1. What is Free Tan Days? 

A: Free Tan Days or Free Tan Weekend is an event where you let any and everyone come in and tan for free. I know the concept might sound scary, but I promise if you plan it correctly it can be one of your biggest money making events with the correct marketing and determination to make sales. Really, the free tans are just a hook to get people into your salon. Think of it as like an open house. Let these new guests come in and try you out no strings attached and see how many new customers you can convert into memberships / monthly’s!

Terms and conditions for free tan: 

•(Depending on state) Anyone that comes in must show us their tanning eyewear, if they do not have any they will have to purchase a pair. We sell ours for $5. Boom, that free tan just gave you $5. Now with your killer lotion deals that you have going on, you should be explaining to each person the benefit of tanning with lotion and that this sale will only be for 3 days (create a sense of urgency with the specials, make them have FOMO. 9/10 they will buy a lotion). So now let’s say you got them into a top shelf lotion (start with the best to sell the rest), and eyewear. You’re now looking at $128 for that free tan. I always tell my staff that their goal should be to sell between $150 - $200+ to each person that comes through that door. Give your staff goals to work towards. 

• While they can come in each day for the free tan, we do have a limit of one free Diamond (our top level) session per non autopay customer. Autopay members can use the Diamond bed each day if they want to because we want them to get hooked and upgrade their membership to that higher level.

• They can receive one free spray tan during the event however they will only receive a level 1 or 2 for free. If they want our darkest spray it would be a $5 upgrade and our sticky feet and CT Towelette are not included in this free spray. We sell the sticky feet for $2 and the towelette for $1.50 

• They can come in each day and do any of our spa services for free. Just make sure your staff tries to do add on sales for the spa services (restored, fit burn, sweat suits, smart water, etc) 

So while yes, essentially the service IS for free, it’s up to your staff to include add ons to make money 

2. Why do I do Free Tan Days instead of Free Tan Weekend?

A: 5 years ago, I tried doing Free Tan Weekend but noticed 2 things:

• 1. Our foot traffic was always down during the weekends (we’re located in Florida so during the weekends, most people would be at the springs, the beach etc)
• 2. Our sales were low due to low foot traffic. So a year ago I decided to try doing it during the week. I noticed the “sweet” spot for foot traffic was Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. So I changed it from Free Tan Weekend to Free Tan Days and oh my god what a DRASTIC difference it made in all aspects!
  • Our traffic was up and our sales were through the roof. Last year was (at the time ?) our best free tan days in sales. We had made a little over $7,000 for three days as to where when we held it over the weekend, we were lucky to make $1500. My advice to salon owners is study your traffic and hold your event during your highest traffics days. 

3. Autopay members

A: over the years, I’ve realized that a lot of sales we put out to try and get new customers in the door, also shorts us when it comes to our eft members. So what I started doing a few years back was Exclusive sales that only autopay members could get. We’ve always told our eft members that they always have the best rate and the best deals so we had to stay true to that when doing our events. They are the only ones who will get free gifts during the event because we want them to feel spoiled and special. They’ll also always have higher discounts than our non autopay members to stay true to our promise. A lot of salons think, “well I already have them, I don’t need to do anything else” and I can’t stress enough how bad of an idea that is! My autopay members throw down hard during events and spend so much money! I couldn’t imagine leaving them out and not getting that stream from just them. This year, to make them feel extra special I decided to do a special called Early Access. What I did for this special was allow ONLY our autopay members to come in the day before the event starts and they get first dibs on products. We made $3,000 alone yesterday on just eft sales. And a majority of our efts didn’t come in yesterday because they forgot. So, the point I’m getting at is never leave your eft customers out of specials and spoil them as another way to say thank you! 

