Tanning Booth Operation
Start-up Cost:$50,000-$75,000
Potential Earnings:$45,000-$65,000
Typical Fees:Varied ($25 per half hour is common)
Advertising:Yellow Pages, newspapers, bulletin boards, coupon books
Qualifications:Familiarity with health codes/regulations
Equipment Needed:Tanning beds, heat lamps, sanitizing equipment
Potential Home Business:No
Staff Required:Possibly
Handicapped opportunity:Possibly
Hidden Costs:Insurance and equipment maintenance
Lowdown:
The sun's direct rays are becoming more dangerous than ever due to a reduction in ozone protection, and that's why more people in search of the perennial tan flock to tanning beds. Of course, it's also pretty convenient to slip into a tanning bed at a time that's comfortable. You'll need to advertise heavily due to competition, and you'll have to lay out large amounts of cash for equipment. However, since this field is a constantly growing one, and since it has the potential for add-on services such as a hair salon, massage therapy service, or even a Laundromat, you can convince a banker of your financial worthiness if you've got a solid business plan that allows for such expansion. Once you've got the word out about your tanning booth, all you need to do is schedule appointments, accept payment, and turn the machines on for those who wish to sun their buns.
Start-up:
Tanning booth equipment can start at $50,000 or more; investigate the used equipment market first (and take a mechanical expert with you to be sure the equipment is functional). Advertising will run $3,000-$5,000, and a staff could cost you thousands more. Set your fees in the $25 per half hour or $40 per hour range; more, if that's what you're competitors are charging. Price-shop well for this business before setting your own fees; it's competitive and changeable.
Bottomline:
While some folks see this business as a real opportunity for success, others frown upon it for health reasons. It hasn't been proven that tanning booths cause skin cancer, but it is questionable nonetheless. P.S. You will be inspected regularly by the Board of Health, so be prepared.
