How to Start a Profitable Spray Tan Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an entrepreneur looking for a fun, creative business idea? Starting your own spray tan business could be a great option. Spray tans have become increasingly popular as people seek healthier alternatives to sunbathing and tanning beds. If you have an eye for color and an interest in helping clients feel confident and glowy, opening a spray tan studio may be the perfect venture for you.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the key steps to launching your own successful spray tan business:
•Developing your business plan and services
•Finding the right location and equipment
•Building your team of skilled technicians
•Marketing your new business and attracting clients
•Ensuring high quality, customized results for every client

The Spray Tan Market Landscape

The spray tan industry primarily targets women and men looking for a safe, natural-looking tan without sun exposure. The market includes people of all ages, but the core demographic tends to be 25 to 55-year-old health and beauty-conscious individuals. Spray tans are considered a luxury service, but have become more mainstream and affordable in recent years.

Developing Your Spray Tan Services

The key product for a spray tan business is, of course, the spray tan service. You'll want to offer customized sunless tanning options to suit each client's skin tone and desired look. Consider providing different levels of tan from light glow to deep bronze. You may also want to offer add-on services like exfoliation or moisturizing treatments before the tan.

To stand out from competitors, focus on using the highest quality, natural-looking tanning solutions and equipment. Provide a luxurious, spa-like experience for clients. Pay close attention to details like thoroughly exfoliating and moisturizing skin, carefully blending and buffing the tan for an even application, and educating clients on how to properly care for their tan after application.

The spray tan service will be delivered through private or semi-private spray tan booth sessions with a trained technician. Clients will book appointments in advance and receive a customized spray tan in a booth designed specifically for sunless tanning applications. Be sure to have proper ventilation, air filters, and protective equipment to create a safe tanning environment.

Developing a high-quality spray tan product and experience is key. Do extensive research on the latest sunless tanning solutions and equipment options. Provide in-depth training for all spray technicians to ensure they can properly prepare skin, blend colors, and apply an even, natural-looking tan for every client. Focus on customization, quality, and overall client experience to build a reputable spray tan business.

The Economics of a Spray Tan Business

The cost of goods for a spray tan business includes sunless tanning solution, disposable supplies like gloves and hair nets, cleaning products, and general maintenance for equipment like spray tan booths. Bulk tanning solution typically costs between $30 to $60 per bottle, with each bottle providing 10 to 15 tans. Disposable supplies average around $5 to $10 per tan.

Equipment costs include commercial spray tan booths which range from $3,000 up to $15,000 or more depending on the model and features. Additional equipment like airbrush tanning guns, ventilation systems, protective barriers, etc. can add several thousand dollars more in startup costs.

Pricing strategies should aim to maintain at least a 60-70% profit margin after accounting for all costs of goods and operating expenses. The average spray tan costs $25 to $50 per session in most areas. You'll want to determine pricing based on your specific location and target clientele. Consider offering package deals for clients who want to purchase multiple tans at once. You may also charge more for add-on services or for tans that require more solution to achieve darker color.

A successful spray tan business can generate over $100,000 in annual revenue with a net profit of $60,000 or more. Exact revenue potential depends on factors like your location, marketing reach, operational efficiency, and ability to build a loyal client base. While spray tanning is a luxury service, it can be a very profitable business for those able to provide exceptional, customized results through a high-quality client experience.

Marketing Your Spray Tan Business

A strong marketing strategy is key to attracting new clients and building a successful spray tan business. Some of the most effective techniques include:

•Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and online listings to rank higher in search results for terms like "spray tan near me." Focus on local SEO to reach potential clients in your area.

•Social media marketing: Create business profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp. Post photos of your studio space, equipment, and spray tan results. Engage with followers by posting tips on spray tanning and sunless tanning. Run contests and promotions to increase engagement.

•Direct email marketing: Build an email list from your website and new client sign-ups. Send a regular email newsletter with business updates, special offers, and spray tanning tips. Email marketing has a high ROI for small businesses.

•Partnerships: Team up with local gyms, beauty salons, and spas to offer spray tanning packages to their clients. Provide referral rewards for partners that drive new clients to your business.

•Advertising: Place ads in local publications, coupon books, and websites to raise awareness for your spray tan studio. Sponsor local events, charity fundraisers, and community organizations to gain additional exposure.

•Word-of-mouth: Provide an exceptional spray tanning experience for every client. Happy clients will spread the word about your business to friends and family. Word-of-mouth referrals are the most effective way to gain new clients.

•Direct mailers: Send postcards or flyers promoting your spray tan studio to local neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Include a coupon or special offer to drive traffic and new client bookings.

Sales Strategies and Processes

For a spray tan business, your sales process typically begins when a new client books their first appointment, either over the phone, online, or in person. During their first visit, it's important to provide a great experience and educate them on how spray tans work, how to prepare, what results to expect, and how to care for their tan. A good first impression and experience will make them much more likely to return and refer friends.

