If you love working with people and making your clients feel good about themselves, a sunless spray tanning business can be a great start-up. As the dangers of tanning beds have turned many customers away from “fake baking,” sunless tanning has come into high demand. Before you begin offering your services, make sure that you have a valid business license, a marketing plan in place and the necessary equipment and a systematic approach.
Step 1
Write up a business plan for your sunless tanning business. Research other local tanning businesses to see what kinds of services and products they offer, who their target market are and what they charge for services. Consider how you can differentiate yourself from competitors by appealing to a specific target market, such as college students or working professionals. Include in the plan a list of services you’ll offer, equipment you’ll need, how you’ll market your business and how much it will cost to get your tanning business started.
Step 2
Apply for a business license. Request the necessary paperwork from your city clerk. Inquire about health codes and whether you will need specific permits from your local health department. Make sure that you have any necessary licenses before you begin offering services.
Step 3
Find a retail location. Look for rental spaces in shopping centers, strip malls or university districts. Choose an area your target market is likely to frequent and remember that most customers visit tanning salons near where they live. Consider running your business from your home and traveling to clients’ homes if you cannot afford to rent a space.
Step 4
Look for portable spray tanning systems if you will start your business from home and travel to your clients’ homes to provide services. For spas who offer massage as part of their services, you will want to invest in a quieter system.
Step 5
Market your sunless tanning business. Advertise your services by distributing mailings, door hangers or fliers in neighborhoods where your target market lives. List your services and describe what sets your business apart from competitors, whether it’s the convenience of offering spray tans in clients’ homes, your friendly service or the relaxing atmosphere of your salon. Offer coupons to recruit new clients. Advertise in print and online newspapers, and in local publications your target market is likely to read. Create a fan page on social networking sites and ask friends and family members to become fans of your business. Give your clients excellent service so that they will spread the word about your business.
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Source: Business World
