How To Start Your First Mobile Tanning Business

Mobile tanning is hugely increasing in popularity. With skin cancer on the rise and people being more health conscious, many are choosing spray tanning to get their glow on! 

For those of you who have always dreamt of being an entrepreneur, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

As I like to say, “Imperfect action trumps perfect inaction.”

This is one of my favorite quotes to share with people because it is so true. It doesn’t matter if what you do isn’t perfect. Frankly, it never will be. However, you have to get started in order to get the momentum to create your business, and then you can make the necessary changes as you move forward.

Why start a mobile tanning business?

The work is fun, income is great and it is very rewarding to be in the beauty industry getting to meet so many new people! Who wouldn’t love to perform a service that makes their clients feel glowy and fantastic!

I have had countless clients tell me that my tans make them feel amazing and boost their self-confidence. Many salons now offer a mobile service due to the need and many techs starting out choose to be a mobile service only.

There are some great benefits of starting a mobile spray tan business & here are a few :

You do not have to pay any rent or lease out space. Retail space can range from $400 per month to over $3k + in some regions! So it is a VERY cost-effective option (with the exception of fuel and normal wear-and-tear).

• You can control your own hours and service times. This is great for people that want a great part-time or side gig!
• Many people are too busy to get to a salon or have children and can’t hire a sitter. So coming to them is a fantastic and convenient option for them.
• Mobile is a “luxury service” and can be priced accordingly. Depending on the region some mobile appointments start at a rate of $65 +
• The need for mobile service is increasing. Due to busy work schedules, many people just can’t get into a salon at normal business hours so this is a great option for them to get their beauty treatment.
• Many women are holding “girls night in” parties. This is very popular also even in more rural areas or smaller towns where there is not much to do.
• Mobile spray tanning is easier for many bridal parties! Many times bridesmaids and wedding guests are traveling and there is a lack of transportation (or they are not familiar with the area.) So they love mobile spray tanning so they can book someone to come to their hotel to spray everyone as a group.

Get a business license

Even though you are not renting retail space no matter what city you live in you need a license to operate any type of business. And also check with your county ordinance as well. Business licenses are very inexpensive and you must have one in order to conduct business. I promise you the process is easier than it may seem.

Store & transport your spray tan equipment carefully

I went through a few different systems when starting out and kept changing it up. Here are some ideas for consideration:

1. Supermarket shopping cart (like the metal ones that fold up.) This is what I started out using. I know some techs use this as well and can even get creative blinging it out. There is also a cover that can be inserted inside to keep the cart contents concealed.
2. A sewing machine case. You can put a small HVLP machine in it to conceal it and it has wheels.
3. Duffel bag with wheels or a small suitcase. You can view all my favorite bags and other sunless items here.

Track your miles

This is crucial come tax time! You want to have everything properly documented. I can not stress this enough. Keep a notepad in your car or use an app for your phone. Whatever you do is fine, just do not forget to do this.

Get insurance

Do not forget the liability insurance. It is not very expensive and will provide peace of mind. I have heard many stories on how techs dropped solutions or their machines got residue on the carpet or rug etc. So make sure you are covered. Hopefully, you will never have to use it but at least you will have it.

What machine to use (you’ll want a backup!)

The last thing you want is to have an equipment malfunction when out on an appointment, (especially if it is a large bridal party.) Not only will you look unprofessional but can lose revenue if you can not finish the session. 

Could you imagine tanning someone and in the middle, the gun breaks or the machine overheats and turns off? That would not be good, so I always have a backup machine in the car and carry a backup gun. You can not plan a problem and this way you will always be prepared.

I am always getting asked what I feel is the best machine to start off with.  I love this one as I have personally used it plus it is a workhorse as well as lightweight so it is perfect for a mobile spray tan business!  This is a fantastic machine when you are first starting out and so inexpensive. You can always upgrade if you need to (then this can be a backup machine.)

You can view all of our favorite equipment here.

Supplies you will need for mobile tanning

Here is a basic list of what you will need to start a mobile spray tan business. You might need more depending on your setup but here is my list of basic recommendations, but this is a great place to start:

• Business license
• Business cards
• Website
• Gloves
• Spray tan machine
• Spray tan tent
• Gear to transport your mobile equipment in
• Extraction fan with filters
• Backup machine (recommended in case of malfunction during a spray)
• Shower caps
• Disposable thongs
• Baby Wipes
• Nose plugs
• Face masks
• Paper towels
• Sticky feet
• Prep spray
• Solution
• Barrier cream
• Towels (for the bottom of the tent) or use disposable dog pee pads
• Index cards ( For client cards or use an app)
• Retail Aftercare (Lotion, tan extender, body wash)
• Business Facebook Page
• Business Instagram account
• Loyalty cards 

You can view most of these items at our shop here or on our Amazons best list here.

If you’re ready to get started — and make a commitment to your own success — we urge you to sign up for our Spray Tan Certification courses! Our Beginner’s course provides you with all of the knowledge you need to get your business up and running in no time.