These are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.  Call us at 1-800-274-1744 if you have any questions not found here or in our other online FAQ pages.  You hear us say that alot, but we always enjoy speaking directly with our customers and helping them in any way.

Who is TanningBeds4Less?
Are you one of those "Online Only" stores?
How is my tanning bed shipped?
How are other items shipped?
Where can I track shipping?
What if an item is damaged in transit?
How long will it take to receive my order?
What are the warranties and guarantees on your products?
Can I call instead of ordering online, and get the same prices?
How do I return an item?
How secure is your website?  Is it safe to give my credit card number?
Do you sell items in bulk cheaper?
What if I want a brand I don't see here?
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Do you have a Newsletter or email about specials?
What if I want to cancel an order?
What are your hours of operation?
Do you have financing?
What are these customer "Testimonials"?   Are they real?
How do I remove the acrylics on the new 2004 SunMaster beds?
How much electricity does a tanning bed use?
How often do I need to change the lamps?
How much do the replacement lamps cost?
Can I use different lamps when I change them in my home tanning bed?
What's the difference in a "Wolff" bed and the beds you sell?
Why are your prices so much lower than my local reseller?

Who is TanningBeds4Less?
TanningBeds4Less is owned by UVA SunSystems, Inc., a family owned, privately held corporation in the State of North Carolina.  Since 1985, we have distributed and now manufacture tanning beds, lotions and accessories for salon owners and home tanning bed owners alike.  You can write us or drop by at: UVA SunSystems, Inc., 6208 Technology Dr., Browns Summit, NC 27214, 1-800-274-1744.  UVA was one of the first tanning companies on the internet, and has the most visited sites on the internet for indoor tanning products, with millions of "hits" and over 100,000 customers in all 50 states.

Are you one of those "Online Only" stores?
No, actually, we began selling tanning equipment in 1985 here in North Carolina.  We have a fulltime service department, shipping department and several warehouses.  We are a "Click and Mortar" business, a real brick and mortar store that has developed a huge presence on the web by selling direct from the factory to your door.  We are firmly convinced that what made us the #1 ranked site for tanning is our service.  There are some people that can almost match our prices by selling out of their basement and getting someone else to drop ship for them, but we are a real business that handles all warranty claims direct, and allows you to talk with a specialist anytime you have a question.  We have a real showroom that you can walk into anytime here minutes from Greensboro, NC., plus a real factory in Alabama, and real warehouses, too.  Selling tanning beds isn't a home business or a "side line" for us, its what we do 24/7.

How is my tanning bed shipped?
Tanning beds are send Truck Line, such as R&L Carriers.  This means it arrives to your driveway in an 18 wheeler or similar vehicle.  Most tanning beds are shipped in two boxes (one for each half) and strapped to a pallet.  Most people will cut the bands holding the boxes to the pallet, and load each box off the truck individually, allowing the trucking company to dispose of the pallet.  You should try to have two persons available when the truck is scheduled to arrive.  Most drivers WILL help you unload the system, but they are NOT obligated to do so.  When we have a tracking number (Pro Number) we will call and/or email you with the tracking number, name of carrier, and the 800 number to call and track your shipment.  This is usually within 12 to 24 hours of placing your order.

When you call the trucking company with the tracking info we email you, you will be able to setup a time and day for delivery of your tanning bed with them. Because our average delivery time is so brief, we strongly suggest you call the trucking company on the same day your receive the tracking information so you will know when your tanning bed is due to arrive.

How are other items shipped?
Tanning lamps are sent UPS Ground Oversized Insured.   These are usually drop shipped from a warehouse in the midwest, and will arrive to most locations in 2 to 4 days.  Other items are sent UPS or USPS Priority Mail, depending on size and other factors.  Most orders are received within 5 days from when you place them.  West coast addresses always take a day or two longer.

Where can I track shipping?
Because we can get it to you faster than the shippers typically post the data, and because we are very cautious about security, we have opted to NOT have tracking online. Check out customer testimonials, fast shipping is our number one feedback.  Many people get their orders 2 to 3 days from ordering, almost all within 5 days. You may ALWAYS call us at 1-800-274-1744, and get PERSONALIZED service and tracking.

If you ordered a tanning bed, we will email you the day your tanning bed ships with the name of the truck line, the phone number, and the tracking information, so you can setup a time for them to deliver your tanning bed.

What if an item is damaged in transit?
If it is lamp shipment via UPS and it is obviously damaged, ACCEPT THE SHIPMENT! This is very important, since refusing the shipment will delay your replacements by at least one week. We understand that many UPS drivers will tell you to refuse the shipment, THEY ARE INCORRECT. For all shipments you must KEEP all of the orginal packaging and call us immediately! Don't email, CALL 1-800-274-1744. We will give you instructions and get you a replacement out instantly.   We will handle all the details, so don't worry.  We generally overpack shipments, so damage is pretty rare, and when it does happen, we guarantee to replace the items with no hassles to you.

How long will it take to receive my order?
It depends on the item and the time of year you order.   Generally, all orders will arrive in 3 to 5 days from shipment. Add an couple of days on the west coast.  If you haven't recieved your order within 5 days in the rest of the US, you can call us free, and we will take care of it.

What are the warranties and guarantees on your products?
It depends on the product.  Call for a free copy of the warranty on any product we sell.  We can fax or mail it to you.  As a general rule, we guarantee all products will arrive in perfect working order/condition or it will be replaced.  This would include lotions, lamps, beds or anything else.   We WANT you to be thrilled, brag to your friends and come back to do business.   If you ever have an issue about the quality of a product, call us.  We will make it right with you.

Some items are non-returnable for non-defect, such as lotions, due to health restrictions, but they ARE guarateed to be fresh and usable.   Other items may have a money back guarantee.  You should follow the links where a money back guarantee is promised for more info.  Generally, the customer is responsible only for shipping where there is a money back guarantee.

Can I call instead of ordering online, and get the same prices?
Yes you can.  You can always call us with questions or to order, and the prices are the same except for these special circumstances for lotions and accessories ONLY:

1. Occasionally, we will have clearly marked "Web Only Specials" that must be purchased online.
2. Occasionally, we have specials over the phone only for items that are too few to advertise online.
3. Shipping may be higher over the phone.  This is due to the way the orders are processed.  All phone orders must be sent UPS at actual UPS charge plus $2 for handling/packaging.

How do I return an item?
Call 1-800-274-1744.  Because we ship out of several different warehouses, it depends on the origin of shipment.  Also, while many items are returnable, some are not, such as lamps or lotions, unless they are defective.   Thats why you should always keep the original packaging and call us.  If an item is damaged, we will arrange a pickup and replacement for the item.

How secure is your website?  Is it safe to give my credit card number?
Good question.  Rather than developing an ad hoc system for shopping, we have hired Yahoo to manage all transaction using BSD/Unix servers for maximum security.  This provides you with 128bit encryption from a company you know and trust.  We take your privacy and security VERY SERIOUSLY.  We even audit our own internal systems for security regularly.  You are covered by Yahoo's Buyer Protection Program, Privacy Policy, and you can read more here.  This is the most secure system we are aware of, and we continue to monitor and audit the systems to insure it stays that way.

Do you sell items in bulk cheaper?
We assume you are a tanning salon or tanning bed dealer wanting to purchase lotions cases, lamp pallets or tanning beds by the truckload, and the answer is yes.  We can provide you with many products that can enhance your business, and your bottom line.  Call for a personal consultation.  As expected, there are reasonable minimum purchases to buy at lower than listed prices.

What if I want a brand I don't see here?
There is a good chance we still have it.  Some brands are restricted from any internet advertising, some can not be discounted online, and some are unrestricted.  Your best bet is to just call us and ask.

Do I have to pay sales tax?
We collect sales tax for North Carolina (6.75%) only.  We do NOT collect taxes for any other states. Persons living in other states are responsible for claiming out of state purchases on their own income tax statements, and paying their own sales tax.  We do not submit any sales information to any other states regarding any customers at this time, except North Carolina and Virginia.

Do you have a Newsletter or email about specials?
Not anymore. The only email you will EVER receive from us is that which is necessary to process your order, or answer questions you have asked us.  We hate spam as much as you do, thus limit email to only what is needed, PLUS we never sell or give your email address to anyone else.

What if I want to cancel an order?
Call us at 1-800-274-1744.  I know you see that answer alot in this FAQ, but the fact is, no matter how automated the website is, nothing beats a human being for getting things done right.  Any change, question, purchase, cancellation, return or problem should be handled by a real human being.  One more thing:  It might cost a little more for us to do it the "old fashioned" way, but we think its one of the main reasons we have over 99% customer satisfation ratings, and why our customers always come back.  YOU really are important to us.

What are your hours of operation?
Of course the website is available 24/7, but you can either call or stop by our showrooms Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm EST, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm from January through June.  We also will meet you there by appointment if these times are not convenient.  Often there are customer service representatives available by phone until 8 or 9pm during the week as well.

Do you have financing?
Yes, we offer financing through a few different institutions for tanning beds.  You should click on FINANCING to your left for complete details.  You can fill out an application online using one of our secure servers, and usually get a reply within 24 to 48 hours.  You may also fill out an application by phone at 1-800-274-1744 if you are more comfortable speaking with a customer service representative.

