marinaTANS

I am planning to open in a relatively high-income area (110K average, 5 mile population - 100,000), closest salong is 3-4 miles away with 7-8 year old equipment, the second closest is HT (8 miles away).

Here is what I am planning to get for the first 6 months:
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Level 1:
3 Heartland Ovation 134 (15 mins) - 15K
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Level 2:
2 Heartland 2M - 20K
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Level 3:
1 Sportarredo N'Joy - 17K
1 ITS or Custom Spray Booth - 19K
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Was thinking of Bermuda Triangle booths, but they are way too expensive. Will probably add Sportarredo Blue Moon for 2nd level.

Any other suggestions for Level 1, 2, 3?

Sarge

Go with Suncapsule vertical units, they are expensive but they are the best in my opinion. You can generate high dollar with these units. The tan is awesome and maintenance is simple and worry free. If you spending 17K on a sportarredo, you should look into Suncapsule. You won't be disappointed and neither will you customers. Suncapsule has been rated #1 for years. Do a search on Suncapsule and you will see what I mean. Yes you will always have a few complainers but they are minimal.

SunnyO

We're a new salon. Here is what we started with:
(3) Darker Tan 35 lamp, wide-body, A/C intake vents (15 min.)
(2) Darker Tan 40 lamp, wide-body, 9K90 lamp in canopy, A/C intake vents (10 min)
(1) Darker Tan XL 52, 500W facial, 9K90 in canopy & base, A/C induction port (7 min)

The 9K90 lamps are awesome. They give instant, noticeable results. I've found they tan in 1/2 the time of regular lamps.

These beds have an upgraded 5yr. warranty, 3 yrs. on parts, 2 yrs. on labor, and lifetime technical support.

As far as price, we're about the same as you're estimating (minus the spray booth). We have waited to purchase this for 2 reasons - they're very expensive and we also wanted to wait and see if our client population demanded it.

Which Custom Spray Booth are you looking at?

marinaTANS

"Custom Spray Booth" by www.magaent.com

Here is the comparison summary to others:

ITS KMT-1000
It takes ALOT more floor space
It has moving parts (if they move they can stop moving)
Heating element can fail
It heats the solution which could break it down(would need to be body temp(98.6) to be warm and solution breaks down at 80-85 degrees)

Magic 2000
Nozzles are known to clog (alot of time spent cleaning nozzles)
Cannot make any adjustments to fluid, spray,etc.
Have to use their solution; I believe this model has an electric pump(compressor is closer to airbrushing)

Both of models (ITS & Magic) are made of plastic rather than stainless steel, which can last a lifetime. Plastic will stain and scratch(scratches can contain bacteria - therefore health issues)

Cal Tan's is new so I need to learn more, but from their ads I know there is no way they can only use 1.6 ounces of solution with only 4 nozzles. Actual air brushing uses more than that. Also, their claim of "electrostatic technology" can't be true because you can't do that to humans, rather metal and plastic. How do they control air flow? Where does the extra solution go? How do they control the over flow? Can they control the spray? Can it self clean? Appears to be made of plastic also.

marinaTANS

Revised a little:
Level 1:
3 Heartland Ovation 134 (15 mins) - 15K
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Level 2:
1 Heartland 2M Booth - 10K
1 Heartland Encore - 11.5K
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Level 3:
1 Sportarredo N'Joy - 16K (Is one enough? Is mattress a good idea?)
1 "Custom Spray Booth" - 18.9K

sunsally

Looks fine. I'd probably put in another level between your Level 2 and going to HP - a 48-54 160W with facials/shoulder tanners kind of bed.

I'd pass on the "custom spray booth" by magaent. Mystic rolled out a new one in Vegas that is in the 20K range, their "original" can be had for about 25K. Cal Tan is probably more than you want to spend. There is a used IST booth (as well as N'Joy) on sale here unless he has already sold them --- PM "JeffinKC" - I'd be confident buying used from him.