4. The specials 

Autopay Members:

• Early access/extra day - to specials & free upgrades 

• 40% off lotions

• 35% off tan extenders - 2 per member

• 25% off spa products for spa memberships 

• Bogo free upgrades (spa services and tanning) - 5 max 10 total

• Waived prorates for new autopay members

• Free gift while supplies last - this is the goodie bag that has three lotion packets in it. I try to always do lotion packets that we sell so that way if they love it we just got a lotion bottle sale 

• Extra entry into giveaways 

• Free mystery box with $95 purchase- this seems to be a big topic in the group and probably my best special. What it is is any autopay member has to spend $95 BEFORE TAX during the event and they get a free mystery box. I like to call this my incentivizing special. You wouldn’t believe how many members yesterday were adding things to their “cart” and then asked how far am I from $95? And then proceeded to add more which went over the $95! You want to make deals that help you get more money from customers. This also makes it easier to sell top shelf lotions because then they’re guaranteed a free mystery box (while supplies last) 

What’s in the mystery box? 

Each one is different. But I will NEVER put tanning lotion bottles in those boxes. Why? Because I know my customers will buy that from me so I don’t want to give it away for free. What I end up doing is putting at least one full size after care product in the box. This is hopefully going to help increase our tan extender sales in the near future. Then I add an energy drink (we sell them in salon), and some other misc items like mini tan extenders and mini sunless products, lip scrubs & body scrubs etc. The MSRP value came out to about $82. My whole goal for the mystery box was to put products in that I want my customers to buy from us so it’s like an introductory box in a sense. Remember, you want to create FOMO. I do this by saying we only have 30 mystery boxes in stock so once they’re gone they’re gone! This helped us get a line right at opening. Our customers love our mystery boxes and they tagged us in their stories yesterday showing off what they got and thanking us. It was awesome and they helped promote our event! 

Nonautopay: 

• 35% off lotions 

• 20% off tan extenders max limit 2 per person

• 20% off selfie sunless 

• Bogo month 20% off 

• Buy 5 sessions any level, get 3 more for $5

• But 3 months any level, get 2 months free 

5. Planning & Marketing

One of the things people don’t realize is that it takes months to plan a successful event. It’s not something that you can just advertise the day before and think it’ll do well. You have to be very methodical about everything. I started planning free tan days back in January. I Started coming up with my specials, my theme (if you make everything cohesive, it not only looks nice but your customers will also be able to pick up on it and remember that somethings coming up) and how I wanted everything done advertising wise. My biggest piece of advice is to start making videos rather than still pictures. We’re in the day and age where our customers will stop scrolling to watch a video as to where if they scroll and see an image, there’s no motion to stop their eye and make them look at it so they scroll past. I ended up teaching myself how to make videos on after effects (Adobe Software) 6 years ago and I truly believe that has played a massive part into my event success. But you don’t have to learn after effects, you can use Canva. 

From there, once your video is made, it’s now time to start dropping bread crumbs. I like to release my video two weeks before the event and I’ll boost it on Facebook and Instagram to get the word across. But prior to releasing the video, I’ll start doing teases (I posted pineapple pictures 5 days prior to the video drop and had my customers guessing what was coming. By doing this it boosts your engagement on your social media and Facebook will start showing your posts in feeds better if there’s enough engagement. So make sure you have your staff/ family & friends like and comment on it so you can have a better outcome for when it’s announcement time). Once the videos been released, and you have the engagement, DONT LOSE IT! If you stop posting, your engagement will be gone. What I like to do is a couple “leaks”. Where I’ll leak one or two specials to get people excited. Then the week before, I’ll release the non autopay specials, then the following day I’ll do the autopay specials. Then to get more attraction to my video I’ll do our first giveaway where they have to like and comment on the video and share for a bonus entry.

Also be sure to have your staff post about the event every day in the stories. We also make event shirts that we have them start wearing once the announcement of the event has been made public on our social media. 

Once you’ve gone live, you should also decorate your salon to match the theme. This makes people in store ask questions about what’s going on. I also make postcards for the event and we put them on the beds. If the customer takes them and writes their name on it, hands them out and its returned during the event, that customer will get a $10 credit to use AFTER the event.