Some key sales strategies for a spray tan business include:

•Offering package deals: Provide bundle packages for multiple spray tans at a discounted rate. This incentivizes clients to commit to multiple sessions upfront and can generate more revenue overall. You may offer packages of 3, 5 or 10 spray tans.

•Upselling additional services: Educate clients on add-on services like exfoliation treatments that can enhance their spray tan results. Upselling services with higher profit margins can significantly impact your revenue and the client's experience.

•Rewarding referrals: Provide referral rewards like free or discounted spray tans for clients who refer new customers. This encourages word-of-mouth marketing which is the most effective way to gain new business.

•Seasonal specials: Run special promotions during peak seasons for spray tanning like spring and summer. Limited-time offers create a sense of urgency for new clients and give existing clients incentive to book more frequent appointments.

•Following up: Follow up with clients after their first appointment to ask for feedback on their experience and spray tan results. Let them know about any current promotions or packages they may be interested in. Strong follow up and customer service help to build client loyalty so they continue to book future spray tans with your business.

•Relationship building: Take time to get to know your clients and build a genuine relationship with them. Show interest in their lives, careers, hobbies, etc. Strong client relationships lead to higher customer lifetime value as they become loyal to your business and your team of technicians.

Operations and Execution

To operate a successful spray tan business, you need to focus on efficiency, consistency, and an excellent client experience. Some key operational areas include:

•Employee training: Provide extensive training for all spray tan technicians to ensure they can properly prepare skin, blend colors, and apply an even, natural-looking tan for every client. Require shadowing of senior technicians before performing tans on their own. Provide ongoing performance reviews and coaching.

•Scheduling: Use an online booking system so clients can easily schedule and manage appointments. Ensure you have enough technicians and time slots available, especially during peak seasons. Double book new clients with senior technicians in case their tans require more time.

•Check-in procedures: Greet each client warmly when they arrive and have them fill out any required paperwork. Review their desired tan color and any areas they want specifically addressed before the session. Answer any questions to ensure they feel fully comfortable with the spray tanning process.

•Equipment maintenance: Properly maintain all spray tanning equipment including spray tan booths, airbrush tanning guns, ventilation systems, etc. Schedule regular servicing and cleaning to ensure equipment is functioning properly and to avoid any issues during client sessions.

•Solution management: Closely monitor your supply of spray tanning solution and reorder in advance of running out. Ensure all solution bottles are properly labeled with dates of opening and discard any unused portion after 30 days. Solution quality impacts tan results and client satisfaction.

•Retail offerings: Provide useful products for clients to purchase including exfoliants, moisturizers, tan extenders, and other spray tan care products. Add-on retail sales provide additional revenue and enhance the client experience. Educate clients on how to properly use any products they purchase.

•Safety: Follow all regulations regarding proper ventilation, protective equipment, and safe handling/storage of spray tanning solutions. Provide eyewear, nose plugs, and barrier creams to all clients and technicians. Ensure MSDS sheets are accessible in case of any accidents or exposure. Client and employee safety must be a top priority.

Legal Requirements and Regulations

Before opening a spray tan business, it's important to research all legalities and regulations in your city and state. Requirements vary in different areas, but typically include business licenses or permits, occupational licenses for spray tan technicians, and compliance with health department regulations regarding proper ventilation, waste disposal, and handling of spray tanning chemicals.

The FDA considers spray tanning solutions cosmetic products, but they are still chemicals that require proper usage and disposal according to the instructions provided by the solution manufacturer and as required by the health department. All technicians should be trained on OSHA's hazard communication standard regarding the use of chemicals in the workplace.

Some states require spray tan businesses to be licensed as cosmetology salons or esthetician studios. All technicians may need to be licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, or hold a spray tan technician certification. Requirements vary significantly between states, so check with your local government to determine specific licenses and permits needed for your business.

It is critical to research all legal requirements before opening to ensure your spray tan business operates safely, ethically and avoids incurring any penalties. Meet with your local health department, business licensing office, and any cosmetology boards to understand the unique rules and regulations that will apply to your studio based on its location and services offered. Remain up-to-date with any changes to requirements to stay fully compliant at all times.

In Summary

Opening a spray tan business can be a fun, rewarding venture for entrepreneurs interested in health, beauty, and helping clients feel confident. By developing high-quality spray tan services, finding the right location and equipment, hiring skilled technicians, and implementing an effective marketing strategy, you can build a successful spray tan operation. Focus on customization, quality, and providing an exceptional client experience. Do thorough research on all legal requirements and health regulations to ensure your business operates safely and compliantly. With hard work and dedication, a spray tan business can generate over $100,000 per year in revenue and provide a profitable career path for you and your team.