Looking Fit 03/2004: VenturaTan

VenturaTan
New Products Take Distributor To Next Level

VenturaTan, a distributor of airbrush tanning products and equipment as well as indoor tanning lotions and spa disposables, stands out because it offers straightforward, honest information, says Denise Hofstadter-Crask, the company’s president.

“The world of sales is filled with promises and inflated sales pitches,” she says. “For every client I speak with, there are at least two who feel that they have been duped by some sales tactic at some point in their lives. I feel that they all deserve to know the truth about each product and what it can or can’t do for them. Anything less not only would be unprofessional, but unethical.”

Based in Savannah, Ga., VenturaTan already has experienced a quantum leap forward in 2004, expanding its line of products to include VenturaTan Airbrush Tanning and the VT Spa™ and VT Salon™ lines.

VenturaTan first opened its doors in 2002. Hofstadter-Crask believes the ability to wear many different hats at once is a key trait of any quality distributor.

“All of this began for me out of a need to use my artistic talent after a 3-year hiatus following cancer,” she says. “I thought I would just spray clients, have fun and make a little money. Little did I know that we would take off so quickly.”

It didn’t take long for her marketing background and retail experience to propel her into product development, which led to an ever-present state of evolution.

“I consider it a definite positive to be able to offer advice from all three perspectives: as a tanning client, a spray technician and a distributor,” she says.

“There is no doubt that it allows me to relate to every issue with personal reflection. My daily involvement in purchasing, marketing, product development, research and testing, training, and just about all aspects of customer service helps keep me moving constantly toward our goal of better products, competitive pricing and a greater level of client care.”

VenturaTan’s latest developments are the new additions to its VT Spa and VT Salon lines.

The VT Spa Tanning Trio features three components needed to create and maintain a great tan: Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator, Bimini Immediate Bronzer and After Tan Extender.

“Combined, this trio makes it possible to achieve and maintain a beautiful, immediate tan, and the vinyl zippered case makes them perfect for travel,” Hofstadter- Crask says.

Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator is the first step in preparing a tanner’s skin for better absorption and flawless finish. The product is derived from all-natural fruit enzymes, is non-abrasive and evokes a tropicalpineapple fragrance.

Bimini Immediate Bronzer delivers a rich, warm color instantly with no streaking.

“It’s a lightweight self-tanner, with DHA and erythrulose, developed to surpass all existing instant bronzers on today’s market,” she says. “Our requirements were to have a product that would give great color, smooth consistency without smearing when additional product is added, and longevity.”

The trio’s third component, After Tan Extender, features the active ingredient DHA to help moisturize and prolong tans.

New to the VT Salon line is the VT Salon Crème Body Mists. “They’re light, airy fragrances with no alcohol that are great for after UV tanning or anytime to give a fresh, clean feeling,” she says.

Each product features inviting names: Pearberry Blush, Cucumber Melon, Georgia Peach, Southern Citrus, Creek Water and White Cotton, all of which all are reminiscent of sunny summer days in the South.

“We take great pride in the fact that we constantly search for ways to not only improve our products, but ways to help increase salon operators’ profits,” Hofstadter-Crask says.

“Marketing ideas are made available to salons as quickly as they can be printed or many times through a direct call when nurturing their account.”

In addition to its new product launches, VenturaTan will be participating in various beauty and tanning shows throughout the year. “This year should be our best yet,” Hofstadter-Crask says. “We have a great new Web site, more than 26 new products for our VT Spa and VT Salon lines, and have added two new satellite employees in North Carolina and Georgia with solid backgrounds in the spa and pageant industries.”