Tanning Shop business – Tips and advice

The key to running a successful tanning business is your staff. Firstly, it is crucial that you and your staff have full knowledge of the tanning process. We recommend to train and re-train your new and existing employees on regular basis. Your staff and their knowledge represents your tanning shop and your businesse’s standard. Everyone working in your salons should have strong customer service skills. However, this is not everything! Your staff must be able to identify your client’s skin type with ease in order to advise them on tanning minutes, eye protection and the best tanning lotion for their needs. A client leaving your salon with beautiful glowing tan is rather better advertisement for you, than a client leaving with a red face!

What is your first step to setting up a successful tanning shop?

First of all check out the local competition. Find out how many other establishments in your area offer sunbed tanning. Try to find out:

• what type of equipment they have – sunbeds, lamps
• how many sunbeds they have – laydown, stand up
• if their staff are well trained
• if they encourage responsible tanning
• average session length and prices
• what discounts and offers are available
• when they are open – days and hours
• what other beauty services – if any
• if they sell any products – for example tanning lotions, after-sun moisturizers, tan shots etc

What else do you need to consider?

Because it takes between 10 and 15 sessions to build up a reasonable tan, many tanning centers offer customers a discount if they book a course of sessions and pay in advance. For example, pay for five and get one session free or tanning courses.

You might consider attracting new customers by offering a half price session to an existing customer’s friend. If you sell creams and lotions you might offer a discount on a second product.

Although good amount of tanning shop have a loyalty card scheme – these give customers points every time they buy a tanning session. Points are then exchanged for a free tanning product or session.

If you feel like you are stuck, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will be happy to help to advise best options and help you develop your business. Our team also offers trainings customized individually to your needs.