SonnenBrune:

SonnenBrune:
Streamlining Another Bodyscan Selection

by Scott Eric Barrett

Ringgold, Ga.-based tanning equipment manufacturer SonnenBraune, Inc.'s business philosophy is to provide the highest-quality beds, built with superior components for longevity and performance.

"We don't skimp on any part of our bed, that is why there are so many of our beds out there," says Jim Jones, SonnenBrune 's vice president of sales. "Long-term customer relationships are vital to a company. Repeat customers are our largest area of business because they realize our high standards mean years and years of dependable bed performance."

SonnenBrune unveiled its latest tanning creation, the Bodyscan 3500 VRT, at last October's ITA World Tanning Expo in Nashville. According to Jones, this bed ushers in phase 2 of the company's popular BodyScan Series.

"The 3500 VRT is a beautifully silver, streamline tanner that takes mid-size to maximum," he says. "Combining 160- and 100-watt BodyScan series reflector lamps, enhanced by the new VRT exhaust system, this model brings the tan time to an accelerated 12 minutes and produces a deep, high-definition 360-degree tan."

The 3500's features also include three BeautyMetic filtered 500-watt facials, dual reflector system, one-touch control panel, high-volume body cooling and easy-lift canopy. The exhaust is a matching silver flume with overhead exit. For salons, this bed means more big bed features in a mid-size package. Jones says the VRT system not only eliminates heat, but it increases bed efficiency, component life and lamp life while reducing the tan time.

"The Bottom Line Is That The Faster The Tan, The More Money A Salon Can make," He Says. "the Bodyscan 3500 Vrt Has The Performance To Bring In customers And Maximize Profit Potential. Best Of All, The Efficiency Of This Bed means Less Maintenance And Operation Costs."

SonnenBrune has been manufacturing tanning beds since 1987. The company started small, researched, developed, tested and fine-tuned products that it believed the public wanted. As large as the company has grown, every product still starts out that same way today.

"When the company first began, we wanted to introduce something different that would make us stand out from the competition," says SonnenBrune's president, Ricky W. Gray. "We have continued with that tradition year after year. From structural changes to technical improvements, it makes us reach farther to be better."

SonnenBrune knows how to please its clients in many ways, and its custom financing options have made an impact.

"We looked at what everyone was offering in financing and decided in order to be the best, we would have to do it all," Jones says. "That means if you want to purchase, lease, lease with zero down or lease with no payment for 90 days, we will arrange financing that is right for you.

"The company will meet or beat any lease offer a client finds with another leasing company. For qualified applicants, our leasing options just can't be beat, and we like it that way."

Jones says SonnenBrune's distributors are the key to customer education, support and satisfaction. Its distributor network offers a worldwide link to SonnenBrune products and services.

"We take pride in the fact that our customers rely on their distributors for everything--from deciding what beds to buy, to what type of flooring to install," he says. "Our highly-trained distributor network is hand-picked because of their knowledge and experience. That is one reason why so many new salon owners look to us for assistance in layout, design, advertising ideas, electrical requirements and more."

Jones predicts that by 2010 tanning equipment might deliver a great tan in less than three minutes. And while the research continues, SonnenBrune's present focus lies on streamlining and efficiency.

"We will continue to work on features like TruVolt Optimization Technology, easier customer controls, perks that make tanning more enjoyable and greater customer comfort. From the thickness of the cushions to fingertip canopy operation, we will always take the extras to the extreme."