Another thing when it comes to marketing is keep your ads writing short and sweet, don’t over cram the graphic with information. Make a headline in the ad and then use your caption as the way to thoroughly explain the specials. 

6. Staff Meeting 

A big thing you should do is hold a staff meeting a couple weeks before your event and go over each and every special with your staff and all of the terms and conditions. Make them learn the specials so they’re not struggling during the event. Have them prepared. Another thing you should do is incentivize them and motivate them by giving them a goal. Our goal this year was to make $8,000. If they make that will get them each a gift. We also tell them that for every $500 they sell during the event they’ll automatically get money back as a bonus. Make them excited about the event. If they’re passionate and money motivated, just sit back and watch them go. It’s amazing! Be sure to explain your expectations, what they should be trying to sell the most of, how you should sell etc. For example, for my autopay sales I told my staff that I want them to try and sell each member at least 1 tanning lotion, 1 tan extender, one spa product and upgrades. (But I urged them to sell more than one bottle of tanning lotion). They are getting customers to buy 3 bottles and more specials because we’re creating urgency. We only do 4 sales events a year and the next one won’t be until November so we’re telling them to stock up. 

7. Salon Tour 

Make sure every person that comes in gets a tour of the salon. Now is the time to impress them and wow them to where they WANT to stay here after the event is over. Be sure to use enticing descriptive words and be excited when showing off the equipment. 

Disclaimer that we have to put at the bottom but don't really want to: Four Seasons does not claim that you will experience the same results included in this blog post. This is for reference only and was written by a third party. Evaluate your business and implement the ideas included at your discretion.

The tanning industry is a popular and lucrative business, but it also comes with its unique financial challenges. As a business owner, managing cash flow and finances effectively is essential for the success of your tanning business. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for managing cash flow and finances in the tanning industry.

Tip #1: Track Your Revenue and Expenses

One of the most important aspects of managing finances effectively is tracking your revenue and expenses. By keeping a close eye on your income and expenses, you can identify areas where you can cut costs, reduce waste, and increase revenue. There are several tools and software available that can help with tracking finances, including QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.

In the tanning industry, revenue tracking is especially important as it can help you identify peak and slow seasons. By understanding your revenue patterns, you can make informed decisions about pricing and promotions, which can help boost your revenue during slower periods.

Expense tracking is also crucial in the tanning industry, as expenses can quickly add up, especially if you are using expensive tanning products. Tracking expenses can help you identify areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. For example, you may find that you can save money by purchasing tanning products in bulk. This is why it's important to stay in constant contact with your Four Season's Account Manager. Rely on them to relay the best savings and trending products available.

Tip #2: Manage Inventory Efficiently

Managing inventory efficiently is another important aspect of managing cash flow in the tanning industry. If you have too much inventory, you are tying up cash that could be used for other business expenses. On the other hand, if you don't have enough inventory, you risk losing customers who may go elsewhere for their tanning needs.

To manage inventory efficiently, it's important to have a clear understanding of your sales patterns and inventory turnover. You can use tools like inventory management software to help you track inventory levels and sales trends. With this information, you can make informed decisions about when to order new inventory, how much to order, and which products to prioritize.

Tip #3: Analyze and Adjust Pricing Strategies

Pricing is a crucial aspect of any business, but it's especially important in the tanning industry, where customers have many options to choose from. To stay competitive and maximize revenue, it's essential to have a clear pricing strategy that takes into account your costs, your competition, and your target market.

One way to analyze your pricing strategy is to conduct a competitive analysis. Look at what your competitors are charging for similar tanning services and products, and consider how you can differentiate your offerings while still remaining competitive.

You should also analyze your costs to ensure that your prices are profitable. This includes not only the cost of your tanning products but also the cost of overhead expenses like rent, utilities, and salaries. If your prices are too low, you may be leaving money on the table. If they're too high, you risk pricing yourself out of the market.

Once you've analyzed your pricing strategy, be prepared to adjust it as needed. For example, if you're experiencing a slow season, you may need to offer discounts or promotions to attract customers. On the other hand, if you're experiencing high demand, you may be able to raise your prices without losing customers. At Four Season's we can help you find the lowest pricing on the products you need to be successful.

