Added: 02/25/2006 |
Sunbed industry versus the medical profession.The popularity of tanned skin has increased throughout the twentieth century. At the turn of the century, pale skin was a mark of high social status in Europe, but as the century progressed the perception changed and tanned skin is now seen by many as attractive and a sign of health. This has resulted in an increased personal exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), mainly attributable to increased recreational exposure.
The popularity of tanned skin has been accompanied by widespread use of artificial sources of UVR, such as sunbeds, lamps and booths.
Tanning is still enormously popular. The Health Education Authority survey of over 6,000 adults indicated that half intended to tan. Sixty to seventy percent had achieved a tan in the previous year. Seven percent had used a sunbed and of those, 60% had tanned at home, either on a purchased sunbed (44%) or on a hired unit (16%).
A sunbed hire business has low and controlled start up costs. As this guide is being revised, a new 8 tube canopy will cost around $220 including VAT and delivery, and 4 - 8 units would get you started.
Many people considering such a business already have the delivery vehicle in mind. An estate car, a car with a trailer, a van or a saloon with a roof rack are all options, though the latter is the weakest, due to problems in poor weather.
The sunbed hire business is not yet subject to specific regulations that may govern sunbed salon operators in many areas. To keep it that way, a professional approach is vital.
Much of the opposition is amateur, and good customer care skills, phone manner, the ability to give sound advice and professional operation will all help you establish your company quickly and soundly.
The business is profitable; each canopy generates hire income of around $300 per season. It then depends on you as to what "incidental" income can be generated. Sales of replacement UVA tubes to domestic, and occasionally to commercial customers, are likely to be the next most requested service. Selling of lotions and creams is also big business for some operators. For the technically minded and appropriately qualified, there are repairs and installations.
As to sales of new sunbeds to domestic and commercial clients, the internet is allowing manufacturers direct access to some customers, and the availability of credit from high street stores and mail order catalogues, makes it less certain but still possible for the stand-alone operator to generate income from such sales. The manufacturers of the largest sunbeds are able to offer leasing, rental, and profit share schemes to commercial operators which you may be unable to match. The sale of second hand units (such as some of your own at the end of the season) to domestic customers is a much more likely affair.
The health scares are having little effect on demand, and the sunbed industry is effectively fighting back against the more extreme ends of the medical profession who would like to see sunbeds banned. Some local councils are removing sunbeds from leisure centres, look out for this occurring and get your publicity machine rolling.
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