What are these customer "Testimonials"?  Are they real?
An outside agengy, Yahoo Shopping, emails each and every customer that buys online, allowing them to rate us as: Awful, Bad, Ok, Good or Excellent, and to leave a comment about their experience.  We have no control over the content, the ratings or the customers.  We can only report the results, and since they are verifiable through Yahoo, there is no way to fudge on these numbers or comments, and no reward can be given for any comment.

For most companies, this would be considered an unacceptable risk since they have no control.  To us, this was an easy decision:   Yes, please rate us and let the world see the results openly.   We have been providing exceptional service for years, we are not afraid for the public to see the REAL opinions of our customers. We are not ashamed of our service, we are proud of it.  And it shows in our Testimonials and Ratings.

We are rated as their HIGHEST in customer satisfaction, Top Service.  NO other tanning related company has had a better service rating.   Just being BIG doesn't guarantee you will have good service.  Making a commitment to GOOD SERVICE means you have good service.  Period. This is just part of the reason we are the only company to offer money back guarantees, price match guarantees and more.  We feel this is why we are the most visited site for tanning and why most of our first time customers become repeat customers.

Don't take our word for it, read the testimonials yourself.  Call and ask a question and see for yourself.  Order something small the first time if you like, to test us.  Just know that when you buy from UVA SunSystems, Inc. online, in the showroom or over the phone, you can buy with confidence.

How do I remove the acrylics on the new 2004 SunMaster beds?
It is actually much easier than the old style acrylic strips.  We have created a page with photos that you can view and print.  Click here to see it.  It will open a new window so you don't lose your place here.

How much electricity does a tanning bed use?
It depends on the tanning bed, but a typical 24 lamp SunMaster uses less electricity than a hand held hair dryer.  Even 220v tanning beds use very little more than this.   This figures to about 5 to 10 cents per tanning session, depending on electricity costs in your state.  As you can see, it costs less in electricity to use your tanning bed TEN TIMES, than it does to drive to the salon ONCE.  This is just one way that owning a home tanning bed saves you money.

How often do I need to change the lamps?
The average home tanning bed will only need to have the lamps changed every 4 to 5 years.   Most lamps are rated for 1000 hours, but most salons and home tanning bed users change them after 600 to 800 hours of use.  At 800 hours, that is after 2400 full 20 minute tanning sessions.  If you use your tanning bed twice a day, every day of the year, this would come out to 3 years and 3 months.  Since most people tan somewhat seasonally, this is how we figure 4 to 5 years.

How much do the replacement lamps cost?
That depends on which lamp you use to replace with.  Typical cost is about $12 per lamp, or $192 for a 16 lamp bed and $288 for a 24 lamp tanning bed.  Shipping lamps costs about $30 to $35 for up to 24 lamps.  This breaks down to around 13 cents per hour of actual use, or just over 4 cents of lamp life per tanning session, including shipping.  As you can see, its pretty cost effective to own a home tanning bed.

Can I use different lamps when I change them in my home tanning bed?
Yes.  As long as the lamp is the same size (typically F71T12) and the same wattage (typically 100 watts) you can use any comparable lamp to replace your worn lamps in your home tanning bed.  We try to have several choices for you, or you can call and get expert help toll free at 1-800-274-1744.

What's the difference in a "Wolff" bed and the beds you sell?
Actually, Wolff doesn't make a tanning bed.  This is one of the biggest misconceptions in the tanning industry.  A "Wolff" tanning bed is ANY tanning bed that pays Wolff System Technologies a royalty to use their name and one of their lamps.  The name "Wolff" on a tanning bed means absolutely nothing about the tanning bed itself, or the quality of construction.  Wolff has no requirements as to the construction, quality, warranty or tanning power in order to license their name.

Why are your prices so much lower than my local reseller?
This is due to few different factors:  One, on the internet, there is no salesman to pay a commission to, which saves you.  Two, we are actually a manufacturer, NOT a reseller, so there is no middleman.  We ship directly from the factory, not a 2nd or 3rd tier warehouse.  This saves you as well.  Third, we generally sell more tanning beds in a busy week than most resellers will in a year, so we don't need a huge profit margin to be profitable.  We have economies of scale that no reseller can ever realize.  Don't confuse the low price with low quality, most of our beds have a money back guarantee and we have a Customer Satisfaction Rating over 99%, 5 years in a row!   We can easily guarantee that our tanning systems for $2500 will be of better quality and warranty than any the typical $3500 tanning bed at a local "warehouse" dealer.