Opening a spray tan business

What is a spray tan business?

A spray tan business provides individuals with a safe and UV-free method to achieve a sun-kissed complexion. The process involves applying a specialized spray tan solution onto the skin using a spray gun or booth.

The solution contains DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colorless chemical that interacts with the skin’s amino acids, resulting in a temporary and natural-looking tan that typically lasts for 5-10 days. Spray tan businesses offer various services, including full-body spray tans, touch-ups, and special packages for events and occasions.

These businesses can operate from a physical location or provide mobile services, catering to clients at their homes or preferred venues. Alongside spray tanning, some businesses may offer additional beauty services like waxing, facials, and makeup application.

8 tips for starting a spray tan business

1. Form your Legal Business

When setting up a spray tan business, you’ll need to think about what business structure will work best, including registering your company with the appropriate authorities, both locally and nationally. 

Many would-be company owners struggle to make sense of the differences among an LLC, a sole proprietorship, a partnership, and other business structures, much alone settling on one. 

A company incorporation service can help you determine the best business structure for your  spray tan company based on factors like the level of liability protection you require, the laws of the state in which your company will operate, tax filings requirements and the type of license you will need to legally sell your service and products. 

In the case of spray tan businesses, we advise you to choose one of these legal forms:

• An LLC might have a single owner or several owners.
• If your company is not incorporated, you are considered a sole owner.

In the U.S, limited liability companies (LLCs) are favored over sole proprietorships because their owners are shielded from personal liability for corporate debts and obligations.

Naming your spray tan business

The process of naming your spray tan enterprise may be a lot of fun. Create a list of terms that best describe your company’s values and goals. Then, put those words to use in creating new, meaningful two-word and three-word combinations. 

Try mixing and matching words that signify the same thing to hear what you come up with. Last but not least, check online to see whether the company name you want to use has already been taken.

2. Setup your Business Bank Account 

Depending on your needs and the amount of money you want to deposit, there are different kinds of business accounts you can setup for your spray tan business including:

• Checking Accounts: The most typical form of business bank account. Opening a company checking account is simple and provides a number of advantages. Having a bank account means you may quickly and simply add or remove funds as your needs change. You may use your checking account to pay bills and vendors by writing checks.
• Savings account: With the return you may receive on your savings, it’s a terrific way to build up a rainy-day fund for your spray tan company. Savings accounts, on the other hand, may have withdrawal restrictions and provide lower interest rates than checking accounts.

Before deciding on a bank account, it’s a good idea to do a comparison of different business banks for features and fees, including FinTech banks with very competitive benefits of no monthly fees, no minimum balances and an unlimited number of transactions compared to traditional high street bank offerings. 

3. Organize Your Accounting, Taxes & Credit Card reader

Accounting & Taxes

Setting up a reliable accounting system will allow spray tan business owners to keep tabs on all kinds of financial transactions from sales (income & invoicing), purchases (expenditure), liabilities (bank loan funding) to taxes due to the IRS or similar. 

The books for your spray tan business can be organized in a few ways:

• Online accounting software, including QuickBooks and FreshBooks, are available.
• Get a professional accountant to assist you

If you choose to handle things on your own, pick a system that is intuitive and simple to use. When your accounting system is ready, you can begin recording your earnings and spending. If you want to save money, you can now see exactly where it’s being spent meaning future budgeting is simplified as a result.

Spray tan business owners should be careful to maintain a consistent schedule of accounting maintenance. This calls for putting time in your calendar on a regular basis to check your books and make any necessary changes. While this may appear to be a lot of extra effort, it will ultimately save you time and energy.

Credit card readers

Spray tan businesses will of course need to take payment for the services and products they provide. Having access to a low-cost POS card machine is essential to ensure your business can take payment from your customers in a quick and easy manner. 

A card reader such as the Payanywhere Smart Terminal offers a simple pricing model, next day funds in your bank account, integrates with your Quickbooks accounting software and can also provide valuable data insights into sales trends, inventory management and customer behavior.

4. Launch your spray tan website & social media

A stunning site for your fresh spray tan company can be created very easily via:

• DIY building the business website yourself using a Page Builder or
• Hiring a qualified web designer to build effective landing pages that can drive new leads for your business using high-quality photos, videos, and other visual components that are in keeping with your brand’s aesthetic.

