Things You'll Need:
- Van
- Tanning equipment
- Drivers license
- Liability insurance
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Step 1
Understand what you are getting yourself into. A mobile business presents fewer risks and start-up fees; however, expect to pay around $10,000 for the sunless tanning equipment, your van, licenses, fees, advertising and accounting tools. Write up a business plan to help you identify your competition, any potential roadblocks and the financial commitment.
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Step 2
Enroll in an airbrush and high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) training course, if you are not already familiar with sunless tanning. Doing so will help you become familiar with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, how to prepare your customers skin, how different ingredients may affect different types of skin and how to apply your sunless solution. Your state may require you to provide proof of your training. In addition, this will help you identify what type of equipment you will offer, such as airbrushing, low-volume, low-pressure (LVLP) guns or HVLP guns.
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Step 3
Contact your state board of cosmetology about any licenses you may need, in addition to your business license and sales tax permit.
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Step 4
Purchase your equipment. An airbrush system may be cheaper, but it offers a smaller range of motion and can take longer to complete a tan than the HVLP. The HVLP or LVLP gun has less overspray. On the other hand, some HVLP systems can be particularly noisy. Be sure to speak with a knowledgeable sales representative about which system is right for you. Things to consider are the size of the equipment, whether it comes with a warranty and how the long the company has been in business. In addition, you may sell tanning lotions, exfoliating creams and other moisturizers.
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Step 5
Purchase a utility van. Check out Craigslist.com and your local paper for deals. Then adorn your van with your business name, license number and phone number, as well as a note stating that you are insured and a fun logo. If you have not yet purchased liability and auto insurance, do so now. Purchase shelving, mirrors, a comfy chair, a makeshift cash counter and cute décor, such as faux plants for your van.
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Step 6
Select locations for your mobile unit. In addition to visiting your clients' homes, consider setting up a temporary shop at fairs, flea markets, gym parking lots, outside of beauty salons, hotels and shopping centers. Ensure that each location is properly zoned in advance, to avoid any fines. You may be need a temporary vendor's license for each location, so be sure to check in advance.
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Step 7
Make a name for yourself. Introduce yourself to local business owners who may be interested in exchanging clients. Advertise on bulletin boards at grocery stores, Laundromats, local restaurants, gyms, and college campuses. Consider setting up a booth at your local community college. Pass flyers and coupons around neighborhoods that allow solicitation.
