tuowner

I opened my tanning salon January 2012 and for the most part the first year was fantastic. I had initially went in with a friend who was a cosmetologist, needless to say things did not work out and ended very ugly, with her trying to ruin my business and take my clients since she was getting tanning beds. We are fastly coming up on our one year anniversary and I am trying to think of strategies that we can do. I am the only shop in our area that has spray tanning and I also have a small boutique that I carry Silver Jeans. My question is, what are some specials, etc... that any one has seen work in the past to help with possible "damage control"? I hope this all makes since, I'm new to this forum, and not sure how to word it all with out posting 5 pages lol... in help would be great! Thanks in advance

parrot head

Tell us a little more of what you do now, so we may make suggestions.

tuowner

I currently have two tanning beds, and will be soon getting a third. I offer spray tanning and have a few different levels of those, I am the only location with in 30 miles that sells Silver brand jeans. The current tanning packages I have are: 5 tans for $15, 10 Tans for $25 that expire one year from the date they are bought. Then I also offer monthly unlimited tanning packages; 1 month for $39.99 with a 10% discount of lotions or a 2 month unlimited for $69.99 with 15% off lotions and $10 off silver jeans... Any input and constructive criticism is appreciated :)

parrot head

Having only two tanning units really doesn't offer you much choice to be innovative. Is your only competition your former co-owner? If you only have very basic beds, does you electric service allow you to upgrade? Demographics?

tuowner

Yes that is my competition... like I had said we are getting a third unit around the first of the year. In the old location there was only room for 2 beds, and now I have moved to a bigger location that is more accessable... I would have to dbl check to see about the electric supplier, but I do believe there is a little room there to upgrade, if we find the right bed for the right price. We have opened our shop solely on our own money so our over head wouldn't be big. But on the downside to that, it also makes us be on a little tighter budget than some...

parrot head

So basically, you're thinking you might just have 1 panel of 200 amp service in your space? You would need, at least, 1 more 200 amp panel to even think about serious upgrades.

tuowner

I was basically asking what specials and promotions have worked for others in the past to gain more clients?? Aside from the upgrade do you have any other suggestions?

octanning

Run a Customer Appreciation Days event. We got some free lotion packets from our supplier and I put together small gift bags with my card, a discount coupon for lotions or services and some candy. I ran specials for the four days, advertised a bit and had a great event. I was there every hour of those 4 days because I wanted customers to know that i appreciate their business. I bought a few cookies from the bakery and served hot cider. i also sent out 500 post cards which was a big expense. If you have a small data base you may want to send out something to everyone, personally inviting them to the event.

I've done this for two years and the customers love it.

Black Sun

So are you a 'tanning salon' selling jeans, or a jeans store selling tanning?

Get rid of one and do the other. I could never understand why 'tan' salons want to sell bags/clothing etc...put your energy and what cash you can into one, and you will succeed

eileen

I disagree with Black Sun. If you are fashion forward go with it. My boutique and spa services take time to grow but it's working. I look at it differently then a lot of owners, for me I think well I sold them their lotion and tanning package for the month now what else can I sell them when they walk in the door up to 12 more times this month. Today we sold a very unique jewelry piece "over the ear" earring and we sold an $88 pair of Miss Me Jeans that I know of so far. That paid the employees payroll for today.

__________________
"under exposure to UV rays is as dangerous as overexposure....this is D life" eileen