Archive for May, 2010
Determining Operating Costs for Your Tanning Business
When you start a tanning business, it seems relatively simple at first blush, but there are several variables to consider when determining the operating costs. Everyone knows that they will have to invest in an applicator and tanning solution, but do you know how much solution you need? How much are you going to spend on gas, insurance and additional supplies?
Every new applicator will cost from $200 to around $500, but this is a one-time purchase; determining the volume of solution, lotion and other products is more difficult. About two ounces of solution should be used on each tan, meaning that the solution costs per tan should be about $2-3. The one cost that is often overlooked with mobile tanning companies is gas and insurance for vehicles. While applying each tan itself may be relatively inexpensive, getting there may not be. It is important to determine an epicenter and maximum radius you are willing to travel to keep these costs at a minimum.
What to Look for in an Airbrush Tanning System
Before purchasing your first tanning system, it is a good idea to do some research—which is probably why you found this blog in the first place. One of the most important characteristics of any airbrush tanning system is the weight. Remember: You will have to carry it with you to appointments and hold it for several minutes when applying the tan.
A high-end model will allow you to apply a tan quickly—about three minutes—while minimizing the amount of solution used. Look for a machine that requires about two ounces of solution per tan; not only will this save you money in the long run, but less solution typically equates to a more natural looking tan. Many machines on the market have several uses, but if you are a professional, be sure to get a system this is exclusively for spray tanning.
Fun in the Sun—The Safe Way
Now that the weather is heating up and the sun is coming out, an increasing number of people will be heading outside in search of golden-toned skin. And while we receive an assortment of essential vitamins for sun exposure, too much can wreak havoc on your skin and pave the way for future health complications. To date, sunless tanning is the only proven way to darken your skin safely.
Despite the sunshine during the summer, I still get a sunless spray tan on a regular basis. This gives me a solid base color, so when I go out in the sun, I can apply liberal amounts of sunscreen and still maintain a gorgeous tan. Utilizing a sunless tanning lotion is another ideal way to look like a bronzed god on the beach without having to exposure yourself to detrimental radiation.
Indispensible Tanning Supplies
Part of being a qualified spray tanning technician is being well-prepared for any and all contingencies. You never know what is going to happen when you are at a customer’s home, so bringing along a surfeit of supplies is always advisable. Personally, I always bring along at least spray tanning applicators, just incase something goes awry.
And despite years of experience in the industry, I still use spray tan tents no matter where I am. Just the other day, I was preparing to apply a tan when I noticed that the solution wasn’t coming out correctly. I brought the gun over to the tanning tent to inspect it, and the next thing I knew, the nozzle flew off and solution spewed everywhere. Luckily I had the tent there.
Promoting Your Tanning Business
Whether you are the proprietor of a fledgling tanning business or an established entrepreneur with hundreds of clients, we are all looking for ways to grow and expand. Since many people have never experienced a sunless tan, there is a fair amount of skepticism among the public. As such, many people will be reluctant to invest in a sunless tan unless they experience it firsthand or hear rave reviews from a trusted source.
One of the most effective ways to market your tanning business is by taking it to the people. To , I set up a mobile tanning booth at community functions, fairs and open air markets. This allows people an opportunity to witness the process in person and see the amazing results for themselves. While I may not get too many customers on the spot, I hand out hundreds of cards and schedule future appointments.
Tips for Maintaining Your Tan
For those who invest in spray tanning on a regular basis, it makes sense to do everything in your power to preserve your tan. Not only will this save you money by limiting the number of applications you need, but it will also save you time be requiring fewer appointments. Your preparation should begin well before the spray tan artist arrives. Begin by thoroughly exfoliating your skin, which will slough off dead skin cells and prepare your body to receive the solution.
Applying a premium sunless tanning lotion is also beneficial. This will make your skin more receptive to the tanning solution and ensure that your skin remains moisturized. Tanning lotions also contain ingredients to help your body naturally produce melanin, which dictates the tone of your skin. Also remember to refrain from showering after receiving your tan, as premature bathing can rinse the solution from your skin
Are There Risks From Spray Tanning?
By now, we are all well aware of the inherent risks associated with tanning beds and even with natural tanning from the sun. Due to these health concerns, many people are turning to airbrush tanning systems, and with good reason. Spray tanning, lotions and other related products don’t expose users to detrimental UV radiation. Many people are still left wondering, however, if there are any risks associated with common sunless tanning products.
DHA, or , is the ingredient in sunless tanning products that darkens the skin. The FDA has approved it for external applications, but it can be dangerous if inhaled or exposed to other permeable membranes, such as the eyes. When you are getting a spray tan, be sure to avoid any inhalation of the substance, and if you happen to be the artist, be sure that you properly prepare your client.
Spray Tan Consulting
Just like any business endeavor, starting a sunless tanning company can be a frightening prospect—especially if you have never been in the industry before. When I started my first tanning business, I admittedly overlooked some crucial details, such as what spray tan solution to use on which tone of skin and how much to charge my customers. Not knowing what to expect definitely made the first months more difficult.
Luckily for new entrepreneurs, spray tan consulting businesses now help fledgling enterprises get on their feet. They walk you through the process of starting a spray tan business and show you how to develop a successful business model. These services are also ideal for established companies that are looking to expand but don’t know how to take the next step.
Cleaning Your Airbrush Tanning Equipment
Anyone who has applied a spray tan before knows that cleanup can be a messy process. As it dries, the excess solution can become sticky and impede the flow of your nozzle. In order to provide the best services to each of your clients, it is important to keep your airbrush tanning equipment in prime condition. This means thoroughly cleaning your supplies after each application.
After each use, make sure that the nozzle and feeder tube have been eradicated of any excess solution. Many spray tan retailers offer a wand cleaning solution that will easily remove any excess solution from the system. Also be sure to clean your spray tanning tent and other supplies—nothing looks more unprofessional than having tanning solution splattered over all of your equipment.
Hiring New Spray Tan Artists
If you are just starting your first spray tan business, chances are you have few, if any, other employees. For a fledgling enterprise, having a limited rota of spray artists isn’t an issue. As your business begins to grow, however, you will find that you need additional artists to avoid scheduling conflicts and meet the demands of your growing clientele. Qualified spray tan artists are hard to come by, so it is important to have a system in place for training new hires.
Start by having them observe yourself or another qualified spray tan artist. Once they have learned the proper technique and methodology for applying the solution, it is good to have them hone their skills on non-paying customers; see if they have a friend or relative who is willing to serve as a test subject. After a couple of debacles with some of my own hires, I also tell their first few customers that the artist is new and offer them a discount, just in case.