Northeast/Southern Tanning Tour 2000

Northeast/Southern Tanning Tour 2000
From New Jersey to Tennessee

Continuing with the Northeast tanning tour, we embark upon the state of New Jersey and continue onward to New York. From there we travel to Tennessee visiting salon owners to see firsthand what the new trends are in the South.

I would like to extend a special thank you to all of our Tanning Tour 2000 sponsors for all the incredible products and promotional items provided on the tour.

The Beach Tanning Studio
Princeton, N.J.
Owner: Diane Bledek
Employee: Steve Lawryk
Years in business: 10
Services: Tanning, cards, books and gifts.
Number of units: 4
Number of employees: 5
Busy season: January to June
Average sessions per day: 70-80 during the busy season; 20-30 during the off-season
Average client age: 24-32
Average session price: $8-$9
Marketing Tip: Diversify the salon
Advertising Avenue: Fliers
Biggest Obstacle: None

SeaBreeze Tanning Salon
Ewing, N.J.
Owner: Bob Hachney
Manager: Tara Diamond
Years in business: 5
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 6 beds/1 booth/1 facial
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: February to June
Average sessions per day: 140-150 during the busy season; 80-90 during the off-season
Average client age: 20-25
Average session price: $10-11
Best Marketing Tip: Find a good location
Advertising Avenue: Fliers at and around the colleges
Biggest Obstacle: The slow season

Sunpoint
New York
Owners: Heike Muschik
David Hornerng and Rebecca Challis
Years in business: 14 months
Services: Tanning, waxing, health and beauty, massage, nutrition counselor
Number of units: 8
Busy season: January to June
Average sessions per day: 100 during the busy season
Average client age: 20-40
Average session price: $14-$15
Marketing Tip: Good location
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail
Biggest Obstacle: Salon is in a mediocre location

Key West Tanning
Hamilton Square, N.J.
Owners: Tina Scaccetti
Years in business: 2
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 7
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: February to June
Average sessions per day: 175 during the busy season; 50 during the off-season
Average client age: 30-50
Average session price: $6-$7
Marketing Tip: Keep a clean shop and treat customers well
Advertising Avenue: Word-of-mouth
Biggest Obstacle: Seasonal aspect of business

Beach Bum Tanning
New York
Owners: Joe Hughes and Tony Acevedo
Years in business: 9
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 20
Number of employees: 4
Busy season: April to June
Average sessions per day: 300 during the busy season; 200 during the slow season.
Average client age: 25-35
Average tanning session price: $10
Marketing Tip: Good customer service
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail
Biggest Obstacle: Rent in New York

Portofino Sun Center (6 locations)
New York
Owners: Rule and Marlene Kunst
Years in business: 10
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 16
Number of employees: 4
Busy season: January to June
Average sessions per day: 200 during the busy season; 100 during the slow season.
Average client age: 25-35
Average session price: $12
Marketing Tip: Find good employees
Advertising Avenue: Yellow Pages and referrals
Biggest Obstacle: None

Great Tan (2 stores)
New York
Owners: James Dunham and Sam Brougher
Years in business: 2 years--this salon 6 months
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 9
Number of employees: 4
Busy season: March to May
Average sessions per day: 140-150 during busy season
Average client age: 22-35
Average session price: $14-$17
Advertising Avenue: Fliers; however referrals are the best
Biggest Obstacle: Current construction by second location

Oasis Sun Studio
New York
Owners: Paul and Pooney Rennert
Years in business: 3
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 9
Number of employees: 2
Busy season: February to August
Average sessions per day: 150 during the busy
Average client age: 20-40
Average session price: $15
Marketing Tip: Provide great customer service
Advertising Avenue: Referrals
Biggest Obstacle: Trying to allow people to relax in New York

