sunsally

So the only difference between the 34/3 and 36/3 is 2 160 lamps in the top? Or is the 36/3 160 lamps all around?

sunsurfer

No its two extra 160 watt lamps.

sunsurfer

Not a big difference, it tans very well though. Its the most popular and everyone says they can tell a difference when we ask. My wife was skeptical bc there is not ahuge difference, but she only uses the 36/3 she likes it better. It may be a bit wider too.

TanAtCoCoBeach

My take on relamping.... Get some higher end equipment you can make money on that have new lamps in them already. You need tan appeal. Im not saying go crazy with buying a Sun Angel (though it worked wonders for us) but im talking about attractive new higher end beds from ETS or Ergoline. ETS has come a long way in terms of quality from their launch of their E3 equipment and they are at a great pricepoint. Look at KBL and UWE as well. Ya gotta get the better equipment in there to make money.

__________________
Alex Chuang
Owner
Coco Beach Tanning

sunsurfer

Alex, Thanks for the advice, that was something I was wondering. If we were to add one bed right now, what should we add? All opinions welcomed. I have looked at a few different beds.

parrot head

One bed? Find a nice Ergoline 600, and give your customers a little "WOW". You need something to set yourself apart (different). The 600 will tan their "butts" off, and shouldn't cost u an arm and a leg.

sunsally

It isn't a big enough difference - period. It's the most popular because you still price it like a Level 1 bed compared to most salons and it tans like a level 2. Plus it is possible the lamps were fresher or fans are better etc. But I guarantee in two equally well-maintained beds, there will be no performance difference between a 34 lamp bed with 160W on the top and 100W on the bottom with facials and a 36 of the exact same set-up.


Then you have your standup, which is 42 160 lamps all around, but no facials and you have to stand up. So for MOST customers - it won't be worth the added price difference to pay to tan in that rather than what they can get in your 36/3 beds.


This salon basically has beds that they are calling level 1, level 2 and level 3 and in actuality - they should all probably just be level 2.

TanAtCoCoBeach

It really depends on your market. If you have a good median income in your area and other salons do not offer a high pressure unit then get a high pressure to differentiate yourself. If other salons have high pressure units then you get a high pressure unit AND another high intensity. From what I am looking at right now I see your salon as a one or two level salon. You have a stand up and the rest are 34 lamp beds. It doesnt matter what intensity those beds are because customers will look and still see a 34 lamp bed. Theres no tan appeal in my opinion. I would probably try to make your salon a 3 or four level salon keeping your existing equipment as the entry level equipment. Then add in one 12 minute high intensity 40+ lamp bed as a level two and a 50+ lamp high intensity as a level three. And a high pressure as your "destination bed" where people will be willing to travel for a tan in it. The destination bed isnt a must but the other two are. You have to get better beds to make more money.

__________________
Alex Chuang
Owner
Coco Beach Tanning

sunsally

I would do the following:

1. Sell the 34/3's or the 36/3s - your choice (probably the 36/3 since you haven't relamped them yet). Replace with a reliable, basic 32 lamp 100W bed with no facials like a Sundash 232, Tan America Santa Barbara. I'd get 2 of these.

2. Make the 2 34/3 or 36/3 (whatever you didn't decide to sell) and the stand-up together your "Level 2" option. They can do the stand up or laydown at that level. Encourage them to rotate - and get more use out of your standup. So 3 beds at this level

3. Put in a big VHR bed. For the money, I still like the Ergoline Classic 600 as much as many on the market (this will be 8K or less). Needs to have 45+ 160W lamps and facials. Other bells/whistles (shoulder tanners, ...) are optional

4. Add an inexpensive High Pressure bed. In your salon, could go with a mattress HP to start just to see if you can sell it, and again, to keep your capital output at a minimum

5. The sunless booth you already got as your 8th unit.


With THIS mix - you can be profitable and retain customers. With the mix you have - and the pricing you shared with me - this salon will never pay back your investment and replace your wife's income from the job she left, let alone make a profit for you.

sunsally

It doesn't depend on your market, it depends on how you price and promote things and your ability to sell. But in general, we agree -- this mix is 6 beds that basically perform the same and will not draw or keep customers.

Since your beds are all 160/100 already, you are better off adding in a low level 1 and a VHR and an HP than trying to squeeze in 2 levels of VHR. Can do more with your pricing and promotions this way.