Tanfanatic

This will be our first summer since we just opened in November. In my area there is a lot of competition, and we all have relatively the same prices and equipment. I want to start preparing for the slow season and start thinking about what kind of specials to run. One local salon last year run Unlimited tanning until 2004 for $150.00 in July, which also included 5 free upgrade tans, and a $5.00 gift card for merchandise. This sounds like a great deal, but their yearly unlimited is only $180.00. I need help bad! I welcome all suggestions. Thankx

Soakinuptherays

Cheap rest of the year pay now specials that start in June-Dec:
For Base Beds
For Any Beds

EFT sign ups for monthly unlimited

TanningEmporium

I tried the umlimited until the end of the year, you will not make that much money...and you will still need a way to have money coming in everyday...Educate yourself on outdoor tanning products and run specials for holidays. You can have all the specials in the world but when it slows down, if you dont have the clients coming in it will not do you any good. My second year I educated my clients on tanning year round and maintaining color without coming in everyday and using lotions before and after tanning, it really has helped during the slow months. Clients will come in for the skin care needs even if they are not tanning.

anna_tanna

Doing something like that is fast cash for now, but it wont pay the bills in two or three months. I know a salon that did that and they sold lots of them, but it really cheapens you and your product. What you really need are EFT's - they will be there June thru January anyway- -they may not tan, but they keep letting the draft happen to get the better deal. We run a special from time to time for our regular 20 minute bed, 2 months for $50, or the next step up 2 months for $85, but only once or twice during the slow months because it is the biggest draw for new and return clients in February. Do what you think you need to do, but don't "cut your foot off" in the process. The deal you mentioned, sure does give the customer who takes advantage of that alot - the rest of the year for a discount PLUS 5 FREE upgrades PLUS $5 off something else. How much are the upgrades worth? Alltogether, that ends up being a lot of money OUT of your pocket.

Tanfanatic

Thank you for all your helpful hints. We are already starting to see business slow, and are really racking our brains for more ideas.

TanningEmporium

Tanfan, try to do drawing for free sessions with the purchase of a lotion of 20 or more. Run it for about 2 weeks. YOu will be amazed at how many will do the purchase just for the chance at free tanning. I do 1 about every month during the slow season.

Neon Beach

You'll have to come up with a promo that is suitable to your local economy and get you some cash now to help you thru the summer months. Gotta start selling them now though! I tried so-called unlimited for the summer if they bought before the end of May. Dropped that idea after three yrs. of nothing. This year, I'm thinking about offering anyone who purchases a package in July, Aug., Sept. ..... and win a chance to tan for free next Winter.

TanningEmporium

Another I did last year, buy 3 month package, get your name in a drawing to tan until the end of the year free, or give a year away. Either will draw some attention. With anything you have to promote it and be excited about it. If your clients see your excitement they will show it also. Remember, when someone tries to sell you something normally the act or are very knowledgable in the area and show great excitement.

crazy44

Showing excitement really is the key. I run a special buy 1 month get 2nd at half price. It works great.

sun gal

CRAZY 44...I WAS THINKING OF RUNNING THAT SAME SPECIAL. SHOULD I START IT NOW, SO THE MEMBERSHIPS ARE FROM MAY 15 TO JULY 15?? OR IS IT TOO SOON TO START THAT? HOW HAS IT WORKED FOR YOU IN THE PAST?