Neon Beach

The more the merrier doesn't necessarily mean more revenue! I have 5 beds and 2 other units in a town 10 times yours and they are not waiting for hours to use them in peak season. Don't poll tanners, they ask for the world and then don't support it when you make it available.

P.S. How can you make 1 bed an upgrade? Upgrade from what? :confused:

TanDeSoleil

I meant a bed above a level I bed. Maybe the Jetstar 33. Thanks Neon Beach, you answered that question for me regarding 5 beds. I am exhausted at this point.

mr belvedere

Quote:
On 2005-10-02 08:23:00, TanDeSoleil wrote:
The last response was done by my husband. I am leasing the beds for 21,000. My 80,000 investment includes hair salon and building finish out and 3 months working capital. I didn't save a penny, this is all borrowed money. Belvedere, you seem a bit sarchastic so I can't tell if you're serious or not.
Sorry, I hate it when it does that. What I had read up to that point sounded like the members here were trying to tell you that what you were planning sounded like a monumental risk for the amount of money you were looking to invest. I agree with assessment somewhat, but at the same time I believe we can make our own success or failure. A sobering fact about the tanning industry today, from a salon owner's perspective, is that the costs of staying competitive in your market are staggering (depending on where you are), and the customer base on average seems to be declining. But that might be a false assumption on my, and many others' parts.

It's true that the number of salons in the market place today is probably ten times what it was only 5 years ago. New salons opening up has significantly outpaced new customers entering the space, creating a bit of a vacuum for some businesses, while others have flourished and grown. So it's hard to say what your future holds. If you have your heart set on doing it, go for it. But know this: it's an extremely competitive(understated) industry, and $80 grand is a ******* lotta money to lose if it doesn't fly. Good luck. (That was all serious. )

TanDeSoleil

Thanks Belvedere. The thing is, there won't be any competition for me. These 4800(and growing) people are mine alone bc of the exclusivity that I will be given by the landlord. I'm a lot more educated than I was at the beginning of this thread.

I appreciate everyone's concern for me. If it's meant to be, it will suceed!!

HBT6872

You do not think anyone will open near you? Or heck when they see you doing well throw 3 beds somewhere? Your plan has to work if someone opens up near you as well.

TanDeSoleil

Picture a large circle in the middle of the country that has nothing but houses surounded by a gate. In the middle of these houses, lies 2 small strip centers owned by one man. There will be no other commercial developement built besides these 10 units. I don't see where my competition could be, and why do I need competition?

Neon Beach

You don't.

Tanzenite

Why not just stick to tanning? Use the money you are using for the nails and hair, and get more tanning units.

dcjjp2

Even the total of 4800 is extremely low, BUT if it is in a salon that it isn't the primary business I think it should do well. Make it more of a mini dayspa atmosphere Tanning, hair, mani-pedi, massage. Where you can sell day packages, 1/2 day packages and ala carte services. I'd set up a small room for spray tanning (airbrush) as well.

I wish I paid only that much rent for that size space.

missyhot

I can't keep my mouth shut for fear of being slammed by the veterans of Tantalk. I started with two beds and am am growing like crazy. My closest competition is over 12 miles away and I was repeatedly told I would never make it in this town. I Have a large building and renting space out is a huge bonus for me as it would be for you. I think your plan sounds great, yes it sounds scary and like anything else in life is a risk but I believe you will dominate your area with your plan. Knock them off their feet with your 'little' 3 bed salon and hopefully you will grow as well as my business has. You don't need High Tech, expensive beds with tons of overhead and huge electric bills. There are really nice, used (couple years old) mid stream beds that your customers will love. Skip the base beds. Worst case scenerio, use your husbands income to help in a time of need. I don't even have that right now!