spsilos

I was thinking about opening my own tanning salon. I already have a name and I am going to create my own software program from Visual Studio and Microsoft Access w/Pccharge Pro and T-Max manager connections to the database. I have a lot of questions to ask you experts.

1. Has anyone had any experience with opening a salon near colleges? If so, how successful is it?

2. Which beds in the industry are the best and who is coming out with new models this year, bc I do not want to lose potential clients from lack of quality beds?

3. I plan on starting out with 4 beds. 2 20min 1 12-15 and one high power 10min bed. Any recommendations on new bands/models.

4. Anyone have a sales rep from tanning lotion companies? If so what is the discount and quantity?

I am a new member and plan to post a lot of question to this great site for information.

Sonshinetans

1. Has anyone had any experience with opening a salon near colleges? If so, how successful is it?

We have a store about 3 miles away from a college with about 10,000 enrolled. You will have kids with money and kids without money how you price your package will determine which ones you get. We don't advertise cheap because we don't want the cheap tanners, they tend to not take as good of care of you equipment.

2. Which beds in the industry are the best and who is coming out with new models this year, bc I do not want to lose potential clients from lack of quality beds?

Gotta do you own research on this one, you will get several answers, maybe you can make it to the vegas show next week. We have had good success with the Tan America beds and staff.

3. I plan on starting out with 4 beds. 2 20min 1 12-15 and one high power 10min bed. Any recommendations on new bands/models.

Personally , I think you are under selling yourself. If you are in atlanta you have the demographics for more beds. I would not start with less than 10 or 12 units. Even if you have to get a few less expensive beds to start with (used ones will work) the perception of your business to the public will be more receptive

4. Anyone have a sales rep from tanning lotion companies? If so what is the discount and quantity?

We use Robert Morrison with TW Tan
800 989 8267
He will work well with you but your discouts will be determined on how many units you have and later on how much lotion you purchase. Find a good supplier and stick with them, it will pay off in the long run.

TikiTan

Ok first which college... If your talking Ga State then dont count on many of the students making their way to your salon... Most do not live in Atlanta and will tan in their hometown...

Second best beds, No one answer, do some searching and tan in them/decide for yourself. Just about every bed manufacturer will come out with something new every year...

Contact some lotion companies and find out what discount they would be willing to offer.. Once you are a verified salon owner you can join Big Dog (Sam James, Tan Supply South) and order online.

Looking Fit's Buyers guide should help you get started http://www.lookingfit.com/cgi-bin/dynamicLF.asp

spsilos

well i was thinking about between GA TECH and GA STATE and having semester packages

TikiTan

Personally... I would research that area.. Pull some demographics.... There are many out there who can help you do this... I attended GA State, joined numerous clubs, sorrority.. Very Active... Tanned 5 minutes from my home.. You have parking issues... and most drive to the school then home, not around Atlanta.. Sure you have some that live there but not many... The Dorms for GA State are a very low % of the students and a very high # that live there are not in your Tanning market...