Starting a new business, or revamping an existing business, can be a huge undertaking for any entrepreneur.

There’s a lot more to it than finding a location and setting up tanning beds to be a successful business.

Without the right tools, tanning salons can struggle or eventually fail.

If you would like the help of a consultant with over 25 years experience who can:

>> Lead you through the process step by step

>> Assist you with evaluation, appraisal, and purchase of an existing salon

>> Recommend floor plan designs

>> Provide advertising and marketing strategies

>> Help with lease negotiations

Click Here To Receive Free Information From an Experienced Consultant.

Benefit from the knowledge of an industry veteran and discover the formula to a successful tanning salon by speaking to a consultant today!

So what is the secret to starting one of these cash-cow businesses? Where do you start? How much will it cost for start up, and then yearly expenses? But most importantly…how do you reach customers and make yourself more attractive?

Perhaps all you need is vision, drive, initiative and a little creativity to get you started running a franchise or self-owned tanning salon…and it may be just as easy as a breath of air.

Sometimes a “gimmick” is all you need to get going; something fun and exciting that your average strip-mall tanning salon won’t offer. Still can’t guess? Think H2O.

Patte Purcell, owner and founder of The Oxygen Experience can attest to the benefits of simply adding oxygen to your tanning services. Her patented oxygen bar system is ideal for tanning salons, not only to provide aromatherapy services, but also [...]]]> There are an estimated 25,000 tanning salons nationwide, yielding nearly $2 billion dollars in sales per year in the US alone. However, even in “sunshine” states like Florida and California, tanning salons are still booming industries with an appeal that seems to be a never ending successful venture.

So what is the secret to starting one of these cash-cow businesses? Where do you start? How much will it cost for start up, and then yearly expenses? But most importantly…how do you reach customers and make yourself more attractive?

Perhaps all you need is vision, drive, initiative and a little creativity to get you started running a franchise or self-owned tanning salon…and it may be just as easy as a breath of air.

Sometimes a “gimmick” is all you need to get going; something fun and exciting that your average strip-mall tanning salon won’t offer. Still can’t guess? Think H2O.

Patte Purcell, owner and founder of The Oxygen Experience can attest to the benefits of simply adding oxygen to your tanning services. Her patented oxygen bar system is ideal for tanning salons, not only to provide aromatherapy services, but also as a tanning aide. Studies have proved that oxygen helps to produce melanin in your skin cells by 10% or more, leading to a darker and safer tan without the risk of burning.

Not only will your customers flock to this new tanning experience, but you will reap in the benefits as well. At an average charge of $1 per minute of oxygen use per customer, your revenue build up could be endless—and without taking up extra space, time, or payroll. According to Purcell, studies have shown that revenues for businesses using The Oxygen Experience have nearly doubled—simply because they provide a useful service that no one else has!

Furthermore, this kind of service will promote repeat customer base that is more valuable than any kind of advertisement or promotion. By offering something different from any other tanning salon (like an oxygen bar) you will separate yourself from the rest and find people coming back for more.

Sometimes, the biggest leap of faith in starting a new business, and especially one as popular as tanning salons is to simply have a good idea. Investments, advertising, staffing and legal issues are also a concern for many trying to start a new business, but finding something new and exciting to offers customers can be priceless.

Still have questions about opening your own tanning salon? Read some of our other articles for tips, inspirations and real life testimonials from people that have been there, done that and much much more!

By leasing tanning equipment, the tanning salon can also save their credit to use in an emergency situation, instead of taking out a loan to buy an expensive tanning bed.

There is also a tax advantage for leasing tanning equipment.  Salons who lease their equipment are allowed to write off the rental payments, which is more attractive than the depreciation tax cuts for owning tanning equipment.

Sun tanning is bad when you burn, however when your skin tans at a slow rate it is actually the body’s way of protecting itself.  By forming a nice base tan the skin is less likely to burn and therefore less likely to experience the harmful effects of the sun. So if avoiding sun burns is the way to make tanning healthy, then tanning beds seem to be a perfect solution.

