ka726

Hello Everyone

I'm new to this site and 5 months old in tanning business. Been reading and learning a lot since I discovered this site, thank you for sharing.

I don't know what to do with the pricing that I've been thinking to change for the next season 2014, don't know I should change it before or keep it the same for the peak season, I have 10 Beds & the monthly special prices are

Level 1 ... $29 with 2 regular base beds

Level 3 ... $39 with 3 Sun Dash 232 & 1 Bellariums (old bed but
with Bronze S Twister bulbs)

Level 4 ... $54 with 1 Sun Dash 240 GS & 1 Ultra Sun

Level 5 ... $69 with 1 Bermuda Triangle Stand Up &
1 Sun Capsule Stand Up

I know I don't have level 2 because that is the way it is when I took over this salon and I didn't change any prices since I took over. I do have some competition around me and they may charge cheaper compare to mine because they do EFT but I don't (would like to learn but don't know where to start yet), and most of them they charge sort of Sign Up Fees, Enrollment Fees but I don't. So is the prices too much? too low or just about right? or it all depend?

Thank you for reading & any advise or comment will be appreciate!!!

PS. I don't speak prefect English so forgive me if I didn't say it right!!!

parrot head

In looking at the tanning units you have, I really don't see much difference in the levels that you have. I see 2 levels at best, and I would simplify your pricing by charging $39.99 for level 1 and $49.99 for level 2. Not knowing what your competition provides, but your equipment is old, and you may need a lower price structure in order to get them in your salon. The prices you list are for monthly packages, correct?

Black Sun

Yes, Parrot those are monthly prices...

Now your levels..agree with Parrot. I too see only 2 levels, and would price-set as he suggest.

You may at some time want to consider selling/trading in your 'base beds', whatever they are.
Keep the 232's as a level 1, add a better VHR for the upgrade to level 2 (what Ultrasun do you have? I am guessing the 4000?)..keep the stand ups for a separate level, perhaps 3, then add a strong VHR (50+ 180/200w lampers), or perhaps a hybrid HP for level 4...only buy pre-owned beds of good quality

ka726

Thanks for reply Parrot Head

Yes, is correct, the prices I list are for monthly packages. That's what I need to do to lower the prices before the next season start, and currently just trying to do any kind of specials to get through the slow season, I do know the beds are old but I try to put New Bulbs in bed by bed to get the customers attention, cause they seem happy every when I told them I put new bulbs in.

parrot head

Don't get me wrong, the beds, for the most part are old, but workhorses. Keeping fresh lamps in them will go along ways in keeping your customers happy. Those beds do lay a nice tan on you. Like Black Sun says, it would be a nice addition to bring in something the customers have not seen before.

ka726

Thanks for reply Black Sun

Yes I really wanted to selling/trading the "base bed", I've thought about it and really wanted to get 1 strong bed for the customers and for the competitions, but I been spending a lot of money since I took over this salon and can't afford to get a strong bed yet, hopefully I would make some money during next peak season and go from there, also I did some measuring and none of the rooms will fit those strong beds, my salon only 1000 sq. feet, but may be I can get rip of the base beds and open up 2 room become 1 room, very appreciate your suggestion.

Yes Ultra Sun 4000

ka726

No no no, I know what you means, I will take any kind of advise and suggestion, I still have long way to go and really willing to learn from you guys!!!

ka726

May be is a silly question but just wondering what AC temperature you guys set to? May be is all depend how busy we are at that time of the day, Slow time? Busy Time? I know the beds work better when in a cooler temperature but just don't want to keep the AC running all day when is slow time, thanks.

parrot head

What ever it takes, keep your customers comfortable. Another thing to keep in mind when looking at bigger beds; you have to have enough power (amps) available to run those beds. Do you have single or triple phase and how much?

Steve Underhill

You have 2 levels here. The way you are priced you obviously have equipment that will not be used as much as others. you need a complete new price structure with monthly, EFT and other special packages. I would not recommend putting a band-aide on it and just change a couple of prices on the levels you currently have. However now is the time to make the changes.

__________________
Stephen Underhill
Consultant
steve@smuconsulting.com