ChristineE

Or I guess, how often should I replace them? Our accountant says to replace after the depreciation schedule runs out, but of course that's an accountant talking. The thing is, I am taking over an existing salon that I have worked in for 6 years and managed for 1 year. (Yes, I'm very excited Anyway, the beds are Genesis Sundash II, 2000. Bought used in 2002. And now here we are in 2005 and when the takeover is official, the depreciation schedule starts all over again. But that doesn't mean the beds will last 7 more years, does it?

Neon Beach

For financial purposes, they are of no value after a couple/few yrs., but for practical purposes they can last for much longer.

sunsally

Those Sundash beds could run for another 10 years!

In general - make sure they are well maintained. That means a MINIMUM of once/year take all the bulbs out, reflectors out, vaccum out the shell, make sure fans are clear, etc. Check filters often and dust/vac around ballast area. Vac/clean out the foot fans too. You know this from managing the place!

If your stickers start peeling/cracking or looking "old", call SunErgoline in Jonesboro AK or your distributor and order new labels. This includes the red "Genesis" lettering, exposure schedules, timer rail labels,..

"Spruce up" the metal/plastics with some Novus 1 (plastics) or good car paste wax (metal).

New acrylics obviously if they crack or start looking scratched/fuzzy. And lamp changes FREQUENTLY (this can be debated, but as soon as 400 hours isn't too soon for some, and more than 800 hours should be too long for all!)

If they are a 32 lamp bed, still pretty competitive with most base beds out there. If 26 lamps, most of the competition is stepping up to 30 and up and you may want to upgrade yourself. Depends on your market and what kind of customers you want to attract/pricing etc. All things equal, if I were improving equipment, I would be more inclined to add at the high end, then replace at the lower end.

Congratulations on taking over ownership!

Neon Beach

Hey! Hey! We agree on something!?!?

ChristineE

Thanks sunsally. Yes they are 32 bulb beds and as long as I've worked there we've always had compliments on our beds....or at least the results our clients get. I've had LOTS of clients try other salons (because of coupons or specials) only to come back and tell us what crapy beds they have with crapy results. We also have a Tropical Series bed with bronzer bulbs, which I'm having a hard time getting solid information about. "Bronzer" bulbs have less UVB, no? I've read different things about bronzer bulbs, like you get a deeper tan because of the UVA/UVB ratio. Any help on this please? I guess I should start a new topic on this....

Neon Beach

Keep your beds looking great and running great, and you shouldn't have to replace them every two years like some might suggest. Good luck to you!

TaninMI

What kind of "upkeep" should you do to the beds...other than changing the bulbs?????

Neon Beach

Keep them clean. Watch for yellowing of any plastic parts and replace/refurbish accordingly. Check all the cooling fans on a regular basis and clean/replace as needed. Replace broken fixtures such as handles and timer knobs. Watch for the build up of lotions and other things on handles, siderails, and timers.

No what, treat your tanning equipment the way you would your car. Keeping in mind, that some day you might wanna sell that car, and it better look and work great!!

DWhite6872

I am just glad I witnessed you two agreeing....Who knew?

Neon Beach

~~shrug~~