Well, lets all VOTE whether we think the small salon can survive then you Mods can lock this thread since it appears we are beating a dead horse. I say the small tanning salon can survive if they continue to market and take care of their clients. Set yourself apart from that 30+ bed megasalon, dont try to be their small version.

I agree they can survive, I said that way back when. But a pay cut and other losses may follow.

Just once..could you try and be possitive.. I think they can if they stay on top of their game.

All businesses are a risk. Do your homework and research and when you think you are ready to open up research some more. Constantly read and reread. Constantly market you and your salon. Network like mad. Do some grassroots marketing that the big guys cannot get away with because no one would believe them. Be different and set yourself apart. We tell everyone that we may not be the biggest but we will tan you without a wait and will know your name. How can the 40+ bed megasalon say that? Answer - they cant.

Great thread as I'm really learning alot.

To get back on track, yes a small salon can survive. I'm in a small village of 1k. This March we will be in business for 1 year. I started out with 2 beds and recently added another one. Business is has been great all year and we really never noticed a slow season. I'm current running around 50% to 75% capicity of tanners that I could do in a day. We provide excellant service, cleanest salon and friendly knowledgable staff (hubby and me.....LOL). I'm really surprised at all the new customers were are getting. As for changing out beds, I would say it all depends on your location, other salons in the area, advertising and so forth. I have to agree with Neon somewhat on this, whats good in one location isn't always good in another. There is no way in h$ll that a 20- 40k bed would work around here especially if your changing $15 to $20 per visit. I am a little worried as a hair salon moved into town and is going to offer sunless and I heard 2 beds. But I look at it this way, provide the best service and reasonable pricing and we will survive. Not only that we have better hours of operation, where as they will close at 5. As for specials, I do a monthly special each month even during the busy season. Last month I did a Valentine's/Tan with a friend type special. Buy on package at regular price and get a 2nd at 1/2 price. Had to be 2 people to get this offer. Sure I got a bunch of the regular tanners buying it, but hey it's nice to let them get a little bettr deal. But I was surprised at all the new customers we got. As far as making a living, I'd have to say we are keeping our head above water and haven't got sick of Mac & Cheese yet. But I'm sure as thing go on we will increase our earnings. We will continue to offer the best service around.

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[ This Message was edited by: Coppertone on 2005-02-28 10:52 ]

A couple of points I'd like to make.

The industry is changing and if you are in a market with a lot of competition it is neccesary to have the upgrades in order to compete.

However I disagree that you do not need these in smaller markets. You see Neon if your competition or interested competitors read this they have a bigger incentive to open up in your town with VHR, sunless, and HP. I believe that as the larger markets become more competetive some chains/franchises will start looking at untapped markets and come in to provide the equipment that has been lacking. Movie Gallery has done this in the video industry with much success.

I try to upgrade my equipment at least every two years preferebly adding something new every year. I am currently adding sunless and replacing my HP bed, if you don't I believe someone else will. In the last few years prices have gone down so it is easier to purchase upgrades. Quality VHR's can now be had for 10k or under, Sunless $17k and under and some HP beds around 17k as well.

My advice would be to any salon that is looking to survive you must add these alternatives. If $$ is an issue you can even now find quality used spray booths, HP, and VHR beds.

There are VHR units and sunless. But I'll tell you right now, no one, and I mean no one in this town will be willing to dish out $35 (except out of curiousity, once) to tan in an HP unit. For the same reason there is no Mercedes dealership here. Remember that your $29000 bed is over $40000 here. The lotions that fly off your shelves there at $20, cost us $16.00 to put on our shelves. Obvioulsy there are differences that you don't understand.

Neon, I never said $29k bed I said $17k or a nice used one for $10-$12k. I would still recommend charging the higher price points but if you are unsure you still have flexibility to lower the price. Anytime you add these type of beds you sometimes have to offer specials or incentives to get people hooked but once they are they will pay the price.

What do your competitors charge for their VHR and sunless?

By the way I sell very few $20 lotions more into the $40-$60 price points. It is the same concept with lotions you have to know how to sell the benefits and value as opposed to price.

Okay. ~shrug~

Quote:
On 2005-02-28 11:48:00, JeffinKC wrote:
Neon, I never said $29k bed I said $17k or a nice used one for $10-$12k. I would still recommend charging the higher price points but if you are unsure you still have flexibility to lower the price. Anytime you add these type of beds you sometimes have to offer specials or incentives to get people hooked but once they are they will pay the price.

What do your competitors charge for their VHR and sunless?

By the way I sell very few $20 lotions more into the $40-$60 price points. It is the same concept with lotions you have to know how to sell the benefits and value as opposed to price.


when it comes to lotion sales Again location has a lot to do with it. for example lets take up state Maine. Small town X where Wal-mart is the main store in the town. Most of the residents who live there work at wal-mart. You are a salon owner in town X One of your regular clients needs a new bottle of lotion. She is tanning because like a lot of your clients she can’t afford to go on vacation and tanning is her only indulgence. She has 2.5 children and lives on a tight budget like most of the people in town X how do you sell a $40 a $60 bottle of lotion when she just can’t afford it like most people in town X ?