You should really only consider marketing materials for your sunless tan business after you get licensed, become a corporation or LLC with your state, buy your equipment and set up a business plan. You’ll want to have all of these in effect prior to your very first appointment because first of all, you don’t want to be breaking the law, and second a business is most successful when completely prepared out of the starting gate.

When creating your marketing materials, focus on how to get the word out. At the very least, you’ll need flyers or brochures, letterhead and business cards. In addition, the internet has opened up a plethora of options for marketing including having a tailored website with your company’s name on the e-mail and also social networking sites.

A little side note about your company’s name: There are studies that have shown that having an actual name for a new business, instead of just using your name only, will actually give you more of a chance at success. I’m sure you want your name in there somewhere which is even better because you’ll be promoting you as a brand, not just as a name.

It is imperative in these sunless tan marketing materials that you highlight your strengths throughout all of them. On most of your marketing materials, such as brochures, website, etc., it would be a good idea to list a menu of services and what makes your business stand out from the others. In addition, a marketing message, or your upmost goal toward others, is highly important. You can also place ads in print publications and local newspapers so that you can blanket your complete target market.

These are all good marketing suggestions for even an established salon because you will need to let your customers know of the newest and greatest thing that’s come into your shop.

In essence, your sunless tan business, whether new or will be added to an existing salon, should be a reflection of you and the types of services you want to offer your clients so that they will have the best experience possible and will want to come back for more. There is much to learn about starting a business and having across the board marketing materials is imperative to the success of any business.

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Types of Marketing Materials for Optimizing Your Sunless Tanning Business

When someone is new to airbrush tanning, they invariably have some pre-conceived notions about the tanning process. Fears may arise that seem silly to you or maybe to anyone else. There have been some reports that people were afraid that airbrush guns would tear off their skin as well as some reports of people fainting because of not being able to get out of spray tanning booths.

If your client is particularly fearful of the airbrush gun, maybe you can ask another client to let the person watch while the tanning process takes place. Usually, this can allay many of the fears associated with the process, seeing is believing. In addition, when it is time for them to go under the gun, so to speak, spray them with the air only in various places to give them the feel of what it will be like. This may be a good idea for even those that have had an appointment or two so that they can be completely relaxed during solution application. Make sure your client knows that the solution will be applied the best to relaxed skin.

Some people can be worried about how long they need to hold their breath, especially when you’re applying the solution to their face. This is why it is especially important that you do a speedy but thorough job on their face and neck. When you have practiced and are proficient, airbrush tanning the face will only take seconds. In addition, it is a good idea to leave the face for last so your client is completely comfortable with the gun so they won’t inadvertently scrunch up their face, which could inhibit even application.

Booth spraying can be a completely different matter since it is not hands-on. Your client’s fears about the booth can be well-founded, especially if they are claustrophobic. Therefore, make sure you are near the booth and within easy reaching distance. Your client will therefore be assured that they can get out at any time for any reason, even if the tanning process isn’t completed.

It is imperative that you are mindful and not condescending of anyone’s fears. If you put your client’s mind at ease from the get-go, they will be happier with the service and will seek you out, possibly exclusively, for their next visits.

Your clients can possibly have a multitude of fears concerning airbrush tanning. They may be particularly fearful of the gun or booth. Either way, you need to do the best you can to allay all of their fears for the best tanning experience possible.

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What You Should Know If Your Clients Are Afraid of the Airbrush Tanning Gun

First, prior to an airbrush tanning session, whether the impromptu visitor or not, you need to see if their body is free of make-up, moisturizers, deodorant and oils. If your client hasn’t exfoliated and/or has any oils, deodorant, moisturizers or make-up on, you need to have on hand a quality exfoliating wipe that is specifically designed for these impromptu sessions. In addition, there are Pre-Tan Prep sprays available that will accomplish this but they can be a little messy. When using these items on your clients, make sure that you follow the directions closely and pay close attention to the rougher skin areas on the body such as elbows, hands, tops of feet and knees. This is so that the tanning solution will seep into the skin properly.

