What is the Section 179 Deduction??
Most people think the Section 179 Deduction is some arcane or complicated tax code. It really isn't, as the following will show you.
Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. It's an incentive created by the US Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves. It is sometimes referred to as the "SUV Tax Loophole" or the "Hummer Deduction" because many businesses have used this tax code to purchase qualifying vehicles (like SUV's and Hummers.)
Essentially, Section 179 works like this:
When your business buys certain pieces of equipment, it typically gets to write them off a little at a time through depreciation. In other words, if your company spends $50,000 on a vehicle, it gets to write off (say) $10,000 a year for five years (these numbers are only meant to give you an example.)
Now, while it's true that this is better than no write off at all, most business owners would really prefer to write off the entire equipment purchase price for the year they buy it.
In fact, if a business could write off the entire amount, they might add more equipment this year instead of waiting. That's the whole purpose behind Section 179. See the following graphic for an example of the savings that are available to you.
Limits of Section 179
Section 179 does come with limits - there are caps to the total amount written off ($250,000 in 2009), and limits to the total amount of the equipment purchased ($800,000 in 2009.) The deduction begins to phase out dollar for dollar after 800k, so this makes it a true small and medium-sized business deduction.
However, in 2009, businesses that exceed the $250k deduction limit can take a bonus depreciation of 50% on the amount that exceeds the limit. And then also take normal depreciation on the rest. Nice.
Who Qualifies for Section 179?
All businesses that purchase or finance less than $800,000 in business equipment should qualify for the Section 179 Deduction. In addition, most tangible goods qualify for the Section 179 Deduction (see list of qualifying equipment). Also, to qualify for the Section 179 Deduction, the equipment purchased must be placed into service between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
The deduction begins to phase out if more than $800,000 of equipment is purchased - in fact, the deduction decreases on a dollar for dollar scale after that, making Section 179 a deduction specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
Neither ETS, LLC nor its parent or affiliated companies operate or control, in any respect, any information, claims, representations, endorsements, recommendations, testimonials, products or services that third parties may provide on or through the website or on websites linked to by us. The inclusion of any link on this website does not, and shall not be construed, to imply any recommendation, approval, endorsement or testimonial of that third-party website by ETS, LLC. The views and opinions of authors expressed in any third-party website do not necessarily state or reflect those of ETS, LLC. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by ETS, LLC.
NXT plc, a provider of unique sound solutions, best known for its flat panel loudspeaker technology, is pleased to confirm the launch of a new series of state of the art NXT-equipped tanning beds from ETS, featuring the revolutionary E3 technology – energy saving, ergonomic design, and easy maintenance.
The use of NXT technology in ETS’ new E3 tanning beds is a testimony to the wide ranging application of NXT’s award-winning technologies. NXT speakers are built into the canopy, transforming it to a loudspeaker and providing a surround sound user experience while reducing the noise pollution throughout the tanning salon. Compatible with MP3, DMX, or other sound sources, the built-in NXT speakers also eliminate the need for costly and bulky sound systems, allowing for a more spacious environment. A keypad remote control is located just in front of the bed for easy access to the multiple functions of the beds, which are also equipped with illuminating ‘mood mode’ light effects that change colors and can be customized to fit the salon theme or personal preferences.
E3 tanning bed featuring built-in NXT speakers
Easy to maintain, the compact tanning beds feature wipe-clean panels, promoting a hygienic environment within the tanning bed. NXT has granted ETS Tan exclusive access to its technology and intellectual property for the tanning bed market and the E3 series product range is now available in the US, priced from $7,999.
For further information, please contact:
James Bullen
Head of Marketing
NXT plc
t: +852 6821 1651
About NXT
NXT’s commitment to inventiveness in sound and touch has enabled it to deliver new technologies already deployed in audio systems, TVs, PCs and laptops, mobile phones, PA systems, cars, aircraft and in public buildings and facilities around the world. With its unique portfolio of patented technologies and unparalleled expertise in the field of bending wave physics, NXT helps its partners invent, create and market innovative sound solutions that offer sustainable differentiation.
NXT is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol NTX) and has operations in Hong Kong, Japan and the USA as well as the UK. Further information is available from www.nxtsound.com.
About ETS
Born on a small Indiana farm and grown into an industry leader with international reach, ETS Tan this year reaches perhaps its most significant milestone ever.
ETS Tan celebrates 25 years of providing superior indoor tanning beds, tanning equipment and supplies, unmatched customer support and an unwavering commitment to consumers who use its products and tanning salon owners who decide to offer ETS equipment to their clients.
The humble beginnings of the world’s largest manufacturer of tanning beds, tanning equipment and supplies is interesting.
