New space in a tanning salon

[Precy]

Just so that you all can see the irony of my new opportunity I have to start with some background...I'm going away to Florida in a month and will be spending a lot of time on boats and outside, so I needed a base tan before going. I am not a frequent tanner. That is how I found myself in a tanning salon yesterday. And, I debated even going right up til the moment I walked in the door. Boy am I glad that I did!! So, as the owner was showing me around he appologized for the mess, as they are in the middle of an expension nxt door. He proceded to tell me all about the day spa that he is creating with manni/pedi-cure, reiki, and MASSAGE!!!  Now, at this point I'm sure my eyes bugged out, as I my inner child squeeled and did a little cart-wheel.  :My reason for this post is(as many have done before me) I'm looking for words of advice. I've heard the downside of massage in a tanning salon and I was skeptical at first. Til he showed me the expansion and told me all about his vision. ( and the current space is done very tastefully with a cabbana feel for each tanning room)The deal:No lease, just month to month...Rent $450 per/month...I set my own rates...He does advertising and booking...I set my own ours...It's my own business...I can sell any product that I want...I collect payment myself...He will provide table and storage in the room...I can split rent if I don't want a lot of hours...He has thousands of past/current clients...He already has "a lot of people" interested...Oh ya, there is going to be a small gas lit fireplace in the room (that sounds cozy)...I provide my own linens, oils, etc...I can do any addt'l advertising that I want...Currently I'm at a day spa 60/40 split with my own space. She doesn't have much traffic, so I thought this would be a better deal. I could do rent there if I wanted to, but again light traffic, not much work. I think that I would keep that and do both. I'm IC there and she has said in the past that I can do what I want outside of there. She really just needs someone to pick up clients that she would have to turn away otherwise. Sorry for the long post. I'm hoping that anyone with experience in a similar situation may have something else for me to consider. My instinct says that this is a good deal and I'm going to talk to him again today. Basicly he said whoever tells him they want it, it's theres. There is a MT who's already taking one room. So, just one space left. Thanks in advance to all who respond. :-*

 

[Pompal 09.]

New space in a tanning salon

Wow, Graci it sure sounds like a good opportunity. Since you aren't paying out monthly rent at the other place you could do both until the new place really takes off. I like it!

 

[>Moony<]

I use to work at a salon that had tanning beds.  In my situation it was very noicy and my room was right next to the tanning bed.  It got very hot, when the bed was on.  I think it sounds like a great situation, as long as your room will be away from the tanning beds and nails.

 

[Joe F]

New space in a tanning salon

Thanks for the replys...I've been talking to him quite a bit. He seems like a very nice man. Although he's not an MT and really doesn't know a lot about what we do. He asks a lot of questions and wants to be sure that we have everything we need to get started.I've decided to go for it! It feels like a big step, but it's really what I need right now. I cleared up some things with him. The space is mine for whatever hours I tell him that I want it. I'll pay $450 and he'll rent it to someone else (if there is anyone) who wants it for the remaining hours. I wasn't so sure about that situation at first but, if that did happen at least I wouldn't feel obligated to go in for hours that I don't want (nights, sundays...).The massage space is in a seperate part of the building. All the tanning stuff is in the current space. He's insulating the walls so that it's quiet.I'm creating my own brochure, business card and gift certs. He'll sell my GC's and do all my booking.Again, any new insight into this would be great. I want to be sure that I'm not over looking anything.

 

[daisymayNY]

New space in a tanning salon

Hey Graci!I think if your paying $450 in rent that room should your room only. If someone else is using the room then that rent should be split between the two of you. You also mentioned that there is another MT renting there. How does that work as far as him booking your appointments and selling gift certificates? Do you have to split the clients with this other MT?Best of Luck!