TanToday - Tanning Salon Business Forum » Site Info/General Discussion » New and Prospective Salon Owners

[Alan @ TanToday]

Give us a peek into the thought process from those who are brand new or have not opened their salon yet!

[Gaz1]

I just asked myself that too, after a heat wave in the uk??
Gaz

[RANDY]

I felt that it is a good investment to buy into a business that relates to peoples well being.When people tan, they feel good about themselves...they look better,feel better, and most do better. It is a mental thing, but I feel there is security in this business. People will always want to look good and feel good! I did not buy into this business to become rich...I'm sure some do very well..I hope I will be one of them, but I bought into this for additional income, and for the future. This is an investment for me. I hope it will be an enjoyable one. I enjoy my customers and enjoy the business!

[Ziti]

Randy, you have bought into a bright dream, not a bright future.

I love what I do, but it is not a great investment.

[RANDY]

Are you saying that the tanning industy isn't profitable? I have to disagree with you on that. Life is too short to work a job that you dislike. If you enjoy what you do, then you will put more effort into it, to be sure that you will become a success. Like a said before...I didn't buy into this to become rich...just as extra income. I do see salons that do quite well. Remember success isn't always a monetary thing, it is what you feel is successful. Thanks for your opinion, but I still feel that I made the right decision.

[Stephen Underhill]

Many new salon owners are born of being a tanner themselves. They visit tanning salons when they are busy. They enjoy tanning and believe this would be a fun business. They also believe there are some things that they would do differently that would make their salon better. The reality is that many of the things they want to do may be more bad than good. Always have a very specific plan that addresses all of the aspects of a successful business.

[RonnieT.]

The same reason anyone opens a small business for themselves......So you can work any 80 hours of the week you want.

I asked myself the same question...am still looking for the answer

[BigLeo]

Tanning used to be a great investment, there was money to be made. the standalone, single salon doesn't have a chance. make way for the franchises and large chains.

[Rob]

This is Tammy using Rob's lap top.

Gotta wonder, how many businesses we see that we think are profitable, in reality there are always some that do great and others that don't despite the fact they do the same thing. Its all about how you do what and where, and throw in a little lucky charm. Same with the Tanning industry. 95% of all new businesses fail in the first year, usualy do to a lack of research and a business plan or a poor business model. Also workers thinking they can do better than their boss, quickly realize they are workers, not enteprenuers.

[MoHo50]

After 1 1/2 yrs. I find the industry tough to make a buck. REtail is unpredicable. Not much consistency and you know that there are 4 months when traffic is brutally slow. I enjoy running the salon, don't mind the hours but am still wonder whether you can make enough to justify the investment. Also, I think that the stand alone has as much chance as the large chains.