Indoor tanning was a rather new and unchartered industry when Trevor and Edna Gray were exploring new business opportunities back in 1984. From their small Indiana farm, the Grays incorporated European Tanning Systems Inc. and became a distributor of what were then called sun beds and related tanning products. What made the couple successful was their clear focus on providing highly personalised service to clients. Their business quickly grew to the point that the Grays needed to hire a staff and spread their wings from existing as a regional distributor of tanning beds to a national one.
After just four years in business, ETS relocated from its rural roots to a business park in Indianapolis where its main distribution center employed 80. Regional sales and distribution facilities were soon opened in Florida and California. Explosive growth in another four years of time then prompted another physical move for ETS to an 88,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility. Quickly, another 76,000 square feet of operating space was added and ETS joined sister companies Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty and Helios under one roof. An 8,000-square-foot showroom displayed ETS’s complete tanning bed line and products produced by its sister companies and offices housed ETS’s sales, customer service and support personnel.
Today, ETS Tan is headquartered on the south side of Indianapolis in a massive 365,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center ideally located off Interstate 65 and just 15 minutes from the new Indianapolis International Airport, a convenience for prospective tanning salon owners considering ETS as their preferred tanning equipment supplier. A 5,000-square-foot showroom overlooks the factory’s assembly lines. ETS also has its own tanning salon, offering customers the opportunity to try the tanning equipment during their visit. Australian Gold and Helios are located in a separate business park on the city’s westside.
ETS is under the umbrella of New Sunshine LLC, which acquired lotion companies California Tan and Designer Skin and is without a doubt the single-largest force in the international tanning industry.
Neither ETS, LLC nor its parent or affiliated companies operate or control, in any respect, any information, claims, representations, endorsements, recommendations, testimonials, products or services that third parties may provide on or through the website or on websites linked to by us. The inclusion of any link on this website does not, and shall not be construed, to imply any recommendation, approval, endorsement or testimonial of that third-party website by ETS, LLC. The views and opinions of authors expressed in any third-party website do not necessarily state or reflect those of ETS, LLC. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by ETS, LLC.
Nine new alluring, body-contouring and eco-friendly tanning beds make up a new line of commercial tanning beds that begin shipping soon from tanning equipment leader ETS Tan.
The e3(TM) line of tanning beds feature the latest in energy-saving science, ergonomic design principles and eco-friendly lamp configurations. The line includes four beds in the Ultimate Envy collection, two Epic beds and two Legend beds.
"Our new tanning beds feature the latest in energy-saving science, ergonomic design principles and eco-friendly lamp configurations," said ETS Tan CEO Bill Pipp. "I'm excited that after two years of development and testing this day is here. We're eager to see these sleek, energy-efficient tanning beds inside salons throughout the nation."
e3 tanning beds feature illuminated panels that change color and add movement, energy and ambiance to any salon. An easy-to-use control panel that includes a timer display for clear understanding of bed operations and optional voice prompts is directly in front of tanners on each bed's canopy handle. e3 beds have an integrated sound system compatible with MP3 players.
Each e3 tanning bed features electronic ballasts that reduce energy consumption and can lower a salon's operating costs by up to 30 percent. e3 beds operate at cooler temperatures, allowing salons to scale back air conditioning in the summer months, and use Wolff® System lamps that contain less mercury, making them more easily disposable than non-green lamps.
ETS Tan also upgraded its popular Rejuvasun with Omnilux spa bed with e3 technology. The Rejuvasun with Omnilux is the only tanning and skin rejuvenation bed in the marketplace that offers FDA-cleared, medically proven light therapy panels that can reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face and neck areas by up to 75 percent.
"We kept the investment that salons make when they choose ETS tanning beds at the forefront of our design plans," Pipp said. "e3 beds are higher output beds that require less space and feature smart access panels that allow easy access to all internal components without removing any bulky covers. All beds feature impact-resistant covers that look great and will stand the test of time."
For more about the new e3 line of tanning beds from ETS Tan, visit etstan.com or the company's Facebook Fan Page.
Direct mail is a great way to find new customers for your tanning salon. But if you're not careful, you'll end up wasting money by paying too much postage, reaching the wrong customers, and even wasting money on printing. Here are a few ways you can make sure your direct mail campaign is the most effective.
It starts with the right mailing list.
Most people will buy a mailing list for a specific ZIP code, thinking "people with a lot of money live in that area," or "that's a younger neighborhood." Maybe those people do live there, but each ZIP code is a microcosm of your city: various ages, income levels, and races. Needless to say, not everyone is a potential customer. So blanketing a ZIP code to reach one "type" of person is not a good use of money.
But it is possible to get a mailing list that's made of people who typically come to your salon. Check your salon software. What is the average age of your customers? Are they married? Male or female? Build a profile of your typical customer and purchase a mailing list of people who fit that profile. If you want to make things even more targeted, get that list in a 5 mile radius around your tanning salon. These kinds of targeted lists will cost more than a general ZIP code list, but you're talking about a difference of spending a few more dollars to save a few hundred on postage and printing.
