Why Used Tanning Beds can be a much better choice

Posted on: December 2nd, 2012

Are you thinking about buying a tanning bed for your home or small business?

If so, there are many things to consider before making your purchase.  But perhaps, in today’s marketplace, more important than any other factor, is the question of whether or not the tanning bed you are looking to buy should be a new system or a used one.

To better understand the true nature of choosing between the two, you must first recognize not only the cost of buying a new system, but also the tremendous loss in value you face the minute you remove the device from the packaging.  Most high-quality, new sunbeds will range in price from $7,000., up to $40,000.   And although it’s always nice to have something brand new, smart shoppers understand that tanning equipment technology has had little change over the past decade.  As a result, most tanning beds, designed since the early 2000’s, may be relatively equal to the technological applications being used today.  Then, there is equitable loss.  Almost everyone has heard the old car adage: “it loses half of its value the moment you drive it off the lot.”  Well, the same general rule-of-thumb applies to tanning beds, but the depreciation can be so much more.  Most owners would probably agree that a $10,000. sunbed, brand new, would be lucky to bring $4,000. on an almost immediate resale, after its been removed from the container and turned on for the first time.

So, if you understand why it may be a better choice to go with used tanning beds, let’s proceed to what a buyer should look for in second-hand equipment.

First, in the used categories, there are “As-Is” tanning beds, there are “Fully Reconditioned” tanning beds, and then there is everything in between.  Just knowing that you have located the exact “used” unit that you want, at a great price, may not be a good thing.  It is crucial that a buyer knows the true nature of the device that he or she is seeking, as well as the terms that go with the sale.  What constitutes a “Fully Reconditioned” system? For instance, will it include internal cleaning and a thorough inspection?  Will brand new lamps be provided?  In what shape are the acrylics?  Is there a warranty with the purchase? These are just some of the questions that need to be addressed when seeking a truely reconditioned device.

Next, one of the most important factors, to avoid the pitfalls of a disastrous purchase for any used system, is to know the seller.  Sellers with superior reputations are the most likely to provide the highest quality equipment, with the best support programs after the sale.  Quality sellers are more reliable in living up to what they claim, as well as in standing by what they have sold, even long after the transaction is completed.  Are these sellers willing to provide you with legitimate references, to whom they have sold used tanning beds in the past?  What is the seller’s current Better Business Bureau rating, and do they have any complaints against them?

Third, what type of equipment are you seeking?  One of the greatest strengths of buying a used tanning bed, versus a new one, is that you are afforded a much more advanced system at a price point that would have otherwise been equal to a much lesser-performance device, purchased new.  So, always do your research, and ask your seller for recommendations.  A good seller will try to meet your needs, not just sell you what he has in stock.

Lastly, what should you pay for a good, “Fully Reconditioned” system?  This, of course will depend on the seller, but the rule-of-thumb is around 40 to 60 percent of the original MSRP, (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).  Usually, the  more expensive the system, the greater the discount from the list price.  Also, the more work, costs and warranty support a seller offers for a used tanning bed, the higher final price. That, of course, is just common sense.  So be careful if a price point seems too good to be true.  Often times… it is!

No Money Down Tanning Salons and Spas has been specializing in “Fully Reconditioned” used tanning beds for over 25 years.  If you would like to contact them with questions, they can be reached at 424-281-7918.