International Tanning Technologies:

In today’s competitive industry, running a lucrative indoor tanning salon can seem like a sink-or-swim proposition.

Clearly, the tanning units are an important component of salon success—but the real trick is finding a reliable lifeline to those beds. That’s where International Tanning Technologies (ITT) comes in. Since 1997, the Brook Park, Ohio-based manufacturer has provided powerful, competitive and cost-efficient tanning equipment to help salon owners keep their business afloat.

This year marks ITT’s 10th anniversary, and the company plans to keep its current course in 2008 and beyond.

“Our niche always has been well-constructed, entry-level beds at a fair price,” says Kathy Clarke, vice president of ITT. “We have been successful in the equipment market because people trust us; in fact, most of our customers are repeat customers because they know the true value is here.”

By recognizing the needs of today’s tanning business owners, ITT is able to provide its customers with equipment that meets their needs at price-points they can afford. This reflects the company’s understanding of the current industry climate, particularly in reference to smaller salons trying to compete with the larger—and richer—chains.

“With today’s marketplace offering unlimited tanning for one set price each month, a salon cannot stay competitive by purchasing overpriced equipment,” Clarke says. “As the financial experts say, keeping up with the Joneses will only put you into further debt.”

In addition to offering affordable equipment options, the durability of ITT’s equipment line is of utmost importance.

As the company rounds out its first decade in the business, ITT plans to continue to produce its signature Sunsource line of beds, including the XP Series, Signature Series and STS Booth Series. Allsteel construction, custom-engineering and strict quality-control assembly procedures are just a few of the reasons Sunsource beds have a long-standing reputation for being built to last.

The newest addition to the line will debut later this year. Designed to fill the need for a level two and level three upgrade, the Sunsource Sierra will feature 36 low-pressure lamps in either 100- or 160-watt versions, a high-dome canopy, easy-entry bench and slide-out component trays.

“ITT is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with the introduction of the Sierra,” Clarke says. “The bed will have extras and options galore—like the ability to equip it with a Varius high-pressure facial system—as well as ultra-modern graphics, LED ambient lighting and a super-charged cooling system.”

Ultimately, clients know that ITT is committed to being their manufacturer and partner in the industry.

“Customers know that they will be taken care of if a situation arises; of course, things happen—we’re not perfect—but our staff will do everything it can to resolve the problem,” Clarke says.

“I apologize to any customers who may have been treated poorly by other manufacturers; it’s just not good for the industry. Rest assured, however, that those of us at ITT are working to make the manufacturer/salon owner relationship better.”

At ITT, consistency is the key to success—whether in maintaining relationships with clients or in producing top-performing equipment without costing top dollar—and the company is confident that it is also the answer to helping customers weather the storm of the changing indoor tanning industry.

“We all know that the industry has been volatile over the past few years, but those of us at ITT are optimistic that things will change for the better,” Clarke says. “So instead of focusing on the negative, let’s focus on what tanning is all about: feeling good and looking good. That’s why we’re all here.”