Vernon..SC

I am in South Carolina. We have 0 Hollywood Tans and 3 Planet Beaches. Planet Beach seems to offer alot of support for their franchisees (great area rep). I have visited two of the three here. I have been impressed. I am starting to research Hollywood Tans. Initially there does not seem to be alot of support available for the franchisee(i.e. two salesman handling new franchisees). I plan on choosing an HT to visit this coming week. What caught my attention was that Hollywood Tans said they have never had a failure. They also gave some astronomical gross numbers. Planet Beach will not give numbers out due to FTC regulations. Numbers that I have gotten out of their franchisees have been vague at best.
I want to open a salon this fall. I am seeking any advice/information that anyone is willing to share about these two franchises. Thanks to all for your time!

jkonturas

Franchises are an insult to this industry!! Its just like Domino's VS Local Pizza Place..... You are gonna get quality food, and great service at the Pizza Place, and you are just another number at domino's. You are much more appreciated in the family owned business aptmosphere. Forget the franchises, because if you do the research, you could just do it yourself!!! Hollywood Tans and Beach Bums Tanning dont have THAT good of equipment, its just like any other franchise.... Built quick and simple, made to handle masses of people, thats why they make their money.... But you have to do EVERYTHING the way that THEY tell you, not much freedom... Not for me. JMHO

ZABAZU

Quote:What caught my attention was that Hollywood Tans said they have never had a failure. They also gave some astronomical gross numbers.

Right....and what kind of backup do you have to prove those "astronomical gross numbers"? Also what about their ASTRONOMICAL GROSS EXPENSES.

Unless one is absolutely brainless, I would rather eat broken glass than buy a francise.

Francises exist to suck the life out of franchise owners.

Franchises are currently setting up their owners(in their game of dominos)by using the owners money to, in the long run, make the franchises "chain" more money at the owners expense.

Ultimately, when they suck every last dime from you and put you out of business through their rules and regulations, they will so kindly take over your franchise for themselves, giving them a larger market share in the end at your expense, thank you very much for your initial investment, so sorry it did not work out...

Do some research and read some of the older threads on "franchises" and "the competition" on this website and others and you will soon see why franchise is the WORST move you could possibly make.

SunDizzy

Quote:
On 2004-05-08 09:20, Vernon..SC wrote:
I plan on choosing an HT to visit this coming week. What caught my attention was that Hollywood Tans said they have never had a failure.

ROFL... you should visit three of their failures here in southern CA... they have the worst rep and they've been opened less then a year.

Vernon..SC

Thanks everyone. I will go back again and search through the older threads. I understand alot of people do not agree with the "F" word. I am looking for an investment and tanning appears to be profitable. I do not have any prior experience in the business. It seems to me whether you are a franchise or not that customer service is what keeps the clients coming. Planet Beach stresses customer service. Clients are not just a number. I understand that not all salons in all areas are ran the same whether it is franchise or not. The biggest and most important variable seems to be the staff. I think there are pros and cons with going with a franchise. I am just trying to get a feel for all my options.

Independants are sble to maintain superior equipment compared to national chains?

If I choose an HT I think I would essentially establishing the reputation in the area. What I am trying to analyze is what the companies have to offer. I am also trying to get a feel for their overall reputation. NOT to anger anyone but franchises must be doing something right for independants to be concerned when they move into an area. That's what I have gathered from reading posts on different forums.

Again thanks for your time.

ZABAZU

HEeeeLLllOOooo, Franchises are into setting THEMSELVES up to take your INVESTMENT money for THEM, not you.

Then again, why waste my time trying to explain this... :eyeroll: Read the older posts more thoroughly.

Neon Beach

Neither! Be our own boss. Learn what you can from them, then dump their sales people and do your own thing. Dump the cut throat franchise thing now.

Soakinuptherays

Franchising is designed to give you advise, understanding and advantage of an industry you do not have can not get on your own. For tanning that is not true, the same beds, lamps and lotions are available for everyone. Some people want the direction of "big brother", yet others want to be more independent. The choice is up to them.

Vernon..SC

I made the trip and discovered that Hollywood Tans is definitely not what I would like to do. I did not like their equipment or set up at all. With Planet beach, I am now waiting on the confirmation (tomorrow in the mail) that I can buy the same beds direct from ETS cheaper than I can buy them through Planet Beach. There goes their buying power theory. Now here is another problem. ETS said they will help in the development of my salon without the franchise fee and possibly lower priced beds. In the research through the threads in this forum (yes I have read the Franchise bashing but 99.9% was without supporting reasons, that does not do me any good..looking for facts not a bashing session) I have also noted some negative remarks about ETS..specifically being the lower end beds. I have heard great things about Planet Beach beds from tanners. I am a little confused. I do want to start out well informed and with top of the line beds. Thanks in advance for the help/information!

OASIS BEACH

Vernon..SC

As a Planet Beach Franchisee please feel free to contact me for correct information to all of your questions.