If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... - TanToday - Helping Salon Owners, One At A Time, Since 2000!

aimeekat · 14th March 2007, 01:58 PM

Prosun or Ergoline?

I'm in FL and thinking 8-10 bed salon.

I know there are tons of pros and cons for each. Just answer as who you would choose if you did it all over again and knowing what you know now.

Thanks a ton for all of the help I've gotten so far.

Shane · 14th March 2007, 02:09 PM

You need an option "C"....none of the above

Tanning Queen · 14th March 2007, 02:12 PM

Neither one...

aimeekat · 14th March 2007, 02:15 PM

OK, let me revise my initial post. If not these two can you tell me why not? Like, "had horrible customer service", "beds didn't work", etc.

Actual experience with either company is preferred.

Shane · 14th March 2007, 02:33 PM

Why are you limiting yourself to only those 2?

There are many other companies with much better reputations and equipment on the market.

FYI, I have never done business with either of those, but have heard and read many things. All you gotta do is a little research on the boards.

aimeekat · 14th March 2007, 02:59 PM

You name it, I've read it. I'm very pro self education on the web, but you can also read yourself deeper into confusion.

I know there are several good companies out there and I'm sure some are better than others. After all, if they all had the exact same product and exact same options how would any of them survive. It's business, guys, and to be good at business is to be good at strategy. I appreciate that and I build in a bias to anyone I know is a competitor salesperson.

I'm not trying to be unrealistic and imagine that one manufacturer will have EVERYTHING I want/need. I also know that EVERYONE has more experience in this industry than me. With that said, I'm not that naive to be wrangled into some crazy Kirby vacuum deal. Thanks for looking out for me, though.

So, to everyone that replied that I need to add another manufacturer to the list, I hear what you are saying, but I’m one person, and I can’t meet with every manufacturer on the planet. I know my limits.

What I’m really looking for is someone that HAS worked with either and has input, OR someone that hasn’t but knows someone who has, or seen it first hand at as reason not to work with either. General examples would be great.

PS, I heard the same line of comments when I was shopping for my car, this versus that. I bought German…

Care to share those with a better reputation?

Please understand that I sincerely appreciate the help, so if this post seems pointed, I applolgize.
Let the beatings begin~

Tanning Queen · 14th March 2007, 03:06 PM

I had Prosun. Was ok as far as tanning. Got better results from other units tho. ALso, getting it fixed was a pain. The top acrylic kept falling down on customers while tanning or when the girls were cleaning and was a pain. THey never could get it fixed.

Alan @ TanToday · 14th March 2007, 03:34 PM

If it's down to those 2 then go with Ergoline. BUT I would check out some other manufacters first to make sure you are happy with your final decision.

aimeekat · 14th March 2007, 03:35 PM

Thanks Queen. I had read that in other posts, but they were from 2004 so I was wondering if they addressed that issue. It's on my list.

Alan, thanks for the advice-will do.

MacDaddy · 14th March 2007, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanning Queen

Neither one...

Maybe that's why you went out of business!

MacDaddy · 14th March 2007, 03:58 PM

I have 65 Ergoline beds and I've been very happy for the past 12 years. Sure the company had its ups and downs but they are on a definate upswing.
Isn't it funny that when Ergoline beds become available used they are the first ones to sell. Hmmm.

Tanning Queen · 14th March 2007, 04:33 PM

Oh arent you a funny man Mac! You know why I closed so we wont go there right now...

Anyway, I know Mac is a huge fan of Ergo but I dont like how they run business. I am surprised that he has stuck with them so long when they have no problem putting identical beds into salons right down the street. A little exclusivity for a salon owner that buys nothing but Ergo would be nice, you would think! But they dont seem to care.

Alan @ TanToday · 14th March 2007, 06:04 PM

I tan in an Ergoline Excellence 850 and love it. Instant tan and it keeps getting darker and darker the next 24 hours.

I wish there were some Sportarredo's around my area because I heard loads of good stuff about their equipment.

BoSoxfan · 14th March 2007, 06:30 PM

Good luck Aimeekat.

Din · 14th March 2007, 06:33 PM

I like the ergo 650 combo....got amazing results in that when i tried it at the TanCun convention. I did 3 sessions and was BLACK. I didn't stay out in the sun and I was darker than the wives that layed on the beach all day tanning for a week while the guys were inside at the convention. I'm a skin type 2 and i was very very dark from just 3 session on that bed.

but like everyone else is saying....there are other companies out there that will outperform. And in all honesty, your customers don't care if the manufacturer provides you with good customer service....they want results. So you better have good beds, that you know will outperform others.