Tip #4: Maximize Cash Flow with Payment Processing Solutions

Payment processing is another area where you can optimize cash flow in the tanning industry. If you're still relying on cash or checks for payments, you may be missing out on potential revenue and adding unnecessary complexity to your business operations.

By accepting credit and debit card payments, you can streamline your payment processing and reduce the risk of errors and fraud. There are several payment processing solutions available, including traditional merchant services, mobile payments, and online payment gateways.

When choosing a payment processing solution, consider factors like transaction fees, security, and ease of use. Look for a solution that integrates with your existing software and offers features like automatic reconciliation and reporting.

Tip #5: Prepare for Seasonal Fluctuations

Finally, it's essential to prepare for seasonal fluctuations in the tanning industry. During the summer months, demand for tanning services is typically high, while in the winter months, demand may drop off significantly.

To prepare for seasonal fluctuations, it's important to have a clear understanding of your revenue patterns and expenses. Use the data you've collected to forecast your cash flow and plan for potential dips in revenue.

One strategy for managing seasonal fluctuations is to offer promotions or discounts during slower periods to encourage customers to come in. You may also consider diversifying your offerings by adding new services or products that are in demand year-round, like skincare products or spray tanning services.

Conclusion

Managing cash flow and finances effectively is essential for the success of any business, and the tanning industry is no exception. By tracking your revenue and expenses, managing inventory efficiently, analyzing and adjusting your pricing strategy, maximizing cash flow with payment processing solutions, and preparing for seasonal fluctuations, you can optimize your cash flow and position your tanning business for long-term success.

As a sunless tanning professional, it's important to offer your clients the best possible experience. That includes not only the quality of your spray tans but also the little extras that can make a big difference. If you're not currently offering pH balancing spray and drying powder during your sunless sessions, it's time to up your spray tan game. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of pH balancing spray and drying powder, and why they're essential to keeping your clients coming back for more.

pH Balancing Spray: Hydration for Even and Maximum Absorption of Sunless Solution

One of the biggest challenges of sunless tanning is achieving an even and natural-looking tan. If the pH levels of the skin are off, the sunless solution can react unpredictably, resulting in splotchy or streaky results. That's where pH balancing spray comes in. This unique formula helps to balance the pH levels of the skin, reducing the chances of uneven or unnatural-looking results.

But that's not all. pH balancing spray also hydrates the skin, allowing for even and maximum absorption of the sunless solution. When the skin is well-hydrated, it can absorb the sunless solution more evenly, resulting in a more natural-looking tan. Plus, hydrated skin is healthier and more radiant overall, which is always a plus.

Drying Powder: Absorbing Excess Moisture and Reducing After-Sunless Smell

After a sunless tanning session, clients may feel sticky or damp due to the moisture from the sunless solution. Drying powder can help alleviate that discomfort by absorbing excess moisture and reducing the after-sunless smell. Applying a fine powder to areas that may feel sticky (such as inside elbows, behind knees, and under the arms) can help speed up the drying process and leave the skin feeling more comfortable.

But that's not all. Drying powder can also help reduce the after-sunless smell, which can be a turnoff for some clients. By absorbing excess moisture, the powder can help reduce the intensity of the smell and leave the skin feeling fresher.

Promo Offer: Buy 2 Drying Powders, Get pH Balancing Spray for Free

If you're interested in trying out pH balancing spray and drying powder in your sunless sessions, SunStyle Sunless has the perfect promo offer for you this month. Buy two 45060 Sunstyle Drying Powders and get a Sunstyle pH balancing spray for free. This is a great way to test out these products and see the benefits for yourself, without breaking the bank.

