BronzeBabe

Currently I have 20 minute base units but the unit I am looking at to replace them are 15 minute 36/3 Elixirs from Dr. Muller.

What are the pros and cons or what are your opinions on whether or not to provide the 20 min. or 15 min.

What do you think customers reactions will be if I make this change?

Steve Underhill

Always remember the importance of performance and perception separation when it comes to equipment. A 15 minute base bed is a terrible idea from a marketing stand point.

You must factor in equipment features as they translate down to the tanner. A manufacturer that produces a 15 minute base bed is trying to appeal to you the salon owner by saying my bed is better it is 15 minutes instead of 20 minutes. However equipment decisions should be made based on how it supports a marketing program. Don't buy in to that deception. If you like Dr. Muller, have them provide the system in a 20 minute version.

BronzeBabe

How can you ask them to make it in a 20 minute version? If they do not provide it? *confused*

Steve Underhill

Is this a 100 watt system?

BigLeo

15 minute tanning sessions means you can turnover those machines more during the day. This translates into more sessions, and more revenue. What really matters is the quality of the tans those machines deliver. If you are ordering Dr Muller's you can't go wrong. Those are great machines. I am glad to see the Dr. Muller nane.

Steve Underhill

Let’s consider making money. Let’s think about marketing. Level one equipment if structured in a program that will maximize your income potential is sold based on value not performance. Up-grades are sold based on performance. If a base bed is to strong (Reflector lamps, Facials or higher than 100 watt) they will kill your ability to maximize income in a level based salon. Please take the blinders off, it is not about the destination or the tan it is about the trip or perceived experience. A 100 watt system will get you just as dark as an HP system if you use it often enough. A person can only get as dark as their skin type will allow. Equipment differences are tools for supporting a particular marketing program. To view equipment in any other way will ultimately cost you potential income.

DWhite6872

We offer 15 minute base beds, because of our marketing stategy. I would only offer a 15 minute based bed based on our plan.

BronzeBabe

Steve..the unit is 100 watt

soapking

Better check with your State regs, if in a regulated state. Effective 2006 in Georgia, for example, ALL beds must be on a 15minute or less timer. Usually what one state institutes, others will soon follow suit.

But to answer your question, I personally never do more than 15miutes. With a good 34+ VLR lamp/bed, you will satisfy everyone with room to upgrade. Twenty minute beds and anything less than 34 lamps are becoming passe.

Steve Underhill

32 lamp 100 watt non-reflector base beds are the most effective standard in this industry. If I am competing with a salon that has a 32 lamp 15 minute reflector lamp base bed. My salon will always show a greater profit margin and ability to satisfy more of the tanners needs. A 34 lamp 100 watt reflector system will have a dramatic negative effect on up grade business. A salon that says this is not true has not had the opportunity to experience the difference it can make. Use a little common since and apply some proven marketing practices. Do what ever you like, just remember everything you do will have a positive or negative effect. Statistics show that a base bed is a starting point that is a value sale. The more you spend to sell that value item the less goes to the bottom line. I will always have an easier time selling a 20 minute base tan over a 15 minute base tan. VALUE PRECEIVED