Hello There

[new be Ed]

Greeting,
My name is Ed, I'm in north central Texas and seriously considing opening a salon. I have talked to Prosun, Heartland, and ETS. They all seem knowledgable pleasent and helpful, and as far as this new be can tell all have good equipment. I'm looking forward to any input this group might care to give.
Thanks,
ed

	Superior UV

[missmojorising]

Why are you seriously considering this industry instead of others?

[Shantilly]

new be ed, firstly do the research in here, lots to offer you. all bed companies will be nice to you, they want your money. what is your competition? how much capitol do you have? Is there a salon needed in your area? lots to consider...... good luck

[new be Ed]

Considing this industry because it is; 1. something my daughter is interested in running, 2. looks like good equipment, a clean shop and fun staff mixed with a lot of direct mail would do well and 3. we already own a building with an empty space near a college campus. I wouldn't be in it, I have a day job, I own a print shop, or it owns me, lol.

	Superior UV

[eileen]

That sounds like a good combo to me! Owning your building will most likely give you an edge over other salons in the area. I would also take a look at Dr. Mueller, Magnumsun, Sportaredo, Tanamerica, and UWE. These are just some that come to mind.... I'm sure there are more!

	PC Marketing

[sunsally]

Originally Posted by new be Ed

Considing this industry because it is; 1. something my daughter is interested in running, 2. looks like good equipment, a clean shop and fun staff mixed with a lot of direct mail would do well and 3. we already own a building with an empty space near a college campus. I wouldn't be in it, I have a day job, I own a print shop, or it owns me, lol.

Somethings to think about:

1. Does your daughter have a head for business -- as opposed to thinking tanning seems like "fun". If not, are you willing to jump in and help. Think of tanning as BUSINESS and RETAIL only. Forget the "tanning" component. Does she have interest/acumen for business and retail? Including realizing it is a 75+hour/week commitment, generally 363 days/year. Is she willing to let it "own her" like the print shop does you - because it will! :)

2. What is the current competition? You would be surprised, but a crappy salon that is NOT clean and does NOT have good beds -- will still keep customers if they have a good location or great staff! Having a new place CAN be an edge -- or it can just be a lot more cost/expense than those existing salons have! Salons that have LOW saturation can do well. Salons trying to move into already saturated areas, thinking they will "do it better" -- fight an uphill battle!

3. Owning the building is good, although still figure in the "opportunity cost" of renting/giving it to your daughter vs. renting to someone else. College campus locations are a bit of a different animal. Busy during the fall (generally slow season elsewhere) but dead in the summer (generally still strong in other locations). College kids notoriously do NOT have money -- they are VERY tough to get to upgrade and buy lotion -- the things that MOST salons count on to make them profitable!


I own a salon in a very saturated market, am just opening another in a very low saturated college market. Big difference in the type of equipment you offer, hours, specials, etc.

Also should consider good used beds. Of course, when you are new, you have no idea what the "good" ones are. But they are out there and that can be a much "safer" way to get your feet wet in this industry.

Give me a call at your convenience and I'd be happy to bend your ear on more of this -- your daughter too!

Ann
877-422-4100 x 250

	Superior UV

[new be Ed]

Ann,
First as to a head for business, time will tell ofcourse. I think she can do it, but I'm her father. Yes, I will help her, I'm Dad. As to how saturated the market is, I don't know, yet. How much is too much? As to used beds, as you say I don't know from good.
Thank you for the offer, I will.
ed

[missmojorising]

Originally Posted by new be Ed

Ann,
First as to a head for business, time will tell ofcourse. I think she can do it, but I'm her father. Yes, I will help her, I'm Dad. As to how saturated the market is, I don't know, yet. How much is too much? As to used beds, as you say I don't know from good.
Thank you for the offer, I will.
ed

How much are you willing to risk/spend on starting/maintaining this business?
Are you considering purchasing an exisiting salon?
Are you considering starting up a new salon?

[new be Ed]

missmojorising,
I haven't finished the numbers but guessing 40 to 80 K (my guesses are sometimes low, lol) but that would depend on the upside.
Could, even would but I haven't studied it.
A new salon is I'm looking at.

[missmojorising]

Originally Posted by new be Ed

missmojorising,
I haven't finished the numbers but guessing 40 to 80 K (my guesses are sometimes low, lol) but that would depend on the upside.
Could, even would but I haven't studied it.
A new salon is I'm looking at.

Since I am the ONLY person left "UP" on the inter-net -- I gotta tell you -- my rough draft (for a new salon) calls for 225K to cover your 1st 3 years -- 80K ain't gonna cut it for the "long haul".