Thinking of Starting a Salon... Need some advice - Page 2

BigLeo · 05-10-2005, 09:26 PM

Hi Island Time,

Whatever market you decide to open yout tanning salon requires indepth market research, and I am not just talking demographics either. The tanning salon industry has matured and there are a lot of tanning salons than ever before and there is no such thing as competitive advantage in this business any more. Tanning is a seasonal business and once the summer months hit a tanning salons business can take a very steep drop. So unless you have deep pockets, have a full-time job or have hubby bringing in a paycheck, don't rely on tanning to survive. I would consider a business model that does well through the low season, massage, day spa are good possibilities. Whatever you do, consider a market potential analysis from Pointblank Business Technology. I think they are the only ones doing that kind of high level market research on a site. This is what you need to do. Check out: http://www.pointblankbusinesstechnology.com and ask for Tommy Toy. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do.

Leo

summrtan · 05-30-2005, 01:40 PM

If you're looking to get in the Sacramento market do your homework and be prepared to spend at least $200k for build-out, equipment, advertising etc. And do go check out Mike's stores (CA Sun Centers) if you want to compete head to head on that level be prepared to spend closer to 300k - 400k. I have 1 store in Sacramento and would probably have more but can't find anywhere that Mike isn't already Email me if you wanna talk
SummRTan@aol.com

Mike B · 05-30-2005, 05:19 PM

Okay, I just received a message that I was being mentioned on these boards. Naturally, I assumed that I would need to do some damage control since we all know that sensationalism sells far better than good news. For those of us in the industry, need I say more?

Imagine my surprise! WOW, and to think that some of you are my competitors! Lee, appreciate the compliments. We really do have some great operators locally and I would like to think that the greater majority of us are on friendly terms.

I don’t know if it’s a matter of good business or not to say come or go. It sounds a little self serving however; I am certainly not the only one in the area that is expanding. With that said, I would caution ANYONE to really consider how and where they spend their money.

Competing on or in a localized market can be harder than you imagine. And I disagree that it is an older market. In fact, I would say that the majority of the locations are just the opposite.

Additionally, feel free to call me. Lee and I are competitors as are some of the others. That doesn’t mean we are not friends. I would rather assist a friend open a beautiful location which will help the image of all rather than see our image degraded.

Regardless, best wishes on your endeavors.

05-30-2005, 05:29 PM

What team work.

Jeni and Mike · 05-30-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:So unless you have deep pockets, have a full-time job or have hubby bringing in a paycheck, don't rely on tanning to survive.

I bed to differ for many many of us its ALL WE DO and it pays the bills just fine.

innerimage · 06-02-2005, 02:01 PM

I am also looking to open a full service tanning salon including tanning. I have a Puretan and Ergoline salesman in my ear debating on which one will deliver the best results. I am not sure about anything they are saying. I just want some good and good looking beds to offer my clients. Any advice?

tropicaltan7038 · 06-02-2005, 02:22 PM

puretan are great beds, never used ergoline, but i'm VERY happy with puretan. they look great, work great, and are tough and durable. pretty much bullitproof.

Mali · 06-23-2005, 11:41 AM

Pure Tan is BY FAR a BETTER TAN! Ergoline Looks SO good to bad they don't tan nearly as good as they LOOK! Pure Tan deliver awesome tans.

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05-10-2005, 09:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
BigLeo Join Date: Jan 27 2005 Posts: 243 Rep Power: 4	Hi Island Time, Whatever market you decide to open yout tanning salon requires indepth market research, and I am not just talking demographics either. The tanning salon industry has matured and there are a lot of tanning salons than ever before and there is no such thing as competitive advantage in this business any more. Tanning is a seasonal business and once the summer months hit a tanning salons business can take a very steep drop. So unless you have deep pockets, have a full-time job or have hubby bringing in a paycheck, don't rely on tanning to survive. I would consider a business model that does well through the low season, massage, day spa are good possibilities. Whatever you do, consider a market potential analysis from Pointblank Business Technology. I think they are the only ones doing that kind of high level market research on a site. This is what you need to do. Check out: http://www.pointblankbusinesstechnology.com and ask for Tommy Toy. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do. Leo

05-30-2005, 01:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
summrtan Join Date: Jun 13 2002 Location: N CAL Posts: 427 Rep Power: 7	If you're looking to get in the Sacramento market do your homework and be prepared to spend at least $200k for build-out, equipment, advertising etc. And do go check out Mike's stores (CA Sun Centers) if you want to compete head to head on that level be prepared to spend closer to 300k - 400k. I have 1 store in Sacramento and would probably have more but can't find anywhere that Mike isn't already Email me if you wanna talk SummRTan@aol.com

05-30-2005, 05:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mike B Join Date: Jun 5 2001 Location: California Posts: 85 Rep Power: 0	Okay, I just received a message that I was being mentioned on these boards. Naturally, I assumed that I would need to do some damage control since we all know that sensationalism sells far better than good news. For those of us in the industry, need I say more? Imagine my surprise! WOW, and to think that some of you are my competitors! Lee, appreciate the compliments. We really do have some great operators locally and I would like to think that the greater majority of us are on friendly terms. I don’t know if it’s a matter of good business or not to say come or go. It sounds a little self serving however; I am certainly not the only one in the area that is expanding. With that said, I would caution ANYONE to really consider how and where they spend their money. Competing on or in a localized market can be harder than you imagine. And I disagree that it is an older market. In fact, I would say that the majority of the locations are just the opposite. Additionally, feel free to call me. Lee and I are competitors as are some of the others. That doesn’t mean we are not friends. I would rather assist a friend open a beautiful location which will help the image of all rather than see our image degraded. Regardless, best wishes on your endeavors.

05-30-2005, 05:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
Anonymous Guest Posts: n/a	What team work.

05-30-2005, 07:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
Jeni and Mike Join Date: Nov 3 2002 Posts: 277 Rep Power: 6	Quote:So unless you have deep pockets, have a full-time job or have hubby bringing in a paycheck, don't rely on tanning to survive. I bed to differ for many many of us its ALL WE DO and it pays the bills just fine.

06-02-2005, 02:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
innerimage Join Date: Jun 2 2005 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	I am also looking to open a full service tanning salon including tanning. I have a Puretan and Ergoline salesman in my ear debating on which one will deliver the best results. I am not sure about anything they are saying. I just want some good and good looking beds to offer my clients. Any advice?

06-02-2005, 02:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
tropicaltan7038 Waiting Confirmation Join Date: Feb 21 2005 Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	puretan are great beds, never used ergoline, but i'm VERY happy with puretan. they look great, work great, and are tough and durable. pretty much bullitproof.

06-23-2005, 11:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
Mali I love Derf!! Join Date: Mar 25 2005 Location: Wilmington NC Age: 33 Posts: 3,343 Rep Power: 19	Pure Tan is BY FAR a BETTER TAN! Ergoline Looks SO good to bad they don't tan nearly as good as they LOOK! Pure Tan deliver awesome tans.

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