Hi all,

I am another new guy looking to get info of any kind on opening a new salon. Just a little background. I owned an Airbrush Salon for one year, and did quite well. We didn't make a ton of money, but we did ok. I always wanted to expand and open a larger more full service salon. Well I sold the ABT Salon due to some lease issues with the landlord and have been sitting here for about a year now. I am now ready to start the process of opening a new salon. We have about nine salons in my immediate area, but only one in the location I like, and they have been for sale for some time now. I approached the owner about buying the salon, but I didn't think it was worth what he wanted, 75,000 for eith beds, all about 5 years old. The location I am looking at is a brand new shopping center across the street from his. I am hoping to do something like 8 beds and an airbrush booth.
One of my concerns is electrical. Can't I buy beds that will run off of 110Volts AC and not need to have the expense of converters and upgrading electric and such? Also, I have done a ton of research on bed manufacturers and the prices are all over the map! How much should I spend for normal beds, versus a stand up, versus high pressure, etc. etc.
I'm sure I have a million other questions, but I think everyone gets the drift of what I'm asking here. Thanks in advance for any info guys!!!!!

Excitednewguy - welcome!

Hopefully you're ready to read, read, read as there is all KINDS of great info here that will help you in your decision making! Everything from build-out costs, to most profitable equipment mixes, to how to arrive at a "value" for an existing salon and so much more!

You'll probably find that $75,000 for eight beds in an existing may wind up sounding like chicken feed compared to what it is going to cost you to open one up from scratch! Doesn't mean the PARTICULAR salon you looked at is a "good deal" or not - depends on their specifics. But it IS an expensive business to enter nowadays and do "right" and expect to make money. Especially in a market where you already have 9 salons in the immediate area!

And immediately, you'll learn that "commericial grade" beds require substantial electrical (and HVAC!) -- and nope, runs that run off 110V just won't cut it unfortunately! Too bad - would have saved MANY of us the $15K - $60K+ plus it cost just to get THAT part of the build-out done!

So read, read, read and take notes, and if you're still interested after all you read -- start asking those more specific questions and we'll try to help!

Excellent Sally, Excellent!

you always give good advise sally!

Some advice from a fellow newbie. I purchased new beds and with an average of $3,9000.00 to $5,900.00 for them. Of course I'd like an HP (High Pressure) but it isn't in the budget and don't think it would pay off in the small town i'm in. Anyway, I am getting ready to purchase another bed that is used but in EXCELLENT shape and I am putting new bulbs in it so the customers will never know. Be open to buying used equiptment because tanning beds are like cars in depreciation. But also BUYER BEWARE! My electrician let me make payments to him and that really helped but theres no way around avoiding 220. If I had it to do over again, I would have purchased quality, USED beds! Good luck! Like Sally say's keep reading! This website is full of great info. advice and opinions.

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[ This Message was edited by: missyhot on 2005-09-22 10:50 ]

I would stay with airbrushing. Less of an investment and little overhead. Full service indoor tanning is a whole different animal. If you wait around another year or so, when gas goes to $4 or $5 bucks a gallon. Energy costs going through the roof, one of the industries that will feel it the worse will be indoor tannig. I've been warning you newbies and existing pro's about just how mature and crowded the indoor tanning salon industry is. And it's not just me saying it. Tanning is a lifestyle and although I've read that it is a vanity business that is not affected by the economy, I totally disagree. It is also an industry that is very seasonal and very cyclical. Bad weather also affects sales. Just too many factors. With a 5 to 6 month peak season, just one or two bad months and you are sunk.

Air brushing is for day spas and hair salons. Nine salons in the area though, I think I'd look into a Subway or Quiznos franchise. Good luck.

I'm hungry for lunch.

Hi Hungry, I'm Thirsty for punch in Hungary.

You're a hoot, Belvedere!! Sarchasim is always refreshing.