just a long rant...

[NYJumper]

[apologies for really long post but just had to get this out]On the way home today I heard a commercial for a tanning salon here in Long Island, NY. These were the exact words: “An upscale salon with a different attitude. Come tan with us. We have the [some brand mention] beds and the Stand up Sundome. And who needs a Dr.Muller when you can use the StarPower 54 for only $10 and get the same tan. We also have exclusive prom packages and deals. Call xxx-xxxx to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins welcome”Did not even give their address. I got the address and did a stop in. This place sandwiched between 7 shops in a strip mall with 36 parking spaces. 1.5 miles from one of the highest crime areas on LI and is NOT upscale. Their Idea of a waiting lounge was 4 beach chairs and a yellow wall with waves painted on them. The attendant [NOT KIDDING] was a 5’9 290 pound guy with a baggy gray shirt and weird piercing. He was scary. The most disturbing part was watching a girl who looked like she was 14, walk out of one of the booths. No parent around. And this is not the only place of its kind. These people are trying, poorly to convey an upscale image and thrashing the competition on price. This reminds me of one of the threads I read in the fourm on how we all end up loosing if salons try to make a buck or worse survive by engaging price wars. Its is a disturbing trend amongst salons, here in central LI.This was the 3rd salon ad on radio today. I have heard of free gift certificates by local salons at events and nightclubs but never this much “come check us out” radio advertising by salons themselves. Sadly, the wrong kind of competition is in town. Within the last year or so, there are 14 new salons that have opened up within a 20-mile radius of the location that I am planning on. Most of them suck. Ok machines but lack cleanliness OR Clean place but machines are old OR good machines but clueless staff. Most locations here are the 750-1200 sqft “shack-ups.” Only 3 salons in area that do it the right way [they are also the ones with the Dr.Mullers].I logged on to tantalk a few months ago and was literally humbled by all the details. From Lotions to ballasts to how to deal with parents who want you to baby sit their kids. I decided to delay opening until I could learn more. Just to do it right. It angers me that, these morons do not realize that every salon contributes to the industry image and their facilities threaten this image in the form of bad publicity and unwanted political attention. One incident and NO politician will forgo the chance to coin a bill with unforeseeable restrictions. Moreover, they are also hurting other established salons by engaging in price wars.I will wait a few more months and if this trend continues here, I will definitely look for another location. Sorry for the long rant. I think competition is healthy and promotes the industry as whole, but just wish there was a way to get potential “Problem Salons” to shutdown or change their act.Still Learning.Naj.

[BOBER96]

Excellent, insightful post. It is nice to see someone doing so much work before getting into this biz. ------------------bober96@megsinet.com www.suntanning.com Moderatorwww.tanlovers.com AdministratorSupporter of TSO

[Becky]

I understand your concerns Naj, but I disagree with waiting to open. That area needs an GOOD salon. You could blow all the others out of the water. Close them down or at least make them provide better sevcie in order to keep their clientale!JMHO

[solid]

yes and by seeing how the others "operate" you'll know what NOT to do. wise...solid