. Can accomidate any size tanner.
Run great cheap to maintain. Change the fans, starters, keep them clean make sure they do not run hot and harden the wires..you are fine. These type of beds are an asset. Not to mention the old saying if it ain't ... why waste your time fixing it?
In this case it saves Money too! I will save my money for advertising to get more peole in my beds!

Not trying to be sexist here but~ I did notice that alot of men are fixated on new technology and new sleeker smaller PCs, Phones, a new car every other year and in this industry ---tanning units. They tend to ( generally speaking here) lean more towards New Bigger Bells and Whistles on their units.

The reality is the client does not give a rats A$$ about the twinkling lights on the outside of the bed that lights up the Mfgs name. Or the color of the bed.It may be visually appealing..but will it make a difference? hmm maybe..keep in mind most will not even notice it as they are dressing or undressing.

They just want to tan. We tan people...that is our job. The older units are only going to lose you money if they are not working or not properly maintained. So if you are thinking about upgrading or trading in your older units please do so....but do it for the right reasons. Not because you may feel industry pressure to keep up with the Jones. Guess what in slow season the 'Jones' will not pay your bills.

Having said that, I feel compelled to say that Newbies that go to shows or read the trade mags and see the beautious new units out there. Do your homework. there ar such things as pretty lemons you know. Or companies that are prone to have inferior units. Know the companies you are dealing with.

Furthermore...will your market bare the price you would need to recoup the cost of the new spantanglious bed you just bought?

Leaving you with two choices, Lower your price to meet the market or stay firm and enjoy looking at your pretty new bed? either one is not good.
JMHO
Good luck with yoru new salon. Keep that in mind when you do get new beds.

MJ

PS I would negotiate the price to adjust equipment cost..if it is over inflated. BUT I would suggest you clean them up, ride the season, recuop your some of your inital investment back. Maybe add a upgrade bed if teh salon does not have one and see how you like them. I am unfamilar with those units. maybe someone who is can help you...better decide what to do.

tanu01 · 12-12-2004, 09:19 AM

Not to side track,But remember the biggest and best unit is not always the best unit for you. Save buying the biggest andd best until you need too.
Bob

Neon Beach · 12-12-2004, 10:01 AM

Whatta guy! Well said!

Tanargonaut · 12-17-2004, 12:42 AM

I appreciate all comments but MJ thanks for all the elaboratiion. We have litterally placed all our heart into this business and hope it does very well. After getting involved with tantalk we have felt very confident aboout the "old beds" we have purchased and are committed to customer service. We will eventually add some of the "fancy beds" down the road but certainly have our minds on $ making at this point! Thanks for all your assistance!

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12-10-2004, 01:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
tanu01 "The Man" Join Date: Mar 4 2003 Location: ohio Posts: 4,015 Rep Power: 23	I'm not saying an older bed does not tan well. But there is good reasoning to upgrading older units if you want ot stay the leader. Bob

12-10-2004, 04:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
SwedaGuy Waiting Confirmation Join Date: Sep 3 2004 Posts: 533 Rep Power: 0	Our beds are 10+ as well...we're replacing two of them this month and maybe trading one in for a booth early next year. The most popular? Our older than dirt sundash...go figure... But we've managed to replace a lot of parts in the beds we're keeping...even though they don't LOOK new, they work almost like it...

12-12-2004, 04:09 AM	#13 (permalink)
MJ Join Date: Jan 21 2002 Posts: 2,709 Rep Power: 23	Tanargonaut, If you maintain your equipment, and it is quality steel construction. Not a bunch of plasitic..I hate yellowing endcaps!But those are easily replaced if that is all that is plastic on your beds. I see no reason why they should not last. Now the Market for new beds is diverse. And so are the opinions of when and how often you shoudl upgrade/trade in your units. Just remember new is not always better and more dependable. The auto industry has proven my point if you think about it. Cars were made much better, stronger more dent resitant and to last longer. If any of you remember...not that I am saying NEW is bad...either. Just know your equipment and what you are buying. The perfect example of what you should do is right here. You posted asking questions....looking for answers instead of taking the sellers word for what is the average life a tanning unit and risking not knowing. I have great old Sontegra Super Palm Beaches~Split top. I love them they are in great shape for their age~ solid steel and very confortable. Can accomidate any size tanner. Run great cheap to maintain. Change the fans, starters, keep them clean make sure they do not run hot and harden the wires..you are fine. These type of beds are an asset. Not to mention the old saying if it ain't ... why waste your time fixing it? In this case it saves Money too! I will save my money for advertising to get more peole in my beds! Not trying to be sexist here but~ I did notice that alot of men are fixated on new technology and new sleeker smaller PCs, Phones, a new car every other year and in this industry ---tanning units. They tend to ( generally speaking here) lean more towards New Bigger Bells and Whistles on their units. The reality is the client does not give a rats A$$ about the twinkling lights on the outside of the bed that lights up the Mfgs name. Or the color of the bed.It may be visually appealing..but will it make a difference? hmm maybe..keep in mind most will not even notice it as they are dressing or undressing. They just want to tan. We tan people...that is our job. The older units are only going to lose you money if they are not working or not properly maintained. So if you are thinking about upgrading or trading in your older units please do so....but do it for the right reasons. Not because you may feel industry pressure to keep up with the Jones. Guess what in slow season the 'Jones' will not pay your bills. Having said that, I feel compelled to say that Newbies that go to shows or read the trade mags and see the beautious new units out there. Do your homework. there ar such things as pretty lemons you know. Or companies that are prone to have inferior units. Know the companies you are dealing with. Furthermore...will your market bare the price you would need to recoup the cost of the new spantanglious bed you just bought? Leaving you with two choices, Lower your price to meet the market or stay firm and enjoy looking at your pretty new bed? either one is not good. JMHO Good luck with yoru new salon. Keep that in mind when you do get new beds. MJ PS I would negotiate the price to adjust equipment cost..if it is over inflated. BUT I would suggest you clean them up, ride the season, recuop your some of your inital investment back. Maybe add a upgrade bed if teh salon does not have one and see how you like them. I am unfamilar with those units. maybe someone who is can help you...better decide what to do.

12-12-2004, 09:19 AM	#14 (permalink)
tanu01 "The Man" Join Date: Mar 4 2003 Location: ohio Posts: 4,015 Rep Power: 23	Not to side track,But remember the biggest and best unit is not always the best unit for you. Save buying the biggest andd best until you need too. Bob

12-12-2004, 10:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
Neon Beach Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 61 Posts: 38,594 Rep Power: 107	Whatta guy! Well said!

12-17-2004, 12:42 AM	#16 (permalink)
Tanargonaut Join Date: Nov 30 2004 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	I appreciate all comments but MJ thanks for all the elaboratiion. We have litterally placed all our heart into this business and hope it does very well. After getting involved with tantalk we have felt very confident aboout the "old beds" we have purchased and are committed to customer service. We will eventually add some of the "fancy beds" down the road but certainly have our minds on $ making at this point! Thanks for all your assistance!

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