Do you want to open a salon? - Page 2 - TanToday - Helping Salon Owners, One At A Time, Since 2000!

Tanning Queen · 12th April 2007, 11:15 AM

Hey FIT, just to clarify my situation since you think that because I closed I have no idea what I am talkin about. It wasnt based on lack of income. It was because my mothers cancer had spread and I needed to take care of her. 24 hour care in your home of a loved one takes precedence over my business any day. I was glad I closed so I could spend what little time I had left with her. She died in July, not even a year after I closed.

You have no idea what the circumstances were when I closed but you assumed it was because I dont know anything about this business. My 10 years beats your new salon any day. I was speaking about what I had to deal with. I had to upgrade my electric and AC after the fact and it was NOT cheap. I was limited to the electric I had and then found out that I would need to tear up the parking lot to bring in more if I wanted better equipment. So yes, it would have been better to build it out correctly from day one, but since I took over an existing salon, I didnt know any better. I wish I had this place prior to opening. Would have saved me a ton of needless expense.

So, before you bash someone for closing, find out why so you dont sound like an idiot after the fact.

FIT · 12th April 2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

I hate to say it but it sounds like you are out of electric and should really have more AC to run your place properly.

I am glad that you were able to open the salon for so little but I think you should have done a bit more homework only for the fact that if you need to expand, you are gonna have to spend WAAAAY more now than if you did it from the beginning.

This is a very specific statement. And it was incorrect. I was merely pointing it out. It's because of statements like this that the veterans in here lose so much credibility and cause others to question their motives. Maybe I have it wrong but it feels as if you are discouraging new owners merely to eliminate potential competition.

I don't have anything against Brian or you but I responded to this thread because the person asked a question that resembled my start-up. Brian said it would take $300,000 and I have first hand knowledge that you can build a very nice salon for nearly 1/3 of that. He can talk about his knowledge and call me a dumass all he wants but I've laid out the actual costs to build my salon in this thread and he's not even close. I'm sorry it pisses everybody off but the facts are the facts. And my salon is beautiful. If I can ever figure out how to upload photos on this site I'll put them up.

I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Brian Oshman · 13th April 2007, 12:24 AM

E-Mail them to Brianoshman@aol.com and I'll post 'em.

Matthew · 13th April 2007, 07:42 PM

I can see the point FIT is making and agree that if your looking for a way to "write-off" your personal Cost-Co grocery shopping, his set-up just might make it. The key word is might.

As for Brian's free advise, in my market that $300k is about a $100-200 short from what is needed to compete if your just entering this market and have any chance in hell surviving.

FIT · 13th April 2007, 09:19 PM

That's the best point made so far. In my market (20 mile radius) the Matrix is not only the best thing since sliced bread, its the best thing since they made the square wheel round! The absolute best bed around is a Heartland Encore (1 of them). Second best is ten year old Sontegra Gen-x. My level 2 bed (KBL 3500 - 140w) blows away my competition. Compared to the salons on this site my area is the stone ages - which is why I "should" be able to do very well with my bed lineup and my $105,000 investment. I guess I've been looking at this from my point of view and not considering what it may take in Brian's market. My apologies.

sparky · 13th April 2007, 10:20 PM

nuglow · 16th April 2007, 01:39 PM

OK! So you need to spend money to make money. Got it! Can we talk about the making money for a moment. I am trying to open my first salon and expect to spend 200K min. and plan on no revenue for 6 months. The bed retailers and franchizers throw out numbers that are very motivating, but I just don't see it. I am in an area with good population, med income, etc. However, salons don't seem busy ever! Also, I have checked out a few salons for sale and they all have similar P&L's (gross around 120K). The way I see it, this would not even cover our break even. These salons leave a lot to be desired. Bottome line is I am trying to get "real" revenue numbers from salons that are doing it right: good local, beautiful salon, great equ., great ads and customer service and above all smart pricing.

To reach my min. cash flow goals I need 500 annual members. This is less than 2% of my 3mile pop. If I could accomplish this, how often could I expect my 500 members to come in per week durring high season (med. pressure 12min max)? 3 x wk? This would be 1500 visits a week or 214 per day 7 days per week. When I look at how much of the market I would need to capture this seems very reasonable. But when I walk into salons, I start to feel real doubt. If that suposid 10% fo the population tans, they have to be tanning someware, right?

