Do you want to start a tanning business? The tanning salon business is a growing industry with so many people choosing to tan in a spa than outdoors.
With indoor tanning spas, you can have the same health benefits and aesthetic effects of soaking under the sun in a matter of minutes rather than days.
It is also safer to tan indoors to lessen the chances of burning.
You have 3 options to get into the tanning industry.
You buy an existing tanning business, a franchise or start from the bottom.
Whichever your choice will be, you have to know about the ins and outs of the tanning industry.
Many less experienced people opt to buy a franchise because of the support that franchise brands give their partners.
But franchises are very expensive and doesn't ensure that your franchise will be profitable for you.
If you are buying an existing tanning business, be sure that the owner is not selling because of the salon has a bad location.
Even if the previous owner was not making much money, you could turn it around if you manage it well.
As long as the location is good, you may have a better chance than the previous owner.
Find out the real reason why an existing tanning spa is being sold.
If you wish to use your own concept, then maybe starting from scratch is more your thing.
If you start from scratch you get to decide where to put it, what it will look like and how to run it.
Franchises have a standard way of doing things including how to run each franchise.
Those who aren't comfortable with taking orders should opt to start from scratch.
Whichever type of tanning business you want to open the important thing is that you approach a new business well informed.
If you think you still don't have enough expertise in the business, you can start small to minimize any losses.
But that also limits your income.
Buy used tanning beds.
If you can find them in excellent condition, then you will be able to save a lot of money.
You can then put more cash into marketing.
Sometimes a business can make more money because of good marketing, rather than having the latest equipment.
Cutting down on your expenses and initial capital allows you to start earning real profit sooner, instead of waiting a year to pay off brand new tanning beds.
Try to spend less on tanning beds and other things but do spend more on advertising.
Marketing is the secret to a successful business.
It doesn't matter if you have state-of-the-art tanning beds if no one knows about your tanning business.
Marketing will let people know and come to you.
PR and good service makes customers come back.
It might be wise to do more research before plunging into a new business venture.
Look for tanning bed manufacturers and suppliers who can give you a big mark down.
It might be a good idea to make a business plan so you can outline all the areas involved in a business such as financial, marketing, management, and employee training.
Get advice from people who had been in the tanning business before.
They can give you unbiased information.