Developing skin cancer or melanoma takes 20-30 years of over exposure to the sun.  Therefore the cases of melanoma of today were caused back in the 1970’s before tanning beds became popular.  The number of deaths related to non-melanoma skin cancer has decreased [...]]]> This debate has been waging for years amongst scientists.  However, the public does not seem to care much as they continue to patronize their local tanning salon.  Some scientists feel that any sun is bad sun.  While others, like Dr. Berwick (2001) believes that sun tanning gives the body much needed Vitamin D which is activated in the skin through sunlight.  Exposure to ultraviolet rays has also been said to help reduce psoriasis pains.

Sun tanning is bad when you burn, however when your skin tans at a slow rate it is actually the body’s way of protecting itself.  By forming a nice base tan the skin is less likely to burn and therefore less likely to experience the harmful effects of the sun. So if avoiding sun burns is the way to make tanning healthy, then tanning beds seem to be a perfect solution.

Developing skin cancer or melanoma takes 20-30 years of over exposure to the sun.  Therefore the cases of melanoma of today were caused back in the 1970’s before tanning beds became popular.  The number of deaths related to non-melanoma skin cancer has decreased 1,200 to 1,500 per year over the past 10 years (Berwick, 2001).  The FDA also has admitted that it has never been shown that sun tanning has caused a person to have deadly skin cancer.

Sunlight has been said to help produce more energy for people and improve their lung and heart functioning, while a lack of sunlight can lead to depression or what is known as the “winter blues.”  In short, everything in moderation is okay, sun tanning included.  Always protect yourself against getting sun burns and only sun tan in moderation.

Here are some quick benefits of sun tanning:

• Reduce Stress by decreasing adrenaline levels and releasing endorphins.
• Reduce/Eliminate Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as  the “Winter Blues”
• Reduce Psoriasis Effects
• Clear up some acne as exposure to UV rays can help clear the skin

20 minutes tanning time – 32 High Powered Bronzing 100 Watt tanning lamps (16 in the canopy and 16 in the bench) Tanning bed costs approximately $5,000 15 minute tanning time – 36 High Powered 100 Watt Reflective BRONZING lamps (18 in the canopy and 18 in the bench) Tanning bed costs approximately $5,500

12 minute tanning time – 20 High Powered BRONZING 160 Watt Reflective tanning lamps in the canopy and 20 100 Watt tanning lamps in the bench Tanning bed can cost $6,500 12 minute tanning time – 20 (2 meter) High Powered 180 Watt Reflective tanning lamps in the canopy and 20 (2 meter) High Powered 120 Watt Reflective tanning lamps in the bench Tanning bed costs approximately $9,500

There are a number of sections required in creating your loan proposal document. There is a summary of the request, which simply summarizes The Summary of Request section is similar to an executive summary in a business plan. A person should have a good idea of your entire proposal after reading the summary. It is best to write the Summary of Requests last in order to include all the information necessary.

Borrower’s history is another section that needs to be in your franchising loan proposal. This section will contain a short description of the franchise you are purchasing as well as your own business history. You should also mention how you will build on past success to guide your future success.

The Market Data section of the franchising loan proposal should include an overview of industry trends, assessment of competitors, market size and potential, advertising strategies and an industry trend overview. The [...]]]> If it were simple to attain a loan – everyone would have one. There is quite a bit involved in the loan process. There are a number of forms to fill out and background checks to conduct.

There are a number of sections required in creating your loan proposal document. There is a summary of the request, which simply summarizes The Summary of Request section is similar to an executive summary in a business plan. A person should have a good idea of your entire proposal after reading the summary. It is best to write the Summary of Requests last in order to include all the information necessary.

Borrower’s history is another section that needs to be in your franchising loan proposal. This section will contain a short description of the franchise you are purchasing as well as your own business history. You should also mention how you will build on past success to guide your future success.

