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Old 01-31-2006, 11:13 AM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Tanning is a bad Business?

I've been talking with people here about purchasing an existing salon and I've received a lot of feedback. Thank yall so much. My question is this.... I keep hearing so many negative comments about owning a tanning salon. You don't make any money, it's harder than you think, if they could do it over again they wouldn't get into this business, can't get financing for this business, market is oversaturated etc.. I'm beginning to think I should forget my dream of owning a salon I put my focus elsewhere. Yet I see existing salons that have been in business for years, if they were not making money why are there so many of them? This really has me confused and of course the guy I'm talking to about buying his salon has all positive information. Is it really a bad business to get into?
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:18 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

It's not a bad business to get into but it isn't going to make anyone rich. You MUST have a second income, (use hubby for that ;). As far as people having more than one salon, you have to start somewhere and each salon pays for itself.
A Lot of people think you make tons of money, truth of the matter is, you make enough to make that salon what you want it to be.
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:20 AM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

I think small is buisness is hard PERIOD. If it's your dream you should defiantly do it, but do not expect to get rich, expect to carve out a living for yourself - also consider it's working for yourself.
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:24 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

Well-- to answer your question --yes and no alot of factors are part of eth equation here..
One think you are not taking into account is the market shifts..Every industry booms. The trick is getting in the industry on the first few up swings is important for a long run in any industry.


You mentioned you see existing salon that have been around for along time.
I can almost bet that the original owner of the salon your talking about got out in the late 90's...in most cases there are still a few old timers around. And they are comfortable they have their intial investment back alllllong time ago and can afford to have multiple locations and managers etc..
So having said that --I still think it is possible to jump in the water now if you truly do all the homework necessary, have the capital to set up shop & ride out the first few rough years. As well as business experience, marketing skills, managerial experience, and so on.
Jumping in blindly is not adviced in any industry expecially not this one it is very unforgiving. If some of us come off as harsh.. it is meant as a warning to all who think this industry is a easy job. You just tan people..right?? Buy a few beds and rent a space... how much could expenses really be?? :duhface:

We get that all the time so If you were scared off. GOOD you got the message.
but now you came back....
So you must really want it ....now educate yourself and you will be fine !
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:30 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

PS..If you need any help with THE RIGHT questions to ask that salon owner.. feel free to PM me. I will be glad to help you. ( and of course he is not gonna tell you anything negative. He wants to sell you his salon!!! lol)

Becareful lots of sharks out there that want to sell their PINTO's at BMW prices. JMHO
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:53 AM   #6 (permalink)
 
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

I was really scared. I think like MJ said you can't go into any business blindly . I am the only salon in town, which helps me. But I run it myself with the help od one employee who works 5 hours a wk. I am putting in 80+ over a 5 day period. I sacarfice my family and time, but you know what ANY small business that succeeds has to do this over the first few years. So prepare yourself. If your sick you still have to open, your kid has a bad day you hear it when you get home, many things will take backseat, so prepare yourself for that part. The most imortant thing is keeping overhead low and getting outa debt ASAP.
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Old 01-31-2006, 11:56 AM   #7 (permalink)
 
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

P.S. I have been sitting here since 6a.m. with a horribly sore throat, headache, and a trash can near by. That is what it takes.
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Old 01-31-2006, 12:03 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

Quote:
Originally Posted by glowtanning530
I sacarfice my family and time, but you know what ANY small business that succeeds has to do this over the first few years. So prepare yourself. If your sick you still have to open, your kid has a bad day you hear it when you get home, many things will take backseat, so prepare yourself for that part.
Backseat?????
more like running behind your car....screaming hey stop!!
For at least the first year or two. She made very valid points. It is not a job where you can work 15-30 hours a week and get weekends off. Never really count on staff to be there.
Just when you think you can and you really need to be somewhere is when they call off. or worse no show and clients call your cell and complain the salon is not open. ( while your on the way to take JR to the doctor...or half way to your w family fun weekend getaway)

This are not overly dramatic examples either--- they have all happened to most of us at least once!

Not to mention not getting to go to all your sons football games etc.. you name it expect it.
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Old 01-31-2006, 12:04 PM   #9 (permalink)
 
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

This is true of any sale process..... no one is going to tell you the negatives (or tell you the REAL extent of the negatives...)

Some people think - - hey, I just want to make enough to pay my bills... and not have a ******* for a boss....

But the reality is ----- often (I'd say about 85% of salons) cannot pay their bills.... it's a seasonal business ----- and it's highly competitive (and most times it's the ShitShacks, nasty, low-priced places that causes YOUR business the most harm)....

Then comes the ******* of a Boss ..... you think owning your own business protects you from THAT ---- until you realize your LANDLORD is WORSE than any 'boss' out there..... cus you can't tell him " I QUIT!!'

It's HARD WORK...... hard to clean 80-150 beds in one day in the busier season (for a small to mid sized salon) ~ and even harder to sit ripping your hair out in the SLOW season....

It's hard to find quality people to work for you......

It's hard to KEEP the ones you love based on what you will be able to pay them.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*************~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

It's fun for those of us that 'feed off the energy' of dealing with the public.... but you could find a job that PAYS YOU a check and benefits and do the same thing.

If you really feel you can't LIVE without being a salon owner.....

Take a vacation... right now.... go and enjoy yourself ~ be pampered and be drunk 16 out of 24 hours of the day.....

And then ask the majority of salon owners - about 85% - - when's the last time they took a vacation like that.....

*imho - - unless you are planning on doing it BIG..... 5-10 locations with a min of 15 beds per ...... you won't do more than be a slave to it.....*


But you have to go with your HEAD and not your HEART on this.
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Old 01-31-2006, 12:09 PM   #10 (permalink)
 
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Re: Tanning is a bad Business?

The other thing I forgot is I have an AWSOME support system my husbands comapny runs with him as long as he has access to a phone and he is incredably supportive finaccially and emotionally. The shop pays for itself and he does the house and such. He has been through this and I supported him so he is doin the same. If you are married you definately want to have a sit down about how much time it takes and establish time for one another. We have lunch everyday, and I am home in time to put my little one in bed at least 4 times a wk. Make sure everyone is on board think of all the variables, and have emergence back up plane :) But it is so rewarding turning that key in the door and knowing this is mine
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