How to set up a mobile spray tanning service

The vast majority of people are now well aware of the dangers of the sun and sun-bed tanning. However a tanned skin is still extremely popular and sought after.

There is no doubt about it, whether your preference is for a light sun-kissed look or a deep golden brown, a tan looks healthy and attractive. It gives you more confidence in your appearance; it gives a slimming look and a healthy glow and looks fantastic with outfits that expose more skin.

No wonder the popularity of spray tanning is continuing to rise. It is the quick and safe solution to a beautiful glowing skin. Instant results can be achieved and a beautiful tan can be yours whether it's the last thing on your checklist before you go off on your summer holiday or simply a beauty boost to pep you up. An experienced spray tanner can even give your body a sculpted, toned look by skilled application of the product, giving you a slimmer looking waist or trimmer thighs.

Considering its popularity, what better time could there be to set up your own mobile service? Many people have great difficulty getting to salons –sometimes there is no local salon available, women with young children may find it hard to find a childminder, those working during the day and shift workers can't always find a good time to fit in a salon session. It could just be a matter of affordability – a ride into town, parking fees and salon prices can all add up to a costly experience.

Consider also that apart from this, there are some people who find the whole experience rather embarrassing but still want to achieve the look. Having a professional mobile service available to them creates an element of privacy and discretion within the comfort of their own home.

Providing a mobile service has great advantages. The business will be less expensive to run as there are no overheads – rent, rates and utility bills. Of course part of this saving will be offset by other costs like petrol and higher car insurance premiums.

You will be able to build up a list of regular clients. People can get hooked on maintaining their tan and treat it with the same importance as their regular hair appointment.

Having control over your working hours can be a great advantage. It gives you the flexibility to work around the school run, doctors' appointments and other commitments.

Before you can get started you will need to train. Make sure you use a reputable company who can offer a good standard of instruction. Do your research and read reviews of their training programme. You might need the help of some willing family and friends who will volunteer to let you practice on them.

Do your research and cost your business. Find out how much your car insurance will be. You will have higher petrol costs so you will need to know just how far you are willing to travel before you start eating into your profit.  Don't forget to include public liability in your costing.

You will need to buy equipment; kits are widely available and can vary greatly in price. At the very least you will need a portable machine, pop up tanning booth, solutions, disposables (caps, knickers, gloves) and aftercare leaflets.

Buy the best products and equipment you can afford to give your clients the best customer experience. Happy customers will be repeat customers. They are also your best form of advertising.

Find and phone other mobile spray tanners to find out how much they charge. Calculate your treatment costs based on the cost of your product, your time and travelling expenses. Now fix your total cost above this amount so that you make a profit.

Market your business by as many ways as you can – business cards, leaflets, flyers in schools, colleges, playgroups… 

Other things you could consider would be to offer sideline/after-care products, for instance, moisturisers, exfoliating creams, exfoliating mitts. Ensure you use good quality spray tan solutions. That way the customer has a great experience which they will want to repeat