wilddunes

I am doing the research to start up a new salon. Does anyone have any suggestions if it is better to try and be a part of a franchise or to start my own? I am in the process of writing my business plan to go to the bank for the loan and really don't have a good idea of all of the expenses, can anyone help? Thanks in advance

Neon Beach

A good place to start, is to search the site for other threads of this nature. Try to search link at the top of the page, or the google search at the bottom....... Good luck.

UltraSun1

Hey $200,000 I'll sell you mine! Over saturated business to get in and on the decline every year. Looking for something else to get into and non-seaonal? I'm probally going to buy a few Great Clips. Don't have to work them. Major expences are rent and payroll. Tanning business major expenses are tons of product, rent, payroll, tons of lamps and sales taxes? Just me though..

Steve Underhill

It is interesting to hear that the tanning industry is saturated and on the decline. I would be very interested in hearing where you obtained this information. I can't help but believe that your salon is among the 90% of all salons that is not maximizing your income potential or even worse, struggling. This in no way suggest that the industry is saturated or on the decline. It does indicate that these salons do not have a plan that will insure the level of success that can be achieved. The truth is that this industry gets stronger each year. The seasonal aspect is something that can be controlled through your marketing efforts. My advice as usual is, if you want to be successful in this industry just as in any industry you should get assistance from someone that can show how to succeed. You must have a plan that is proven. My point is not to blame your salons level of success on the state of the industry, instead take responsibility for its success from the start. It is just as easy to be successful as it is to fail.

BigLeo

Stephen,

You're a pretty sharp guy. Why do you blame lack of a plan as a reason why so many salons aren't making money. When the dam breaks everybody gets wet. We are already there. Everybody is trying a different gimmick, bigger beds, more powerful lamps, aromatherapy, but they fail to see the underlying problem: the tanning salon industry has matured and is now over saturated. It's a problem with the basic structue of the industry. Far too many manufacturers, distributors, lotions. Over supply everywhere. Consolidation in the industry is happening as I write this.

DWhite6872

Consolidation is happening...there are bigger salons and salon owners who own 3+ salons. I think it is going to get even tighter ....and something has to give...I think we will see a lot of people get out of the industry and salon owners getting bigger and bigger. I think this happens in every industry eventually it becomes a "real or mature" industry and you have the shake out.
I think Steve is right though...if you do not have a plan and it is amazing how many salon owners do not have a plan! It is great to start with a plan but it should be something you revisit and update at least annually!
I do not believe in playing victim...if I get beat because I went into it without a plan ...or a big salon comes in with better equipment, location, and advertising....then it's my fault not "the man"....if you have been sleeping...now is the time to wake the heck up!

Neon Beach

I agree with BigLeo, and partially with DW.

Depending on your situation. Not all salon owners , especially those who may be in a smaller market with marginal competition can be or will be prepared for a high roller who wants to make a mark. Many salons are not banking big $$ every year, and a poor year or two makes it that more difficult for them. When money steps in, in the form of franchises for instance, it might not take much to to starve them out. Sad, but very true.

DWhite6872

I think there will always be room for a well run salon with 10 beds....customer sevice and attention to detail will always work....instead of it being 9 out of 10 salons...with the consolidation maybe its 3 of the 10 salons. I think the strong and smart ones will survive and our industry will be better for it...I still dream for a few great salon owners to come together and fight the Derms...and consolidation would help our cause!

clubtan1

Every industry has it's cycles. I have no idea where the tanning industry cycle is. Up, down or sideways? Wish I was the one who wrote the MS-DOS program.

Get Tan!!

Who cares who wrote it, I wish I had the patent!!