A golden-tanned body never goes out of style. Many consumers work hard to feel and look healthy and a bronzed body is part of their health regimen. Most, however, don’t have the funds or space to purchase a tanning bed for their private use, making the tanning salon a more viable option.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
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Start a tanning salon by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Tanning Salon
- Form your Tanning Salon into a Legal Entity
- Register your Tanning Salon for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Tanning Salon
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Tanning Salon
- Get Tanning Salon Insurance
- Define your Tanning Salon Brand
- Create your Tanning Salon Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your tanning salon. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Tanning Salon Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a tanning salon?
First, you’ll need to decide if you want to have tanning beds or spray tanning available for your clients. This will help in determining the type and size of space you need. Once you’ve secured a space, it’s time to start purchasing supplies.
Spray tan machines cost anywhere from $500-$5,500, while UV tanning beds can cost upwards of $10,000 each. Both can be found used for a moderate price.
Once these important purchases have been made, you’ll just need a few basic items, which will run you approximately $4,000:
- Lamps
- Lotions
- Eye protection
- Timer system for each bed
- Cleaning supplies
- Signs and brochures regarding tanning bed safety and UV ray exposure
- Upgraded electrical for tanning beds
- Cash register and credit card machine
- Marketing products
Read our tanning salon purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start a tanning salon, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.
What are the ongoing expenses for a tanning salon?
Your energy bill will be one of your largest ongoing expenses. Salon owners report paying anywhere from $500 – $1500 a month. Exact amount will depend upon the time of year, how many beds you own, and how busy you are. Payroll and payroll taxes are also a major expense, which will fluctuate seasonally with the business.
Budget for at least $200 per month for cleaning and maintaining the beds. Retail products will set you back another $1,000 per month. If you decide to do spray tans rather than tanning beds, your inventory costs will be higher, but can be offset by a lower energy bill.
Who is the target market?
While you will always have a revolving door of first-time clients, most tanning salons thrive from their repeat customers. These individuals are committed to looking their best and maintaining a golden tan is part of that look.
How does a tanning salon make money?
Revenue from a tanning booth is generated on a per client, per visit basis. Many salons have multiple beds and/or spray tan options available and are priced accordingly. Visits last up to 15 minutes per session and will vary based on the client’s specific needs.
How much can you charge customers?
Customers are charged per visit. Tanning bed sessions range anywhere from $5-$20 each, depending upon the length of the visit and the level of tanning bed used. Spray tans are billed the same, with salons charging between $25-$50 per visit.
How much profit can a tanning salon make?
Your business’ profit is directly tied to the number of beds you maintain and how often those rooms are filled. On average, each room should generate between $12,000 – $15,000 annually. Each visit will cost you $6 – $9 in supplies and energy costs. Some salon owners report making upwards of $58,000 in profit, while others claim to have very little left after business and personal expenses. The one item they all agree on – more beds = more profit.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Tanning businesses who have reported higher earnings offer a variety of tanning options and skin care products. If you’re looking to increase your business’ profits, consider including the following in your business strategy:
- Stock your shelves with skincare and tanning products
- Become certified
- Offer both airbrush tan and UV tanning
- Offer a mobile service for spray tanning
- Set up membership options, with each tier offering different incentives
- Offer additional spa services. If customers only have to go one place for multiple services, they’re more likely to return
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your tanning salon is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your tanning salon were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
Federal Business Licensing Requirements
Legislation is being processed which will restrict tanning booth users to consumers over the age of 18.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Though this varies by state, tanning salons are typically required to provide consumers with warning statements informing them of the risks that accompany UV radiation. Consumers must sign the warning statement after reading it. More information related to tanning business regulations can be found here.
In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information:
- Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office for information about local permits and licenses.
- Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Release of Liability
To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, tanning salon businesses should have their clients sign a release of liability. Here is an example of one such form.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your tanning salon when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Tanning Salon needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Tanning Salon.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a tanning salon
Not everyone is a tanner. As a salon owner, it’s important to know and understand your clientele. Focus your marketing efforts on consumers who pride themselves on health and beauty. This could include hair and nail salon customers, gym members, and people preparing for a special event. Many have found success through offering a free initial/consultation visit, which gives you an opportunity to show them why your establishment outshines the rest.
How to keep customers coming back
As with any small business, word of mouth can make your business. Remember, your customers are spending their money on a luxury service. Show them you appreciate them by always giving them a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Your pricing should be transparent and your staff should be energetic and helpful. Most importantly, your workspace should always be immaculate.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
Opening your own tanning salon requires good business sense and a commitment to the business. For those who are passionate about helping people maintain that “summer glow,” a tanning booth can be a lucrative business venture.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a tanning salon?
As the owner of a tanning salon, your biggest task will be to interact with clients. Both personally and online, you’ll need to educate consumers regarding a healthy skin care regimen and to dispel any myths regarding tanning bed safety. The tanning beds will need to be maintained and salon product inventory should be kept up. Since the business can be seasonal, you’ll also need to spend part of each day analyzing and tweaking your marketing strategy to ensure you reach your target audience year round.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tanning salon?
As the owner of a tanning business, you’ll need strong business skills. Your work will require you to interact with clients and staff regularly, so strong interpersonal skills are critical. Many consumers have been taught that tanning is bad for the skin, so an understanding of the effects, as well as skin care will also be beneficial. The National Tanning Training Institute and Smart Tan offer both educational and networking opportunities that can prove invaluable to your business’ success.
What is the growth potential for a tanning salon?
Typically, tanning salons remain small, serving those in their community. If your goal is to build a larger business, consider starting your own franchise or partnering with a franchised company such as Sun Tan City.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
How and when to build a team
Your team will be an integral part of the business’ success. It’s important to employ individuals who are well-groomed and professional. Many of your customers will turn to your team with questions regarding the risks of using a tanning bed as well as proper protocol.
Read our tanning salon hiring guide to learn about the different roles a tanning salon typically fills, how much to budget for employee salaries, and how to build your team exactly how you want it.
Useful Links
TRUiC Resources
Industry Opportunities
- Franchise opportunity
- American Suntanning Association
- UV Tanning Certification Opportunity
- National Tanning Training Institute