The Market Data section of the franchising loan proposal should include an overview of industry trends, assessment of competitors, market size and potential, advertising strategies and an industry trend overview. The beauty of owning a franchise is that the franchise corporation should have this information completed already. Your franchise company will provide you with these facts and figures so you can then pass it along to the bank.

Another section in your franchise loan proposal should be a site analysis. This section will contain information about the chosen location’s parking situation, traffic issues, lease agreements and any other useful information about your location.

Marketing and Promotional Strategy is a key section to be included in your proposal. Advertising can make or break a business so this section needs to be impeccable. You need to think about how you will promote your franchise and drive customers to your store. Most franchises will require some amount of local advertising so you will need to include that information here. You will be working on promoting an already familiar brand since you are purchasing a franchise, which will only help you.

Financial Information is another key section in your franchising loan proposal. The franchise you will be purchasing should provide you with past financial statements dating back at least two years, which you need to include here. You will also be required to provide your personal income statements and tax returns so the bank can check your credit history. A statement of projected cash flow is also an important component to include in this section. If all of this seems foreign to you, visit your accountant or hire an accountant to guide you through this section.

The last section should be Schedule and Exhibits, which is similar to an appendices section of a business plan. These documents all prove that what you are saying is real and you have the documents to prove it. You should include all signed documents from your franchise, your resume, any marketing documents, facts or figures your franchise provided you and any other document that you think might help you case or is important for the bank to see. When in doubt, include the document in this section.

Remember that by preparing this proposal, it does not entitle you to a loan. This is just a way to get your foot in the door. You need to really believe in what you are doing, your abilities and the franchise concept you will be adopting.

The only draw back to this type of tanning is that it lasts only 7 – 10 days due to the shedding of dead skin cells. DHA has no known side effects for external application as long as the eyes, lips and mucous membranes are protected. Those who get this sunless tan must keep in mind that it is not a real tan so they can still burn from UV ray exposure.

2. What happens if I decide I no longer want to operate the franchise? Do you (the franchiser) have a policy that requires me to pay a cancellation fee?

3. Do you have any lawsuits against your franchise? May I see the list of lawsuits? (Look at reasons sited to see if there is a pattern).

4. What is your franchisee turnover rate? Can I have a list of the franchisees that left?

5. How much money can I potentially earn? – They should not answer this question, as the law prohibits them. Be careful of the ones who do answer this.

6. Do the company-owned stores provide most of the support for the parent company? (Should be a yes to avoid over-dependence on the royalty stream).

7. Is your franchise trademarked? (Should be because it’s what you are buying with the franchising fee).

8. How long is your franchise-training program? (Don’t want it to be too short/long).

9. Can I see some of your company’s financial statements?

10. Can I have [...]]]> 1. What is the risk involved with franchising and how do you (the franchiser) intend to minimize that risk?

2. What happens if I decide I no longer want to operate the franchise? Do you (the franchiser) have a policy that requires me to pay a cancellation fee?

3. Do you have any lawsuits against your franchise? May I see the list of lawsuits?
(Look at reasons sited to see if there is a pattern).

4. What is your franchisee turnover rate? Can I have a list of the franchisees that left?

5. How much money can I potentially earn? – They should not answer this question, as the law prohibits them. Be careful of the ones who do answer this.

6. Do the company-owned stores provide most of the support for the parent company? (Should be a yes to avoid over-dependence on the royalty stream).

7. Is your franchise trademarked? (Should be because it’s what you are buying with the franchising fee).

8. How long is your franchise-training program? (Don’t want it to be too short/long).

9. Can I see some of your company’s financial statements?

10. Can I have a list of all the current franchise owners close to my area? (Speak to the owners and discover their level of satisfaction and profitability).

By leasing tanning equipment, the tanning salon can also save their credit to use in an emergency situation, instead of taking out a loan to buy an expensive tanning bed.

There is also a tax advantage for leasing tanning equipment.  Salons who lease their equipment are allowed to write off the rental payments, which is more attractive than the depreciation tax cuts for owning tanning equipment.