time2tan

I don't know if misery loves company, but somehow it does help to know that others out there have the same worries about the "slow season". This is my second one, I've owned the salon for a year and a half. I really did ok during the busy time, but not enough to "sock any away for a rainy day" So, I'm worried too, and taking it one day at a time. I see about 25 people a day, but most of them have packages, so it's not like I'm bringin in $$ every day. Last year I paid for a money mailer advertisement that came out in November, at a time when I could least afford it, but I feel that it was worth it! It really got some new customers, gift certificat sales, ect. and helped me get thru the winter months. I like the ideas from the others about school specials, homecoming etc. I want to check out how I can work that angle, (maybe the school newspaper?). Anyway good luck and hang in there!

richard9091

For us the only busy season for tanning is March thru June. Those are the only months that tanning is profitable. The other 8 months are just basically covering expenses. If anyone thinks that tanning salons are a profitable year long business, probably will be terribly dissappointed. Let me qualify this, by saying this is not probably true for every salon. This is just what I've found to be true in the two towns in Arkansas where I have had tanning business. This has been the case with all the other tanning salons in those towns also.

tanu01

Hey dont forget the holidays! everybody wants to look good. Get on it ! make your holidays great ones!!
Flick

tuscanysun

Hey Richard9091 I can relate, because AR is my home state and that is how AR people are. They do just tan like Feb/Mar to June. So I know what your saying, but my home town in AR had an University and they like to tan. If your near one, run a semester special like dirt cheap. I live in TX now and it stays hot here for a while, anyway I ran semester specials that just came out in the college paper this week and I had two sign up last night. Also hit the school sports programs. I paid $50 and put an ad in for the whole football season. I hang flyers at the post office and grocery stores if they allow it. I had a women sign up the other day saying she seen my flyer at the local convenience store. Try all that. I never quit putting my flyer out. I'm sure you heard all this before, but it is working a little for me.

tak

Hi everyone,

I am in my 3rd slow season. I am more worried this time then ever before. The slow season didn't creep up on me, it hit me like a ton of bricks. One day I was busy...the next slow. What I came up with for a special during the slow months is, If my customer buys a new package before their present package ends, they will get a 10% discount on their new package. I figured it will keep customers coming back. What do you guys think of this? Has anyone done this type of special before and if so how well did it go over for you?
Thank you, TAK

BEACH_BUM

It has been rainy or cold or cloudy here. (very few nice days) Really wierd weather. I am the only Sun around. Doubled June sales- it's just starting to slow down. I am always thinking about how I can create a need in my customers mind to tan again. Last month E-mailed customers w/ a special coupon and reminded them -they should keep tanning to hold on to that beautiful color they worked so hard for all summer. "Dog days of Summer". Sept -Oct& Nov:major tanning deals to keep customers coming in and lotion sales flowing. Extra week free w/ unlimited tanning. Get 2 free tans w/ any regular price lotion purchase etc. Keep thinkin'...........

Xotic

I'd like to hear more about the Free Tan wkend. This is my first slow season, and I currently have been running specials dirt cheap to make it through. Please give me ideas to pull this off without losing my shirt? I don't think I would be able to offer deals on that wkend lower than the promo's I am currently offering.
Anyone in Connecticut? How are you doing?

X-Treme Tropix

tak, I've done that same special before but I noticed the clients that normally tan anyways are the ones that took advantage of the discount. I was trying to encourage the ones that normally wouldn't renew their packages. So I ran it for a short time and I haven't brought it back.

As for the Free Tan Weekend. I have done the one day tan for free any level day. It was busy but again all I got was those that just took advantage of the FREE day and I haven't really seen a return from those people that took advantage of it. So now I offer $1 tan Level 1 or $2 tan Level 2 on Saturdays between 9a-12n. I feel that giving things for free doesnt bring in the ones that value your service or quality product. I get tired of the ones that is there just for FREE STUFF.

I really don't want their patronage if they cannot see that I'm trying to offer them the best but it will cost them to have the best.

sun2go

free tan today when you buy a package. otherwise a reg price session