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:02 PM

I'm by no means an expert as I am just starting but I'm in a similar situation when it comes to location. There isn't anyone around here doing it the way the successful salon owners on this site do it. The best advice I've gotten has been from Steve at TanAmerica and Sunsally from over at TanTalk. Steve's analogy was "How much money do you think health clubs would make if their income was based on how often their equipment was used?". The key is having a successful EFT program (again, according to most of the successful salon owners on here). The great thing for me and maybe you is that noone in my area does it. We will be charging $24.99 unlimited with upgrades of $3 , $6 and $15 for HP. Every sixth month is free, $50 initiation fee (includes tini sampler pack). Again, all this came from reading and listening to the salon owners on this site. You should really PM Steve. Although I didn't purchase my beds from him I really benefitted from talking to him and reading his threads. Best of luck!

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:04 PM

Also read anything Drew puts on this site. You will get varying opinions on this site but noone ever contradicts Drew.

Din · 16th April 2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Oshman

Well I know if you think that boat anchor in your avitar is the best thing since sliced bread you are a dumas!

Din · 16th April 2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIT

Also read anything Drew puts on this site. You will get varying opinions on this site but noone ever contradicts Drew.

I contradict everything Drew says....but i still like him. And sometimes he has a point. That's what an opinion is. It changes too.

But thanks for the story....it was a good one.

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:25 PM

The other thing you will see is that there are some real asholes in here and it doesn't matter much what you have to say. They enjoy making themselves look stupid!

brownsuze · 16th April 2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuglow

This would be 1500 visits a week or 214 per day 7 days per week. ?

I wonder how many salons are seeing 214 people a day 7 days a week....???

Anyone know?

Din · 16th April 2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownsuze

I wonder how many salons are seeing 214 people a day 7 days a week....???

Anyone know?

26...

Din · 16th April 2007, 03:37 PM

FIT, i agree with everything you said....except for your equipment selection. Then again, that's your opinion and everyone else has theirs. That's what makes this board informative, because you have different opinions from different salon owners from different parts of the world.

Get used to it......and welcome to the tanning industry.

Congratulations on your salon and good luck.

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:40 PM

Wow well that sucks ... now I have to take back the ashole comment! One day maybe I can have a Magic Din. Just not now.

Din · 16th April 2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIT

Wow well that sucks ... now I have to take back the ashole comment! One day maybe I can have a Magic Din. Just not now.

It's okay....i'm still an ass'hole.....that won't change.

No need to withdraw your comments.....that's your opinion. Stick with your gut instinct, it's usually right !

My posts are a bit different than others on here.....i throw curve balls here and there.

Forget the Magic and get a Leonardo.....i think that'll kick some serious HP hiney....

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:48 PM

Thank you. My gut told me it was really important to have the only high pressure in a 50 mile radius. My wallet told me to buy a used Matrix for $16,500.

FIT · 16th April 2007, 03:49 PM

By the way. How much for a new acrylic for the Matrix? Anyone have a lead on that?

nuglow · 16th April 2007, 04:09 PM

I think you may have missed the point of my post. I would assume you would want enough equipment to service the number of memberships you sell. My real question is how many annual members do, those of you who know, you have. Is anyone making money out there? I see salons that keep expanding, but they sure look dead on the inside.

12th April 2007, 11:15 AM	#21 (permalink)
Tanning Queen Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Six degrees left of nowhere Posts: 4,338	Re: Do you want to open a salon? Hey FIT, just to clarify my situation since you think that because I closed I have no idea what I am talkin about. It wasnt based on lack of income. It was because my mothers cancer had spread and I needed to take care of her. 24 hour care in your home of a loved one takes precedence over my business any day. I was glad I closed so I could spend what little time I had left with her. She died in July, not even a year after I closed. You have no idea what the circumstances were when I closed but you assumed it was because I dont know anything about this business. My 10 years beats your new salon any day. I was speaking about what I had to deal with. I had to upgrade my electric and AC after the fact and it was NOT cheap. I was limited to the electric I had and then found out that I would need to tear up the parking lot to bring in more if I wanted better equipment. So yes, it would have been better to build it out correctly from day one, but since I took over an existing salon, I didnt know any better. I wish I had this place prior to opening. Would have saved me a ton of needless expense. So, before you bash someone for closing, find out why so you dont sound like an idiot after the fact.

13th April 2007, 12:24 AM	#23 (permalink)
Brian Oshman Off The Chain Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Sun Doctor, Califon, NJ Posts: 6,077	Re: Do you want to open a salon? E-Mail them to Brianoshman@aol.com and I'll post 'em. __________________ Three can keep a secret if two are dead.

13th April 2007, 07:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
Matthew Will work for beer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: South of Alaska Posts: 348	Re: Do you want to open a salon? I can see the point FIT is making and agree that if your looking for a way to "write-off" your personal Cost-Co grocery shopping, his set-up just might make it. The key word is might. As for Brian's free advise, in my market that $300k is about a $100-200 short from what is needed to compete if your just entering this market and have any chance in hell surviving.