Send postcards, not letters or brochures
Not only do letters cost more in terms of printing, paper, and stuffing envelopes, but for some products and services, letters just aren't as effective, postcards are. And why you get your postcards, make sure they're big enough.
Most people will print a 4.25" x 5.5" postcard (1/4 of a sheet of paper), thinking they're saving postage. Smaller is cheaper in terms of printing, but your message and image can be lost with too small of a card. You can actually mail up to a 6" x 11" postcard for the same price as the 4.25" x 5.5", and get your message across more effectively. So talk with a professional graphic designer to determine the best size for your postcard.
Don't do it yourself
The biggest temptation for most people is to stick the stamps to the postcards themselves. That's a huge mistake. By sending your work out to a direct mail house, you'll be able to take advantage of postal discounts the mail houses can get that you'll never see if you stick your stamps on yourself. The savings can be as high as $.20 per piece if you do it right.
This rule also applies to the actual postcard design. Unless you or your staff have a background in graphic design, don't try doing this yourself. The quality of your work won't be up to par with the image and brand you've worked so hard to create for your tanning salon, so don't hurt that image by creating a less-than-professional card.
Direct mail is still one of the most effective ways to find new customers. Fewer people are doing it, which means your postcard is more likely to stand out. Plus targeting your mail is a great way to reach only the people you want to reach. So when you start your next marketing campaign, give direct mail a try.
If the only web presence your tanning salon has is a static web page that hasn't changed in three years, you're missing out on the power of social media marketing. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or even just simple email, please do me a favor and get out there and start connecting with your clients. Go to where they are. Here's where you can find them.
Most of the successful tanning salons I know have a Facebook presence. They use their Facebook salon profile as a way to stay in touch with clients, allow clients to become "fans" of their business and advertise secret, "friends-only" promotions.
Twitter is a free social networking service (often referred to as "micro-blogging") that allows its users to send and read other users' updates on what they're doing. If you're a Facebook user, think of Twitter as a feed that consists solely of status updates.
A tanning salon can use Twitter to keep clients abreast of upcoming specials, tanning tips or new lotions. Even if you don't plan on maintaining a regular presence on Twitter, you should check it regularly for mentions of your salon, both positive and negative. You can also find me on twitter at @RonWilsonETS .
If your clients are using MySpace, your tanning salon should be too. Get on there, create a simple and clean profile (avoid the hard-to-read backgrounds and over-the-top dancing bologna) and let your clients add you as a friend. Like Facebook and Twitter, you can use the social networking site to send out updates and messages.
Email
If your staff and your tanning salon software have been doing their job, you should have an email address and contact information for every client. With the right salon software, you can even set up automated emails to remind clients of an upcoming membership renewal, special or anniversary.
Don't Be a Spammer
Social media and social networking may seem like a cheap and easy way to advertise, but if done incorrectly, it can backfire.
The last thing you want to do is spam your clients. If you start sending out daily messages about salon specials to your clients' inboxes, people will drop you as a friend and contact. Instead, limit social networking messages to items that have a purpose. For example, letting clients know about an occasional special, a new tanning bed, a change in hours, or an upcoming event, not endless drivel about how you're the best tanning salon in town.
Studies are finding pre-menopausal women in early stages of breast cancer also suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, indicating there might be a link. Vitamin D is a booster of the immune system and helps the body fight off a variety of bacterial infections – and possibly more. There’s an increasing amount of evidence which shows breast cancer is less likely in women with high levels of Vitamin D.
The reports also show these deficiencies may not be corrected with a daily supplement of 400 IU/day (the generally recommended amount) especially during winter months due to lack of sun exposure, a primary source of Vitamin D. Some of this can be made up with safe (limited exposure with UV-B rays) indoor tanning which stimulates production of this valuable vitamin in the skin. New information indicates as much as 1000 to 1500 IU of Vitamin D per day may the amount required to be effective for breast cancer prevention.
Experts have begun singing the praises of vitamin D, a primary source of which comes from UV-B rays found in sunlight and tanning beds. Many tanning salons have beds with high UV-B ray output, like our SS755 Tanning Bed which makes it ideal for people in cold winter climates who want to not only maintain their tan, but feel good and get a healthy dose of vitamin D.
NXT plc, a provider of unique sound solutions, best known for its flat panel loudspeaker technology, is pleased to confirm the launch of a new series of state of the art NXT-equipped tanning beds from ETS, featuring the revolutionary E3 technology – energy saving, ergonomic design, and easy maintenance.
Nine new alluring, body-contouring and eco-friendly tanning beds make up a new line of commercial tanning beds that begin shipping soon from tanning equipment leader ETS Tan.
