northshorerob

do I make tanning affordable for the masses??.. or keep it the same so that I get the most I can from those still employed / unaffected by the layoffs.

neubie

Keep it the same. Your expenses have not gone down.

CrystalSS

Or get your expenses down better yet. We have had reduced rent negotiated for the past 16 months since our strip mall anchor store closed. My payroll company reduced our rates when I asked and I have gotten other small areas reduced as well. The owners are more than willing to help in these tough times...we have to help each other or they risk vacancies.

tanningchain

I agree with Crystal......

Now is the time to cut expenses and decrease operating costs.....
Also, be open to helping those customers that have a decrease in income,..... if you make the effort to help those when they are in need (some, not all) will remember that when times get better.... I am not suggesting giving away the store -- just keep an open mind.
We offer our customers of 3 months or more: If you get laid off, and if you are willing to prove it .... you tan for free here for up to 3 months..... very few customers actually take us up on it...but it offers a kind gesture.....

just a suggestion..... I have alwaysed lived by treat others like you would like to be treated.....

Plus... I feel it is a private way for me to tithe...

becka1350

I think that you should keep your prices the same. Focus on setting yourself apart from the other tanning salons in your area, so that your customers don't feel like they are paying to much. Even in these tough times people will still willling to drive a little further for better customer service.

CrystalSS

TanningChain... I appreciate reading that someone else just gets it. You have to adapt, improvise and overcome. You can have the best of everything but when people are facing hard times you have to be part of the solution...it takes a village. I also trust Karma. I like to believe it is because of the life we lead we are dealt certain cards. I am able to help a few long time customers who are laid off tan for a few months for free. I think of them as family. These people have stuck with me for years and I would not feel right if they lost work and I did not make the gesture. All the best!!

megatanman

No,i would keep it the same.You still need to make a good margin.You don't have to lower your price to keep your customers.We have not,even with our competitors undercutting our prices.I give away more upgrades and give more non-revenue packets away,but it has kept 180-190 ppl coming through the door.

The mega salons are literally giving it away to keep people coming in,even with higher pricing,I tan more people in my 12 bed salon than the competitors with 20 beds.

If you make huge cuts,you will eventually bleed to death.

northshorerob

it is true..

the big chain in the area are doing $19.99 unlimiteds right now..

northshorerob

I am pretty much doing as the group has suggested-

adding value...

1 free week with the purchase of a month..

lotion bottles / monthly combos...

neubie

Buy One Month get the Second Month Half Price.