When starting your spray tanning business, there will be critical, fundamental decisions that will need to be made regarding its basic operations. These decisions lay the groundwork for the future success or failure of your new venture. It is therefore imperative to thoroughly research and consider every possible avenue in order to achieve the highest chance of success.
Due to the flexible nature of spray tanning services, where your business will operate tends to be one such of the first major decisions that needs to be considered from the start. Your own spray tan salon, a partnership with a salon that offers other beauty services, or a mobile enterprise are a few of the more common routes taken by industry newcomers, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. While the first two options are more traditional and have therefore been covered thoroughly in other postings, weighing the benefits of a strictly mobile spray tanning business might offer a fresh perspective and some inspiration for your future company.
Costs vs Profits
The initial thing that entrepreneurs consider when calculating their startup costs against how much this business style might earn them is a key factor in the decision-making process. Due to the additional equipment that is necessary for a mobile spray tanning business, the initial investment that is required can be higher than that of its counterparts. However, owners that choose the mobile strategy can expect to quickly bridge the gap compared to those who are paying the regular costs that a fixed location entails, including rent and electricity. This represents a monthly savings between $600 to $3,500, numbers so large that they cannot be overlooked. Fortunately, we also offer a great mobile startup package, which includes all of the equipment you will need to start your venture for only $1,750. This represents a savings of over $1,000, which you can use to start marketing your new service and attracting customers.
Expected profits for a mobile setup can vary depending on the area you are in and its demand for such a business concept. You should conduct a comprehensive analysis for a realistic projection of what your business can expect to earn. However, we can tell you that the average cost of a spray tan in a salon is $60 with this number typically increasing for mobile businesses to reflect the specialty of a one-on-one service at the client’s preferred location. Mobile businesses also tend to have a greater success rate in wealthier geographic locations with an already established market of spray tan customers. For a simple visual representation, if you charged $70 per spray tan (assuming you worked 5 days per week) your monthly returns would look something like this:
| 2 Clients per day | $2,800 |
| 3 Clients per day | $4,200 |
| 4 Clients per day | $5,600 |
| 5 Clients per day | $7,000 |
Advantages of a Mobile Spray Tan Business
Perhaps the greatest benefit, and the one that attracts most entrepreneurs to select a mobile business, is the flexibility that such a set-up offers. However, with this great flexibility also comes added responsibility. As your own boss, you are in charge of every business decision. You can choose how many days per week you want to work, which hours you want to work, the distance you are willing to travel to offer your service, the strategy for accruing new customers, etc. This flexibility also makes this business style feasible for the majority of people, no matter their lifestyle. Plan work around a family, around school, or even another job while still being able to maintain a successful business.
Flexibility is also without the responsibility of monthly rent charges. This reduced risk is a major draw for startup entrepreneurs, allowing them to enter the market without the long-term financial commitment of a lease. As long as you have a reliable vehicle, the funds to invest in a starter kit, and a desire to succeed, taking the first steps are easy.
There are about 30,000 registered and licensed spray tanning/tanning salons in the United States, making creativity with your business model essential if you want to stand out from the competition. The specialization that a mobile service offers will attract a niche market who either don’t have the time or the desire to take frequent trips to the salon to keep their perfect glow. Targeting this segment with your unique service in an already developed spray tan market will make gaining a loyal following easier, delivering consistent revenue for your growing business.
Disadvantages of a Spray Tan Business
As with any new business, there are inherent risks when venturing into the unknown. A market that is unreceptive to your new mobile service might await you. Customers might not mind going into the salon, the added cost of mobility might not appeal to the market, or there might not be many spray tan customers in the area. Luckily, with the low investment that is required, it is still possible to net a profit even in the most unfavorable locations. This is also why doing the initial research in to your market to determine what type of business might thrive in the current environment is essential. MOBILE SPRAY TAN BUSINESSES ARE NOT THE BEST OPTION FOR EVERYONE!
Another potential disadvantage is health concerns that have been raised about the potential negative effects that inhaling spray tanning solutions might cause, with mobile set-ups coming under more scrutiny because they typically have less powerful ventilation systems. Although no long- or short-term negative effects have yet been ascertained, your clients might still show concerns about this issue. It is therefore important to be aware and knowledgeable about the subject. Show maximum professionalism by taking every possible step to mitigate potential negative effects. Offering products like hair nets with disposable undergarments to prevent discoloring and fans with nose plugs to prevent inhalation will resonate with your customers, building trust with your business for your willingness to go a step further to protect their health. This will see your reputation as a business flourish and lead to more customers through word-of-mouth in the future.
Doing thorough research to make informed decisions as you begin your venture is critical. Fortunately, we have already done some of the work for you in the invaluable guides and blogs that we’ve created to help spray tanning entrepreneurs succeed. Adding mobile spray tanning services to an already thriving salon might also be of interest to established entrepreneurs, providing an additional revenue stream and reaching additional customers.
We carry an unbeatable variety of spray and sunless tanning products from the best brands in the industry. Visit our website to discover our exceptional selection, which is trusted by salons throughout the country. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for some of the best spray tanning-related content around!