It isn't easy to open a tanning salon but if it is your dream to have a salon business, you can take a lot of gratification from all the hard work you will put into it.
There are some tips that can help you make the task of opening a tanning business easier and smoother.
Before you can open a business, you have to learn more about tips and tricks to make your business lucrative.
It might be a good idea to sign up with associations linked to the tanning industry.
You can pick up a lot of tips from other members, discover new trends in the tanning business, and widen your network.
Have your tanning business website listed on their online directories to more people can find you on the Internet.
Another advantage to being part of associations is it enhances your credibility as a tanning business owner.
Another task you need to do before you open a new business is to create a business plan.
A business plan is necessary if you need to borrow money from a bank.
Your lenders will want to see a solid business plan that shows you can make the business lucrative.
If you will make money, that means they can get their investment back with some profit too.
A business plan also outlines the steps you need to take to open a tanning salon.
Find out how much you need to open a tanning salon.
Consider expenses for equipment, supplies, construction, rent, marketing, permits and legal fees, and many more.
These should be outlined in your business plan.
If you find that you don't have enough funding to start a tanning salon, you can try to take out a loan from a bank, a lending firm, or from private investors.
These groups of people will typically not intrude on the way you run the business and will only be concerned with getting their money back with some profit.
Make a list of things you need to buy like tanning beds, supplies, furniture and other equipment.
It can take you several days to get everything in the list so it might be a good idea to just visit a beauty school nearby or contact them by email and ask for a list of things a tanning salon needs to purchase.
They may also be able to direct you to reliable and affordable equipment dealers and tanning suppliers.
Prevent legal trouble or getting sued.
Keep your customer's safety in mind at all times.
Take note of tanning safety regulations.
You can get a list from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Go through the safety regulations and require all your employees to do the same.
It's also important to educate your customers on safety rules and to provide them with safety eye wear like goggles to protect their eyes.
Teach clients about various skin types and how long or short they should use a tanning bed.
You should also provide a waiver for customers to sign to protect your business against unreasonable lawsuits.
Before deciding on your shop's location, Check zoning laws and building regulations before signing a lease contract.
Get the help of a lawyer who can check documents, permits and regulations.
You should double-check if any rules by the building owner or by the city will pose any conflict with the way you want to run your tanning business.
An important tip though is to market your business well.
You should start promoting it before you open a tanning salon so that you are assured of a steady flow of customers from day one.
Don't stop promoting your salon even after you get regular customers so that you can maintain your customer base and even get more new clients.
Get more tips on how to make your tanning business more successful from veteran tanning salon owners.