TANNING 12th and Finally Hour, Welcome to a Season less Industry

[Don Smith]

The rant from Keyser; a.k.a. "bad karma"; a.k.a. ".com"; a.k.a. "keith" should be ignored for one reason - none of his previous "rants" have proven to be accurate. For some reason he seems to take perverse delight in trying to spread "gloom and doom" among those who don't know his track record.

The fact of the matter is that:

1. The so-called "mom and pop" salons are in better shape competitively and better able to "survive" the tough times we are going through than are the "chain" salons who have to pay franchise fees and are "hindered" by corporate policy and proceedures.

2. The lotion companies have, collectively, provided us with reasonably priced products that make the difference between our being profitable and losing money.

3. What he "sees" as "seasonless" is, in reality, his inability to recognize that more and more clients are now seeing the value of tanning year-round.

4. ALL Salon owners now enjoy a "buyers market" and the low prices we currently pay for sunbeds and lotions reflect that fact of life.

5. The "bloom is off the rose" as far as sunless tanning (especially in booths) is concerned because (a) the "long term" results weren't acceptable and (b) no photoprotection was provided. There has been, therefore, a "return" to UV tanning that will continue.

6. Finally, the "word" is getting out to the American public that attaining/maintaining an optimal blood level of vitaman D (25 (OH)D) is necessary (a) for optimal physical and mental health, and, (b) to "reduce the risk" of dread diseases like cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, MS, etc., and more and more "medical experts" are agreeing that MORE sensible, moderate and responsible exposure (i.e., "controlled" exposure) to UVR is required. Thus, what keyser, bad karma, .com, keith seems unable to "foresee" is that the most convenient, cost effective and CONTROLLED year-round source of vitamin D-effective photons IS your local indoor tanning salon.

So, folks, don't lose faith! The struggle won't be easy and some of us will fall by the wayside. However, the rewards will be great for those who are able to "stay the course" and grow their client base. An individual salon owner can't do much about "overbuilding of salons" by the large franchise operations and/or stopping the "negative press" by the anti-tanning coalition but they CAN make sure that each and every one of their clients are treated the way every human being wants to be treated.

[billable]

Don, you start off like you are in disagreement with keyser, but your last paragraph implies that you know we have hard times coming over the next few years.

"So, folks, don't lose faith! The struggle won't be easy and some of us will fall by the wayside. However, the rewards will be great for those who are able to "stay the course" and grow their client base." Sounds like Keyser's post with a different spin. The industry is overbuilt. The ones that can stay are going to see profitable times again, but there will be tough times, right?

The ones that aren't positioned to make it through the next 3 to 5 years of tough times would do better to get out now and save themselves a lot of headaches and money. Same info. Different spin.

[tennessee lee]

Originally Posted by Don Smith

The rant from Keyser; a.k.a. "bad karma"; a.k.a. ".com"; a.k.a. "keith" should be ignored for one reason - none of his previous "rants" have proven to be accurate. For some reason he seems to take perverse delight in trying to spread "gloom and doom" among those who don't know his track record.

The fact of the matter is that:

1. The so-called "mom and pop" salons are in better shape competitively and better able to "survive" the tough times we are going through than are the "chain" salons who have to pay franchise fees and are "hindered" by corporate policy and proceedures.

2. The lotion companies have, collectively, provided us with reasonably priced products that make the difference between our being profitable and losing money.

3. What he "sees" as "seasonless" is, in reality, his inability to recognize that more and more clients are now seeing the value of tanning year-round.

4. ALL Salon owners now enjoy a "buyers market" and the low prices we currently pay for sunbeds and lotions reflect that fact of life.

5. The "bloom is off the rose" as far as sunless tanning (especially in booths) is concerned because (a) the "long term" results weren't acceptable and (b) no photoprotection was provided. There has been, therefore, a "return" to UV tanning that will continue.

6. Finally, the "word" is getting out to the American public that attaining/maintaining an optimal blood level of vitaman D (25 (OH)D) is necessary (a) for optimal physical and mental health, and, (b) to "reduce the risk" of dread diseases like cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, MS, etc., and more and more "medical experts" are agreeing that MORE sensible, moderate and responsible exposure (i.e., "controlled" exposure) to UVR is required. Thus, what keyser, bad karma, .com, keith seems unable to "foresee" is that the most convenient, cost effective and CONTROLLED year-round source of vitamin D-effective photons IS your local indoor tanning salon.

So, folks, don't lose faith! The struggle won't be easy and some of us will fall by the wayside. However, the rewards will be great for those who are able to "stay the course" and grow their client base. An individual salon owner can't do much about "overbuilding of salons" by the large franchise operations and/or stopping the "negative press" by the anti-tanning coalition but they CAN make sure that each and every one of their clients are treated the way every human being wants to be treated.

[Sherin]

So, my question is: Why if the word is getting out and the Mom & Pop's are doing fine, where is everybody? This year so far has been as bad as my first year. With more and more salons gone, (several have closed in my area) where are the customers going or not going?

None of the Manufactureres except for Wolff have stepped up to help advertise this business. Guess what, many have gone to PL... and with the flood of used beds currently on the market, I guess your sales must be down too....

Live by the sword, die by the sword!

[Neon Beach]

Oh my.

[Sherin]

Nobody wants to contest my comments?

[eileen]

Thank you Don and dcjjp!
I believe you constantly take your business to the next level it takes drive, money smarts and good management. Coming from a small mom & pop restaurant business of over 47 years that heard the same negativity posted here I know otherwise. I remember all the talk when different franchises opened Pizza Hut, Domino's and later sbarro's but we're stronger then ever.

[Sherin]

I want whatever you are taking...

[I KNOW IT ALL]

Keyser tell us why your bitter at this Industry? If you adjusted with the times maybe you would still be in the game? There is plenty of money to be made for those that operate correctly. From catching up with your past posts seems like you like to be the little drama causing queen.

Mrs. W

[Neon Beach]

Originally Posted by Sherin

I want whatever you are taking...

Me too, but I can't afford it.

P.S. Comparing tanning to pizza is a weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bit of a stretch.