Year-round tan is a glowing opportunity

The sunbeds showcase the latest in 'personalised' tanning experiences, with add-ons such as built-in MP3 and iPod connections. Photo / Supplied

Two of the country's most sophisticated and professional MegaSun tanning studios, owned by the same couple, are being offered for sale either individually or together through Dave Peryman of Affiliated Business Consultants.

"Absolute Tan is situated at 100 College Hill Rd, Ponsonby and has fantastic visibility to a high traffic flow, with great road frontage," Peryman says. "Advanced Suntan Solutions is situated in trendy High St, in the central city, where it is exposed to excellent pedestrian levels."

Both studios within leased premises are being sold as business going concerns through expressions of interest with the two asking prices being $136,000 plus stock at valuation for Advanced Suntan Solutions and $158,000 plus stock at valuation for Absolute Tan.

Peryman says both studios have been fitted out to a high standard and feature the latest technological innovations in sun tanning.

The owners, Mark and Sue Birmingham, originally knew nothing about tanning apart from a typical consumer's perspective. However, they did have a very professional approach to business and a good knowledge of the health care industry, having both trained as pharmacists in England.

Peryman says the couple researched the market and sought a manufacturer and supplier that could demonstrate consistently high standards.

"They had to be able to substantiate any claims they made in respect of delivery, performance, warranties, reliability, safety and effectiveness. Their search led them to MegaSun who are recognised as world leaders in safe, efficient tanning systems. MegaSun's German-engineered professional sunbeds are the leading light in tanning technology.

"The sunbeds are built with oversized cabins for comfort and the features on these sunbeds are second to none. They showcase the very best in 'personalised' tanning experiences, with add-ons such as built-in MP3 players with speakers, iPod connection, air conditioning, aromatherapy, body misting and voice guides.

"The sunbed's patented lamps ensure a consistent, even dose of UV light every session. There are no peaks and troughs of light that cheap sunbeds have to contend with.

"Also, MegaSun sunbeds avoid the burning that so often accompanies tanning sessions on old-style beds that have 'recently changed their lamps'. "The sunbeds reduce UV skin damage from sunlight by a colossal 83 per cent. Additionally, the lamps never fluctuate or lose power in the way that tubes on other sunbeds do - giving clients virtually no UVB or tan," says Peryman. "This simply doesn't happen with the MegaSun patented CPI system.

After sourcing the best professional series German-made tanning beds available, the Birminghams imported them exclusively to New Zealand. Each studio has lie-on and stand-up beds and at the College Hill Studio there is also a spray tan booth. The studios also sell quality lotions and associated products on hand including teeth-whitening products."

Peryman says that in recent times, the public at large is beginning to realise the importance of vitamin D3 in boosting the immune system and preventing a myriad of diseases and conditions.

"The only 'natural' way to make it is through UVB and MegaSun sunbeds ensure a controlled measure of UVB is dispensed not only for tanning, but also for vitamin D production in the skin."

Peryman says the studios are priced at well below replacement and set-up costs.

"After running the businesses for five years, the Birminghams feel it is time to move on," he says, adding that the sale comes with an offer of full training.

"Imagine being able to get a tan in Auckland year round and getting paid for it," Peryman says.