Starting a Sunbed Shop

[Beale]

I have a few ideas floating about, the latest is a sunbed shop. Seems to be a relatively low set up cost business, about £25 - £50 a week to lease a bed, about £1k a month for a shop unit. Also lot's of them are unmanned and run themselves. It just strikes me as a low risk business which could potentially run itself with little time required to take care of it. I no the electricity would be a big part of cost .

Just wondering if anyone is in the business or has any experience / comments on the idea?

Cheers, Ian

[swimdiva]

I have worked for one of the biggest U.S. Tanning Franchises. To run a proper shop, it needs to be staffed. You need to ensure you follow the new laws (age requirements, tanning times) and give proper education to your customers on how long they should allow their skin to tan. Yes, it is their own decision in the end - but the best salons offer consultations to help develop a plan to ensure the customer does not burn and creates deep dark color over time. I had to take back many salons from owners who were not giving good customer service or properly maintaining the cleanliness of the salon. Customers expect more. It is a seasonal business, so expect 3 incredible sales months, 2 decent sales months and hold-your-breath months... But, it can be a low cost business and owner absentee!

[tom-knox]

As a young man, and one of Italian descent haha, i don't see myself as your target market, but my girlfriend is into this kind of stuff and it's always struck me that if she has to go somewhere for it i wan't her to go to a professional looking outfit, manned with knowledgeable staff who (at least act like) their best interest is in her safety, and her achieving the results she's after.

Get a well placed shop unit, a memorable name, make it look professional, even if you merchandise on a shoe string budget, keep it looking clean, learn the mechanics of the process, and upsell (creams, lotions, future appointments at discount rates etc.) and build a web presence so potential customers can see how high quality you are, how good your value is and maybe even book appointments online.

If you're interested in getting your site established built maintained and everything else professionally get in touch with me, i'm looking to build a portfolio for my re-branded business.

[Beale]

Thanks for the advice Guys

[tom-knox]

Not a problem, keep us posted?

[Beale]

I will do