saraho72000

Hello,
I am new to "tantalk", as I am just starting to research the business. i am working on a feasibility study to open a new tanning salon (5-8 beds) in my hometown. I am thinking I would like to include nails and possibly skincare and aqua massage to offset the seasonality of the business (in addition to offering services, of which, consumers currently drive 45 minutes to receive)?!?!

I have only begun researching the market, but have the following information: The salon would be located in a small town (pop. of about 10K)--I know this sounds small, but it would be located next to a super wal-mart, a community college (with about 2,000 students), and a high school, as they will all be in one area (after walmart is built).

The town currently has one tanning location (in a laundromat) with about 10 beds; 7 of which are older and not the greatest. Could this market support another tanning salon, or would a "good" salon be able to take over the market? Would the addition of nail services be profitable? One aqua massage bed?? How about skin care services(basics, such as facials and waxing)??? I have a pretty good idea what the costs/expenses will be, but what could I expect for revenues?

I would really appreciate any input---especially from anyone who operates a business in a small town.

Thank you in advance!!!!!

Engfants Boyfriend

I think you will find that we all try to be very helpful here. I certainly do!

I like your name, Sara. Are you a Ho?

mr belvedere

Don't mind him - he was an abused child, but Sara is a very nice name. So ... wanna be a salon owner eh? The answer, IMO, to all of your general questions is YES. As for your expected revenues question, I'd say you better plan on 25-50% over costs and expenses. Go getem tiger. -Belvy

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"A dusty bible leads to a dirty life ..." -Synonymous

ZABAZU

I would forget the aquamassage idea...those are a bomb.

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If it was easy, everyone would be doing it...

SandiGirl

10 beds in a laundromat??? Weird.

I'm all over the Walmart thing. That's tonnes of visibility. I'm at a intersection with a bus stop and when I asked everyone how they heard about us the majority say drove by or I see it all the time.

As for the nails, you'll want to have some good ventilation because nobody wants to smell that for the 15 minutes or so that while having a relaxing tan.

Good luck!

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~I'll try to be nicer if you try to be smarter.~

Sarge

Sounds to me like you have a great location. Where to locate is very important. Make sure it's in walking distance from the college and apartments around the college and also you have easy parking, (in and out). As far as the building, make sure you work with you landlord and get the best deal you can, try to get him to include the electrical expenses as this is going to be a large portion of your expenses. As far as equipment goes, do a search on every piece in the market. Try to purchase new if you can and something that is goiing to last. Mix things up and don't go overboard on high upgrade machines. Nails and hair do seem to go over well in conjunction with tanning. Make sure you have hired a manager you can trust and that can be educated in the tanning industry. PM if you need more help.

saraho72000

What do you think about the other services?

saraho72000

Okay, so, so for some reason, I cannot see the replies until I posted one today---was wondering?!?!?

Anyhoo, thank you so much for the advice--I have been trying to figure out how I can create an "identity" for the services I want to provide--For instance, tanning salons have a certain atmosphere, as well as hair salons; but skin care services are usually in a spa, which should have a more "relaxing" environment--How do I make it work? Is the skin care a good idea?

Also, I was thinking I could just "rent-out" booths for hair stylists, and possibly a room for a massage therapist (since the Aqua Massage may not be a good idea). This would guarantee some fixed income, which would be very helpful throughout the summer months.

And finally, what does everyone think about airbrush tanning? I would like to offer some sort of "sunless tanning". I look forward to your expert advice--Thanx

Steve Underhill

There is success on many levels. The cost of opening a salon in a small town is much less than in a larger community.

It is not unusual to see a laundromat & tanning combination, they typically do very well as long as they are properly separated.

You can do well in a community in a market this size and depending on how you structure you will have a great deal of impact on the other salon.

Have a solid comprehensive plan that will insure the results you are looking for. You must also be prepared for how the other salon will react and what you should do when they react.

Never put an Aqua Massage or any type of mechanical massage device in a tanning salon, it is a waste of money and space.

Please visit my web site for more information.

saraho72000

Thank you for all of your advice--

So, can I ask what the problem is with the AquaMassage? The concensus seems to be to --stay away from it!!