13th April 2007, 09:19 PM	#25 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? That's the best point made so far. In my market (20 mile radius) the Matrix is not only the best thing since sliced bread, its the best thing since they made the square wheel round! The absolute best bed around is a Heartland Encore (1 of them). Second best is ten year old Sontegra Gen-x. My level 2 bed (KBL 3500 - 140w) blows away my competition. Compared to the salons on this site my area is the stone ages - which is why I "should" be able to do very well with my bed lineup and my $105,000 investment. I guess I've been looking at this from my point of view and not considering what it may take in Brian's market. My apologies.

13th April 2007, 10:20 PM	#26 (permalink)
sparky Hall of Famer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Neverland Posts: 1,877	Re: Do you want to open a salon?

16th April 2007, 01:39 PM	#27 (permalink)
nuglow Rookie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 5	Re: Do you want to open a salon? OK! So you need to spend money to make money. Got it! Can we talk about the making money for a moment. I am trying to open my first salon and expect to spend 200K min. and plan on no revenue for 6 months. The bed retailers and franchizers throw out numbers that are very motivating, but I just don't see it. I am in an area with good population, med income, etc. However, salons don't seem busy ever! Also, I have checked out a few salons for sale and they all have similar P&L's (gross around 120K). The way I see it, this would not even cover our break even. These salons leave a lot to be desired. Bottome line is I am trying to get "real" revenue numbers from salons that are doing it right: good local, beautiful salon, great equ., great ads and customer service and above all smart pricing. To reach my min. cash flow goals I need 500 annual members. This is less than 2% of my 3mile pop. If I could accomplish this, how often could I expect my 500 members to come in per week durring high season (med. pressure 12min max)? 3 x wk? This would be 1500 visits a week or 214 per day 7 days per week. When I look at how much of the market I would need to capture this seems very reasonable. But when I walk into salons, I start to feel real doubt. If that suposid 10% fo the population tans, they have to be tanning someware, right?

16th April 2007, 03:02 PM	#28 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? I'm by no means an expert as I am just starting but I'm in a similar situation when it comes to location. There isn't anyone around here doing it the way the successful salon owners on this site do it. The best advice I've gotten has been from Steve at TanAmerica and Sunsally from over at TanTalk. Steve's analogy was "How much money do you think health clubs would make if their income was based on how often their equipment was used?". The key is having a successful EFT program (again, according to most of the successful salon owners on here). The great thing for me and maybe you is that noone in my area does it. We will be charging $24.99 unlimited with upgrades of $3 , $6 and $15 for HP. Every sixth month is free, $50 initiation fee (includes tini sampler pack). Again, all this came from reading and listening to the salon owners on this site. You should really PM Steve. Although I didn't purchase my beds from him I really benefitted from talking to him and reading his threads. Best of luck!

16th April 2007, 03:04 PM	#29 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? Also read anything Drew puts on this site. You will get varying opinions on this site but noone ever contradicts Drew.

16th April 2007, 03:25 PM	#32 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? The other thing you will see is that there are some real asholes in here and it doesn't matter much what you have to say. They enjoy making themselves look stupid!

16th April 2007, 03:37 PM	#35 (permalink)
Din Smartass Canuck Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 8,587	Re: Do you want to open a salon? FIT, i agree with everything you said....except for your equipment selection. Then again, that's your opinion and everyone else has theirs. That's what makes this board informative, because you have different opinions from different salon owners from different parts of the world. Get used to it......and welcome to the tanning industry. Congratulations on your salon and good luck. __________________ www.ChronosMarketing.com ____________________________________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

16th April 2007, 03:40 PM	#36 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? Wow well that sucks ... now I have to take back the ashole comment! One day maybe I can have a Magic Din. Just not now.

16th April 2007, 03:48 PM	#38 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? Thank you. My gut told me it was really important to have the only high pressure in a 50 mile radius. My wallet told me to buy a used Matrix for $16,500.

16th April 2007, 03:49 PM	#39 (permalink)
FIT Salon Owner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DE Posts: 1,136	Re: Do you want to open a salon? By the way. How much for a new acrylic for the Matrix? Anyone have a lead on that?

16th April 2007, 04:09 PM	#40 (permalink)
nuglow Rookie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 5	Re: Do you want to open a salon? I think you may have missed the point of my post. I would assume you would want enough equipment to service the number of memberships you sell. My real question is how many annual members do, those of you who know, you have. Is anyone making money out there? I see salons that keep expanding, but they sure look dead on the inside.

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