Start a Tanning Business: Essential Steps & Checks

Starting a Tanning Business: Steps, Rules, and Gear

Start Here: Is This Business Right for You?

Own the decision before you own the salon. A tanning business looks simple from the lobby. It isn’t. You’ll carry risk, follow health rules, and face scrutiny. If that turns you off, stop now and save your time and money.

Read these first. They will clarify your next move: Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business and How Passion Affects Your Business. So ask yourself: are you moving toward a craft you care about—or running away from a job?

Be honest about what it will take. You’ll trade a steady paycheck for uncertainty. You’ll work long hours and take full responsibility. If that still sounds right, keep going.

Talk to People Who Know the Business

You can avoid months of wrong turns by speaking with owners, equipment vendors, inspectors, and lenders before you spend. Ask how they would start over today. Press for plain answers.

Use this guide to plan those conversations: How to Find Critical Information from the Right People. Build a short list of contacts and book calls this week.

So ask yourself: who already does this well in your area, and what will you ask them?

Define Your Model and Services

Decide what you will offer on day one. Do not “add everything later.” Your model drives your site choice, build-out, permits, and cash needs. Keep it tight and realistic.

Choose one lane or a blend: UV beds/booths, spray tanning (airbrush/HVLP or automated booth), and a small retail wall of eyewear and after-care. If minors are a big part of local demand, know your state’s access rules before you commit to UV services.

Set your policy framework early: age checks, risk disclosures, eyewear enforcement, and sanitation standards. These are not optional.

• Core services: UV tanning sessions (bed or stand-up), spray tanning sessions (airbrush/HVLP or booth), retail of eyewear and skincare.
• Who buys: Primarily adults seeking cosmetic color; access by minors depends on state law—verify before you build your offer.
• Pros: Multiple revenue lines (sessions, memberships, retail); small footprint possible; repeat visits when done right.
• Cons: Health warnings limit claims; device rules and age restrictions reduce your addressable market; chemical and sanitation duties add training and cost.

Research Demand and Competition

Define your local market first. Confirm there’s enough demand to cover rent, payroll (if any), and your pay. If the numbers don’t work, walk away. That’s a win, not a loss.

Study who already serves your area: salons, gyms with tanning, spas, and mobile spray services. Note their pricing, hours, and policies. Look for gaps—weekday mornings, off-season offers, or faster turnaround.

Use this primer to tighten your analysis: Supply and Demand. Then pick a location that makes it easy for customers: Choosing a Business Location.

• Count nearby competitors within a 10–15 minute drive.
• Check state rules on minors for indoor tanning; recalculate your market if under-18 is restricted.
• Estimate visits per day per device at conservative occupancy (do not use peak season to justify rent).
• Pressure-test: If traffic drops by a third, can you still cover fixed costs?

Scope Startup Costs and Build Your Equipment Plan

Create one master list of everything you need to open—not to grow, just to open. Price each item and note lead times. Your total drives your funding plan. Size follows model: fewer services mean simpler build-out.

Plan rooms around electrical load, heat, ventilation, privacy, and cleaning flow. Confirm with suppliers and your local building department before you sign a lease. Do not assume a prior salon build-out still meets code.

Use this guide to estimate properly: Estimating Startup Costs. Then build your itemized list below.

• UV Tanning (if offered)
  • Sunlamp tanning beds and/or stand-up booths compliant with federal performance standards.
  • External or integrated session timers/interlocks compatible with devices.
  • Protective eyewear inventory (client use) and storage/dispensers.
  • Replacement lamps/acrylics and basic maintenance tools.
• Spray Tanning (if offered)
  • HVLP turbine/compressor, spray gun(s)/airbrush, solution cups.
  • Automated booth or pop-up tent with extraction/filtration and floor mats.
  • DHA spray solutions (cosmetic use), barrier cream, disposables (nose filters, hair covers), client eye protection.
• Sanitation & Laundry
  • EPA-registered hard-surface disinfectants and labeled bottles/wipes.
  • Utility sink, commercial washer/dryer, hampers, towels/linens.
  • Waste containers with liners and storage for clean/used linens.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Required warning signage at each UV device.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) binder and labels for all chemicals.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, eye protection; respiratory protection if required by SDS for spray tasks.
  • First-aid kit and spill kit matched to the chemicals you store.
• Front of House
  • Reception desk/seating, lockers or cubbies, mirrors.
  • Point-of-sale (POS) hardware, receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader.
  • Retail shelving for eyewear and skincare.
  • Signage—exterior/interior—per local rules.
• Back of House & Facility
  • Electrical panel capacity and dedicated circuits per device specs.
  • HVAC sized for device heat load; ventilation for rooms and spray area.
  • Lighting, storage shelving, office desk, secure file cabinet.
• Software (launch-ready)
  • POS and booking/scheduling with customer records and consent form capture.
  • Accounting and payroll (or hire a bookkeeper).
  • Email/SMS for confirmations and receipts.
  • Inventory tracking for retail and consumables.

Skills You Need (or Hire)

You do not need to be great at everything on day one. You do need to cover the essentials—either learn them or hire for them. Do not skip safety or compliance training.

Start with device operation, sanitation, and clear communication. Make sure every policy you post is a policy you follow. Document brief procedures you can train in an hour.

If you plan to bring on help, read this first: How and When to Hire.

• Operate UV devices per labeling; enforce protective eyewear and exposure timing.
• Perform spray technique with controls that avoid inhalation and eye/lip exposure.
• Follow disinfectant labels; maintain SDS; train per Hazard Communication rules.
• Verify age/ID and deliver risk information before sessions.
• Handle bookings, payments, and basic customer questions with calm and clarity.
• Track supplies, reorder on time, and log equipment checks.

Day-to-Day Before Opening

Rehearse the work you’ll do every day. Build simple checklists. Open the doors only after you can run these steps without thinking.

Keep records—cleaning logs, equipment checks, and policy acknowledgments. If you have staff, train and sign off before they touch a device or chemical.

Run a full mock day from booking to close. Fix bottlenecks before customers see them.

• Age/ID verification and consent process at check-in.
• Room prep and sanitation between clients using EPA-registered products.
• UV session setup: warnings visible, eyewear confirmed, timer set.
• Spray session setup: ventilation on, PPE used as required, solutions mixed per label.
• End-of-day: laundry, waste removal, chemical storage check, lamp/booth function check, inventory count.

Write Your Business Plan

Put the plan in writing even if you are not applying for a loan. It keeps you focused and exposes weak spots early. Treat it as a working document, not homework.

Cover the services you’ll launch, the cost to open, how you will comply with rules, and how many sessions you need per day to break even. Include a realistic timeline with permit steps.

Use this template to move faster: How to Write a Business Plan.

• Market and offer: UV, spray, or both; who you will serve; why they will choose you.
• Startup costs with quotes; equipment power/space needs; build-out scope.
• Compliance plan; training plan; policies for age checks and eyewear.
• Financials: break-even, cash buffer, and first-year budget.
• 90-day pre-launch schedule with permit milestones.

Funding and Banking

Decide how you’ll pay for the build-out, equipment, and opening inventory. Do not start half-funded. If you fall short, cut scope or delay until you have the cash.

Open business accounts early and keep them separate. If you need outside money, prepare documents and quotes now.

Useful primers: How to Get a Business Loan and Building a Team of Professional Advisors.

• Match loan draws to equipment delivery and build-out stages.
• Line up deposits for devices/booths and signage.
• Budget for permits, inspections, and professional services.

Legal and Compliance (Location-Aware)

Register correctly and follow health and safety rules. Federal requirements apply nationwide; state and local rules vary. When something varies, your job is to verify it with the right office before you spend.

If you’re unsure, hire help. Good professionals save time and prevent costly errors. Start with an accountant and, if needed, a small-business attorney.

Use this overview if you’re new to registration: How to Register a Business. Then verify the following in your state and city.

• Federal (nationwide)
  • Entity & Tax ID: Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service if you will have employees, operate as a partnership/corporation/LLC, or need one for banking/licenses or excise taxes (e.g., indoor tanning services). Sole proprietors without employees can often use an SSN for income tax filing.
  • Sunlamp devices (UV): Follow federal performance standards for sunlamp products, including required warnings, labeling, instructions, and eyewear availability.
  • Cosmetics (spray tanning/DHA): Dihydroxyacetone is permitted for external application in cosmetics; avoid eye, lip, and inhalation exposure.
  • Worker safety: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical labeling, SDS access, and training if employees are exposed to chemicals.
• State (varies by jurisdiction)
  • Entity formation: Register a limited liability company or corporation with your Secretary of State if you choose one; sole proprietorships may not file formation.
  • Tax accounts: Register for sales and use tax if you sell taxable goods or services in your state (some states tax tanning services). Set up employer withholding and unemployment insurance if hiring.
  • Tanning facility license/registration: Some states license or inspect indoor tanning facilities and restrict minor access. Verify definitions if you are spray-only.
  • Workers’ compensation: Required when you have employees, with thresholds set by each state.
• City/County (varies by jurisdiction)
  • General business license: Many cities or counties require a local license before opening.
  • Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy (CO): Confirm the site is zoned for a salon; obtain permits for tenant improvements; get a Certificate of Occupancy after inspections.
  • Sign permits and building permits: Exterior signs and electrical/mechanical work usually require permits.
• How to verify locally
  • Secretary of State website → “Business Services” or “Start a Business.”
  • State Department of Revenue → “Register for Sales/Use Tax.”
  • State Department of Health/Environmental Health → “Indoor Tanning Facility License [Your State].”
  • City/County business portal → “Business License,” “Zoning,” “Certificate of Occupancy,” “Sign Permit.”
• Smart questions to ask
  • Will my service mix (UV vs spray) change which state licenses or inspections apply?
  • Do local rules restrict signage, hours, or parking for salons at this address?
  • If I hire in the first 90 days, what insurance or postings are required?

Choose Your Structure and Name

Many small businesses start as a sole proprietorship for speed, then form a limited liability company as they grow. Pick what fits your risk, partners, and tax needs. If in doubt, get advice.

Choose a name you can register and a domain you can own. Check social handles and conflicts before you order signs. When the name is set, file any assumed name (doing business as) your state or county requires.

Then set up core brand assets you will use every day.

• Logo, color choices, simple typefaces.
• Business cards and a clean exterior sign: see Business Cards and Business Sign.
• Basic website with services, policies, and booking: see How to Build a Website.
• Corporate identity basics for forms and documents: Corporate Identity Package.

Location, Layout, and Flow

Pick a site that fits your model. UV devices need power and cooling. Spray needs ventilation and privacy. Customers need parking and easy access. Do not sign a lease until your building department confirms you can use the space.

Design for privacy, clean traffic flow, and quick turn rooms. Keep chemical storage away from customer areas. Plan for laundry and a utility sink.

Bring your equipment specs to the design meeting and verify electrical and HVAC capacity on paper before you commit.

• Room count by device; space for reception, retail, storage, and laundry.
• Dedicated circuits for each UV device; service panel capacity confirmed.
• HVAC sized for total device heat load; exhaust/filtration for spray area.
• Required warnings and policies posted at reception and in rooms.

Pricing and Offer Structure

Price to stay alive, not to look cheap. Build a simple ladder: single session, bundles, and memberships. Add a small retail offer that fits your services.

Set policies for cancellations, no-shows, and age verification, and train to them. Keep your menu short and clear.

Use this guide to sanity-check your numbers: Pricing Your Products and Services.

• Single session, bundle of sessions, and monthly membership with limits.
• Retail basics: protective eyewear, moisturizers, after-care.
• Disclosure and consent forms included in every new client profile.
• Configure taxes in your POS for retail items where applicable; if you offer indoor UV tanning services, collect the 10% federal indoor tanning excise tax and report it quarterly on Form 720 (not applicable to spray tans or retail products).

Vendors and Supplies

Line up reputable suppliers for devices, parts, and consumables. Ask about lead times, warranties, and service response. Keep a small buffer of critical items so you don’t cancel appointments over a missing part.

Open accounts early and confirm delivery windows so you can schedule install and inspections. Keep all quotes and manuals in a single shared folder.

Order signage, eyewear, and disinfectants early to run full tests before opening.

• Device suppliers for beds/booths, lamps, acrylics, and timers.
• Spray solutions, disposables, and PPE matched to SDS.
• Disinfectants listed for hard, non-porous surfaces; labeled spray bottles.
• Retail eyewear and skincare with display fixtures.

Insurance and Risk Basics

Protect the business and your personal assets. Speak with a licensed agent who understands salons. Some coverages are voluntary but smart; others may be required by your state or landlord.

Do not open before your coverage is bound and your landlord’s requirements are met. Keep certificates handy for inspections and vendors.

Use this overview to prepare: Business Insurance.

• General liability and property coverage for your space and contents.
• Equipment coverage for devices and spray equipment (ask about breakdown).
• Workers’ compensation when you have employees (state-specific).
• Business interruption coverage—ask your agent to explain limits and triggers.
• Landlord-required endorsements and additional insured status.

Build Your Marketing Basics

People won’t guess you’re open. Set up the simple pieces that let customers find you and book fast. Keep your message factual and consistent with health warnings and age policies.

Create one clear page for services, prices, and policies. Use straightforward photos of clean rooms and posted warnings. Speak plainly.

Helpful primers: Create a Marketing Plan, How to Get Customers Through the Door, and Grand Opening.

• Website with booking and policy disclosures.
• Google Business Profile with hours, phone, and photos.
• Simple launch offer that does not undercut your brand.
• Grand opening plan with a start and end date.

Pre-Launch Readiness

Run a controlled soft opening before you announce. Invite a few test clients to stress the system. Fix what breaks. Document what works.

Walk the inspector’s path. Stand where customers stand. If anything is unclear or unsafe, correct it before day one.

Do not confuse busy with ready. Ready is the standard.

• Licenses posted; Certificate of Occupancy issued; permits closed.
• Required warnings at UV devices; eyewear stocked and accessible.
• Consent process rehearsed; age-check policy posted and followed.
• Cleaning logs ready; SDS binder complete and reachable.
• Team trained on device operation, sanitation, and emergency steps.
• POS tested for retail tax and refunds; receipt with policy text enabled.

Go-Live Checklist

You get one first day. Make it clean, compliant, and calm. Keep the scope narrow and the standards high. If something slips, pause and fix it.

Close the loop on every promise you made in your plan. Then open the doors and execute.

End with a self-check: if demand arrives slower than expected, can you cover three months of rent and basics without panic?

• Final pass: permits, licenses, insurance certificates, and emergency contacts on file.
• Equipment: devices and booths pass function tests; timers accurate; ventilation verified.
• Safety: eyewear at check-in and rooms; posted warnings; first-aid and spill kits stocked.
• Sanitation: products on hand; labels visible; logs printed; laundry workflow ready.
• Front of house: pricing sheets, policies, and consent forms ready; website live; phones tested.
• Marketing: Google profile verified; launch posts scheduled; grand opening plan active.

Final Word

This business rewards clean systems and strict policies. Keep it simple. Follow the rules. Speak plainly with customers. When in doubt, stop and verify with the right office—or hire help to do it right.

So ask yourself: can you run a tight, compliant service every single day? If yes, move to the next task on this page and start.

101 Tips for Running Your Tanning Business

Running a tanning business looks easy until you own the keys. The standards are high, the rules are real, and customers judge you on the basics. Keep it clean, compliant, and consistent. Use these tips to set a high bar and keep it there.

Read each tip, decide what applies, and act. If you lack the skill, learn it or hire. Your job is to keep the doors open, the service tight, and the records solid.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Define your service mix first (UV beds/booths, spray, or both) because it drives location, power, ventilation, and permits.
2. Check your state’s rules on minors and tanning before you sign a lease; access limits shrink your addressable market.
3. Confirm the site’s zoning for salon use and ask the building department if prior salon build-outs still meet code.
4. Measure electrical capacity and HVAC load against manufacturer specs for every device you plan to install.
5. Decide early how you will handle eyewear enforcement, consent, and posted warnings; build them into your script and forms.
6. Price the full equipment list with lead times; do not open half-equipped and expect to “add later.”
7. Build a cash buffer for slow months; seasonality is real and predictable in this industry.
8. Interview owners, inspectors, and vendors to learn what they would do differently on day one.

What Successful Tanning Business Owners Do

9. Keep written procedures for every task and train to them until they are second nature.
10. Inspect rooms several times a day and fix small issues before customers notice them.
11. Track session volume, average ticket, and new-to-repeat ratio; adjust staffing and hours to fit demand.
12. Order lamps, acrylics, and consumables on a schedule so parts arrive before failures do.
13. Photograph any service defect, document the fix, and update the procedure so it does not happen twice.
14. Post rules where customers decide: eyewear required, age policy, consent needed, and sanitation steps you follow.
15. Cross-train staff to handle reception, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting without waiting for a manager.
16. Maintain relationships with multiple suppliers to avoid delays and single-point failures.
17. Run a weekly 20-minute huddle to review issues and one improvement each person will own.
18. Close the day with a short audit: rooms, logs, cash, chemicals, and next-day schedule.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

19. Use an opening checklist that covers power-up, ventilation checks, eyewear stock, and posted warnings at each device.
20. Use a closing checklist for sanitation, laundry, chemical storage, cash counts, and door locks.
21. Train every employee on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets; keep the binder visible and updated.
22. Use only EPA-registered hard-surface disinfectants and follow the label contact time on non-porous surfaces.
23. Label secondary spray bottles with product name, hazard warnings, and dilution date.
24. Schedule lamp inspections and replacements by hours of use, not just by appearance.
25. Verify session timers and interlocks monthly; log results and correct any drift immediately.
26. Set HVAC filters on a fixed change cycle and record dates on the unit and in your log.
27. Ventilate spray areas with proper extraction; test airflow before the first appointment every day.
28. Provide and require appropriate PPE for staff who handle spray solutions and cleaners, as indicated by SDS.
29. Stage rooms identically so staff can turn them quickly and customers know what to expect.
30. Keep eyewear at check-in and in rooms; sanitize returned pairs per label directions and store separately from used items.
31. Time each room turnaround; reduce delays by moving supplies closer and pre-staging towels and disposables.
32. Build five-minute buffers between appointments to protect sanitation and customer privacy.
33. Prepare a simple emergency plan: power outage, equipment failure, chemical spill, and medical event; post key numbers by the phone.
34. Test card readers, receipt printers, and backups before opening each day; keep a manual receipt option ready.
35. Reconcile POS totals with cash and settlement reports daily; investigate discrepancies the same day.
36. Document every repair with date, tech, part, and warranty notes so repeat issues get solved, not patched.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

37. Federal rules require labeling and warnings for sunlamp products; place required information where users can see it.
38. Provide protective eyewear and enforce use for all UV sessions; build the check into your script.
39. Dihydroxyacetone is for external use; avoid inhalation and eye or lip exposure during spray sessions.
40. State restrictions on minors vary; train staff to verify age and follow your state’s rule without exceptions.
41. Peak demand often clusters around spring breaks, proms, weddings, and vacation seasons; plan staffing and supplies accordingly.
42. Off-season months require tighter cost control and targeted offers to maintain traffic without cutting standards.
43. Lamp and acrylic lead times can be weeks; maintain minimum on-hand quantities for critical parts.
44. Keep manuals and manufacturer bulletins on hand; many operating limits and maintenance steps are device-specific.
45. Use disinfectants only on surfaces approved by their labels; do not improvise with unapproved chemicals.
46. Post frank risk information and avoid health claims; keep your message factual and compliant.
47. Expect inspections where state licensing applies; keep logs, licenses, and proof of training ready.
48. Record any incident the day it happens; facts are clear now and become cloudy later.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

