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Old 02-27-2011, 10:08 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Mobile vs. Stationary?

Hello all,

I'm new to the business and this forum and am floored by all of the knowledge and tips shared with one another here- I feel so lucky to have found it!

I am in the process of starting a sunless tanning business, and was originally considering mobile, but after reading many posts on this forum, it seems having a stationary sunless business may be more profitable. I would love to hear some thoughts as to whether you think a newbie should start mobile first and then build up their biz to warrant renting a space or start with a space right away. I've also had safety concerns about going to strangers' homes with the mobile biz- am I being paranoid?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Erynn
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Old 02-27-2011, 11:00 PM   #2 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

I don't have alot of experience in the whole mobile tanning business either, but I'm learning something new everyday and I love it. I bought the mobile tanning machine in Dec( Maxi Mist). I didn't want to pay rent on a space when I have had no experience. I have practiced on my friends and family for about 3 months now. I'm still a little nervous but I'm going to start charging people now. I didn't want to charge my friends right away until I felt confident and had an idea on what I was doing and by all means my friends wanted to pay me but I wanted there feed back on how I was doing and what color they thought was the best for there skin type. Also, when I bought my machine they sent me free samples to try out and let me tell you it's was so nice to try different ones they ranged from 7% to 10%. Now I have an idea on different skin colors and what % to use on them. I'm far from out of the woods but I love doing it. About you and spraying random people. What I'm doing is to spray my friends and family to start out then working my way up to people they know. I'm not ready to just spray strangers and go to their house or vise versea. I would recommend the mobile one to start out then work your way up to a space. If it doesn't work out or if maybe you don't like it then you didn't waste money on rent, and I think you need to build a clientele first then take it from there. That's just my advise, like I said I'm just starting out too but I like to give feed back on my opinion and like it from others. Good Luck, I wish you the best.
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Old 02-28-2011, 01:43 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

Hey ladies.....I have been mobile for the past 2 years and I have asked myself this question lately. I think there are benefits to having a location that your clients can come to if having you come to them just isn't ideal. I love being mobile.....but I also have decided to partner up with some salons in my area to be an add on service for their clients. It's a win-win.....no over head for me and the salon is able to provide a service for their customers so everyone is happy!

This is just my opinion but until you have a good client base opening up a salon could be risky. In my area I was and still am one of the only ones providing this service ..... Spray tanning is just catching on here......so if when I started 2yrs ago I opened up a salon I would be out of business. It truly has taken me 2yrs to grow my business and I'm not even where I want to be yet! It is a great business and I love what I do but you have to really work hard and be really good at what you do!

Cowgirl.....sounds as if you will be on your way! I remember being super scared to
"get out there" I did the exact same thing sprayed my friends and family for a few months. Then I just took the leap! I love it!!

Much success to you both!! Work hard!!
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Old 03-01-2011, 09:02 AM   #4 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

I own a tanning salon, and do airbrush tanning. I have tried promoting mobile airbrush tanning/tanning parties, and have not had ONE person ask for it. I think it's different if that's your only business, but for me, there's been no interest.
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Old 03-01-2011, 09:54 AM   #5 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

Thanks so much for the responses, everyone- definitely food for thought, and I certainly need lots of practice before I can justify charging people for a spray tan !

Debas, if you don't mind me asking, would you mind sharing how many clients you see per month? Even just an approximate range would be helpful.

Thanks again!
Erynn
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Old 03-01-2011, 12:45 PM   #6 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

Hi All -

I am grateful to have found this site as well. Like Erynn, I am getting ready to embark on mobile tanning, but have a lot to learn. I've done airbrush makeup for a while now, but have decided to expand.

Debas, in your early days of spray tanning , how many clients did you usually have daily/weekly? Do you find that most people want you to be available during the day or in the evening?

Thanks!
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Old 03-02-2011, 04:55 PM   #7 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

This site is really great to answer your questions.....

My hours are pretty flexible...I want to grow my business so I never really turn down a spray. Obviously my girls night out parties are booked at night some weekends some weeknights. I think if you can be flexible at first then get a feel for what hours you like and book around it. I just partnered up with a salon that I know will keep me busy so I will book out day hours there but still allow me time to run the mobile end of it.

As for how many per month....it really depends....February I sprayed about 50 girls. I know I am nowhere near where I want to be. This business takes time....if your good and you are professional your business will grow! When I first started it was SLOW....but I stuck it out if you want this bad enough be realistic and know it will take time.

This business is AWESOME...I love making women feel good about themselves! Good luck!
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Old 03-03-2011, 02:25 PM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

I opened an airbrush tanning boutique (no UV at all) 6 weeks ago after about a month of build out, prep, etc. I offer mobile but my location is perfect in a tourist area, decorated fabulously with 2 private airbrsuh rooms and I'm already having to hire part time help. In 6 weeks I've done one mobile group after hours.

Today, TEN airbrushes on the books! You can't do that mobile unless you live in a tiny town where everyone lives super close to each other. But with set up, break down, clean up, not likely. Also, with a store front location you make money on retail products. I sell as much in products as I do with the airbrush tanning!

Good luck, I love it and SO love making people happy!
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Old 03-08-2011, 12:45 AM   #9 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

been doing mobile tans for several years now. but am considering offering it at my salon. spray tans are coming down in price, and i need to stay competitive.
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Old 03-11-2011, 10:09 PM   #10 (permalink)
 
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Re: Mobile vs. Stationary?

GoHomeGolden, what kinds of retail items are you selling in your store? We want to sell some jewelry, beach bags, tshirts, and maybe purses. What sells best for you? We have an airbrush and makeup salon (no beds), do not have great street presence but are in a good area of town. Building client base and feeling very positive. I know we need to sell some retail items and our salon is cute but would be a great to have a little boutique feel as well!!
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