Coin Timers For Coin-Op Tanning Salon

[Brian Oshman]

The more I think about it, the more I like this concept. There is nothing wrong with offering unattended 24 hour tanning as long as all of the safety measures are in place. This is not like the old days where you could just keep pumping in quarters and tan all night. It would be computer controlled and the account would need to be set up first during attendant hours.

This is becoming more of a concept to look into as tanning is getting bashed left and right anymore and it is harder to make a dollar at it. This concept lowers overhead and allows you to still make money at it while persuing other ventures. After all it is all about making money, that is the number one reason you are in business for yourself. If you do not think that then you need to re evaluate why you are in business in the first place.

[tuscantan]

We have a 24 hour gym that has 2 tanning beds in town...I don't know how they get around it, I am guessing because they are primary a gym....I know they don't have some elaborate computer system to put in their time...or any of the Ohio laws that our in place.

[theislandtan]

Originally Posted by Brian Oshman

The more I think about it, the more I like this concept.

I agree. I don't think it would be to hard to write something that would interface with the current salon programs. A badge to get in the door and a finger print scanner to control sessions would be all thats needed hardware wise.

This would be perfect for someone next to a 24hr fitness place.

[Jones]

Planetsun is correct...innovative tech is a good choice.

Also, if manufactures would add this option to beds...scanner or reader with preset exposure schedules...scan finger, computer knows who it is...lst visit, last exposure and gives them their time...pretty straightforward.

[frankie]

It would have to be an option because this concept is not allowed in some states. Other states will follow. But who am I to say it will not work. Maybe I will just jump on the bandwagon and open up 10-15 self service tanning salons. Hmm not a bad idea.

[PlanetSun]

Not a bad idea at all Frankie...I've got 8 of them with over 70 beds... You have to do it in a professional way though.

[PlanetSun]

Ergoline launched the SunAngel concept in Europe. It does not check how often you tan, but the bed decides on the session time/UV output and alternates UVA and UVB lamps, depending on the skin type (IQ sensor).

KBL is launching something similar.

Seems this is only one step away from a fully idiot proof tanning system.

[Jones]

Thanks for sharing that Planet sun...I wondered years ago how long it was going to take for someone to step up!! Where at in Europe was this launched?? Any in operation there? I'd love to see it in action!

[Jones]

I'd also like to know who at Ergoline came up with that concept? Do you know? When you can finally alter the output of equipment to suit the needs of the client...you are finally in control of exposure!! I would love to sit and talk with whomever came up with this. If you know - please share.

[danggirl]

Not sure on the about ergo's system but I can explain a lil on KBL.

There is one system already here in the U.S. it is called Basic Care from KBL.
It works by placing a device on your forehead, both sides of you cheeks and your wrist. The printer will print out what your skin type is and will tell you how long you should tan.

The next system by KBL is Easy Care. This works with KBL CPI system in which you would do the same thing as Basic Care, but instead of a print out it will set the bed time and will drop the power of the bed to match the persons skin type. So they can get in any bed they want but the bed will not put out the full power if there skin type can not handle it. This sytem is getting alot of praise in Europe.

The Easy Care system is not ready for the U.S. yet but it being worked on for it to be ready.

[PlanetSun]

Well... Ergoline has a similar system as KBL's Easy Care with IQ sensor which adjust the output using electronic ballasts.

With the SunAngel concept they use the dimmable electronic ballasts, but also change the UVA/UVB ratio by turning on/off and dimming specific lamps.

more info in English here: www.sunangel-sunbed.co.uk

I believe KBL is developping something similar together with Sylvania which they call 'P2 technology'.

What I like the most about this, is that now you can put every customer on the same bed for the same amount of time. You can really sell sessions instead of minutes.

It was launched at Solaria last year for the German market, but I know it's now available in the UK and the Netherlands as well, althoug currently these beds are offered in a special lease formula only.
Because it is Ergoline it's probably pretty expensive but this evolution will expand to other manufactures soon enough.

In the future we should be able to adjust UVA/UVB ratio and UV output on a sunbed by turning a button.

I know I'm looking forward to this.