Tanning Salon

[spraytangeek]

Hi everyone,

Wondering if any body could give me any advice on opening a tanning salon?
I would like to hire my sunbeds, iev checked a few places out on the web, do u hire your sunbeds?
can i rent a place and set it up or do i need a licence?
Any info at all and i would be grateful

Thank you

 

[Flesh_and_Bone]

I bought my sunbeds. Yes, it's a lot of money to spend at first but it avoids worrying about making enough money to pay the rent on the beds because, believe me, you won't be busy at first, it takes time to build.

Also, you need the best beds that you can afford. Sunbed users won't come to you if there are better beds in another salon close by.

Oh... and don't expect to work 9 to 5... you need to be open when people are free to come in and they seem to prefer the end of the day, I was still here at 9pm last night... I luv it though.

As for a licence, you should check with your local council as some do and some don't (mine doesn't). You also would need to check that your premises have planning permission for sunbeds.. my premises was previously a hair/beauty salon but once you introduce sunbeds it becomes a whole different category and new permissions are required (only costs about £350 or so but you have to submit building plans, details of opening hours, etc etc.)

Lastly, you may find that you need a 3Phase electrical supply or the sunbeds might not work - you will definitely need this if you're planning on having lots of beds... not all retail premises have 3Phase, you can get it but expect to pay four figures.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask anything else if u wish.

 

[jes]

Hi,

I brought my sunbeds too, for the same reasons stated above.

New regulations come into effect from April next year and although I really believe it's good news the industry, I do think that more council will want to charge a licence fee to fund their extra inspections.

 

[spraytangeek]

Thanks for that.
Yeah i understand opening hours to accomidate customers needs
how did you find out what type of sunbeds you wanted? im trying to ring round for brouchures and its proving difficult! did u get a business loan? do u know how much a music license is for a salon? sorry so many questions but i really want to do this and im researching like mad!
did u find your salon first to know how many/ what kind of bed you can fit in?

thank you again

 

[Flesh_and_Bone]

New regulations come into effect from April next year and although I really believe it's good news the industry, I do think that more council will want to charge a licence fee to fund their extra inspections.

I agree... I already don't let under 18's on the beds (and would ask for ID if unsure) and would be happy to be inspected and get a licence if they're introduced in my town (Wakefield).

 

[Flesh_and_Bone]

Thanks for that.
Yeah i understand opening hours to accomidate customers needs
how did you find out what type of sunbeds you wanted? im trying to ring round for brouchures and its proving difficult! did u get a business loan? do u know how much a music license is for a salon? sorry so many questions but i really want to do this and im researching like mad!
did u find your salon first to know how many/ what kind of bed you can fit in?

thank you again

I found a sunbed supplier and went to his warehouse to see the equipment with my own eyes and pick his brains. I wanted stand up and Lie down (people have their preferences, I have customers who always stand, others who always lie down and some who do both)... and I wanted them to be BIG - I'm only 5'2" and size 8 but even I've been on sunbeds that somehow felt too narrow and confined.

No, I didn't get a loan.. I paid with real money and it hurts big-time to shell out so much at first but the only person I owe is myself which feels nice. You should approach a few banks and see what they say... they'd want to see a business plan etc but I think Business Link or similar could help you with that.

As for a music licence... i'm no expert but if you play music you need one. I think the cost varies according to the size of premises etc.

Where in West Yorks are you??

 

[jes]

FWIW I brought mine from Helionova. They aren't the cheapest but are one of the biggest and are very well respected... Professional Sunbeds from UK Commercial Sunbed Suppliers - Helionova.

Music licences come in two parts. Firstly you'll need a PRS licence, which is around £70 and then a PPL licence which costs around £130

HTH
jes