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Old 09-07-2006, 06:59 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Existing salon needs new beds

I am looking into purchasing a salon. 2 of the beds need to be replaced. The current owner sent me info on Dr. Kern beds. She has one in her other salon and really likes it. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a UV free spray unit?

Thank you in advance!!!!!
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Old 09-07-2006, 07:05 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

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Originally Posted by lvfd1
I am looking into purchasing a salon. 2 of the beds need to be replaced. The current owner sent me info on Dr. Kern beds. She has one in her other salon and really likes it. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a UV free spray unit?

Thank you in advance!!!!!
Not a lot of Dr Kern Lovers on here I would say due to passed experiences

We have all DR Kern equipment in our salon and have had great luck and our customers love them
They have a fairly new service manager as well and he has been great with a couple of minor things that have come up.

What Dr. Kern unit are you looking at?
Good Luck
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Old 09-08-2006, 07:40 AM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

The one that she has in her other salon is the 42/4. She charges an upgrade for it. I looked at it on their website, it's nice.

When you say 'past experiences', what do you mean? With the reps or the beds?

Any thoughts on a spray unit? Thanks so much for your response.
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Old 09-08-2006, 07:49 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

Dr. Kern beds tan fine - most beds do, especially if you use quality lamps and replace them aggressively.

That said, as a general rule, Dr. Kern beds run hot (as in - so hot to lay on the acrylic that tanners have to leave the session early), are a HORROR to install/break down/maintain, etc.

As someone else once said - "they are the ETS of Europe". Lots of people BUY ETS. Few people re-buy them the next go-round.

There are MANY many other brands of beds I would recommend buying over Dr. Kern.

As for spray booths -- I like the Mystic or Cabana Mist. For the money, I'd probably go with Cabana Mist now, but it depends how strong a sunless market you think you'll have to see if it would be "worth" the extra investment in Mystic.

There are more BAD spray booths than beds. Research carefully.

Where is the salon located that you're thinking of purchasing?
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Old 09-08-2006, 08:04 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

No thoughts on a spray unit here

In the past I have heard Dr. kern had some issues with support and overheating with the equipment

The 42/4 is and has been a great bed for us,Customers love the bed
Very roomy and they get great color from it
It uses Cosmedico Lamps and that is one thing that most on this site will probaby agree to be some of the best lamps in the industry.
We also have a Tandome fromDr. Kern which also has been a great stand-up unit
And our base beds are 34/3's and are also loved by our customers
The flat bench design on the 34/3's are nice
Customers comment on how much easier it is to get in and out of these beds
Hope this helps
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Old 09-08-2006, 08:14 AM   #6 (permalink)
 
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

The salon is in Western PA.

This is an upscale area and is convenient to 2 school districts. I have talked to a few hairstylists that work in the area to see what they think the market would be for tanning in general. I have heard, overwhelmingly that most of their customers are concerned with their skin and ask about spray tanning . So, I am thinking that the spray tan market would be pretty good here. The salon currently does not have a spray unit. And, I am really concerned about turning clients orange. There is a franchise not far from the salon and their spray units have that reputation.

Thank you both for the advice on the Dr. Kern's.
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Old 09-08-2006, 08:23 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Re: Existing salon needs new beds

[quote=sunsally]Dr. Kern beds tan fine - most beds do, especially if you use quality lamps and replace them aggressively.

That said, as a general rule, Dr. Kern beds run hot (as in - so hot to lay on the acrylic that tanners have to leave the session early), are a HORROR to install/break down/maintain, etc.

As someone else once said - "they are the ETS of Europe". Lots of people BUY ETS. Few people re-buy them the next go-round.

There are MANY many other brands of beds I would recommend buying over Dr. Kern.


These statements are wrong Wrong Wrong
This is exactly what I was saying about past issues
We purchased our equipment last year and have no overheating with any of them
They are simple to break down and install
We disassemble all of our equipment every two weeks to clean the back side of the acrylics and dust the bulbs and clean the fans
My wife is a clean fanatic and sees a spec of dust and they get torn down even if it is prior to our two week routine
The lower acrylics can be removed and serviced by one person easily however the upper acrylic is a two person operation only due to the flexibility of the acrylic
And yes I would purchase DR. Kern again as a matter of fact I just spoke with the sales rep for a quote on additional base beds
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Last edited by sundude; 09-08-2006 at 08:38 AM.
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