BigLeo

Stephen,

Thank you for making my point. The 49 to 60 year market is pathetically small. Unless you can provide some scientific proof that the middle-aged market large is attractive, I might be swayed. I still believe in my theory that there are simply too many tanning units out there chasing fewer tanners per machine. This is turning in to a commodity market. You need to diversify and not depend solely on tanning. I hope we can agree on that. I think sunless units is a possible solution, but there are now about a dozen suppliers of sunless tanning units and the advent of spray-on tanning, for those salons who cannot afford sunless units, is creating a similar saturation situation as UV tanning units. I read in here someplace that some salons are already starting to discount sunless unit tanning session prices. There are simply too many tanning units out there. The market is clearly saturated. I think an "ole-timer" like you is in denial about this. Sorry, but I am sticking by my guns.

DWhite6872

I think tanning is starting to go through the same evolution that the video stores did years ago...I think we will all see larger owners coming in and there will be a shake out...something has to give. I have said this many times but when the elephants fight the ants die...that does not mean the smaller salons will not survive. I think if you run a good store then you will be around. I think we could all stand some of the bad salons to go away.

aaperfecttan

LEO YOUR STATS I THINK ARE RIGHT ON. YOU NEED TO BUY MY SALON IN COCONUT CREEK. I SOLD MY OTHER SALONS THIS IS THE LAST ONE LEFT,LOTS OF POTENTIAL FOR THE RIGHT PERSON.$85K OBO 954-607-7305

Steve Underhill

Don't think for a minute that because I have spent 27 years in this industry that I am an old timer. Those years have not been spent stuck in a rut doing the same thing year after year. I have spent my time evaluating the state of the industry and developing programs that have lead the growth of this industry. When you are counting tanning salons they must be categorized based on the current level of customer service and standard of packaging and environment being offered. The bar gets raised on a regular basis and few salons keep pace with the current level of that bar. To do well in a so called saturate market requires a marketing program and salon packaging that is on the cutting edge of what will best motivate a tanners spending habits. If you are under funded or have not established a plan that will insure the success of your salon, your chances of failure are likely, saturated or not. The strong survive and prosper the weak will parish.

Brandy1

Another good read.

__________________

SunTanServices

not to mention that the growth of used commercial units being sold to home users
i like your thinking
nice work very informative

Steve Underhill

There are to many substandard improperly structured poorly operated salons and they are struggling. There are not enough properly structured salons that are successful. 90% of all salons are struggling leaving a great opportunity for the 10% of salons that are doing very well in the same markets. It is not accurate to blame poor performance on salon saturation. If one salon is very successful and another salon is failing and they are within a mile of each other it can be attributed to how the salons are structured and operated not saturation.

ninkies

Does anyone have any updated information on overall industry stats? Thanks

Neon Beach

ninkies

Nice resource and interesting commentary. I am curious to hear what all of you think about the current state of the industry. All other things being equal, do you think that your business has or will be affected by current tanning trends?

I live in southern CA and I am toying with the idea of opening a salon, however, my area is fairly well saturated with upscale spa type salons that cater to the pasty pale highrise businessperson segment here in Orange County! I don't have the means to compete with that, however, I would relocate if I could find a decent market and have a reasonable level of assurance that the overall trend in the industry for the next 10 years leans toward stability.

From what I have read, it really isn't all that stable, but again, I would love to hear from current salon owners/operators on their business and the business of surrounding salons.

Incidentally, I have just been reading for 24 hours or so and have learned a lot. I think I wouldn't make a decision for at least another year. If I still am in love with the idea at that point, I will consider venturing in.

Thanks all!