OasisTans

Hello All! I've been following this forum for the last few years and have to say I think it is a great resource to those looking to get into the industry.

I'm new to the industry (in that I've not owned or worked at a Salon before) but have been doing my homework on getting started for the past few years. After looking at franchises (Hollywood Tans) and purchasing an established Salon, I still find the allure of opening my own salon to be a unique and challenging experience that I would like to do.

I've got just about everything lined up and am now to the point that I have to make an actual commitment both on equipment as well as a lease.

I'm going to be opening in Orlando, Florida (and yes, people do tan here) and will be opening with 12 tanning units. 8 stand ups, 2 beds and 2 spray tan booths.

I would love to get in touch with a salon area who could just talk to me about their ventures in the industry, both positive and negative. What some of your best business practices are and what simply doesn't work. I'd love to talk one on one over the phone, but this forum could prove useful to those with the same questions.

Anyone who can help would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing from some of you!

exoticexposure

I think you are making a mistake putting in 8 stand ups. We have 13 beds and 2 of them are stand ups!
I can guarantee you that you will have a lot of people that dont want to stand up, but rather lay down.
Just a thought!

HOT STUFF

What was the reason, you went with so many standups? In an average salon, standups only make up about 10% of bed usage. You are limiting the number of customers that will use your salon. The majority of customers want beds not standups. Hollywood Tans is not the salon you want to pattern your salon after.

I might add that 1 spray booth at most salons is plenty.

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Esglow

At my salon- 10% is about the exact of amount usage our standup gets- and our standup is awesome and its only 10 mins-BUT, most people come in here to relax and/or take a nap! I would most definitely look at re-doing your equipment mix for you salons benefit...what type of beds are in the salon currently that you are purchasing?

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Erica/Love My Tan

TanTalk Admin

One of the new features I hope to bring to the forum soon is exactly this - an opportunity for new people in the industry to talk directly with experienced, "seasoned" veterans who can show them the way. although I cannot personally give you advice with your questions, I think this forum has some amazing information (both past and present) that you can benefit from.

P.S. - What is your reasoning for stan-ups? Different is not always bad, I am just curious.

CrystalSS

Agree 100%. Change the mix and especially rethink the two spray on booths. I get 400+ people a day in season and I would NEVER utilize a second spray tan booth. Focus is mainly on lay down beds as stated above..part of the experience is relaxing. I have 12 base bed units and average a 5-10 minute wait in peak time in peak season on those so 2 would be interesting. Although, there is a friend of ours that has started a chain in FL and the concept is ALL stand-ups, no beds for $9.99 unlimited for base units and is rocking it already. Was not sure how that would go over but looks like the concept is a good one so far.

jkonturas

Its different EVERYWHERE...... I have 3 Stand Ups and 4 Beds. All 3 stand ups are full all day. People love them here. Only one entry level bed, and the rest VHR Beds.

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http://www.extremetanri.com

caribbean tan man

yea i got 4 stands ups 3 beds....stand ups get used the most. but 8 booths and 2 beds is not a good mix youll need atleast 4 beds

do u have room?

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someone PM me when a good tanning topic is posted. :lol: