Premises
Deposit, rent, business rates, legal fees and any planning costs.
Guide for salon owners · September 2026
How much does it cost to open a tanning salon in the UK?
The equipment prices are fixed and published. Everything else depends on your unit. Here is how to build the budget.
The short answer
The sunbeds are the biggest cost. Commercial stand up sunbeds start from £5,000 + VAT and lay down sunbeds from £10,500 + VAT, with premium models from £9,000 and £18,500 + VAT. Finance from £220 + VAT per month, subject to status, reduces what you need upfront. Fit-out, electrics and ventilation come next and vary by unit.
Equipment: the numbers you can rely on
These are our starting prices. Both new and professionally reconditioned models are available.
| Sunbed type | From |
|---|---|
| Commercial stand up | £5,000 + VAT |
| Premium commercial stand up | £9,000 + VAT |
| Commercial lay down | £10,500 + VAT |
| Premium commercial lay down | £18,500 + VAT |
| Finance | From £220 + VAT per month, subject to status |
Full detail is on the commercial sunbed prices page, and lease and finance explains how to spread the cost.
Everything else to budget for
We will not invent figures for costs that depend entirely on your premises. Get quotes for each of these before you sign a lease.
Electrical work
Most commercial sunbeds need a 3-phase supply and a rotary isolator per unit. If the unit has no 3-phase, ask the network operator for a quote early. See power and ventilation.
Ventilation
Fresh air in and hot air out, ducted to suit the building. Cost depends on the route to an outside wall.
Fit-out
Cubicles or rooms, flooring, reception, lighting, signage and decoration.
Systems and stock
Salon software and a till, lotions, eyewear, cleaning products and towels.
Running the business
Insurance, staff, training, utilities and an opening marketing budget.
Three ways new owners keep the cost down
Open with fewer, better beds. Empire opened with three premium sunbeds, added a fourth after three months and is building to six. Capacity is easy to add if you plan the space and power for it.
Mix new and reconditioned. A reconditioned premium bed gives customers a high-end experience for less. See new vs reconditioned.
Finance the equipment, keep cash for the launch. The salons that struggle are usually the ones that spent everything on opening day and had nothing left for marketing.
FAQ
Opening costs: common questions
How much money do I need to start a tanning salon?
It depends on the unit and how many sunbeds you open with. