Salon Location

"Size is a very important aspect in making a location decision," Bellas says. "Most small businesses originally start out renting a location and must consider what will happen when they grow and need to expand."

Space limitations come with the creation of an indoor tanning salon. Separate rooms for the beds, as well as front counter display space and a lobby area are all considerations a first-time buyer must contemplate. He says demographic consultants offer a basic consideration for all types of businesses, such as retail space should be at least 450 square feet per employee, or an office building should have 300 square feet per employee. However, that does not include such things as lobby area, bathrooms, even kitchen areas.

Other issues include the dictations of local zoning ordinances. If the property is not zoned for service, placing a tanning salon could mean more work than necessary. Yet, when a salon owner comes across the perfect location, he or she would be hard pressed to forget it because of a zoning requirement. Going before the city council or city zoning commission could be as easy as proving you are bringing in a viable industry.

In addition, most equipment manufacturers and even tanning supply distributors can assist new salon owners in the creation of a blue print for almost a complete turn-key operation. Know where to look for advice and work with experienced indoor tanning professionals to create the ultimate salon from the get-go.

"Once a person looks at space considerations, then they must consider affordability," Bellas says. "Other than rent or lease, there will be business expenses for electricity, telephone and, if necessary, Internet hook-up."

All these considerations and more are what makes choosing a location such an important step in the start of a business. By working with those that have experience, or hiring someone that has worked with indoor tanning salons in the past, a salon owner may be better off. Yet for many, the dream of owning a tanning salon comes with the hunt for the perfect location.

"What is most important is determining the potential size of the business," he says. "Look not only at the now but at the future as well."