dinoNY

how much did you spend to start you tanning salon?beds, construction, software, ECT.
i want to see if it would make sense to start new (in a better location) VS. buy

delany

buying is WAY cheaper. I would say most people spend about 200k for build out etc. (if not more) There are ones that start cheaper, but it depends on where you are. A place that is in a small town with no comp can start with say 3 beds and expand. But a place say in LA would have to start with bigger better beds, better decorations etc to stay competitive

Black Sun

To sustain success in this industry, which has been fading like a cheap tan over the last few years, it would take DEEP pockets to open and to get you thru the first 3 years before a profit, or break even is realized.

If you are talking about top equipment, spa like decor (which is all needed to remain competitive), expect 300-500K.

If you are talking about the old Ma/Pop slaon of the 80's with fake palm trees and an outside vinyl banner that reads, "HOT BULBS" blowing with the breeze, you are looking at 50k...but expect to close down the second season.

TanAtCoCoBeach

I bought my salon for $10k then we spend another $60k in rehab for new equipment and a new location. Buildout didnt cost us anything because we negotiated that as part of our rent. Expect at least $100-150k at the low end to start a new location. Buy an existing business and negotiate with the landlord for cheap rent is what I would recommend.

SteveO

We spent about 175K, but we did a substantial amount of the work ourselves. I would expect to pay 250+.