ktesla02

I see... hmm. I guess I still look at a lot of this from a "tanners" point of view.. becuase I have tanned regularly for 14 years, and probably will until something prohibits me from doing so.

I do have some advertising lined up....putting flyers out in the local apt. complexes newsletters offering "deals" for the residents, same with the college down the road, and Highschools. Ive also dropped business cards everywhere I go :0 Im still looking into the idea of radio advertising.. have gotten mixed reviews on how effective it is. Any suggestions you have are always welcome :)

sunsally

Definitely transition into an Owner's point of view - otherwise you will make other decisions that will be bad ones for you too (e.g. pricing -- Hint - do NOT sell minutes!!).

Working a "deal" with the nearby apt complexes is good - assuming they don't offer tanning beds already. Having a regular blurb in their newsletter is good.

For the college and h.s. kids -- try to get them to refer people to you. Give them referral credits - e.g. we do $6 per person they refer, which is the equivalent of a single Level 1 tan (or they can use it to upgrade if they already have a package). We explain - "You can refer all the people you possibly can - you'll never have to pay to tan!". Most won't refer anyone, a few will refer a couple. But all you need is a couple of real go getters who make this their JOB and you will be in luck!!

Look for local advertising methods - newspapers, local coupon mailers, etc

Facebook ads

Radio doesn't usually do much unless you have multiple locations. If you do it, skip the "on-site promo" and go with something more like the 5 second "And now the weather update, brought to you by XYZ tans where the sun is always shining". Sometimes you can offer them gift certificates in trade. Ditto for the college newspaper or radio station.

Good idea on bringing the business cards everywhere - is there an offer on them? Something like your "5 tan Salon Sampler for $14.95 - $50 value - New customers only". Not just a generic card.

Window signage if you have good driveby views. Get vinyl posters made and mix them up - e.g. one about AirBrushing, one with New Customer Salon Sampler offer, one about "New Ownership", maybe one with a pic of your Ergo 600, etc. Will take a lot of views to get them to pay attention and stop.

ktesla02

Wonderful advice!

I really like the vinyl window idea...and switching it up!

And using the sampler on the card....Im going to order those today.

Really appreciate the help, thank you! :)