Having a slick, mobile-optimized website has numerous benefits for any business including: 

• Attracting new customers 24/7, showcasing your services and products at any time 
• Credibility, making it easier to attract and retain customers 
• Online presence for Google searches actively looking for spray tan services in your area
• Customer engagement by helping to engage with customers regarding business info, photos, videos, feedback forms as well as contact forms
• Branding A website can help businesses establish and reinforce their brand identity, by incorporating their logo, color scheme, and other branding elements into the design.

Marketing & Social Media

Social media including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter are powerful tools for a spray tan business as they can increase your business visibility, ability to engage with customers, establish and reinforce brand identity, and gather valuable data insights to improve marketing strategies.

Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook alone have billions of active users, providing a  spray tan business with an opportunity to increase its visibility and reach a wider audience.

Direct Marketing can also be used in the form of Facebook and Google online ads on these platforms to market services and products to potential customers. Spray tan businesses can use targeted ads to reach specific demographics and interests and use the campaign data to make informed decisions about your next marketing campaigns to drive more leads.

5. Create a Brand Identity for your spray tan business 

To differentiate your company from your competitors, you’ll need to take some time to prepare and concentrate on how you want your consumers to feel & develop a unique personality for your spray tan business. From the logo’s design to the brand’s color scheme, there is a lot to think about. 

A unique and memorable logo for your business can be professionally created by a talented Graphic Designer from a Logo Design service. 

Hiring a logo design service can save a business time and money by eliminating the need to spend hours researching and creating a logo and a high-quality logo can be designed quickly and efficiently.

The steps to think about include: 

• 1). Establish the vision and values that guide your spray tan company. What are you hoping to accomplish with your company? When people consider your spray tan brand, what do you want them to feel? 
• 2). Go with a color palette that conveys who you are as a business. Colors say a lot regarding a product or service. If you’re stuck for inspiration, research competing products in your field to discover what colors they’re using.
• 3). Create a distinctive logo for your spray tan line. This is the first thing that customers will associate with your brand, therefore it has to be striking. Get in touch with an expert designer to develop a logo that captures the essence of your company while also looking great.
• 4). Make sure your branding is the same across all platforms. This should include your website banners to your business cards, your logo and color palette are always consistent with your brand. As a result, your brand’s identity will be strengthened and your company’s name recognition will increase.

Making a name for your spray tan company is unlikely to be as difficult as you would think. Creating a brand that sticks with consumers requires zeroing down on the company’s raison d’etre and core principles. A distinct identity for your spray tan business may be developed with some forethought and imagination. 

6. Develop a Business Plan for your spray tan

A well-developed business plan is a crucial tool for any entrepreneur looking to start a successful business. The plan should include your spray tan company’s mission and vision, target audience, product offerings, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. The business plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the business is on track to meet its goals.

A business strategy should cover the following:

• Market Analysis: An in-depth look at how the market for bricklayers is doing now and how it could grow.
• Business Summary: A description of your new spray tan business, including its purpose, goods or services, and target market.
• Business Strategy: A thorough plan that explains how the business is going to reach its goals.
• Financial Strategy: How much money you expect to make, spend, and need for cash.
• Marketing Plan: How the business will sell itself and what strategies and methods will be used.
• Operations: This is an account of the business’s working methods and practices.

7. Get Financing for your spray tan business

For your spray tan business, you can use personal savings or decide to use financing solutions for your new venture and you’ll have different options to consider which may work best: A bank loan, crowdfunding, investors or something different. 

A clear, detailed, and comprehensive business and financial strategy is usually expected by banks or other partners from whom you seek for funding. To launch a firm, you could require funding from a bank, credit union, or the Small firm Administration (SBA). 

The initial investment required to start a spray tan business can vary depending on factors such as the location, size of the business, equipment and supply costs, and marketing expenses. However, on average, starting a spray tan business can require an initial investment of anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. 

This investment may include costs such as purchasing or leasing a storefront or mobile vehicle, buying or renting spray tanning equipment and supplies, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and investing in marketing and advertising efforts to promote the business. 

It is important for entrepreneurs to carefully research and plan for the initial investment required to start a spray tan business, as well as ongoing costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance expenses, to ensure the business can operate profitably over the long term.

8. Business setup essentials

There are a number of different considerations which spray tan businesses should keep in mind when setting up including: 

Equipment and Supplies

Spray Tan Machine

The central component of the business is the spray tan machine, and selecting the right one is crucial. Consider factors like portability, user-friendliness, spray pattern, and adjustability.

There are different types of spray tan machines available, such as HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) and LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure). HVLP machines are more commonly used due to their efficiency, although LVLP machines may provide a finer mist and more precise control. When choosing a spray tan machine, also take into account the cost, maintenance requirements, and warranty.

Tanning Solution

The quality of the tanning solution plays a vital role in achieving a flawless and natural-looking tan. Opt for a high-quality solution that is compatible with the spray tan machine.

Various types of tanning solutions are available, including organic and non-organic options, with different shades and formulas to suit various skin types and preferences and maintaining a stock of tanning solutions is important to ensure a consistent supply and prevent running out during busy periods.

Disposable Items

These include gloves, hairnets, and masks, which are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination during the tanning process. Choose high-quality disposable items and keep an ample supply to avoid shortages during peak times.

Cleaning Products

Maintaining proper cleanliness of the equipment and workspace is essential for hygiene and extending the equipment’s lifespan. You should select cleaning products that are safe and effective for use on the equipment and skin and establish a cleaning schedule to ensure thorough and regular cleaning of all equipment and surfaces.

Other Equipment and Supplies

Additional equipment and supplies that may be required include tents, chairs, towels, and retail products like self-tanners and skincare items. Choose high-quality products that meet the target market’s needs and align with the business’s branding and image.

Investing in top-notch equipment and supplies is crucial for delivering exceptional service and cultivating a loyal customer base. Select items that cater to the business’s requirements and target market, and ensure they are well-maintained and regularly restocked.

Location

The success of a spray tan business heavily relies on its location. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting a location:

Accessibility

Opt for a location that is easily accessible and visible to the target market. This could include areas with high pedestrian traffic, convenient parking options, and proximity to public transportation. Ensure that the location provides accessibility for individuals with disabilities, with appropriate accommodations and facilities.

Space and Layout

Choose a space that offers sufficient room to comfortably accommodate the equipment, supplies, and customers. Factors like the number of spray tan rooms, waiting area, and storage space should be taken into account. Ensure that the layout is well-designed and efficient, with suitable lighting, ventilation, and amenities.

Neighborhood and Demographics

Consider the demographics of the neighborhood, including age, income levels, and lifestyles. This information will assist in identifying the target market and tailoring the marketing strategy accordingly. Conduct thorough research on the competition in the area and verify that there is ample demand for the services.

Zoning and Regulations

Verify the zoning regulations of the area to ensure compliance with the business’s operations. Additionally, research any other relevant regulations and permits required for the business, such as health and safety inspections and licensing.

Choosing an appropriate location is crucial for attracting and retaining customers and establishing a prosperous spray tan business. Take the necessary time to thoroughly research and assess different options, ultimately selecting a location that aligns with the business’s objectives and target market.

Finding your Niche

Discovering a specialized niche for a spray tan business is a pivotal factor in its triumph. Given the abundance of businesses in the industry, it is imperative to identify a unique selling proposition that distinguishes the business from its competitors.

One approach involves specializing in a specific type of spray tan. For instance, the business could concentrate on providing organic or all-natural spray tans or offer tailored tanning solutions for clients with specific skin types or conditions. By catering to a distinct target audience, the business can cultivate a devoted customer base and set itself apart from rivals.

Another approach entails offering an exceptional service or experience. For instance, the business could provide mobile spray tanning services, enabling clients to acquire a tan within the comfort of their own homes. Alternatively, the business could establish an opulent spa ambiance complete with upscale amenities and personalized attention.

A spray tan business could also concentrate on a particular geographic area or demographic. For instance, it could target college students, bachelorette parties, or busy professionals who may have limited time to visit a traditional salon. Alternatively, the business could emphasize its services as the sole provider of spray tanning in a specific region.

Marketing Plan

Creating a robust marketing plan is vital for the triumph of any business, including a spray tan business. Here are some essential elements to include in the marketing plan:

Social Media Promotion

• Leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with potential customers and raise brand awareness.
• Regularly share captivating content, such as transformative images, enticing offers, and customer testimonials.
• Engage with followers and promptly respond to inquiries and comments.

