Do you think the declining cost of oil and gas will help small business?

One thing that I think about that gives me confidence is the people that go to tanning salons, nail salons and spas are not the ones that are so badly effected by the stock market. Everyday life has been much more effected by the cost of fuel. I got to salons fairly often and since the price of gas has gone down I feel much better about it. At this point since I don't have any money tied up in the stock market it's not hurting me financially.

I also think that a lot of the stock market problems are manufactured by the news media. If they would shut up perhaps the market would stabilize. They keep trying to panic people so they watch the news 24/7 and are fearful. Turn the TV off and go on with your life. You don't have control over it anyway so let it go.

Good luck with your salon!

It really depends on how affected by oil prices your business is... you'll definitely see decreases in transportation costs to and from work, and maybe a decrease in your power bill. However, in the long run, I think the economy will hurt your customers to the point where they will start "tightening their belts" and only spending money on necessities-- and that's probably not going to be artificial tans. You might want to start expanding your business to offer a product more customers will want-- increase your market. Maybe turn half of your tanning salon into a hair salon? I don't know. But, hey, good luck with your business.

It is only going to decline for a little while longer. China isn't using right now, but they are set to come back on line this month. Prices are going to skyrocket like we have never seen before.

We use food for fuel and have spent, spent, spent on credit. Both things are bad long term.

Your biggest problem is that the bulk of your customers are probably young and have paid for their tans on credit. That can't last much longer.

Sorry, but unless you find yourself in a very rich pocket of America, I see things getting pretty tough.

Pay your debts now, buy extra supplies and food and hope that your customers are unlike most of America and living on cash and not credit.

Good luck.