Startups!
The Sunless Tanning Business
Airbrush tanning is potentially the most profitable service a salon or spa can offer. The start-up costs are minimal and are recouped quickly. Plus, the service is fast and easy to perform.
Airbrush Sales
Offering a service that is in high demand can drive new business through the doors. In addition to new business, existing clients may want to add airbrush tanning to the other services they already receive, thereby creating additional revenue.
- The service is fast. An application takes approximately five minutes with an additional five-minute dry time. This allows for several appointments in a single day.
- For tanning salons sunless can add to their client base. Since tanning salons are typically seasonal, spray tan clients can sustain business throughout the slow season.
- Hair & makeup salons as well as day spas & medi-spas that add airbrush treatments to their list of services can increase repeat business as well as potentially add new clientele to your existing base.
- Mobile airbrush businesses allow you to work flexible hours and make a fantastic profit.
Airbrush Profits
The profit margin from airbrushing can far exceed any other service the business currently offers. Electricity used in a regular tanning salon can sometimes cost more than the charge for the service. Salon and spa services take time (sometimes over an hour), leaving the room and technician unavailable during the service.
With spray tanning your business can make a $40 sale in just 5 minutes. The solution cost for full-body applications is as low as $2.10.
- One ounce of solution costs approximately $1.05. The cost per ounce does vary depending on solution used.
- The average mark-up for an airbrush session is over 1000%, based on $40 cost to the customer.
Two to three ounces of solution is enough for a full-body airbrush. Each gallon of solution can airbrush up to 50 bodies.
Getting Started
- Start up costs can run as low as $736.00 for a unit, tent and solution. Sixteen airbrushes (based on $40 per session) will pay off your initial investment.
- Anyone can start a spray tan business. There are no special class or certification requirements. Airbrush services can be offered through a storefront or as mobile business.
- Requires minimal space. A 6 foot by 6 foot space is big enough to airbrush.
Don’t have a room? Don’t panic! Get creative with the space you have. Many tanning salons and spas have been able to create a space using a variety of options.
- The Sol Potion Airbrush Stage is perfect for any room, even those designated for other services, storage or supplies. The Airbrush Stage can act as a room divider or as a backdrop to prevent overspray from direct contact with stationary walls. This unit is lightweight, portable and easy to store when not in use.
GO MOBILE! Clients feel comfortable in their own homes. Offering a service that goes to the client is very appealing. However conducting a sunless treatment in a shower/tub may not be the perfect setting as it may difficult to airbrush the calves and feet. Plus you don’t want to leave a mess for your client to have to clean. Our airbrush tent is the perfect containment for an application in your clients home. The open top allows for plenty of light and ventilation. The spacious inside makes application and clean up easy.
Why Add Spray Tanning to Your List of Services?
Spray tanning is a service in high demand yet still difficult to find. It is a cost effective source of revenue for your tanning salon or spa. For a nominal cost, adding sunless to your current list of services can potentially skyrocket your sales. Our professional products, equipment and training information give your salon or spa the edge it needs to succeed in the UV free tanning industry.
Depending on the salon or spa, the price for full body airbrush treatment ranges from $35 to $100. Based on our research, the average salon and spa charges between $40 to $60 for a treatment.
Daily Airbrushes | Price Per Airbrush | Sales | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly | Quarterly | Annual | ||
5 | $40 | $4,000 | $12,000 | $48,000 |
7 | $40 | $5,600 | $16,800 | $67,200 |
9 | $40 | $7,200 | $21,600 | $86,400 |
13 | $40 | $10,400 | $31,200 | $124,800 |
15 | $40 | $12,000 | $43,200 | $144,000 |
5 | $50 | $5,000 | $15,000 | $60,000 |
7 | $50 | $7,000 | $21,000 | $84,000 |
9 | $50 | $9,000 | $27,000 | $108,000 |
13 | $50 | $13,000 | $39,000 | $156,000 |
15 | $50 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $180,000 |
5 | $60 | $6,000 | $18,000 | $72,000 |
7 | $60 | $8,400 | $25,200 | $100,800 |
9 | $60 | $10,800 | $32,400 | $129,600 |
13 | $60 | $15,600 | $46,800 | $187,200 |
15 | $60 | $18,000 | $54,000 | $216,000 |
The projected sales in this table are based upon a 5-day work week. These are average numbers for established airbrush operations.
