What should I ask about a tanning salon’s supplier of replacement lamps?
Ask who supplies the lamps, how often they are replaced, whether the supplier is the only source, and what happens if a shipment runs late. Lamps are a recurring cost tied to specific beds, so supply problems can take beds out of service.
Start with the supplier. Ask for the name of the company, how long the salon has used it, how orders are placed and how long delivery usually takes. Ask for recent invoices and note the cost of a full set of lamps for each bed. Ask whether the supplier has an agreement with the salon or whether each order is separate.
Then look at the equipment. Different bed models take different lamps, so ask which models the salon has and whether compatible lamps are available from other sources. Ask how the salon tracks lamp use, when replacements are scheduled and how staff know a bed needs new ones. Ask what happened the last time a lamp order was late or wrong.
Think about dependence. If one supplier is the only source, ask what alternatives exist and whether they have been tested. Ask about stock on hand and what is owed. Ask whether the supplier also repairs beds or sells parts, and whether those links would continue for a new owner. Your accountant can help you see lamp costs in the salon’s books, and your lawyer can read any supply agreement.
Key takeaways
- Ask for the supplier, the ordering routine and recent invoices.
- Match lamp types to each bed model, and look for compatible alternatives.
- Find out what happened the last time an order was late.
- Check stock on hand and any balance owed.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to diversify your supply chain
- 03Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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