It’s also a good idea to have a few sets of disposable panties and bras on hand for your client’s convenience. These will be especially useful if they forgot the items they were going to wear at home. It happens.

Now, you can advertise and operate as an appointment only business, which will behoove you in the long run. You don’t want everyone coming and expecting you to clean them up prior to their airbrush tanning session. But, there will be those emergency times, especially for friends and relatives, that you can possibly let slide. They will look to you to be able to get them out of a jam and if you pull through without being taken advantage of, more than likely those extra few impromptu appointments will turn into more clients by word of mouth who will abide by your appointment only terms in the future.

In addition, don’t forget to charge your clients accordingly for these extra services. You will have to replenish your supply of wipes, sprays, bras and panties. As a side note, pay attention to any problems that can arise due to unavoidable acts, such as being stuck in traffic for a mobile unit or electricity outage at your salon, and prepare accordingly. There is the potential for hostile customers that will give your shop a bad reputation for missing even one appointment.

It would behoove your airbrush tanning business, whether mobile or salon-based, to have various products on hand to take care of those impromptu emergency visits and to cover any procedures forgotten by your clients who’ve made an appointment. You will need things like exfoliating wipes and/or pre-tan sprays and disposable items like bras and panties. These are only for their comfort and you need to charge accordingly for their use of these items since you will need to replenish the stock you keep on hand.

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Walk-Ins Always Welcome: What to Do for Impromptu Airbrush Tanning Clients

A good quality sunless tanning spray will have quality active ingredients but will have great inactive ingredients as well. Inactive ingredients such as botanicals can be beneficial to the skin. On the other hand, some sprays can contain inactive ingredients that can potentially cause allergic reactions such as dyes, perfumes and some botanicals that can naturally cause irritations.

Another consideration is the viscosity of the liquid. If the spray that you choose to use on your clients is too watery or runny, it will not sit on the skin properly and will cause streaks. On the other hand, if the solution is too thick, it can plug and clog your airbrush gun and if nothing else, you’ll have to clean your equipment almost too frequently.

Typically, the best sunless tanning spray will come in a gallon for industrial use. For the standard application, usually 2 to 4 ounces of solution is plenty for each client. So, to be on the safe side, you will usually get a minimum of 32 applications per gallon of solution. You can pay upwards of $300 for a gallon of quality spray and with over 30 applications you can still make a tidy profit even if you charge very cheap rates for each tanning session. On the other hand, there are those that you can find for under $100 that could possibly give ok results, but more times than not, these sprays will cause the untoward reactions that people lament over – i.e. orangey skin, streaking, etc.

Therefore, you need to figure out if you will offer your clients quality or quantity. Quality products cannot be overlooked but you can still get very few sprays that are of the highest quality as well as cheaper. You just have to do your homework and read just about every review that you can to find out which spray would be proper for your business and your clients.

Of course, you can purchase 8 ounce samples from almost every quality source so that you can do at least a couple of applications to test how these solutions will work for you and for your clients.

There are many things that you have to consider when deciding among the various sunless tanning spray solutions on the market. Quality ingredients with proper concentrations of DHA are essential to give the perfect tan to your clients. Unfortunately, there are even decent tanning solutions that have inactive ingredients that cause allergic reactions on even the most hardy of skin. You can pay a large amount of money for a brand name and get the same, if not better, results from a non-brand named product. Reading reviews and possibly purchasing sample sizes from various sources will allow you to choose the right products to keep in your inventory.

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The Importance of Quality Not Quantity for Sunless Tanning Spray

A person should become certified in all of the stages of airbrush tanning, from setup all the way to application and pricing for a variety of reasons. One of the most important is to keep a competitive edge in the differing sunless tanning services offered. There are numerous programs available that are designed specifically for the airbrush/HVLP technician as well as for business setup, marketing, etc.

The training and certification process will generally take you through such things as setting up equipment, skin preparation, techniques of application, safety procedures and precautions, pre- and post-service responsibilities of clients, Federal DHA standards and guidelines and much more. Statistics have shown that certified professionals help to increase consumer confidence. In addition, initial certification and continued study enables a professional airbrush tanning technician to have the most up to date information available in the industry.

Most certification programs offer a generalized basic training course. These types of courses are specifically designed for owners and operators. Course work typically covers a range of topics including skin anatomy and function, the tanning process, understanding UV light, eye protection and exposure schedules.

Intermediate courses are typically designed for operations and procedures of sunless tanning. It should be known that operating and managing a tanning business, whether mobile or in an existing salon, is not as simple as buying the equipment and doing it. These courses cover operational procedures that owners must understand and use in daily operations. These intermediate courses are designed to give effective guidelines to setting up your business and the day to day operations involved.

As technology in the sunless tanning industry improves and education is becoming more prevalent, the small business owner is beginning to understand that more and more people are looking for ways to have that sun-kissed glow without harming their bodies. But unfortunately, consumers previously only had the UV option, which damages their skin exponentially over time. People are becoming more health conscious but they still want to have a healthy glow no matter the season.

Therefore, it is imperative that you take all the steps necessary, and no skipping any, to have a competent start to your sunless tanning business. In fact, most states now require you and any staff that you have to have documented proof of certification. In addition, insurance and manufacturer and distributor contracts are absolute musts in this industry.

An airbrush tanning business, whether a new one or as an addition to an existing salon, requires quite a bit more work than just buying equipment to be successful. You must be certified in almost every stage. In addition, you must have a business plan as well as marketing procedures in place so that you can face every hurdle that may be presented to you.

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The Importance of an Airbrush Tanning Certification

When airbrush tanning, there are multiple ways that the tanning solution can be applied. These include tanning booths as well as airbrush compressors and HVLP systems. Tanning booths provide a less personalized experience that is just about guaranteed to provide the perfect results and can be beneficial to clients who are self-conscious about their bodies as well as modesty issues that may arise since compressors and HVLP systems require hands-on application procedures.

Spray tanning booths provide for the most even coverage but the service itself can be much more expensive since there is a large amount of waste, or over-spray, involved. In addition, this un-personalized method poses difficulties in determining the correct DHA exposure. One complaint concerning many tanning booths is that the feet can be darkened too much since the excess DHA solution is collected at the bottom of the booth. Technicians can be trained though, on the best ways to prevent this over-exposure on the feet. In addition, the FDA cautions that spray booths promote ingestion and/or inhalation of the spray and therefore, safety precautions need to be taken including protecting the lips, mucous membranes, the lungs and the eyes. The spray from these booths can also affect the unnatural coloration of hair and nails and therefore, standardized precautions need to be taken to prevent this.

Airbrush tanning can also be applied using compressors and HVLP systems. This is a more personalized experience that allows the technician to control exposure of DHA to various parts of the body. They allow for more defined contouring and tan-line control in consideration of the client’s needs and wants. HVLP systems provide a spray pattern that is faster than compressors and the only main drawback is that they produce more noise than conventional compressors. This is because HVLP systems are run using a turbine engine. Compressors do have the drawback of providing for more solution waste problems because they were not initially designed for tanning solution application, as HVLP systems were.

Airbrush tanning has become very popular in this day and age of health concerns associated with traditional UV tanning. You will need the proper certification, since almost every US state requires it, as well as the proper equipment to start offering the service in your salon. Equipment used for airbrushing can include a spray tanning booth, an airbrush compressor or an HVLP system. All of these options have their pros and cons. The choice is up to you and is determined by how you wish your salon to provide these services to your clients.

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What Your Salon Needs to Start Airbrush Tanning

There are quite a few variables that affect the quality of a sunless tan. Two people can receive the exact same treatment, no matter what kind it is, and get extremely different results. The following describes the 7 major factors that you need to be aware of.

1) Skin type: Skin type is very important when it comes to sunless tanning. Colors react differently on different skin so it is highly crucial that you stock a variety of colors for your clients.

