Every new tanning salon starts with an idea. But it is a long way from that to a successful realization. You are going to need to start to gather the information and resources necessary to take your idea to reality. This section is designed to help aspiring salon owners gather many of the resources necessary for planning and opening a successful tanning salon.

Industry Statistics

First, lets take a look at the industry you're considering joining. According to industry surveys, commercial indoor tanning has grown substantially over the last 25 years and today is one of the fastest growing businesses across the United States. About 10 percent of the American population will visit an indoor tanning facility at some point during the year.

-Total number of indoor tanning facility businesses 30,000
-Total employment at tanning businesses 160,000
-Total indoor tanning consumer base 28 million
-Total economic impact of indoor tanning facilities $5 billion

Begin With Research

Get to know the competition in your area. Search your area for existing tanning salons or other businesses that offer commercial tanning or sunless services. If they exist, what is their level of expertise and professionalism when it comes to the tanning services they offer? Depending on the location, type and number of tanning units and décor, opening a tanning business from the ground up can cost anywhere from $75,000 to $400,000 or more.

To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well-thought-out business plan that will help you reach these goals.

According to the Small Business Administration, the importance of a complete business plan cannot be overemphasized. Much hinges on it: outside funding, management of your operation and finances, promotion and marketing of your tanning business, and achievement of your goals and objectives.

Next, find out what tanners are looking for. Talk to friends, family members and colleagues about what tanning services they would enjoy and have enjoyed in the past. If you're not already an avid tanner, start visiting salons yourself as a tanner.

Find out what is available in regards to tanning equipment and lotions.  This can be one of the biggest challenges in opening a tanning facility. Call and get catalogs and wholesale information from manufacturers and distributors. One of the many decisions facing a new salon owner is where to obtain their products.

Resources necessary for the successful launch of a tanning business:

Tanning Regulations And Licensing Requirements In addition to tanning rules set nationally by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, currently, over 30 states are either in the process of initiating or have established rules and standards. Please click here to visit our regulatory page to check on Federal rules and to see if your state has specific licensing requirements for indoor tanning salons. Salon Certification American Tanning Institute-Most states now require that you and your staff be certified or have documented proof that you are fully-knowledgeable about indoor tanning procedures. American Tanning Institute offers three ways to satisfy these requirements through various certification programs. You can choose an online program to start your training now, you can order a correspondence program and begin your training in about 10 days or you can attend one of many in-class courses offered across the country. Click here for more information. Business Plan Development My Sun Source- My Sun Source has compiled a vast amount of data from experienced industry leaders and put that information into easily downloadable and user-friendly business tools. Their business plans were developed by a professional business consulting team and used in the development of corporate salons. They also offer Indoor Tanning Marketing Workbooks and Salon Employee Handbooks. Visit My Sun Source Online for more information. Salon Insurance Tan Pro Insurance Group- designed to cover practically all insurance issues in your salon and more importantly, under your roof. They insure countless salon businesses across the United States with reliable, affordable coverage. Don't put yourself at personal risk. Visit Tan Pro Online or call toll-free 1-800-245-0023 for a no obligation quotation and put yourself at ease. Professional Trade Publication Island SunTimes- Committed to providing tanning salon owners and managers with the most accurate, up-to-date information on how to own and operate a successful tanning business, Island SunTimes is the industry trade magazine of choice. They feature information on products, services, management tools and regulatory issues in an unbiased, timely and entertaining format. They strive to promote the best interests of the industry. To subscribe, visit Island SunTimes Today. Manufacturer And Distributor Contacts Island SunTimes Advertiser Links- To assist you in finding out what is available in tanning equipment and lotions, Island SunTimes offers an extensive list of links to some of the industries top tanning manufacturers and distributors. To get specific information on tanning products and services, access their online advertiser links by clicking here. Salon Procedures American Tanning Institute- Indoor tanning salon owners and operators have a responsibility to operate their tanning facility under the structure of well-developed, up to date and principled procedures. The following link offers what is considered to be a general and responsible list of operating procedures from American Tanning Institute. Click here.