klcurtis

Ok, sorry for the long post but as you can tell, I am a newbie; little experience but a fast learner : ) My business partner and I have decided to go into the tanning salon business (or hoping too) and wanted to know anything you can tell us. We should have the financial backing soon and wanted to know what steps should we take to get going in the right direction. Maybe some does and some do nots perhaps? We are located in the Midwest, in Portage, Indiana. At least that is where we are looking at buildings right now.

We were thinking of opening up a salon with approximately 12 beds. Depending on demographics and such, one of these will be a stand-up, one with be spray tanning, but the other 10 beds, what would you suggest? And what power? Wattage? Etc, etc?? And what type (make, model) of bed? Tropical Rayz, Wolf Tanning Beds (Solaris, Velocity, Sun Scape, Solar Force, etc?) Or other?

What products do you sell? I mean besides tanning lotions and such? If any? Drinks, power bars, smoothies, sunglasses?

What is the best time of year to open?

Worst time of year?

I would think the reception area would be very important because you want them to keep coming back? Is this true? You need an eye catcher? A good theme perhaps?

Best advice for someone starting up you can give?

How much would you allow yourself for starting up something like what we are trying to do?

Pros, cons of a business partner? Paying yourself?

How many bathrooms? Employee? And customers?

Have an office? Laundry room?

Clock in reception area?

Any colors you are against when painting? Like some restaurants for example?
(Sorry if some of these seem like stupid questions)

Business plan, licenses, liability issues: What all do you need?

Is the book, How to open a tanning salon from A to Z really all that?

I know its location, location, locations…so are there any things you would suggest?

If you could do things over or add on to your business, what would you do different?

How many employees besides you, the owner(s) do you have?

To start from the ground up, minus rent, typically, how much would you suggest on spending to open up your business?

Are there places to stay away from when ordering supplies? What good places are recommended?

So many questions but I will stop here… so I don’t drive anyone crazy! Any suggestions, comments, ideas, good, bad, and ugly, are greatly appreciated.

I do want to thank everyone around here for all the input I have been reading from other topics and such. I apologize for probably repeating some of the same questions already asked a million times. Even though Im sure I will have more questions and probably do it again... Thanks again!

unity

Check out the "Tanning Bible". Little old, but can help....

As for opening a new salon? I will let other chime in. Lets just say the industry is not once what it used to be. 5 salons within a stones trow have closed around me.

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eileen

klcurtis if I were you I would use the search criteria on tantalk and get most of the answers to your questions. That's a lot to answer in one post! :) Then come back and post what you didn't find. I'll post some suggestions as soon as I get caught up on things here.

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under-exposure to uv rays is as dangerous as over-exposure...This is "D" life! (eileen)

eileen

OK some quick answers, yes i have a partner (my husband) yes we have an office, laundry room, clock in reception, no theme but unique hand painted walls. we have a mix of 5 manufacturers equipment including HP and cosmetic tanning. we sell accessories. we put a lot of time and effort into education. we staff out all hours not including ourselves. yes you should have a good business plan, yes you need insurance. dark colored beds show dust easier. our salon took over 250k cash to build from scratch. the bathrooms will depend on your local regulations for the size of your location. ours was a full sized handicapped male and female for being over 2000 sq. ft.
hmm with beds we've done very good with are ISO Italia, dr. mueller elixirs, tropical rays and magnum sun. tanses beds are just not attractive and hard to sell. i've heard good things about uwe and sportarredo. also check out kbl and ergo for looks as well. i would never go with just one company, if you're not happy you're pretty much screwed. i can also email you a few contacts. goodluck! btw i don't bother with formatting...not enough time to keep up with everything here. lol

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under-exposure to uv rays is as dangerous as over-exposure...This is "D" life! (eileen)

klcurtis

any other info from anyone.. would be greatly appreciated... :)

whats the best time to open during the year?

worst time?


oh yah, and what about the book from a to z? any help?

Thanks much!

cdbeshore

I would take a look at the Looking Fit Fact book that just came out also.

Our site has tons of info about tanning insurance if you need some exciting insurance reading. But seriously, just make sure you get insurance from a company that covers professional liability for tanning and specializes in tanning insurance. There are only a few that do.

Chris

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Chris
Insurtec Tanning Insurance
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movieking

Is this what the rest of us call spray tanning?

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eyecandytanning

I would not recommend opening a salon with a partner (unless it is your spouse). I do all the work and I dont hear from mine and he still reaps the benifits!

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eileen

yes and I try to use the term as often as possible...spray tanning sounds like something you do to you pets or walls!

__________________
under-exposure to uv rays is as dangerous as over-exposure...This is "D" life! (eileen)

Steve Underhill

Being successful in this industry requires many elements. Packaging and structure is most important. Personally I believe that the very first step is your business plan. This plan should show exactly the steps you plan to take to insure success. Pricing, marketing, training, packaging, advertising strategies and so on. You should establish how you plan to structure your pricing so you will know which models of equipment to purchase. With a comprehensive business plan completed you can start looking for the appropriate location, demographics will determine potential income. This represents just your best starting point. For best possible results, get qualified assistance. With assistance you will save money and create a much higher level of income. Getting started now will allow you to open at the best possible time of year. November.