How to Start Your Tanning Salon

Learn all you can before starting a tanning business.

Tanning salons have become increasingly popular. By starting your own tanning salon business, you're meeting the desire of many people for sun-kissed skin. But it is necessary to educate yourself before starting a tanning salon in order to provide the best service and avoid possible pitfalls.

Instructions

1. Create a business plan, even before you do anything in order to start your own tanning-salon business, covering the basics such as cost of equipment and supplies, location and target market. An excellent location would be key to create a successful, as well as profitable business. Choose a high-traffic area so you will be able to get more walk-in clients.

2. Research the highest quality equipment. In order to provide quality services to your clients, you will need to do your research to find out what equipment is in demand in your local area, as well as which brands are the most popular. Indoor tanning equipment could basically be classified into three main categories, such as airbrushing, UV beds and spray tan kits and booths. Offer a variety of services to your clients so they will refer friends and keep returning.

3. Get trained in tanning techniques and considerations. Join an industry organization such as the Indoor Tanning Association, www.theita.com, or the National Tanning Training Institute for training, certification information and the latest industry news.

4. Set your prices, taking into consideration all of the costs required to run your business and have competitive rates for your area. Estimate the number of customers you expect to have on a daily basis and figure out the price that will give you profit as well as pay for your daily expenses. Consider the cost of hiring employees, as well as the hours of operation of your tanning salon. When setting your prices, consider the fluctuation of customers throughout the week, since some days will be busier than others. When hiring employees, keep them educated on the newest products so that they will know what to recommend to customers.

References

• Entrepreneur.com: Business Idea Center: Tanning Salon

Resources

• The Indoor Tanning Association
• The National Tanning Training Institute