La Plage Tanning Salon
Plainview, NY
Owners: Diane Buffolino and Cindy Perloff
Years in business: 1
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 6
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: January to May
Average sessions per day: 120-140 during the busy season
Average client age: 20-30
Average session price: $14-$17
Marketing Tip: Keep customer educated and the salon clean
Advertising Avenue: Local newspaper
Biggest Obstacle: Finding and keeping good employees

Electric Beach
Lynbrook, N.Y.
Owner: Mario Vuotto
Years in business: 14
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 11
Number of employees: 3 full-time; 3 part-time
Busy season: March to June
Average sessions per day: 150-200 during the busy season
Average client age: 25-35
Average session price: $12
Marketing Tip: Be knowledgeable about the industry
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail to clients
Biggest Obstacle: Moving into a new salon in the middle of the season

South Beach Salon
Island Park, N.Y.
Owner: Joe Amoroso and Kerry O'Dowd
Employee: Amy Coyle
Years in business: 2
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 6 units and 1 facial
Number of employees: 5
Busy season: March to May
Average sessions per day: 75-90 during the busy season; 40-50 during the off-season
Average client age: 22-32
Average session price: $10-$12
Marketing Tip: Keep a clean shop
Advertising Avenue: Local fliers with coupons
Biggest Obstacle: None

Bronze Body Tanning & Toning
Fort Lee, N.J.
Owners: Victor R. Ayoub and Bonnie Hobbs
Years in business: 14
Services: Tanning, nutrition and fitness consultants
Number of units: 4
Number of employees: 5 employees; 5 full-time trainers
Busy season: April to June
Average sessions per day: 100 during the busy season
Average client age: 22-30
Average session price: $6
Marketing Tip: Keep your salon clean
Advertising Avenue: Referrals
Biggest Obstacle: Rent in the New York/New Jersey area

European Image Tanning Center
Roslyn Heights, N.Y.
Owner: Frank Correal
Years in business: 8
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 10
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: December to July
Average sessions per day: 150-170 during the busy season; 70-80 during the off-season
Average client age: 25-30
Average session price: $12-$15
Marketing Tip: Be knowledgeable about the industry
Advertising Avenue: Referrals
Biggest Obstacle: Finding good employees

Salon 216
Ridgefield Park, N.J.
Owners: Jamie Montengro and Michelle Nicoliello
Years in business: 3
Services: Tanning, hair, nails, waxing and skincare
Number of units: 4
Number of employees: 2
Busy season: April to June
Average sessions per day: 40-50 during the busy season
Average client age: 18-25
Average session price: $6
Marketing Tip: Sell a lot of lotions
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail
Biggest Obstacle: Keeping the beds upgraded

Baja Tans and Swimwear
Memphis, TN
Pam Dunger, manager
Allen Sartain, owner
Years in business: 3
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 30
Number of employees: 10
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: Nearly 700 during busy season; 200 during the off-season
Male/Female ratio: 40/60
Average tan price: $5
Advertising avenue: Fliers, coupons and high-school publications
Business Obstacle: Staffing

Malibu Tans
Bartlett, TN
Doris Williams, owner (Two locations)
Years in business: 15
Services: Nails, swimwear and tanning
Number of units: 11
Number of employees: 11 at both locations
Busy season: February to Memorial Day
Average tanning sessions: 75 per day during busy months; 30 during off-season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tan price: $6.50
Advertising Avenues: Local newspapers
Business Obstacle: Opening late in the season

Sun Effects
Memphis, TN
Natalie and Richard Dinwiddie, owners
Years in business: 5
Services: Tanning and apparel
Number of units: 7
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: 150 in peak season; 40 off-season
Male/Female ratio: claims 50/50
Average tanning price: $5.50
Advertising Avenue: Fliers and handouts
Business Obstacle: Staffing

Coconut Tanz
Memphis, TN
Kelly Curlin, owner
Years in business: less than 1 year
Services: Tanning and some jewelry
Number of units: 8
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: 100 during season; 50 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 50/50
Average tanning price: $7
Advertising Avenues: Valu-Pak and newspapers
Business Obstacle: None

