Blog Entries for Susan Gilbert

Ventilation & Voltage: The Importance of Tanning Bed Mechanics

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The Importance of Proper Voltage in Tanning Beds

All things mechanical are going to have a problem at one point or another. It's natural.

A large part of the issues with tanning beds are electrical, which leads to overheating. Sometimes a bed can overheat and shut down. Other times, it can run too cool, and not give a proper tan. We work with tanning salon owners to avoid these potential problems prior even to the bed purchase.� Our guidelines are clear for voltage and we o [...]

How to Ensure Smooth Tanning Bed Installations

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Installing tanning beds is one of those details whose timing is critical. There is actually a bad time and a good time to install tanning beds. Finding the right time can make everything go smoothly, keep installation times short, and can even save money. A bad time can result in damaged beds and delayed openings.

Installing a bed while the building contractors are still working is risky. It's just sm [...]

Salon Owners: We Will Do Anything to Help

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Last year, one of our biggest customers was having a lot of staffing and technical issues. They went through a period of turnover with their management and they were having a hard time training their people on using and maintaining the beds. Basically, they needed help.

ETS to the Rescue

We did as much as we could over the phones, but eventually we realized that more was needed. So, we decided to fly one of our best [...]

Should You Buy a New Tanning Bed or Used Tanning Bed?

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

One question that our sales people get a lot is �should I buy new or used tanning beds?� For many home tanners, used beds can mean significant savings. However, there are a few things to consider when buying a used tanning bed :

Ballast Life

A ballast is a device designed to limit the amount of current in an electric circuit. In a tanning bed, ballasts [...]

Getting the Right Home Tanning Bed

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Home tanning beds are quickly becoming a popular purchase for tan-lovers. But, too often, people jump at the cheapest bed possible thinking they don�t need an industrial-strength bed for basic home use.

Or, they buy an ultra-powerful bed that can�t be plugged into a standard home outlet and find themselves scrambling for an electrician.

In [...]

What�s Hot in the Tanning Industry?

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

By working for a company like ETS Tan and being surrounded by tanning industry enthusiasts, I get to hear about and even see all the latest trends in tanning beds, lotions and related products.

For example, our customers are going wild for light therapy. Light therapy, infrared phototherapy, rejuvenation therapy, whatever you want to call it, is a light system designed to reduce and combat the [...]

Sun Tan Bed, Sunbed, Tanning Bed or Tan Bed?

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

{mosimage}Depending on where you live, a raincoat can be a slicker, a trench or even a mack. And just like a raincoat, a tanning bed can go by many names.

In the UK, Australia, South Africa and parts of the West Coast, it�s a �sunbed.� On the Eastern seaboard, it�s a �tanning bed.� In parts of South America, it�s often referred to as simply a �tan bed.� And in parts of the Canadian Maritimes, [...]

Superior Support for Non-Technical Tanning Salon Managers

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

{mosimage}When I started at ETS Tan a year and a half ago, I didn�t know the first thing about tanning beds. I couldn�t have even told you what an acrylic is. But, what I did come in with is a strong customer service and call center background.

I was a little intimidated at first because the ETS Tan customer service team is and always has been very strong technically and so, yes, I felt a bit [...]

Give Them the Best Standing Tan Possible

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Customers want stand-up tans � they�re faster, give a better quality tan with no pressure points and are often perceived as hip & fun.

A tanning bed unit like the SS756V (the V stands for �vertical) features a true 200-watt system, meaning your clients can get an incredible standing tan in about 8 minutes. Speeds like that are especially appealing to your customers on the go.

Ideally, you want to be maintaining a maximum ambient room temperature of 80 degrees. Lower is better, but may require some changes to your setup. If you�re having trouble maintaining a consistently cool unit and room temperature, keep readi [...]

How a Clean Computer Could Save Your Tanning Salon Business

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Recently we talked about the importance of regular, ongoing cleaning to keep your tanning beds in tip-top condition. But, salon maintenance should also include your work stations and computers. Most of us use salon management software like Helios and a few other mission critical applications. Keeping those computers cleaned and maintained means less down time and a lower chance of losing all your important records.

{mosimage}Inside & [...]

Keep Your Tanning Rooms Cool

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The room temperature in a tanning salon should never get above 80 degrees when the beds are running. Aside from the comfort of your customers, overheating can cause your beds to malfunction and often in ways you might not expect.

{mosimage}For example: A few months ago, I was helping a customer troubleshoot a bed where the gas shocks were trying to open by themselves. It turned out to be the high room temperature causing the gas inside the shocks to warm up a [...]

How a Faulty Power Cord Can Destroy a Tanning Bed

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

How often do you check the power cords on your tanning beds?

If you can’t remember the last time you checked, then perhaps you should go have a look now. Doing so could save your thousands of dollars and a lot of down time.

Don't Wait

Loose power cables can cause major damage to your be [...]

The Simple Way to Setup a T-Max 3A

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

When a T-Max 3A stops communicating with a bed, your tanning bed business can grind to a halt.
That�s why it�s important to know how to troubleshoot, reset and reprogram your equipment. So, if you�ve ever panicked once your T-Max 3A starts beeping at you or stops working, then keep reading for a comprehensive guide that will keep your T-Max operating and your business running.
Step 1 � Res [...]

Protecting Your Tanning Equipment from Mother Nature

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

{mosimage}Floods and electrical storms can wreak havoc on your equipment. One strike of lightning or an intense power surge and your tanning beds could be down for days, if not permanently. The good news is you can protect yourself.
What To Do

During storm season or on days when forecasters are calling for heavy rains and lightning, shut down your equipment at night by flipping the bre [...]

3 Random Troubleshooting Tips

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Today’s post is all about the three most useful and handy tips that every T-Max owner should have. If I had my way, these nuggets of advice would be stamped on the front cover of the owner’s manual or at least stapled to every bill of sale. Here goes:{mosimage}
Keep Your Bypass Plugs Handy
Instead of storing your bypass plug in a hard-to-find place, keep it taped to the back of th [...]

How to Replace Face Tanner Lamps

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

{mosimage}Eventually, you’ll need to replace the bulbs in your face tanner lamps. In order to make the switch properly and protect your investment, keep reading for some crucial tips.

Wear Gloves

The oil on your fingertips can easily transfer to the delicate lamp bulbs. This creates what’s called a “hotspot” which can then overheat and cause the bulb to eith [...]

How an SOS Kit Can Save Your Tanning Bed Business Time and Money

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

{mosimage}When something goes wrong with one of your tanning beds or your T-max timer, you typically call the technical support number. Once you’re on the phone they start asking you questions about the bed, or asking you to open up compartments or even disconnect the unit from the T-max chain.

So, what happens if you don’t have the to [...]

3 Steps To Sparkling Clean Tanning Beds

etstanningbeds+susan@gmail.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Keeping your tanning beds clean is about more than adhering to health codes - it’s about impressing your clients with an environment that’s welcoming, upholding quality standards and keeping your equipment running at full efficiency. And cleaning your beds goes beyond a simple acrylic wipe-down after every use. For the sake of your beds and your business, you have to maintain regular monthly cleanings (or more if you have high-traffic [...]