As an example, what may look like a deep, dark color on one person may show up on another as a golden hue. In addition, doing a spot test, especially for those who have never had one before, is critical for the perfect end result.

2) Pre-Application Care: Make sure that your clients know that they need to do their part before the sunless tanning session. Let your customers know that they need to exfoliate everywhere prior to a treatment.

Assure them that if they don’t comply, their tan will fade faster and spotting or splotching may result. In addition, you must have on hand a good quality barrier cream for their hands and feet because these areas generally hold more color.

3) Post-Application Care: Let your clients know that for at least the first 6 hours following treatment that they avoid any activity that could hinder a proper sunless tan result. This includes physical activity that produces sweat, swimming, moisturizing and bathing.

In addition, your clients will need to moisturize daily, especially after taking a shower, to prolong the life of the tan.

4) Spray Equipment and its Maintenance: You need to remember that application styles for different people can vary so a one size fits all style may not fit everyone. In addition, a spray application’s quality may be compromised if you don’t clean or maintain your equipment regularly.

5) Your Skill Level: Applying any product for sunless tanning takes practice. It is imperative that you become as fluent as possible in the application process because skill affects the end results.

Therefore, the more experience you have the better. You can practice on yourself and your friends first before you go start with your clients.

6) The Quality of the Sunless Solution: No matter if you use spray, lotion, creams, foams, etc. on your clients, the quality of the solution is important for the proper results. Therefore, it would be a good idea to have a varying range of products.

7) Maintaining the Tan: Another piece of added advice is to have a varying array of maintenance products on hand for prolonging their tan.

Your sunless tan business is completely reliant upon your customers. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a variety of customer focused ideas in mind when purchasing, applying and maintaining your product line as well as maintaining equipment and the skill level involved in your business.

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Buying, Testing, Applying and Maintenance of a Sunless Tan

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Services And Operating Decisions

Before making any other decisions, you need to decide what services and options you will provide your customers through your tanning bed salon. This often depends on how you define your ideal customer base. You might want to offer spa treatments and massages along with your main services or you could add manicures, pedicures, and hairdressing. Other ideas that go well with a tan are things such as a fitness area or just different types of bronzing treatments. The options you decide on will give you a base to start with that can always be altered or expanded in the future. If you make this part of your future goals, you will always have a goal in sight.

Acquiring Equipment And Supplies

The next portion of your business plan should include a list of all the supplies, equipment, and maintenance items for the tanning bed salon. You will want to look at the price of the right tanning bed for sale to get an idea of a total cost and repeat this for each of your business’ needs. Don’t forget common items, such as bookkeeping supplies, additional salon products, and anything else needed to use and maintain the equipment and the building.

Once you know how much of your budget is needed for the salon’s necessities, you can decide on what you would like to have for luxuries, including decor, convenience items, and added comfort. This is also a great time to determine what kinds of incentives you would like to incorporate, such as prepaid services and membership cards, as well as discounts and free items to help build your clientele. Finally, determine what hours you would like to run and whether you will be hiring additional help.

Find The Business

By determining the types of services and what kind of equipment you will need, you know how much space your salon requires. You can then find a location of suitable size that is easily accessible and frequented by your targeted customer base. When you find the right location, make sure to keep track of what it needs in terms of renovations or upgrading to bring it up to code and match your business plan.

Predetermined Costs And Income

A salon, like any other business, will have start up costs that include everything needed to get the business going as well as the money needed to carry it through the first few months of business until it becomes busy enough to turn a profit. This means you will have to decide how you will get the money.

Some may already have a good portion of this money saved up, but many end up having to finance everything to get going. You will have to find out if you can receive financing for your salon as well as what this will cost. You may also be able to estimate how much business you need each day to turn a profit.

Once all of the basics of the business plan are in place, you can take time having fun finding a tanning bed for sale and the rest of your items without worrying about your choices. You will always be able to decide whether you are making the right decision and what steps you need to make next.