Gotta Have a Tan
Memphis, TN
Linda Anderson, owner
Years in business: 11
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 5
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: February to September
Average tanning sessions: 75-100 during peak session; 30-50 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 25/75
Average tanning price: $7
Advertising Avenue: Fliers and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Dependable staff

Solar Tans and Spa
Tom Husband, owner
Bartlett, TN
Years in business: 6
Number of units: 10
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: January to August
Average tanning Sessions: 230 during peak; 100 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: $17 weekly unlimited; $21.95 weekly for VHO
Advertising Avenues: Valu-Pak
Business Obstacle: Keeping customer counts high

Tan 'N Go
Memphis, TN
Linda Coleman, owner (5 locations)
Years in business: 12
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 20
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: February to May
Average tanning sessions: 400 during peak; 100 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 20/80
Average tanning price: $23
Advertising Avenues: Valu-Pak and radio promotions
Business Obstacle: Offering staff competitive wages and benefits

Sunsations
Germantown, TN
Ricki and Stacy Barnett, owners
Years in business: 5
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 15 beds, 1 standup
Number of employees: 7
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: 300 to 600 during peak; over 50 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: 100 minutes-$25; upgrades available
Advertising Avenue: Radio and holiday promotions
Business Obstacle: Staffing and continuing education

Ultra Tan Salon
Germantown, TN
Sheri and Mic Hensley, owners (2 locations)
Years in business: 5
Services: Tanning and Mystic Tan
Number of units: 19 beds, 1 standup and 1 Mystic Tan
Number of employees: 9
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: 425 during peak; 100 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 20/80
Average tanning price: $6-$28; $20 per Mystic Tan session
Advertising Avenue: Radio and Yellow Pages
Business Obstacle: Electrical needs for new equipment

Island Tan
Jackson, TN
Lisa and Rex Russom, owners (2 locations)
Years in business: 10
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 20
Number of employees: 15 at this location
Busy season: March, April and May
Average tanning sessions: Confidential
Male/Female ratio: 25/75
Average tanning price: Confidential
Advertising Avenue: Lots of promotions, Yellow Pages and Web site
Business Obstacle: Choosing equipment to meet their needs

Electric Beach
Jackson, TN
Mary Jackson, owner
Years in business: 3
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 13
Number of employees: Varies
Busy season: February to Memorial Day
Average tanning sessions: 300 during peak season; 150 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 40/60
Average tanning price: $5.50
Advertising Avenue: Signage and radio
Business Obstacle: Hiring mature staff

Paradise Tan
Jackson, TN
Janice Morris, owner
Years in business: 7 years
Services: Tanning, Christmas signs and Beanie Babies
Number of units: 12
Number of employees: 4
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: 220 during peak; 75 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 15/85
Average tanning price: $5-$7
Advertising Avenue: Word-of-mouth and referrals
Business Obstacle: Keeping prices higher with more and more competition

Clay Pot Tannery
Jackson, TN
Beth Wilkie, owner
Years in business: Current owner 6 years (the salon has been open for 11 years)
Services: Tanning and dried flower arrangements
Number of units: 10 beds and 1 standup
Number of employees: 12
Busy season: April, May and June
Average tanning sessions: 250 during peak; 30 during off-season
Male/Female ratio: 50/50
Average tanning price: 10 visits for $27.19 or 1-month unlimited for $38.06
Advertising Avenue: Radio, fliers and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Offering what clients want

Mega Tan
Antioch, TN
James Mayes, owner (2 locations)
Years in business: 15
Services: Tanning, swimsuits, sunglasses and Flamingo frozen drinks
Number of units: 42 (1 standup, 1 Dry Hydrotherapy and 40 beds)
Number of employees: 7-15 depending on season
Busy season: January to July
Average tanning sessions: 900 during peak; 300 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 25/75
Average tanning price: Confidential
Advertising Avenue: Local cable
Business Obstacle: Staying motivated