Drying Powder Details

Sunstyle Drying Powder is a fine powder that can be applied immediately after a sunless session to areas that may feel sticky. It's paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, making it a great option for clients with sensitive skin. The fragrance is a sweet sugar scent, which is subtle and pleasant.

pH Balancing Spray Details

Sunstyle pH Balancing Spray is a unique formula that helps balance the pH levels of the skin and reduce the chances of splotchy or streaky sunless results. It's perfect for all skin types, but especially beneficial for clients with dry skin. Like the drying powder, it's paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. The fragrance is also a sweet sugar scent, which is light and refreshing.

Incorporating pH Balancing Spray and Drying Powder into Your Sunless Tanning Sessions

If you're ready to up your sunless tanning game and offer your clients the best possible experience, incorporating pH balancing spray and drying powder is a great place to start. By hydrating the skin with pH balancing spray and reducing after-sunless moisture and odor with drying powder, you'll be providing your clients with added comfort and a more natural-looking tan. And with the promo offer from SunStyle Sunless, it's easy to try out these products and see the benefits for yourself.

To incorporate pH balancing spray and drying powder into your sunless tanning sessions, simply add them to your service offerings and adjust your pricing accordingly. You may choose to include them in the cost of your spray tans to make you stand out from your competition (who may not be offering them or may be upcharging).

When introducing these products to your clients, be sure to explain the benefits and how they can enhance their sunless tanning experience. For example, you might say something like, "Just wanted to let you know we are now including pH balancing spray into your session at no additional charge, this is going to help hydrate your skin and enhance your tan and we are also adding in drying powder to help keep you from feeling sticky and to reduce the after tan odor. Would you like to add them to your session today?"

By incorporating pH balancing spray and drying powder into your sunless tanning sessions, you'll be providing your clients with added value and a more luxurious experience. And when clients feel good about their tans and their overall experience, they're more likely to come back for more and recommend your services to others.

Conclusion

Offering pH balancing spray and drying powder during your sunless tanning sessions is a small but powerful way to enhance your service offerings and provide added value to your clients. By hydrating the skin and balancing pH levels, you'll be helping your clients achieve a more natural-looking tan. And by reducing after-sunless moisture and odor, you'll be providing added comfort and a more pleasant overall experience.

With the promo offer from SunStyle Sunless, it's easy to try out these products and see the benefits for yourself. So why not up your sunless tanning game today and incorporate pH balancing spray and drying powder into your service offerings? Your clients will thank you for it.

Buy 2 of the 45060 Sunstyle Drying Powder & get a Sunstyle pH balancing spray for FREE!

Social media has become an essential part of any business's marketing strategy. From Instagram to Facebook to Twitter, businesses are expected to create and post high-quality content on a regular basis to engage their audience and attract new customers. But creating and curating content can be time-consuming and expensive, especially for small businesses. That's where our new digital assets manager comes in.

We're proud to announce the launch of our new digital assets manager, which allows any of our customers (Four Seasons Sales & Service) to download and use any social media content we post as their own. With our digital assets manager, you'll have access to a vast library of high-quality images, videos, and graphics that are perfect for social media content creation.

Here's how it works:

1. Click the link provided below or scan the QR Code in the image.
2. Browse our library of social media content, which is updated regularly with fresh, new content.
3. Download any content that you like and use it as your own. You can customize it to fit your brand, add your own logo or text, or simply post it as is.
4. Visit our Social Media Pages find our captions, edit them or use them as inspiration for your own.
5. Post your new social media content and watch as your engagement and following grows.

Our digital assets manager is the ultimate solution for businesses of all sizes who want to up their social media game without breaking the bank. BECAUSE IT'S FREE, YO! With our vast library of high-quality content, you'll be able to create engaging, eye-catching posts that will keep your audience coming back for more.

Please be patient as we grow the content in this drive. We will be posting more video content as it's received/created as well. You might even find a "YouTube" folder very soon. ?

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL ASSETS MANAGER

It is important to note that all of the content available in our digital assets manager is protected under U.S. copyright laws. Any unauthorized use of our content by non-customers of Four Seasons Sales & Service without our permission is a violation of these laws, and may result in civil and/or criminal penalties.