Some of those companies in my opinion are UWE, Dr. Mueller, KBL America. Be sure you check them out before you make your decision or you might regret it.

Don't forget about High Pressure beds.....

Good luck.

solaraz · 14th March 2007, 07:16 PM

We went with Ergoline and have had great results all the way around. No complaints from us or our customers.

CIT · 14th March 2007, 08:41 PM

i got ergos and only ergos. they good. but not all. different from model to model.
As far as second hand - they go first because it is best choice if you pay around half price for it.

aimeekat · 14th March 2007, 09:40 PM

Wow, lots of great feedback! Thanks to everyone.
I hate to change the thread mid-stream, but let me ask this. I looked at Looking Fit the top 250 salons list and in Florida, and both Ergo and Prosun beds were some of the more common equipment listed in those salons. ETS was another that was pretty popular on the survey too. Does anyone know the validy of that poll? I know trade mags are usually biased to those who spends lots on advertising. Is that mag one of the guilty pubs?

http://www.lookingfit.com/articles/722Region2.pdf

Brian Oshman · 14th March 2007, 10:19 PM

First Pro Sun is based in FL so that is why they appear in many FL salons.

ETS is in every phone book in America.

Ergo makes nice stuff. Well built and decent performers, if you can keep it running with all the board problems they have and how the distributors don't know jack about their beds they sell and keep a tight hold on propietary components and then bang you hard on price for replacement boards.

Tanning Queen · 14th March 2007, 10:47 PM

If the salons listed what they have, that is what they have. You dont pay to be in the top 250 list.

But my question is, why would you want to be the same as everyone else near you? Go with different equipment to make yourself stand out. You are gonna need it with what you said about how many salons you are gonna compete with.

14th March 2007, 01:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
aimeekat Super Star Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL Posts: 984	If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Prosun or Ergoline? I'm in FL and thinking 8-10 bed salon. I know there are tons of pros and cons for each. Just answer as who you would choose if you did it all over again and knowing what you know now. Thanks a ton for all of the help I've gotten so far.

14th March 2007, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Shane Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hurricane Alley Posts: 1,906	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... You need an option "C"....none of the above

14th March 2007, 02:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tanning Queen Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Six degrees left of nowhere Posts: 5,008	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Neither one...

14th March 2007, 02:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
aimeekat Super Star Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL Posts: 984	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... OK, let me revise my initial post. If not these two can you tell me why not? Like, "had horrible customer service", "beds didn't work", etc. Actual experience with either company is preferred.

14th March 2007, 02:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Shane Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hurricane Alley Posts: 1,906	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Why are you limiting yourself to only those 2? There are many other companies with much better reputations and equipment on the market. FYI, I have never done business with either of those, but have heard and read many things. All you gotta do is a little research on the boards.

14th March 2007, 02:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
aimeekat Super Star Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL Posts: 984	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... You name it, I've read it. I'm very pro self education on the web, but you can also read yourself deeper into confusion. I know there are several good companies out there and I'm sure some are better than others. After all, if they all had the exact same product and exact same options how would any of them survive. It's business, guys, and to be good at business is to be good at strategy. I appreciate that and I build in a bias to anyone I know is a competitor salesperson. I'm not trying to be unrealistic and imagine that one manufacturer will have EVERYTHING I want/need. I also know that EVERYONE has more experience in this industry than me. With that said, I'm not that naive to be wrangled into some crazy Kirby vacuum deal. Thanks for looking out for me, though. So, to everyone that replied that I need to add another manufacturer to the list, I hear what you are saying, but I’m one person, and I can’t meet with every manufacturer on the planet. I know my limits. What I’m really looking for is someone that HAS worked with either and has input, OR someone that hasn’t but knows someone who has, or seen it first hand at as reason not to work with either. General examples would be great. PS, I heard the same line of comments when I was shopping for my car, this versus that. I bought German… Care to share those with a better reputation? Please understand that I sincerely appreciate the help, so if this post seems pointed, I applolgize. Let the beatings begin~ Last edited by aimeekat : 14th March 2007 at 03:01 PM.

14th March 2007, 03:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tanning Queen Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Six degrees left of nowhere Posts: 5,008	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... I had Prosun. Was ok as far as tanning. Got better results from other units tho. ALso, getting it fixed was a pain. The top acrylic kept falling down on customers while tanning or when the girls were cleaning and was a pain. THey never could get it fixed.