Totally Tan
Ashland City, TN
Lauri London, owner
Years in business: 2
Services: Tanning and nails
Number of units: 7 beds, 1 standup and 1 facial
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: March to June
Average tanning sessions: 250 during peak; 100 off-peak
Male/Female ratio: 40/60
Average tanning price: About $5
Advertising Avenue: "Unlimited tanning" newspaper ads
Business Obstacle: Competition and advertising

Bellevue Tanning Club
Nashville, TN
Don Closson, owner
Years in business: 7
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 17 beds and 2 standups
Number of employees: 12
Busy season: February to May
Average tanning sessions: 300 during season; 100 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: $5-$7
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail and register receipts
Business Obstacle: Keeping current regarding technical training

Tropical Tans
Nashville, TN
Dan Chestnut, owner
Years in business: 2
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 6 beds and 1 standup
Number of employees: 6
Busy season: February to July
Average tanning sessions: 150 during peak; 50 off-peak
Male/Female ratio: 25/75
Average tanning price: $5
Advertising Avenue: In-house promotions and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Staying knowledgeable on tanning products

Absolute Style Salon & Tan
Donelson, TN
Snuffy Smith, owner
Years in business: 4
Services: Tanning, hair, nails, Endermologiy™ and foot reflexology
Number of units: 7
Number of employees: Varies
Busy season: February to July
Average tanning sessions: 200 during season; 40 during slow season
Male/Female ratio: 50/50
Average tanning price: $6
Advertising Avenue: Package promotions and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Educating staff and clients

TanSations
Old Hickory, TN
Tammy Scott, owner
Years in business: 1
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 7 beds and 1 standup
Number of employees: 2
Busy season: December to July
Average tanning sessions: 120 during peak; 60 off-season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: $5
Advertising Avenue: Clipper magazines
Business Obstacle: Dealing with tanners that want to "over-do-it"

Caribbean Tan & Boutique
Hendersonville, TN
Cortney Riggsbee, owner
Years in business: 1
Services: Tanning, jewelry and soaps
Number of units: 6 beds
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: January to June
Average tanning sessions: 200 during season; 50 during slow season
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: $5
Advertising Avenue: Banners and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Finding "loyal" staff

Eurobronze
Hendersonville, TN
Mark Pitt, owner
Years in business: 4
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 7
Number of employees: 4-7
Busy season: March to June
Average tanning sessions: Averages 110
Male/Female ratio: 25/75
Average tanning price: $5
Advertising Avenue: Valu-Pak and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Educating clients about high pressure

Copper Cabana
Nashville, TN
Frank Atkins, owner
Years in Business: 3
Services: Tanning and swimwear
Number of units: 7 beds and 2 standup
Number of employees: 3
Busy season: March to June
Average tanning sessions: 225 during season; 100 during slow season
Male/Female ratio: 40/60
Average tanning price: $6
Advertising Avenue: Yearbooks and word-of-mouth
Business Obstacle: Promoting skincare in the salon

Super Tans, Inc.
Madison, TN
Karen Morrissey, owner
Years in business: 1
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 7
Number of employees: 7
Busy season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: Not available
Male/Female ratio: 30/70
Average tanning price: Varies with tanning packages and promotions
Advertising Avenue: Direct mail and distributor promotions
Business Obstacle: Salon location

Riviera Tan Spa
Nashville, TN
Trey Spraker, owner
Years in business: 16
Services: Tanning
Number of units: 10 and 1 standup
Number of employees: 3
Busy Season: February to June
Average tanning sessions: more than 280 during peak season
Male/Female ratio: 40/60
Average tanning price: $6
Advertising Avenue: Coupons and local Yellow Pages
Business Obstacle: Finding key employees and addressing anti-tanning articles