Christine O’Kelly writes for the leading manufacturer and provider in the tanning bed industry, Tan America. They have offered a tanning bed for sale to salons across the country for more than 20 years.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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Creating A Business Plan For A Successful Tanning Bed Salon

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Of course there is plenty of overhead found with any tanning salon business and that needs to be taken into consideration. You will find that to keep up with the demands of the consumers you need to offer very good equipment. Some people will want a tanning bed and others want a tanning booth. There is also a huge market for sunless tanning that looks very professional.

Therefore you are going to need to take your time shopping for the right equipment to complete your tanning salon business. You may not be able to realistically afford to buy all the newest models out there. Still, you should be able to get some good deals on great pieces of equipment. You can also look at the possibility of buying used items that still have plenty of life left in them.

The biggest concern for people is being able to get into the tanning salon when it is convenient for them. In order to make this happen you will need to be open from the early morning to the mid evening hours. This way people can tan before work, at lunch, after work, or in the evening. The more hours you are open the more business you will generate.

For the most part though a tanning salon business is seasonal. It may seem like you can’t get enough slots open for everyone in the spring and summer months. As the year moves into the fall and winter though it will become less of a mad house in there. You should be encouraging as many people as you can to tan during those months too though. It will help them to feel good and it will keep the money coming in.

There are plenty of supplies you need on hand to operate a tanning salon business as well. Consumers will want to know that the tanning area has been cleaned before they entered it. Offering fresh towels, deodorant, and eye protection in each area is expected. You will also want top indoor tanning products that they can buy in order to accelerate their tanning experience.

There is no room in the tanning salon business to cut corners with safety. You need to make sure this is a priority. Routine maintenance with your tanning equipment is essential. Make sure you post the risks of indoor tanning too so your customers can be well informed. Make sure cords are out of the way and that power sources are sufficient to meet the demand when you are at full capacity.

Going out of your way to offer consumers the ultimate tanning experience will help you get regular customers. You want them to come in several times a week to tan. You also want them to recommend your location to other people they know. With the many different tanning salons out there you need to be sure yours is the best around. That way you can take the majority of the individuals looking for such services.

Betty P Davis writes about the ups and downs of the tanning salon business. You can read more about the rookie mistakes many new operators make by visiting Tanning Salon Gold to read more.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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Tanning Salon Business Opportunities

This is a type of business where you need to cater to the needs of your customers. It isn’t enough to just offer them tanning equipment and tanning products. They want to feel good when they come into your salon. Therefore personalized service needs to be there and that involves all of your staff being prepared to offer it.

You have the option of starting this type of business from scratch. You will be able to customize it to your specifications. Make sure the location is one that is convenient for the majority of your target market to access. You can also choose to buy an existing tanning salon business. This can be less expensive but keep in mind that you will likely need to invest to upgrade certain aspects of it.

Before you start a tanning salon business, take a look at your competition. How many other salons offering this type of service are in the area? What can you offer that they don’t? For example they may only feature tanning beds and booths. You can go a step further with some sunless tanning equipment as well. This way your customers will have more choices when it comes to how they obtain their tan.

Of course the cost can be very high for such equipment so you need to be careful. A realistic budget plan before you start a tanning salon business is very important. You won’t make any profits if your overhead is so high you can’t keep any money that is coming in. You also have to remember that in the fall and winter you will make less money. Therefore you need to put some funds away during the busy times of the year to stay in business.

Find out before you start a tanning salon business what the rate is for various services. You need to be able to make a profit but you also need to be competitive with your pricing. You will find that customers are willing to pay a bit more for better service as well as a more convenient location. So if you offer better equipment don’t be shy about increasing your prices a bit.

It is vital that you are able to maintain a very high level of service. This means your equipment works like it should, safety precautions are in place, customers can get in and out at their scheduled times, and they are respected and cared for each time they come in. If any of those factors are missing you will begin to lose your customers to the competition.

Betty P Davis writes about the ups and downs of the tanning salon business. You can read more about the rookie mistakes many new operators make by visiting Tanning Salon Gold to read more.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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Start A Tanning Salon Business That Will Be Successful