Luv2BTan

I am most certaintly "faithful" to my salon. I've been there since they opened their doors, 3 years ago. I am not seasonal either, I tan with them year round. I've been tanning for 8 years. I've lived in 3 cities and choose 1 salon in each of those. Hardly a "salon hopper".

I choose to shop for lotions online for a couple of reasons. Yes, they are cheaper. But, I also don't buy lotion online that is sold in my salon. I don't like the products sold in my salon. That's the main reason I buy online. I've found products that work much better for me. The salon I use doesn't choose to concentrate on trying to sell much in the way of lotions. They have a very large salon (50 beds) and I figure a large client base (even with 50 beds, this time of the year the frequently have a wait). They offer a few SB and a few AG lotions, no others. They don't even stock any of the high end lotions of either brand. They aren't interested in selling other brands and will not special order.

They also could care less about where I get my lotions. The owners know where I get my lotions and why. I have one of the best tans in their salon and they are glad to have people see me come in and out. I don't flaunt with anyone what lotions I'm using or where I get them. I carry a small bag to the salon with lotions, goggles, back applicator, etc. so it's not seen by anyone either.

I have gotten a much, much better tan since I found lotions that work for me. I spend a lot of time researching the lotions online. I don't get the info from the salon and then spend my money online.

I understand that there are a lot of salon owners out there that choose to put an effort in lotions. You are probably able to meet the needs of your client base and that's great. Just realize that all salons can't or won't. That doesn't make the salon bad either. Some of you may think I tan at a bad salon because they don't do it the way you do. I've been tanning long enough to know a good salon from a bad one. I happen to love the salon. They have good beds, change bulbs a lot, and have low prices. I don't know how they do it, but they are able to stay open doing things most of the salon owners on here say you shouldn't do.

Can any of you honestly tell me that you have had a significant drop in lotions sells from people that buy online? I suspect that most salon owners have very few, if any, clients that buy their lotions online. [ This Message was edited by: Luv2BTan on 2002-04-15 20:11 ]

MJ

Quote:
On 2002-04-15 16:31, LavenderFleur wrote:
Quote:
On 2002-04-15 08:55, Bronze Star wrote:
C'mon... these are the same people that will spend hundreds of dollars to tan with you, but will surf the internet to get lotion cheaper!


Can you honestly blame them for wanting a good price? I pay my salon to use their beds. Whether or not I purchase my lotion there is not their concern. I have and do buy some lotions there, and have bought some online. I'm not made of money. I do take offense that you would list people who buy lotions online to people trying to steal (stealing the service) from the salon. Major difference. I am sure I will get flamed for this, which is fine. But I am honestly curious why you blame the customers for buying online. Why would I pay twice as much for a lotion if I don't have to?

No one is going to Flame you.... It is a very misunderstood subject.
Lotion diversion actually hurt you more themn you know it.
It takes revenue from our bottom line and as a result we are forced to raise the price in order to maintain our beds.. or even worse we don't maintain our beds..( some salons select this option)
I find that I am way more "opt to give my lotion purchaser a better deal or a free upgrade here and there." then the ones that come in with lotions I know they did not purchase from me.
Just to let you know how some of us think.. not to threaten you into buying lotion from us.
AND most online lotions are going to be old lotion. If you have a problem with it ... who are you going to call? Not your local salon..
Are you allowed to Bring your own bottle of vodka when you go to the bar with your friends? are you allowed to bring your own food to a Mcdonalds while your kids play in the play area?
Or are you allowed to Take your own pop and popcorn to a movie theater?
You see where I am going with this.. Ihope this sheads a little light in on this issue.
MJ

njchica

Quote:
On 2002-04-15 19:54, Luv2BTan wrote:
They also could care less about where I get my lotions. The owners know where I get my lotions and why. I have one of the best tans in their salon and they are glad to have people see me come in and out. I don't flaunt with anyone what lotions I'm using or where I get them. [ This Message was edited by: Luv2BTan on 2002-04-15 20:11 ]

I've posted before that I buy lotions that I like that are offered at my salon from my salon, and I buy others online if they aren't stocked.... I have a KILLER tan. I am a regular, loyal customer, and I am GOOD ADVERTISING. Everyone asks me where I just came from to have such an amazing dark color and I proudly admit to tanning. I tell them exactly where I tan and why it's such a great place...

I think that the number of $$ lost by the salon due to an online purchase by myself pales in comparison to the number of referrals that I've given them. Students, co-workers, total strangers... I refer them all to my salon...

LavenderFleur

I am glad this didn't turn into a *flame fest* or anything. I have been reading about diversion for a month or so now. Whenever it was that I found this site. I DO understand that salons need to make a profit. That is why they are in business. But good lord! I just can't see myself paying $50 for lotion. That is way out of my price range. I pay plenty just to tan! Although, I live in a small town that has ONE nice salon and even then, they only have 5 regular tanning beds. No facial tanners or anything even remotely fancy. They are a little more expensive than the hair salons that have beds, but I don't mind that. Atleast they change their bulbs regularly and keep the beds clean. They have a pretty decent selection of lotions, but the guy who is usually there (owner's son) doesn't really know much about them or anything. Like I said before, I have bought and will buy lotions from the salon. Mostly the cheaper ones ($25 or so), but I can't bring myself to pay much more than that! Someday when I am rich.

