Spray tans – also known as โsunless tanningโ – isnโt just a trend limited to the cast of Jersey Shore, itโs entered the mainstream spa and beauty industry. People are turning to spray tanning for getting that sunkissed look.
According to statistics from Statistia, self-tanning is now a billion-dollar industry and growing, raking in over one billion dollars in 2017. Transparency Market Research also found that the demand for self-tanning products continues to grow. Theyโre predicting that nearly $5.5 billion worth of self-tanning products will be sold globally by the end of 2026.
All of this makes opening a spray tanning business a great idea! So if youโre reading this congrats, youโre moving in the right direction! This guide will walk you through exactly how to turn your idea of starting a spray tanning business into reality.
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Find Competitors in Your City
As spray tanning rises in popularity, so does the idea of opening a spray tan business. Itโs likely that you will have either direct competitors (other spray tan businesses) or indirect competitors (tanning businesses or stores that sell self tanner) to work against. So before you start your business make sure you consult the local market and identify your competitors.
The goal isnโt to scare yourself, itโs to identify how you can beat out your competition. How can you differentiate yourself? Thatโs what you need to find out!
Consult with an Accountant and Legal Professional
A spray tanning business is typically a lower cost endeavor than opening something like a nail salon, because the nature of the products means you can be mobile and donโt necessarily have to have a physical location. However there will be start up costs and itโs important that you understand any liability you might incur, as well as figuring out which business entity youโd like to be!
Banks donโt hand out business loans without proof of income, so itโs important to involve a financial professional in the early stages of your business. They can likely save you thousands of dollars down the road.
Then you need to decide your business type! Consulting with your financial advisor and lawyer will help you decide. If you donโt want to pay for them to actually file the paperwork, check out Legalzoom or a competing service for cheap filing help.
Build out Your Business Proposal
Now that you have the financial and legal paperwork squared away, itโs time to start your business proposal! According to the Small Business Administration, you donโt have to stick to an exact outline when writing your business plan. Instead they want you to focus on using sections that make the most sense for you! Most commonly business plans include some of the following sections: executive summary, company description, market analysis, management team, service / product line, marketing / sales, funding requests and financial projections. Regardless of what you include, make sure to write clearly, concisely and proofread your work!
Create Your Branding & Marketing Strategy
Your brand is more than just a logo: itโs the heart of your business identity! It can be tempting to cut corners and just whip up a quick logo, but consider investing in your brand from the ground up. Many small businesses and startups are strapped for cash, but you can find many affordable freelancers on UpWork.
Your branding includes your messaging, tone of voice, how you present your brand and attract customers. At a bare minimum youโll need: a logo, a social media account and a simple website. Ideally youโve also built out a messaging strategy and brand values. From there you will be able to move onto your marketing strategy and begin to acquire customers.
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Secure a Location or Decide if Youโre Going to be Travelling
Not all spray tan businesses have a brick and mortar – many are travel based. This means that youโre mobile! People can book with you and you drive to their location. This is a very popular business model in states without inclement weather. Regardless, youโll need to figure out if you want to be fully mobile or invest in a store front. If a full building lease isnโt in the question, look at renting space from another salon or spa!
Open Your (Metaphorical) Doors
After all of this legwork itโs finally time to get started! Good luck out there.