Big Year, Big Thanks

This year PC Marketing will commemorate its “20/10” anniversary—20 years as a provider of high-performance tanning equipment and 10 years as an exclusive partner of uwe®, Germany’s premiere indoor tanning equipment manufacturer. In April, PC Marketing will introduce a special-edition tanning unit, the SilverBullet SE, to commemorate its partnership with uwe. The company also will kick off a series of special promotions and events to thank those whom have contributed to the company’s two decades of success.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” says Susan Miller, president and CEO of Ridgefield, N.J.-based PC Marketing, a manufacturer and distributor of indoor tanning equipment and supplies. “I want to express deep appreciation for our team members at PC Marketing and for our valued customers and vendors who have supported us through the years.”

Although Susan and her dedicated team are gearing up for this month’s launch of the SilverBullet SE, it is clear that foremost in her thoughts is heart-felt gratitude for everyone who has helped the company reach its “20/10” anniversary milestone.

“No one knows better than I, that without my dedicated staff, vendors and salon partners, neither I nor our company would be here today,” she says. “In particular, I’d like to thank Dr.Thomas Faisst, managing director at uwe, for 10 years of support for PC in the North American marketplace. Our partnership with uwe has been integral to our success.”

PC Marketing and uwe are known for their award-winning designs, such as the P90 launched last year. The SilverBullet SE is also a testament to uwe’s many innovations. This unit will be available at a special anniversary price with leasing and financing options.

“The SilverBullet SE is an exquisite, premium-quality bed,” Susan says. “There are some really great special features previously only available in more-expensive units. We have added Misty Breeze, which gives a fine mist to cool and refresh, as well as an elegant new look in a high-gloss metallic finish with chrome stripes. This unit also will feature two 250-watt PowerSpot shoulder tanning lamps. Of course, high-quality performance is at the top of the list.”

Trends show tanners increasingly demand visually attractive units, technologically advanced equipment, luxury features, and of course, superior tanning performance. The SilverBullet SE delivers on all counts, says Paul Manke, vice president of sales.

According to Susan, PC Marketing’s relationship with uwe has become even closer during the past 10 years, due to mutual goals, commitment levels and passion for the indoor tanning industry. Even PC Marketing’s logo signifies the strength of this relationship. The design incorporates PC’s interlocked “P” and “C” as well as “MARKETING” with “uwe” in blue reverse type—all enclosed in a blue-line rectangle. The combination of the logos confirms to the industry what the companies have known since they began working together in 1996—that uwe and PC Marketing are trendsetting partners.

By partnering with the German equipment manufacturer, PC Marketing shows its commitment to providing premium products, values and service to its salon customers. To further demonstrate this commitment, the company places their customers at the top of its organizational chart.

“I report to the salons,” Susan says. “We work closely with them. We request their input- and we really listen. It’s my firm belief that once you build solid relationships with great partners there isn’t anything you can’t do.”

PC Marketing opened its doors in 1986 with only four staff members. From those humble beginnings it has grown to become a leading industry equipment manufacturer and distributor of high-performance indoor tanning equipment, as well as lotions, lamps and parts.

Susan credits the company’s lasting success to the following philosophy: Associates at every level must do their part to form rock-solid relationships with salon owners. PC Marketing’s team members also share a common passion for providing the very best in everything to its salon partners.

“The way we’ve done business over the past 20 years is by partnering with our customers and staying with them every step of the way” she says. “We continue to improve upon the services we offer our customers as our company continues to grow.”

Ethics and integrity also play a big part of why PC Marketing has stayed in business for so long. And if the company’s success is indeed a direct result of the strength of its business relationships, the company is on very firm footing. PC Marketing has long-term team members, salon partners and vendors.

“I would like to give a special thanks to Bruce Williams, vice president of technical support, and Korri Harris, customer support manager, who have been with me from the beginning. We opened the company’s doors together,”

Susan says. “Thanks also go to Rhonda Taylor, regional manager of our Birmingham, Ala. location, and Donna Banks, account executive, for their 15-plus years of outstanding service. A special thanks to our distributors and our vendors who have supported our growth over the years.”

However, Susan knows all the business ties and team building in the world are for naught without a quality product in service—and that’s where PC Marketing makes its mark.

“We’re fortunate to have two very strong brand names in the industry. Both our Montego Bay and uwe lines sell very well. The innovation and engineering of our two equipment lines—bar none—has proved to be superior,” she says.

When PC Marketing first entered the market, it became the largest distributor of Montego Bay equipment. In 1994 it purchased Montego Bay located in Moulton, Ala. Today, Montego Bay currently produces 20 models of equipment including the Cobra Series and the V-56.

On par with its equipment innovations are the company’s customer-friendly leasing plans. The company offers a Smart Pay Plan that allows salons to make payments on equipment based on usage. Other plans include the Zero Down and 7 for 7 Plan that allows salon owners to put $700 down and make no payments for seven months. PC Marketing offers traditional leasing programs as well.

The company also offers its own credit card—the Preferred Customer Card. This payment option allows salon owners to place orders for lotions, lamps, parts or other products. Salons can then sell the products, make their profit and pay off the card in 90 days without interest. The program also gives preferred salons the inside track on special, limited-time, zero-percent interest promotions.

“We’re always searching for creative ways to help salons grow their businesses,” Susan says. “We value these relationships.”

PC Marketing prides itself on providing excellent support services including site selection, demographics, equipment recommendations, salon layouts and on-site training. To demonstrate its commitment to education, the company opened a hands-on training center at its headquarters, complete with 18 tanning units and lotions from popular lines. The training center is designed to duplicate a salon working environment.

For 20 years, PC Marketing has provided technological innovations, training and support for the indoor tanning industry.

“We’ve always sought to provide the finest equipment and services to salons,” Susan says. “We work hard to continue that tradition.”