Keys to Successfully Opening Your Tanning Salon

Keys to Successfully Opening Your Tanning Salon

OK, so you've made the decision to open a new indoor tanning business, and it was a decision you didn't make lightly. You know that it takes many hours of tireless work to become a successful tanning salon owner in today's competitive market. One decision crucial to your success is finding the right location.

Your Location

First and foremost, you need to consider U.S. Census information and demographics when choosing a location for your salon. These figures will reveal the ages of residential and employed individuals in the immediate surrounding region of your salon. Additionally, you will find out the most traveled roads with reference to your new salon location and the volume of traffic that passes by.

Another critical piece of information is to find out what other types of businesses are in the immediate area. Are there grocery stores, theaters, a college or university, apartments, shopping facilities and other attractions? These businesses will draw traffic into your business.

Always consider more than one location and look for similar businesses in the area. Be sure to visit their shops and observe their customer service. Look for things that might disappoint you if you were one of their customers. It is always important to understand your competitor's pricing structure and special package deals. One way to do this is to purchase a few tanning sessions; this will help you identify the types of equipment you will want to place inside your establishment.

Pay attention to the customers in the salon and how the employees treat them. Look for cleanliness, payment plans, operational procedures and client comfort. Are the customers being treated professionally upon entering the salon, during their visit and especially after their session? Look for special deals and promotions. Shopping your competitors is a good way to understand the business.

Your Layout

Once you determine your salon's location, it is time to consider your floorplan and room layout.

Remember, there is more than one way to draw a floorplan. You may want to contact a licensed architect and have his/her and your ideas incorporated into one plan. Several manufacturers and/or tanning system suppliers should be able to assist you in creating a line drawing to help you visualize your ideas.

Consider the following when creating your room design: Air-conditioning ducts should be enclosed in wall panels or routed inconspicuously at floor level. Consider placing upgrade units on pedestal stands and placing intercom systems in your rooms. Ceiling fans always are a good idea because they keep rooms cool and add a nice ambiance.

Some salon decorating ideas include dropped ceilings; light sconces in each tanning room; built-in accessory tables; runner lights; cove lighting; and, pocket doors. Be creative with your ideas and remember that anything you can do to make your salon comfortable for your patrons will pay for itself tenfold in customer loyalty.

During the construction phase of your salon, pay special attention to your selection of trim items and materials because it gives you the ability to conceal wiring and controls. A recent innovation on the market is the new prefabricated wall system, which has many advantages.

Flexibility and effortless installation are probably the most recognizable because the walls can be moved with a great deal of ease; therefore, giving the salon owner more flexibility. If you decide to move your location, the walls can go with you. Lease options are available freeing up cash flow. Why spend valuable working capital on expensive build-out? Be careful to find a supplier that offers a total wall package--one who will discuss, design, deliver and install your new walls. Look for a supplier that delivers a "turnkey" solution.

As the development of your salon evolves, you should add items in a manner that enhances your design. The most important part of any tanning salon is your equipment so make sure you align yourself with a reputable manufacturer--one that not only offers excellent equipment, but also offers guidance along the way. Several manufacturers offer marketing plans. Look at these carefully and compare them to what your initial investigation of another salon showed you to be sound.

Unfortunately marketing your salon is another article, one that cannot be addressed in just a few lines. Have your contractor contact your equipment manufacturer so he may advise him as to correct air-conditioning tonnage, electrical requirements and proper room size.

Opening a new business is an exciting time. If you are prudent in your decisions and work hard you will have the opportunity to grow a business in this industry. Remember to "tune in" to puretan® Principles next month for the next installment. Should you have any subject matter that you would like for us to address, e-mail puretan@puretan.net. We look forward to your contributions.

See you next month,
puretan® International, Inc.