Email Campaigns

• Build an email list to keep customers engaged and informed about new products, promotions, or useful tips.
• Send periodic newsletters highlighting fresh services, special offers, or advice on maintaining a tan.

Traditional Advertising

• Utilize print ads like flyers or brochures and distribute them in local businesses, community centers, or other public venues.
• Craft visually appealing ads with a clear call-to-action and prominently display the business’s contact information.

Promotional Incentives

• Offer exclusive promotions or discounts to entice new customers and encourage repeat business.
• Consider referral discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal specials to attract attention.

By incorporating these marketing strategies, a spray tan business can effectively reach its intended audience and expand its customer base. Regularly assess and adjust the marketing plan based on customer feedback and market trends to ensure ongoing success.

Staffing

One crucial aspect to keep in mind is the requirement for skilled spray tan professionals. These experts should possess practical experience in spray tanning and receive proper training on the equipment and products employed by the business. Depending on the business’s size, it might be necessary to hire multiple technicians to meet customer demand effectively.

Another consideration involves front desk personnel. These individuals play a vital role in welcoming clients, managing appointments, and addressing inquiries. They should exhibit a friendly and personable demeanor while possessing excellent customer service skills.

In addition to these pivotal roles, a spray tan business may require additional staff members to assist with various tasks. For instance, a marketing specialist could contribute to advertising and promotional efforts, while an accountant could oversee financial matters.

Insurance

There are several important types of insurance that a spray tan business should take into consideration:

Comprehensive Liability Coverage

Comprehensive liability coverage offers protection against bodily injury or property damage caused by the business or its employees. It serves as a safeguard against potential lawsuits or legal claims.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional indemnity insurance, also referred to as errors and omissions insurance, provides coverage for claims arising from professional services rendered. In the case of a spray tan business, this could involve claims related to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects.

Property Protection Insurance

Property protection insurance covers the business against property damage or loss, such as equipment or supplies. It acts as a safety net in the event of theft, fire, or other unforeseen disasters.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance ensures coverage for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of work-related injuries sustained by employees. Even if a spray tan business has only one employee, it may be required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Training needed to open a spray tan business?

To establish a spray tan business, it is crucial to acquire the necessary expertise for delivering safe and exceptional spray tanning services to clients. Although there is no mandatory certification or licensing for becoming a spray tan technician, it is advisable to pursue training and certification from a reputable organization or company.

Typically, spray tanning training encompasses various subjects including skin anatomy and physiology, equipment and techniques for spray tanning, skin preparation and care, product selection and application, and considerations for health and safety. Some training programs may also delve into business management and effective marketing strategies for running a thriving spray tan business.

Numerous organizations and companies offer training and certification programs for spray tanning, such as the National Spray Tanning Professional Association, the International Beauty Institute, and the Spray Tan Academy. These programs may be available online, in-person, or in a hybrid format, with durations ranging from a few hours to several days.

In addition to formal training programs, it is vital to stay well-informed about industry developments and best practices through continuous education and networking with fellow spray tan professionals. Participating in trade shows, conferences, and workshops presents valuable opportunities to discover new products and techniques, as well as connect with other experts in the field.

Regulations for opening a spray tan business?

The regulations governing the establishment of a spray tan business can vary depending on the specific location and jurisdiction. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to conduct thorough research and diligently adhere to all pertinent regulations and requirements to ensure the legal and safe operation of their business.

One primary consideration is obtaining the necessary licenses and permits for running a spray tan business. This may involve securing a general business license and obtaining permits for health and safety inspections, as well as for the proper disposal of hazardous materials. Depending on the circumstances, spray tan businesses may also need to acquire specific licenses or certifications pertaining to the use of spray tanning equipment or the handling of chemicals.

Apart from licensing and permits, spray tan businesses may be subject to health and safety regulations. This can encompass compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards concerning the handling of hazardous materials, as well as adherence to industry best practices for maintaining cleanliness and sanitization of equipment and facilities.

Entrepreneurs should also remain cognizant of any zoning regulations that might be applicable to their spray tan business. These regulations may encompass limitations on the types of businesses permitted in specific areas or constraints on operating hours.

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