Anyway, this is getting long and drawn out. Just in MY way of thinking, I would think that a salon would rather sell a lotion a bit cheaper and actually make the sale than compeltely lose out to an internet sale. Does that make sense? I know the mark-up on lotion is horendous. I don't know. Seems like there will never be an agreement on the issue, but I am glad that everyone was nice enough to discuss it.

Tamar

The markup on lotion is not that big from salon to customer...

And we aren't here to argue or flame. I do see both sides for I am a bargain shopper myself. BUT I am also in business and need to pay my bills, maintain my beds, pay my staff, and order more lotion. I also take the time to discuss with each customer what lotion would be right for them at different times. I've rarely had anyone end up with a lotion they weren't happy with.

The saddest part about lotion diversion is that many of the sites are actually other salon owners stabbing other salon owners...and THAT I can never condone.

Bronze Star

Tamar hit the nail on the head. Any beef any of us has about diversion doesn't necessarily come as a result of a client's actions, but the salon owner's who own these sites. People who deliberately pull away sales from salons... see I have that problem here. I'm glad the problem isn't everywhere.

Realize that my commisions (source of income) are based on my sales and when Ms. James stands in front of me telling me she can get my lotion BELOW my cost and then has the nerve to tell me "Well you guys are raking in the dough right now anyway..." it really steams me! Thats the kind of client I am referring to. She's the one who will tan every day in our largest unit and criticize everything in the salon.... and then turn around and get lotion somewhere else. Then she is the same person to complain when we raise prices on our unlimited and VHR sessions.

Not all salons will make special orders for clients... I realize that. We do. But there are also some products our distributor might not carry as well... so if they want it bad enough, they'll get it.

And this is not about flames... its about compromising and understanding. I actually think each side has learned a little bit about the other. I also think that each and every salon and client is unique in their own way... that uniqueness is not a bad thing.

_________________
Bronze@bronze-star.com
"Virginia may be for lovers
But Pennsylvania has Intercourse" - seen on t-shirt[ This Message was edited by: Bronze Star on 2002-04-16 01:02 ]

MJ

Lavender,
I have high end lotion and inexpensive lotion...($17.99 and up)
I offer like most salons a wide variety..so this leaves room for all budgets to offord a lotion to suit thier needs.
Thanks so much for you imput from the customer stand point...sometimes we forget this..
the overhead is high in our business. All year long...even though our BUSY time is short. We are as you state in business to make Money.
Unfortunetly Tamar is correct, MOST of the lotion site are run by Salon Owners. And they have yet to realize the full impact that they inflict upon their fellow owners.
Or they just don't care.
I hope that you don't feel bashed .. We are just trying to get the word out their and why Customer in general should be loyal to their local salon.
Mj

mysticme33

I'm just happy we are talking to each other. When I came to post in this topic, I was worried. I felt a little quilty for ordering online. But I also know that I'm the reason why my friends are tanning at this salon & not a cheaper one. I even placed a order with the salon yesterday. She was happy to do it.

But one thing that I have taught my kids is that when you yell, no one hears your words. All that is going on is the other person is trying to think of a come back. But nothing is ever heard. So when we do have fights, either I or the kids will walk away until we are calm. I can't tell you how many times my daughter has walked out & come back later so we could talk about things. This way we both are heard & we understand one another. So far this has helped me raise my teenagers. Poor husband looks dumbfounded most of the time, because can't understand why they talk to me so much. *LOL*

Just jumped in to say THANKS for listening.

Patricia

LavenderFleur

Quote:
On 2002-04-16 01:58, MJ wrote:
Lavender,
I have high end lotion and inexpensive lotion...($17.99 and up)
I offer like most salons a wide variety..so this leaves room for all budgets to offord a lotion to suit thier needs.
Thanks so much for you imput from the customer stand point...sometimes we forget this..
the overhead is high in our business. All year long...even though our BUSY time is short. We are as you state in business to make Money.
Unfortunetly Tamar is correct, MOST of the lotion site are run by Salon Owners. And they have yet to realize the full impact that they inflict upon their fellow owners.
Or they just don't care.
I hope that you don't feel bashed .. We are just trying to get the word out their and why Customer in general should be loyal to their local salon.
Mj



I don't feel bashed at all. I was worried with my initial post on the topic that it might turn into that, but I am very glad it didn't. My salon doesn't carry many cheaper lotions. Most of them are atleast $35 or so. I, personally, can't afford to tan AND pay that much for lotion. Every once in a while I splurge a little and treat myself. I DO buy samples there though. I like to try everything first, and the samples aren't out of my price range. LOL I suppose maybe if they had any competition they might carry some cheaper brands. Don't get me wrong. They are great people and I like them, I just can't afford some of their prices!

I can see both sides of this issue. I guess the reasonable thing to do would be private labeling? I think Bronzed Star said something about that. Salon's still make a profit, but are able to offer good lotions at a better price. SOunds the way to go to me!

Luv2BTan

The salon I go to did try the Private Labling thing last year. Unfortunatly they choose a brand that wasn't very good. No one would buy a second bottle. I tried thier Tingle product and hated it. It was so Blue in color it turned my hands blue. Now they are stuck with several bottles of each kind. So, Private Labling seems like it can be risky because it only works if you get a brand that your customers will buy. I'm sure there are a lot of salons that can't take that risk. Plus, it's bound to be harder to sell what is perceived as a "no name brand".

I do like the idea to offer a range products from several lines. Kind of pick and choose the best rather than carry everything from one or two. That way, they meet the needs of the widest range of clients. I just don't happen to have one of those salons around. I would buy my lotion in the salon, if they sold it there.