Operating your own tanning salon may be your dream business, but you need to pay attention to some details.
Otherwise this venture can quickly turn into a recurring nightmare that is quickly draining your bank account.
People have certain expectations so you need to be prepared to meet them.
You will find waiting for an open bed or booth isn't going to go over well.
With a tanning business, you have to be ready to meet the needs of your customers.
This means you are open early so they can tan before work and you stay open so they can tan after they get off.
Make sure you don't over book appointments as most of the people that come in will need to get in and out in a set period of time.
If they are continually waiting around they will soon tire of it and go tan at another location.
The equipment isn't cheap but you will need to invest in several pieces so that you can keep customers happy.
The problem though is during slower times of the year you will lose more than half of your customers.
They will be seasonal and come back each year around the spring.
You need to make sure you budget your earnings so that you can cover operating expenses during the slower time of the year.
Be very careful when selecting the equipment for your salon.
It needs to be safe and in good working condition.
You need to do research on the brands and models you are looking at.
New equipment is costly but you may be able to get a good deal on discontinued models.
Just make sure they haven't been discontinued due to poor reviews.
If you look at used equipment you need to carefully inspect it before you commit to buying it.
Make sure you are able to offer people good advice when they come to your salon.
This includes information on how long they should tan initially, the risks of UV damage to their skin, and the right products to accelerate their tanning for their skin type.
Keeping up on this information is going to require some dedication to reading materials.
You will also need to share the information you find with your staff that will be assisting customers.
People are often loyal to their facility, so you may have to work hard to get customers pouring in to your business.
Offer them something for free and they will likely show up.
This can be a free session, entry into a drawing for a great prize, or a free product with a three month paid membership.
Word of mouth is going to be vital to the success of your salon.
Make sure current customers have good things to say about it.
Think of fabulous incentives to motivate them to tell others about it as well.
Quality customer service is an essential part of operating a tanning salon.
Your customers want to feel important when they come in.
Make sure they are greeted with a smile and that their room is clean and ready for them.
You can also offer them some great items to make sure they are comfortable.
A bed pillow is a nice thought.
You can also provide a fan for comfort, towels, and deodorant for them to clean up and return to their day.
There are many things you must consider if you want to have an excellent salon.
You will be doing yourself a favor if you open early in the morning and stay open late into the evening, at least during peak tanning season.
You should be receptive to the needs of your customers as well.
If they bring something to your attention do you very best to remedy the situation.
Don't be afraid to try new things and to have fun with your tanning salon business.