ARASH

Hi all,


I'm based in Doha (Qatar) and planning to setup a tanning salon. Basically I'm new to this; therefore, I'm trying to understand how much electricity i would require.

Based on whats offered here the nominal electric supply voltage is 220/380V +10%, 50 Hz, 3- Phase, 4-Wire with separate neutral and protective conductor. The design fault level within the substation is 40kA (fault duration – 1 Sec), except for fuse protected equipment/circuit. This bit of info i got off from the suppliers webpage.

The units that I'm looking into would be having 220 volts with the following amp:
2 x ProSun Onyx 32 SLi (20 amp single phase breaker)
1 x ProSun Onyx 32 SLi Intensive (30 amp)
1 x Prosun V3 42 (160W) High intensive (40 amp)

Now that's 110 amp in total.... would my power be enough to run all the machines? I've been told that there is an electrical box that can regulate the voltage to accommodate the tanning units and all use it there in the States. Can someone give me some info or point me to a right direction.

Your answers would be highly appreciated.

Steve Underhill

You did not indicate what amp panel you have. You only listed voltage and phase.

__________________
Stephen Underhill
Consultant
steve@smuconsulting.com

Black Sun

Where are you getting the beds from? The electrical system in Qatar is British based...plugs/outlets/phase requirement totally diff from USA.....don't buy beds in USA and ship...they will not work without being converted....unless this salon is going on a US military installation..then you have a whole other set of requirements...I assume this has all been taken into account (?)

suncitypembroke

email me at engelectric@aol.com or call my cell 7818589514 Joe

ARASH

The electric system in GCC is 220V, 50Hz. As for the amp panel, they show up as KW ranging from as low as 4KW to 20KW. With these numbers i would need to ask for an increase to 80KW to fit 5 machines and at the same time run a 3 ton Air Condition.

Thanks to Steve Underhill on this forum, i have got many answers and leads; therefore, i do have to go back to my original post and mention that I'm not longer interested in the mentioned equipment's as they are more residential quality equipment.

I want between 4-5 equipments. What i should be getting:
2 level 1 beds
1 level 2 bed
1 level 1 booth
1 level 2 booth

I've come across many companies that offer tanning beds and booths. From the below list, which ones are recommended based on product line up, quality, maintenance, warranty, etc.

Dr. Muller by Ultrasun http://www.ultrasun.nl
Ergoline http://en.ergoline.de
Heartland Tan http://www.heartlandtan.com
Hollywood Tan http://www.hollywoodtan.com
Isoitalia http://en.isoitalia.com
Luxura http://www.hapro.com/en/7/info.html
MegaSun http://www.kbl.de/en/geraete/megasun.html
ProSun http://www.prosun.com
Smart Tan http://www.solariumsmart.it
Soltron http://en.soltron.de
Sportarredo http://www.sportarredo.com/eng/index.html
Suncapsule http://www.suncapsule.com
UWE www.uwe-light.com/en


What are the thoughts about franchising? Would anyone recommend ? Or better go solo?

sunsally

What franchises are in your market now? What do they charge/provide? What sort of success are they having now?


I recently sold and shipped to a customer in Dubai, and am happy to help you with quality used equip that will fit in your location. However, I would advise that before you move on buying equipment you first do more research on the right business model for your market. It might be a potential GOLDMINE - or a sinkhole! You want to make sure you know which before you jump into an investment.

Feel free to contact me via phone or email if you wish for more specifics:

Ann.Wiggins.Noe@gmail.com

614-783-5518 (Eastern time zone)

Black Sun

Hollywood Tan is not an equipment supplier, but a franchisor in the USA...


Go with Isoitalia...they would be good for your locale
(All the ones you listed are good, some better, IMO, than others..but it is all personal preference)

Also, IMO, and personal preference, stay away from franchises. You pay high monthly/yearly fees, which are due no matter how busy/slow you are-just another added overhead expense which needs to be paid. You will never have the feel of true ownership, always having to 'follow the rules' or face being dropped....very restrictive, no freedom to take the biz in YOUR direction with YOUR ideas....equipment choice is limited to THEIR supplier, you would have to sell what corporate dictates you sell

ARASH

I have to admit i am put off by the franchises. For sure better go my own direction. Anyway, the competition is not much to have franchise.

I have emailed all the equipment suppliers to forward their product catalog along with price-list. To my knowledge most are based in Holland and Germany which is good because I'm planning to visit there 1st week of October and for sure I'll drop by the headquarters of these companies.

Based on 4-5 equipments, I am thinking i would be needing a space of around 1000sq/ft max. The issue is that the rents can vary place to place.

Here is some breakdown
$22,000 - $110,000 for rent depending on location.
$10,900 for the trade license
$4,100 for upgrading the electricity
$????? for tanning equipment.


On an average the salons here charge between $19-$22 for 8 minute session.

sunsally

For 4-5 units, depending on the units (I'm assuming, larger, higher end), you could fit them in less than that. Typically 10 x 10 feet rooms is sufficient for most - especially if you use double doors or sliders to minimize the door intrusion into the space. 10 x 12 for only the largest High Pressure type beds (e.g. an Iso Italia L33)


For the type of equip you seem to be suggesting - larger, higher end units that could command $18-22/session - or more - at new pricing you could be looking at $150K - US - based on US pricing. The International market may differ. Buying used - from the US, Europe or elsewhere - is still a very good recommendation.

I'd guess your electrical upgrade will be more - recall you will also have to run electric to each unit. Most of these high end beds will run on 60-100A breaker size - those materials (breakers, wire) are expensive.

Besides your numbers, don't forget:

Buildout (rooms, HVAC,...)
Payroll
Insurance
Supplies
Product (lotions)
Towels
Decor
Lamps (when they wear down)
POS system
Utilities (month by month) etc etc


Do a LOT of research in your local market - consider even sitting outside of a nearby salon for a day to see how many customers they see in a day. Make sure there is enough demand to justify your investment.

BuyersGroup

I would combine tanning with another concept in such a market. Having experience there you would be best served finding a beauty combination v standalone the number of folks tanning is low.

Your location plan will likely dictate you use high end new uwe, kbl, jk the only options left

4-5 sounds like a lot to start perhaps go a bit smaller with hair or nails etc and grow larger. There is a reason so few tanning units in country