14th March 2007, 03:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
Alan @ TanToday Checks and Balances Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,163	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... If it's down to those 2 then go with Ergoline. BUT I would check out some other manufacters first to make sure you are happy with your final decision. __________________ Alan "America is too great for small dreams" - Ronald Reagan

14th March 2007, 03:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
aimeekat Super Star Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL Posts: 984	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Thanks Queen. I had read that in other posts, but they were from 2004 so I was wondering if they addressed that issue. It's on my list. Alan, thanks for the advice-will do.

14th March 2007, 03:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
MacDaddy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Northeast Posts: 2,093	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... I have 65 Ergoline beds and I've been very happy for the past 12 years. Sure the company had its ups and downs but they are on a definate upswing. Isn't it funny that when Ergoline beds become available used they are the first ones to sell. Hmmm.

14th March 2007, 04:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tanning Queen Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Six degrees left of nowhere Posts: 5,008	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Oh arent you a funny man Mac! You know why I closed so we wont go there right now... Anyway, I know Mac is a huge fan of Ergo but I dont like how they run business. I am surprised that he has stuck with them so long when they have no problem putting identical beds into salons right down the street. A little exclusivity for a salon owner that buys nothing but Ergo would be nice, you would think! But they dont seem to care.

14th March 2007, 06:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Alan @ TanToday Checks and Balances Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,163	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... I tan in an Ergoline Excellence 850 and love it. Instant tan and it keeps getting darker and darker the next 24 hours. I wish there were some Sportarredo's around my area because I heard loads of good stuff about their equipment. __________________ Alan "America is too great for small dreams" - Ronald Reagan Last edited by Alan @ TanToday : 14th March 2007 at 06:07 PM.

14th March 2007, 06:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
BoSoxfan Rookie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 10	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Good luck Aimeekat. Last edited by BoSoxfan : 23rd August 2007 at 12:32 PM.

14th March 2007, 06:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Din Smartass Canuck Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 9,088	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... I like the ergo 650 combo....got amazing results in that when i tried it at the TanCun convention. I did 3 sessions and was BLACK. I didn't stay out in the sun and I was darker than the wives that layed on the beach all day tanning for a week while the guys were inside at the convention. I'm a skin type 2 and i was very very dark from just 3 session on that bed. but like everyone else is saying....there are other companies out there that will outperform. And in all honesty, your customers don't care if the manufacturer provides you with good customer service....they want results. So you better have good beds, that you know will outperform others. Some of those companies in my opinion are UWE, Dr. Mueller, KBL America. Be sure you check them out before you make your decision or you might regret it. Don't forget about High Pressure beds..... Good luck. __________________ www.ChronosMarketing.com ____________________________________________ The problem nowadays is stupidity. Why don't we just take the safety labels off everything and see what happens?

14th March 2007, 07:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
solaraz All Star Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 85	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... We went with Ergoline and have had great results all the way around. No complaints from us or our customers.

14th March 2007, 08:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
CIT Soakinuptheknowledge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Non regulated USA Posts: 892	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... i got ergos and only ergos. they good. but not all. different from model to model. As far as second hand - they go first because it is best choice if you pay around half price for it.

14th March 2007, 09:40 PM	#18 (permalink)
aimeekat Super Star Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL Posts: 984	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... Wow, lots of great feedback! Thanks to everyone. I hate to change the thread mid-stream, but let me ask this. I looked at Looking Fit the top 250 salons list and in Florida, and both Ergo and Prosun beds were some of the more common equipment listed in those salons. ETS was another that was pretty popular on the survey too. Does anyone know the validy of that poll? I know trade mags are usually biased to those who spends lots on advertising. Is that mag one of the guilty pubs? http://www.lookingfit.com/articles/722Region2.pdf

14th March 2007, 10:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
Brian Oshman Off The Chain Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Sun Doctor, Califon, NJ Posts: 6,873	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... First Pro Sun is based in FL so that is why they appear in many FL salons. ETS is in every phone book in America. Ergo makes nice stuff. Well built and decent performers, if you can keep it running with all the board problems they have and how the distributors don't know jack about their beds they sell and keep a tight hold on propietary components and then bang you hard on price for replacement boards. __________________ Three can keep a secret if two are dead.

14th March 2007, 10:47 PM	#20 (permalink)
Tanning Queen Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Six degrees left of nowhere Posts: 5,008	Re: If you were just starting out and you had to choose between two... If the salons listed what they have, that is what they have. You dont pay to be in the top 250 list. But my question is, why would you want to be the same as everyone else near you? Go with different equipment to make yourself stand out. You are gonna need it with what you said about how many salons you are gonna compete with.

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