Common New Sunless Business Questions
Airbrush tanning is a hugely profitable and popular service that
is in demand. As a salon or spa owner or entrepreneur you may have
several questions. This section may help you to answer many of those questions.
What is
spray tanning?
Spray tanning, is a personalized service that results in an all
over tan instantly. Airbrush tanning is the fastest growing UV Free alternative
for clients who cannot or will not traditionally tan or are simply looking for
instant gratification.
Why is
spray tanning so popular?
Clients are looking for a personalized service that will give
them a flawless tan that looks natural. People who cannot tan or have skin
concerns but still want that bronzed glow are looking for alternative methods
to achieve it. The Mayo Clinic has cited that
sunless tanning is a practical alternative to traditional UV tanning.
Why expand
my menu of services?
For today’s entrepreneur, expanding services to stay ahead of
large chain businesses and to maintain profitability has become a primary
focus. A personalized service, such as airbrush tanning, offers a salon
or spa owner the means to provide a quality service that sets his/her
business apart from the large chains. In addition, spray tan services,
when implemented well, can be the most profitable services a salon offers.
Why offer
spray tanning instead of having a spray booth?
Sunless tanning is a personalized approach to achieving an
all-over tan instantly. Airbrush tanning is a treatment applied by a
trained-certified technician. The technician will use an airbrush
applicator to apply professional sunless tanning solution in a specific
choreographed set of steps designed to the body being airbrushed. The active
ingredient that creates this appearance is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is
derived from natural sugar cane, which interacts with the proteins and amino
acids on the outer layer of the skin to produce a brown color that lasts for
several days. Airbrush tanning is applied by a trained-certified technician.
Why should
I offer spray tan services?
Demand + Supply = Profit: Airbrush tanning is in high demand.
These services are a cost effective source of new revenue for your
salon or spa. For as little as $736.00 you can add airbrush tanning to your
current list of services and watch your sales grow. Our professional spray
tanning products, equipment and training information give your salon or spa the
edge it needs to succeed in the sunless tanning industry.
Why choose
Sol Potion?
Sol Potion® is
considered a pioneer in the airbrush tanning industry. We create, supply
and offer expert knowledge of sunless tanning solutions, related skincare,
equipment, supplies, and application technique. We are committed to
providing high quality products that are easy to use and give beautiful
results. By continually examining trends within our sector through
use of our working lab, we are able to provide the ultimate sunless experience
to the end user. Our staff closely monitors every aspect of sunless from
skin type compatibility and application technique, to skincare effectiveness
and customer satisfaction. Our goal is to exceed the demands of our
clients…and yours.
What
things should I consider when starting a new spray tan business?
If you are you planning on starting a new sunless business,
there are a few things to consider when creating a business plan.
- Create a business name that is catchy and easily
describes your business.
- Create a business logo for use on stationary, signs, etc.
- Register your business name with your municipal and state
agencies.
- Open a business bank account.
- Get business cards.
- Choose your location. Will you be operating a
mobile business or brick and mortar?
- Check to see if you need business insurance.
- Set up a business phone.
- Create a website or blog site.
Want to
add sunless to your services, but don’t know where to begin?
Sol Potion® has
done the work for you. Our airbrush tanning products
and equipment are salon tested. There is no question that you and
your clientele will be satisfied. In addition, our staff is available to assist
you with training and support information.
Does my
staff need training?
A common mistake made by many new technicians is that airbrush
tanning is simple and anyone can do it. This can be costly to your
reputation. Performing an airbrush application is truly an art. Sol
Potion® will train you and your staff the art of airbrush
tanning. Our application technique makes learning to perform a perfect spray
tan easy. Your application technique is the key to your success. Gain an
advantage over your competitors by becoming a Sol Potion® certified airbrush tanning technician. See our
airbrush training information
to find out how you can become certified as a spray tan technician.
