Imagine your business is like a CAKE. You need a number of important ingredients to make your cake taste nice, and the great thing about this cake ... you can make it any flavour you want and decorate it any way you want ... and make a good living from it!
What makes a great cake?
There is no magic to making a great cake. Everyone uses the same basic ingredients (like business cards and leaflets) however you can create a recipe which makes your unique. It's up to YOU and how hard you're prepared to work and your commitment to the job (it's in your best interest after all). Get your cake right and people will keep coming back for more.
Ingredients:
• YOU ... ambitious and READY TO BAKE!
• Patience ... cakes take time to bake (even 12-18 months)
• Commitment ... when you start baking don't give up half way
• Equipment ... choose the right equipment or there won't be any cakes!
• Motivation ... bake your cake then go out and sell it ... and KEEP selling it!
If you experiment the chances are you will have a number failures before you get it right which can be costly ... and you risk giving up because it's not working the way you wanted! The alternative is to start baking using the Mobile Tan
tried and tested recipe giving you the right ingredients straight away (
click here for examples).
Cake making equipment.
Make sure you have the right equipment. There are many different types of machinery - some are cheaper designed to make the occasional cake whilst others are for cake masters. The equipment you buy says a lot about your business. Remember, cheaper is not always better. You can't make a three tier cake with a small bowl and whisk. If someone asks and you don't have the right equipment, what then? Think ahead ... will you be spraying lots of people or just the occasional spray?
PLEASE NOTE: WORK WITHIN A SENSIBLE BUDGET YOU CAN AFFORD!
What should your cake look like?
Your image and the way people perceive your business is VERY IMPORTANT. It must have appetite value or all the effort you spent making a good cake on the inside looks ugly and unfinished on the outside. IMAGE IS KING! It can cost you a
lot of money if you ask an artist/graphic designer to finish your cake decoration. You don't need to spend that money because Mobile Tan have a ready made design ...
click here for examples.
With the money you save go out and enjoy a posh meal or even a holiday!
Selling your cake.
There are many ways to effectively sell your cake now you have a good image to back you up. You can do this using:
All these items are personalised with your name, number and your own company name if you have one. They will give you a head start and give your business a truly polished look your customers will appreciate. We've been baking cakes for long enough to know these are important things you need.
Who buys your cake?
MOTIVATION is an important ingredient. Getting out and selling your cake is very important. Over time more and more clients will come to you ... make a good cake and people will recommend you to friends and family. Visit local companies, office secretaries, drop leaflets and leave your Mobile Tan business card. Maybe offer a free spray if this will give generate new customers who can see how good your tanning service is.
• Birthdays
• Weddings/Hen Parties
• Tanning Parties
• Theatre Groups
We recommend all mobile spray technicians consider upgrading a Mobile Tan free listing to 'GOLD'. This will give you a
priority listing on Mobile Tan searches and your own webpage with a unique address (eg www.mobile-tan/uk/YOURNAME). Use your Mobile Tan webpage to advertise your service including pictures, news or stories and use it to advertise your business (see example). As a GOLD member you can also buy ready made designs including leaflets, car magnets and business cards to promote your service (see examples above).
You can buy GOLD membership listing through Spray Tan Supermarket or separately by calling 01254 916333.
Please note: you cannot reproduce or print any part of any Mobile Tan design and cannot use these items unless you are a paid member. We have strict copyright and licensing about permitted use.
Finally ... and most importantly! As your business grows don't make the BIG mistake many companies continue to make. The clients you have from the start are an important part of your business ... and it's future success. When they've booked a spray tan, and are happy with it, don't forget them even if they don't call you for a while. MAINTAIN A REASONABLE LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH EVERYONE, maybe an initial courtesy call after their first spray tan to ask them how the party went and if anyone commented on their gorgeous tan. A happy client will recommend you to 3 or 4 of their friends ... and it costs you nothing!!! Don't be afraid to ask if they have a friend who wants a spray tan ... possibly offer a half price or free tan for a new lead? Some may only have the odd spray for a special occasion whilst others may be regular customers. Whilst it's good to advertise your name in local papers and other advertising don't forget there are many free opportunities right in front of you. Be aware of your customers' feedback and react quickly to any negative reports. Keep a finger on the pulse of your business and you'll know how happy everyone is, or what might need improving. If you know a person may only have the occasional spray isn't it better to provide an incentive to keep your machine busy, eg half price promotions from time to time, or two friends together for the price of one? You will experience quieter times when you need to think sharp and move up a gear. If you keep on top of your business these quieter times may never happen or only slightly.
Good luck with your business .. and happy tanning!
If you have any questions or want to share your good/bad experiences with others please use the
public forum.
