LindsVanPelt

So, my husband and I are in the planning process of starting a tanning business. I have been doing my homework, perusing the forums, looking at buying used vs. new, and even looking into leasing equipment. The area that we are looking is in southern California, with a population of about 60-70k people, only two salons in the area; which are smaller, older, and not located in a prime area, neither have spray.
I totally understand that having capital is the most important aspect of starting this business, well, that and drive, dedication, plenty of hours, and a supportive partner....
My question for the rest of the salon owners is this; what would you dodifferently? If you could go back, and change some things, what would they be? Also, what are you favorite beds? Should we buy used? Or should we lease?
We want to open a nice, relaxing place, that has a comfortable feel. We are currently in the construction industry, so building all of the rooms, cabinetry, casework, tile and counters, and electrical can be done in house (thank goodness!). iTan is a chain that is somewhat local (San Diego County), and we love the layout that they have, and this is something that we would like to sort of model after. They do offer franchising, but I don't like the idea of paying 6% royalties.

I really truly appreciate all of the other links on this forum, I have learned so much, in just a short amount of time.

Thanks!

markee88

Dont lease keep your overhead low.

I'm in the process of changing my build out right, i wish i would of done it from the start.

DakotaFL

If I could do it again I would go smaller. That's really my only issue!

LindsVanPelt

Would you buy used?

How many beds did you start with? We were thinking of starting with 6 and a spray. Is this too many? Too little?

suncitypembroke

If you are to buy used who going to put in and wire??? if new all that will be done except the wiring, so you need someone who work on tanning salon and know what your need are as far as wiring not all electrician can do tanning salon, I can help you being a consultant for the electrical, if needed.

Steve Underhill

There is certainly a way to open with used equipment. However you must have a very specific business model established and choose your equipment based on your needs. Do not randomly chose equipment based on price or any other reason than it is the model that is needed to support your price structure and marketing. Get it right before you move forward.

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Jamkat

I feel that tanning beds are much like purchasing a vehicle. It's nice to get it new, but you pay an awful premium to do that, and if you lease to own, the company representative will probably wear a mask so he can't be identified when you figure out how much the bed actually cost when you got done paying for it! I would plan my salon to match the market, as mentioned above, but I would then look for last year's unused model or decent used equipment to fill the rooms. The number of beds you buy is strictly a factor of the use they will get. We had a variety of beds - not copies of the same platform - and the customers loved it. Those that didn't like one platform, felt comfortable in another. I would also check out the competition to see what beds they use, and then carve your own niche with different equipment.

Breeni

Business is a activity that is started for the purpose of earning profit and it has many steps to follow and one of the main step to follow while starting a business is planning and secondly you must have capital for this purpose.

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irene

12 minute beds... used....