Tanning Salon & Spray Tan Services

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Startup Cost
$40,000-$220,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
12-24 months
Profit Potential
$70,000-$330,000/year

Overview

Tanning salons provide UV tanning beds and spray tanning services for customers seeking tanned appearance.

With tanning a $5B industry and spray tanning growing due to safety, salons generate revenue of $110,000-$380,000 with 55-70% margins.

The business requires commercial space, tanning beds (significant investment), spray tan equipment, lotions and products, and liability insurance.

Services include UV tanning packages, spray tanning, sunless tanning products, tanning lotions, and memberships.

Pricing typically $20-$60 per session or $40-$100 monthly membership.

Success factors include modern safe tanning beds, professional spray tan quality, membership model for recurring revenue, retailing tanning lotions, and understanding UV safety regulations.

Most salons focus on memberships.

Marketing focuses on beach season, prom/wedding/vacation events, and social media.

With tanned appearance desired year-round in 2025, tanning salons offer bronzed opportunities despite UV health concerns increasing spray tan demand.

Required Skills

  • Spray tan application
  • UV safety knowledge
  • Product knowledge
  • Membership sales
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Retail operations

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Membership recurring revenue
  • Product retail margins
  • Year-round demand
  • Quick services
  • Automated tanning beds

Cons

  • Very high equipment costs
  • UV safety concerns
  • Seasonal peaks
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Liability insurance

How to Get Started

  1. Secure commercial space
  2. Acquire tanning beds (or spray only)
  3. Get spray tan equipment
  4. Stock products
  5. Create membership programs
  6. Focus on UV safety
  7. Market seasonal events

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