sandandsun

I am very eager to get into the industry however I am finding it difficult because there doesn't seem to be any salons for sale in my area. I think it would be better to buy an existing salon and then once I'm in there revamp the equipment and packages, and decor to my liking. Or do you feel it's better to find a location and start from scratch. How much $ do you think I would need for something like that since I don't know much about construction.

Tracie Williams

SandandSun,In Dec. 98' we purchased an existing salon from our biggest competitor. We did have a time working out and honoring existing packages. The former owner did not take any sort of action in regards to informing his customers of the upcoming changes. Therefore that left us with some irate customers. We honored the packages they had with the former owner but also put into place a program in which we "bought" their package out with in house credit then converted them to our membership. For the most part this worked fine but you have to understand of course there were plenty of people who felt they had been "ripped" off by not being told of the changes. Some of his policies we did not honor simply because our software would not allow those procedures. He was using an "dinosaur" system. This upset some customers and they accused us of trying to "take" their money. We assured them that we received no money from their package and only honoring it because of course we wanted their continued business. Although we had our issues I feel that it was the best route because we then had an existing customer base in which we could sell to. We didn't necessarily have to build the clientele at that salon.We open a salon from scratch March 15, 2000. We built and decorated from the ground up. Although it is a beautiful salon and our signature salon it really has been tough building up our clientele. It just seems that with an existing clientele you may see your business grow quicker. Especially if this will be your first salon.We operate 5 salons in our area and all but one was existing salons prior to our salons. Customers were familiar with a salon being in that location so that alone helped tremendously. Hope this helps some with your decision. Maybe someone else will be helpful in regards to price structure. Of course, it seems as if it would be less expensive to take over, redecorate and upgrade.Good Luck with Everything!!!------------------Tracie WilliamsSandollar Corporation[This message has been edited by Tracie Williams (edited 03-08-2001).]

sabrina

Quote:Originally posted by sandandsun:I am very eager to get into the industry however I am finding it difficult because there doesn't seem to be any salons for sale in my area. I think it would be better to buy an existing salon and then once I'm in there revamp the equipment and packages, and decor to my liking. Or do you feel it's better to find a location and start from scratch. How much $ do you think I would need for something like that since I don't know much about construction.I am in the same boat and if you are willing to share any information to help me, I will be more than happy to do the same for you.

Jamacia Jim

Just purchased my first salon in NJ. The salon was an existing on and I think for your 1st time buying an existing salon is the way to go since you have a base of members, it does hurt when people tan on memberships they purchased from the old owner but if you treat them better than they expect they will renew with you and then your off. Good luck if i can help just let me know, if i can't tracie sure can.