A tanning salon can be a profitable business. Despite the warnings about exposure to UV rays, the tanning center industry is constantly growing. Some choose to open a franchise salon. Others want to design their own center themselves. A solarium can be distinguished from the others but there are some things in common to all businesses of this type that you will need to carry out before opening.
Steps
Step 1. Visit the tanning centers
Try some in your area. Be honest about your intention to open a salon and ask the owner or manager questions about the business. Identify the risks, the rewards, and the first steps required to open a solarium. Take the time to do this research. Use their tanning beds, check out the changing rooms and reception.
Step 2. Make a business plan
Choose whether to open as a franchise or independently. Add to your business plan:
- information about the location and description of the workspace.
- financial analysis with growth forecasts over 5 years, starting and operating capital.
- definition of the necessary capital and the money available for the opening.
- equipment list.
- number of employees and description of the necessary positions.
- development of the headquarters to comply with legal requirements, such as access for the disabled.
Step 3. Find the starting capital
Find out about the costs associated with opening a solarium. Be sure to consider the less obvious things, such as transformers for the beds, special cleaning products, insurance, illuminated signs, and any required licenses. Calculate 10-20% more than you think you will need to open, for expenses you may not have foreseen, so that you do not find yourself without money after investing your capital.
Step 4. Choose a venue
Make sure your solarium is in a very visible place, with the possibility of putting up signs. Remember that many people go to salons near their home or near work. Check for market potential in the vicinity of your solarium.
Step 5. Buy the equipment
Tanning beds can cost as much as € 10,000 when new. Used ones can be cheaper, but need more maintenance. If you buy used beds, you may need to replace all the lamps before using them. Choose whether to have sunbeds or even tanning showers. Make a list of equipment and prices for each unit. Many distributors will provide you with a list of materials to get you started and may offer discounts for opening packages. Also buy the necessary safety signs and any other signs required by law.
Step 6. Evaluate the staff needed
A solarium needs at least two employees at work at all times, one person at the reception and another to accompany people to the rooms with the equipment and to clean after the sessions.
Step 7. Advertise
Open a site as soon as possible and enter the opening date. Mount the signs when you have the venue available, put a "soon to open" sign under the sign. Write to local newspapers and have the ad printed 15-30 days before the opening date.
Step 8. Open the venue
Make sure your salon is perfect before opening to the public. Think about a private grand opening for friends and family a week before opening to the public. This way you will be sure that everything will work when you open.
Warnings
- Tanning beds usually require a power transformer, so check the electrical requirements when purchasing equipment.
- Check your country's laws regarding UV exposure. Make sure you have the necessary signage.
- Solariums may need additional insurance. Make sure your policy covers all possible liabilities. If you're unsure, check with an insurance company that works with tanning salons.
