New Tanning Business Offers Bronze Bodies and Franchisee Gold

Maple Grove, Minnesota - Travis Hills, CEO of the newly franchised tanning business, iBeach Tan^SM , announces the opening of its first salon in Waite Park, Minnesota. Hills and iBeach Tan Vice President Scott Weidholz plan on a rapid expansion for the business, hoping to reach 75 plus units sold by the end of 2010.

The iBeach Tan concept is a first for a franchised tanning salon. Salon customers will be issued a key card and can use the salon at hours convenient to them: early morning, after work, or even the middle of the night if they wish. iBeach's propriety software and security system coupled with biometrics (fingerprint) at a self check in kiosk allows for convenient 24 hour access.

The advantages to franchisees are numerous. First, the salon is basically self-service (once the new member has been signed up and instructed in the use of the provided services). The self check-in kiosk eliminates the cost associated with multiple employees. The owner or a hired manager will work convenient hours to sell new memberships or tanning packages but the salon will remain open all day, every day, to maximize use and income. The salons even have product vending machines so customers can buy goggles or lotions whenever needed, increasing revenue.

Hills and wife, Miranda, former multi-unit franchisees of Anytime Fitness, saw the value of consumer convenience paired with a lower-cost business model first hand and wanted to bring the idea to the $6 billion tanning industry. They partnered with Weidholz, a former employee of and franchisee with Anytime Fitness, to create a business that provides a "business in a box" to the franchisee, all at an affordable cost.

"We've structured iBeach Tan to be both efficient and affordable," says Hills. "First of all, our salons offer 8-10 beds but require only 1500 or less square feet of space. We will help the franchisee with site selection and market analysis and can also help negotiate the building lease. Often, we can obtain several months free rent for the franchisee. In addition, the equipment can be leased, meaning the up-front costs are very reasonable."

As former franchisees, both Hills and Weidholz kept the interests and profitability of their future franchisees first and foremost while building the framework for iBeach Tan. "Sometimes it pays to offer more than expected in a business deal and I believe we have done that for iBeach Tan franchisees," says Weidholz. "We have branded high end products from our suppliers and negotiated unbeatable prices for our franchisees."

For consumers looking for a bronze spray tan or a golden glow from a state-of-the-art tanning bed, iBeach Tan salons can provide these services in a safe, convenient and modern facility - one that's open 24/7, 365 days a year. This could translate to income gold for the self-driven entrepreneur who wants to experience business ownership without the usual pitfalls.