Hank van

not only that, it takes 5 years to make a salon that busy. 10 yearsd ago it would have happened right away, not anymore. You better have deep pockets because it's very hard to get customers to switch once they are comfortable. And, if it's one of my salons, your talking about, you come next to me and I'll give it away FREE!

kissfan44

also you're starting off on the wrong foot...why do you want to open a business that will have to fight/compete with an established business to stay open? My advice: Open something that your area doesn't already have. Hank you are right...250,000 is probably a huge understatement for that kind of a salon.

kissfan44

Hank

Once again we 100% agree with you. Our equipment is paid for and we own the real estate. If someone else opens up in my area, I can afford to slash my prices to put them out. But, unfortunately for the new owner that just invested $250,000, they won't be able to make their payments.

soothertan

I highly recommend calling JB at DarkerTan...He will give you everything you need and all the information...he is great and most importantly honest! his number is 1-800-309-3090! He has been working with me for 2 years and my salon has been open for 8 months and he has played part in its success!

kissfan44

Add in the Michigan economy. It's one of the worst in the United States and it's flooded with tanning salons.

Coppertone

opp's hit the reply button to early

Coppertone

I don't think MI is flooded with salons, but than again I guess it depends on the area, but this I do know. Your making a very big mistake right now wanting to open a salon. The main reason as stated is the economy in MI if not the whole US. You have GM/Delphi on the brinks of bankrupcy and if they do a lot of people will be hurting. It's already apparent with all the houses for sale. I have 3 friends that have sold there 2nd home/cottage in northern LP or UP just because of the economy. Know of a couple more people in the same boat. Now as far as salons go there is a lot of people that like also state there building paid off and there equipment. It will be hard to complete. What every you decide good luck.

sunsally

Michigan is in the top 5 of total salons/state as well as salons per capita. As a general rule -- it is saturated.

Gass1472 - there are SO many threads here already talking about start-up costs, profitibility, franchise vs. no and so many others that the BEST thing you can do right now is just read, read, read for about the next month!

Then - as we suggested -- continue to watch the traffic count at the existing store you want to compete against through July, Aug, Sept & Oct. See if you think it is still swamped and a market begging for another salon!

As for opening a salon of 15-20 standups, while Michigan has a stronger standup market than most states, an all stand-up salon, generally, isn't that well received. If you are really set on that "concept", consider a Hollywood Tan franchise since they already have that model.

And yes - plan on a minimum investment of $250K for what you are proposing, and maybe as much as $500K if you go the franchise route. And don't expect profits for years -- if then, depending how the anti-tan sentiment shakes out over the next decade!

Hank van

in my area 15 to 20 beds are average. I am expanding two of my locations, one to 40 rooms and the other I purchased a building and making it 46-50 rooms. That's the only way I can compete with the cheap prices around here. If I have to tan 800 people per day to make money, I will. Coppertone, you must be in a small town because tanning salons are like gas stations around here, one on every corner! Detroit suburbs.

Hank van

Smoothertan, your bragging about DarkerTan and you've only been in this business for 8 months? You have alot to learn. I've been in this business for 13 years, I don't care who you are, it has gotton tough.