What type
of spray tan training is best for my business?
In order to give a perfect airbrush application there are
specific techniques and details that must be mastered. Training and
certification can be the difference between a great result and a lost customer.
However, choosing the right training and certification for you and your staff
is critical to your success. The key to choosing a method of training is
deciding what your training needs will be:
- Has your staff been airbrushing but need a refresher
course? If so, a training DVD may be the answer.
- Do you learn better at your own pace? If so, the
training manual, DVD and online test may work best for you.
- Do you learn better with an instructor who can give
one-on-one attention and answer all questions you may have.
- On-site training
with a skilled professional trainer may be for you.
Don’t be fooled by inexpensive mass training sessions taking
place at insanely busy trade shows or large group seminars. These types
of training will not give you and your staff the attention needed to truly
master the art of airbrush application.
How does
the sunless tan appear?
The active ingredient in sunless solution, Dihydroxyacetone
(DHA), works with the amino acids on the skin and air to create the brown
appearance. Example: If you take a bite out of an apple and leave it for a
while the acids in the apple combine with air to create a natural reaction
resulting in a browning affect. This reaction is similar to what takes place
with the DHA, air and the amino acids on your client’s skin. The solution
absorbs into the skin cells and the air activates the solution creating the
appearance of a tan.
What type
of sunless solution is right for my customer?
Sol Potion® offers
five levels of professional spray tan solutions in our Signature Line. Our
solutions can be used as is or blended to create your own signature beauty bar
of colors. All solutions contain U.S. pharmaceutical grade ingredients and
Eco-cert validated DHA and preservatives. Sol Potion® solutions are
made in the USA and are cruelty free.
How do I
decide what color spray tan solution is right for my client?
The decision on what level solution to use on your clients will
depend on their skin type. Refer our Business
Forms below for free forms that will assist
you with choosing the appropriate solution level. Make sure to ask first time
clients about their tanning goals and any problem areas they hope to address.
Are you interested in Private Labeling Sol Potion solutions?
Sol Potion® does offers private label options for our sunless solutions and skincare line. To learn more contact Sol Potion® representative at (800) 764-4080.
Business Forms (Downloadable)
Need a registration form but don't have one? Sol Potion® has a number of forms below available for you to download. From client registration forms to technician cheat sheets these are available to you free of charge.
You will need Adobe Reader to view these. If you do not have Adobe Reader click here to download a version.
Airbrush Client Registration and Legal Guardian Waiver
tips.pdfThis form serves several purposes:
Client Registration
Client Waiver
Parental Consent
Technician Notes
While parental consent is not required for people under the age of 18, some businesses may wish to have an under 18 policy. This form explains the policy and requires parent signature.
Airbrush Client Registration and Waiver
FDA Recommendations for Spray Tanning with DHA
To ensure that your staff and customers are familiar with the FDA DHA advisory, we have created a downloadable form that may be printed and displayed at your counter.
Quick Tips for a Beautiful Tan
This form gives your clients’ some basic tips on how to prepare, what to wear and how to care for their airbrush tan.
Skin Type Assessment
This form should be used as a reference for the airbrush technician. It gives a basic description of skin tones and what Sol Potion® solution will work best. Keep in mind all Sol Potion® solutions can be mixed to create your own beauty bar of shades.
What to Expect During Your Airbrush Session
Potion Package for Salons and Spas w/DVD Training
The Potion Package for Salons and Spas provides you with everything you need to add airbrush tanning..
$1,905.00
Sol Potion® Package for Small and Mobile Businesses
Are you starting a mobile business and need the perfect traveling spray tan kit? Or are you looking ..
$1,106.74
Sol Potion® Signature line | 4 - pack sample solutions
Are you new to Sol Potion®? Not sure what level is right for your airbrush clientele? ..
$45.00
Airbrush Stage
Do you have a room designated for spray tanning, but have overspray landing on your walls? By adding..
$735.00