I have the opportunity to purchase a salon and spa. The owner inherited the business two years ago. It's not his core skill, and now he wants out, which he's selling at a great price. This business has all factors going for it: five star reviews on Citysearch, an established client base, a downtown location with core residents and tons of walk-by traffic. The business is fully built and successfully running now; I just walk in and take it over. The business itself is running financially at break-even. The business is 50% hair and 50% day spa, of beauty and massage.

Part of me is eager for this. Since the current owner has been only half involved, there's lot of opportunity for new services and new marketing to increase sales.

The other part of me say, "What, this is nuts!" Buying this sort of business in this economy, which will probably get worse in 2009, will most likely loose money. When unemployment goes up, ladies will hardly be in the mode to get manicures.

So, any thoughts on purchasing a Salon and Spa business?