How to Start Your Own Sun Tanning Business
Tanning salons, due to popular demand, have sprung up across the country, giving people deep, rich tans year-round. The fall and winter months make tanning outdoors difficult for many, but indoor tanning businesses offer an alternative. Customers who wish to be bronze and beautiful frequent tanning salons several times each week, making the tanning business a rewarding opportunity for many savvy entrepreneurs.
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Instructions
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Create a well-written business plan. Some people assume that if they are not going to seek financial support from lenders or investors to open their business that they don't need to prepare a business plan, but every business should have one, according to SBA.gov. The tanning business has developed into more of a beauty enhancement business, a factor to remember when offering services and products to clients.
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Select a suitable location and building. Tanning salons are usually found in storefronts and strip malls. With the help of a commercial real estate agent, lease or buy a property located in a high-traffic location. Choose a building large enough to accommodate five to 10 tanning rooms, depending on the size of your operation. The average size of a tanning bed is 38 inches wide and 84 inches long, so allow enough floor space in each tanning room for both the bed and a customer.
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Organize your business. This means hiring at least one or two employees, getting a business license, and purchasing equipment and supplies. New commercial tanning beds can range in price from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the size, make and model. Sun Master, Alpha Sun Master, and Wollf are well-known manufacturers of high-quality tanning beds. New businesses can sometimes save money by purchasing used beds. Purchase protective eyewear for customers to wear while tanning and disinfectant for cleaning the beds after each use. Visit your local city hall to obtain your health certificate and business license.
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Differentiate your company from competitors. Your tanning business can be a place people come, not only for a good tan, but to also feel rejuvenated. Consider selling lotions, sunscreen, bottled water and juices in your salon. Some of the most successful businesses in the world have made their mark by articulating their unique capabilities, according to Entrepreneur.com. Consider, specifically, the type of clients who frequent your tanning business and think of ways to make their visit more personal, unique and memorable.
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Promote your business aggressively. Your tanning business will not grow and sustain itself without effective marketing. An estimated 30 million Americans use tanning beds each year, according to CBS News.com. Determine who is most likely to use your tanning services. If the majority of your customers are women between the ages of 21 and 35, then tailor your marketing accordingly. You'll get more for your marketing dollars and word-of-mouth business will also increase.
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References
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