The decision has been made to open a new tanning business. This decision can not be made lightly; it will take many hours of hard work if you plan on being a successful tanning salon owner. Let’s consider your location selection process. When you think about a location, you need to consider Census information or demographics. With this information, you as the new salon owner will know the age of residential and employed individuals in the immediate surrounding region. You will know the most traveled roads with reference to your new salon location and the volume of traffic that passes by. The most important question is what other business are in the immediate area? Are there grocery stores, theaters, a college or university, apartments, shopping facilities & other attractions? These types of businesses will draw traffic into your establishment. Always consider more than one location and look for similar business in the area.

Visit other locations and observe their customer service. Look for things that might disappoint you if you were a customer frequenting the facility. It is always important to understand their pricing structure and any special package deals they may offer. Purchase a few tanning sessions, this will help you identify the types of equipment being utilized, as well as each model’s ability to tan. Look for cleanliness, payment plans, operational procedures, and client comfort. Are the customers being treated professionally upon entering the salon, during their visit and especially after their session? Look for special deals and promotions. Shopping your competitors is a good way to understand the business. Once you have decided on a location it is time to consider your floor plan and room layout.

There is more than one way to design a floor plan. You may want to contact a licensed architect and have his and your ideas incorporated into one plan. Several manufacturers and or tanning system suppliers should be able to assist you in creating a line drawing that will help you visualize your ideas. Consider the following when creating your room design: Air conditioning ducts should be enclosed in wall panels, situated above the room, or routed inconspicuously at floor level. Consider placing upgrade units on pedestal stands and placing intercom systems in your rooms. Ceiling fans are always a good idea; they keep rooms cool and add a nice ambiance. Some of the decorating ides that many salons use are: dropped ceilings, light sconces in each tanning room, built in accessory tables, runner lights, cove lighting and pocket doors.  Anything that you as the tanning salon owner can do to make your salon comfortable for your patrons will pay for itself ten-fold in customer loyalty.

Selection of trim items and materials should be considered while constructing of the salon is in progress, this gives you the ability to conceal wiring and controls. A new innovation that is recently being released on the market is the new pre-fabricated wall system. These wall systems have many advantages. Flexibility and effortless installation are probably the most recognizable. The walls can also be moved with a great deal of ease thus giving the salon owner more flexibility. If you decide to move your location, the walls can go with you. Lease options are available freeing up cash flow. Why spend valuable working capital on expensive build out? Be careful to find a supplier that offers a total wall package -- one who will discuss, design, deliver, and install your new walls. Look for a supplier that delivers a “turn-key ” solution.

As the development of your salon evolves, you should add items in a manner that enhances your design. The most important part of any tanning salon is your equipment. Make sure you align yourself with a reputable manufacturer, one that offers not only excellent equipment, but also guidance along the way. Several manufacturers offer marketing plans. Look at these carefully and compare them to what your initial investigation of another salon showed you to be sound. Unfortunately marketing your salon is another article, one that can not be addressed in just a few lines. Have your contractor contact your equipment manufacturer so he may advise him as to correct air-conditioning tonnage, electrical requirements and proper room size.

This is an exciting time in your life. Be prudent in your decisions. Work hard and you will have the opportunity to grow a business in this exciting, fledgling industry.

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