Whenever an industry or business proves to be lucrative a bandwagon mentality ensues. Starting a tanning salon is not the exception. It is a very profitable enterprise and the profit margin is substantial. Like other businesses the tanning industry has witnessed an over saturation in the market. Competition is fierce especially with an influx of tanning salon franchises that are dominating the markets on both coasts. This should not discourage you but it should give you some insight on the realities of owning and operating a tanning salon business.
Tanning Salon Business
Your initial decision is to decide what kind of business model you want. Would you prefer owning a branch of a franchise or would you prefer an independent tanning salon. If you chose the former then your business plan including materials will be part of the franchise plan and will differ from one franchise to the next. The information here will do little to help you because a franchise operates on specific techniques. These techniques do not necessarily equate to success because plenty of franchises have gone bankrupt.
How To Start A Tanning Salon Business
Research is the start to any kind of successful business. This is the phase to understand everything you need to know about tanning salons. You can actually do most of this research online. Such research will include knowing the various equipment used in indoor tanning as well as products used. You want to educate yourself in not just what a tanning product does but also what’s inside of it. Once you know everything there needs to be known about a tanning salon it’s time to start planning for the type of business that you want.
- Location, Location, Location
You’ve done your research and you know everything there needs to be known on everything inside a tanning salon from hi-tech equipment to tanning solutions. Now it’s time to hit the streets and to find and research a location. This part will make or break your business, it can either give you an incredible advantage or it can be disadvantageous and hurt your business. The question is “what to look for?”, but at the same time you have to think about how much rent per month you are willing to pay or afford. What ever amount you have in mind will help you narrow down your choices of areas. Ideally you want an area where there is traffic and if it’s in a city somewhere near a bus stop or train station would be great. The more traffic and the more pedestrians the greater chance for more customers. It simply works that way but usually such places are rented out at a premium.
The spot or shop should not be your only focus when searching for a prime location. You also have to determine and confidently conclude that people in the area are interested in indoor tanning. There are several ways to do this, first you can scout the area for existing tanning salons. Simply park outside one of these tanning salons that are nearest to where you intend to open your business. Count the number of customers that visit the business daily and also jot down if they come via their own cars or by public transportation. This should give you an idea of what you can expect in terms of customers, if your location is better than theirs then you can expect more customers and if it’s not then less.
- Design and Equipment for Your Tanning Salon Business
The location is found and you concluded that the people in that area are interested in tanning and willing to spend their hard earned money getting a nice tan. With this information in hand you have to make a business plan that will make your future customers happy and also a way to make your business different from the rest. A major franchise in your neighborhood might get a lot of business but yours can get customers by giving a more personal experience. Whichever neighborhood you pick, your tanning salon must assimilate well with the environment of the neighborhood and clients. You may need the most hi-tech tanning salon equipment in order to compete or you may not need such sophistication. Your business might also be a specialty such as a spray tanning specialist. A business like this will not cost a lot of money. The point here is that your business must be in harmony with the neighborhood it’s in. You may need an elaborate tanning salon design or you can get by with something much simpler. It is all relative to where you are setting up your shop.
- Market Your Business
Marketing your business is a very important step and must be consistent. You can market your tanning salon in the yellow pages both online and in print. Put your business name and details everywhere possible from online business directories to handing out fliers in the neighborhood. A good marketing strategy is to offer specials and deals that will set your business apart from your competition. Ads in locale publications are also a great idea and offering a coupon is also a smart marketing tactic and may attract new people to your tanning salon business. Opening a tanning salon can be simple enough but it doesn’t end there. You will need to attract people continuously, but they will never know about your business if they have never heard of it. A budget allotment strictly for marketing is part of any successful comprehensive business plan.
- Employ Qualified Employees
Tanning salons offer a very personal service. Your employees must not only be qualified but they must also be respectful when dealing with your customers. This is very important and they must be trained to handle all matters professional as well as maintaining the premises. An educated, smart and clean staff will make your customers more comfortable and increase the chances of the them returning. Make sure that your people you off tanning salon jobs to are trained enough in providing a good service as well as trained enough to deal with situations that may arise.
Starting a tanning salon is very challenging but with due diligence and a good business plan it can be successful. Pitfalls usually arise when not enough research has been put into the plan. Take your time to learn everything there is about the tanning industry, you have to learn how to be an owner, manager and employee at the same time. You also have to spend most of your time in the business until it is well established and that could take some time.