49. Claim and complete your business profile on major map platforms and keep hours accurate year-round.
50. Upload clean, well-lit photos of rooms, devices, and posted policies so customers know what to expect.
51. Keep your name, address, and phone identical across directories to avoid confusion.
52. Publish a simple service and price page; remove jargon and keep it readable on a phone.
53. Offer a first-visit package that introduces your standards without discounting your brand into the ground.
54. Create a referral program with clear terms; reward both sides promptly.
55. Run seasonal campaigns tied to local events and travel periods; set firm start and end dates.
56. Use email and SMS for confirmations and reminders with clear opt-in and opt-out.
57. Collect reviews by asking after a positive visit; respond to every review with thanks and specifics.
58. Promote your sanitation, eyewear, and consent standards factually; it builds trust without hype.
59. Partner with nearby gyms, salons, and bridal shops; create simple cross-referral cards at the counter.
60. Host a soft-opening week for locals to test your process; fix friction before a full launch.
61. Track offer performance by redemptions and repeat visits, not just clicks.
62. Feature before/after spray results with lighting and angle consistency; never edit outcomes.
63. Use a short FAQ to answer age checks, eyewear, consent, and preparation steps; reduce front-desk time.
64. Schedule a small, time-bound grand opening; invite neighboring businesses and keep the line moving.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

65. Explain the session process in plain words before the door closes; it calms first-timers and reduces errors.
66. Ask for age verification without exception and thank customers for helping you follow the law.
67. Give clear eyewear instructions and show where sanitized pairs are located; confirm use before starting.
68. For spray sessions, explain how you reduce inhalation and eye exposure; show the ventilation and PPE you use.
69. Provide simple prep and after-care cards; keep one copy at reception and one in the room.
70. Offer patch tests for spray solutions on sensitive skin; schedule a full session only after a good result.
71. Use neutral, factual language about risks; never claim health benefits from UV exposure.
72. Log preferences after each visit (bed type, settings, solution shade) so the next visit runs smoother.
73. Reward consistent customers with predictable perks rather than surprise discounts.
74. Follow up after a first visit to answer questions and invite a second booking.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

75. Write a plain-language policy for equipment failures: quick fix, reschedule, or credit—customer chooses.
76. Set a re-spray standard for uneven spray results; offer a timely correction with a clear window.
77. Empower front desk staff with a small service-recovery budget to solve problems fast.
78. Log every complaint with date, room, device, and staff on duty; review weekly for patterns.
79. Publish a punctuality and cancellation policy that respects both customers and your schedule.
80. Use a short, visible feedback form or QR code; ask one question: “What should we improve?”
81. Call back any customer who reports irritation or concern; document the conversation and next steps.
82. Secret-shop your own salon quarterly to test greeting, room prep, and explanations.
83. Thank customers by name and confirm the next step before they leave—book, email instructions, or both.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

84. Choose devices and parts that match manufacturer specs and energy needs rather than chasing the cheapest option.
85. Use laundry cycles and detergents that clean effectively without overuse; track loads per day and adjust.
86. Store chemicals away from heat and light per the label to extend shelf life and reduce waste.
87. Replace ventilation filters on schedule and dispose of them per manufacturer instructions and local waste rules; consult relevant SDS for any chemicals used or captured.
88. Plan for end-of-life lamp and electronic disposal according to state rules; many jurisdictions treat certain lamps as universal waste.
89. Consolidate shipments for consumables to cut packaging and receiving time.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

90. Review federal sunlamp and cosmetic guidance quarterly and update your procedures if anything changes.
91. Track your state’s updates on minors and licensing; adjust your policy and training the same week.
92. Subscribe to worker-safety and environmental news from official sources and push highlights to your team huddles.
93. Schedule a semiannual compliance review: licenses, logs, labels, signage, and training dates.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

94. Build a slow-season plan with reduced hours, targeted offers, and maintenance work you can’t do in peak months.
95. Create a backup plan for power and payment outages so booked sessions can be rescheduled smoothly.
96. Keep a second supplier for lamps and solutions to hedge against shortages.
97. Evaluate your service mix if laws or demand shift; be ready to rebalance UV and spray.
98. Test new tech in one room first, measure results, and scale only if it improves outcomes or reliability.

What Not to Do

99. Do not make health or medical claims about UV exposure; keep your messaging factual and compliant.
100. Do not skip eyewear enforcement or allow sessions without posted warnings; the risk is not worth it.
101. Do not use unregistered disinfectants or ignore label directions; compliance requires using the right product the right way.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, FDA, CDC, OSHA, EPA, NCSL, eCFR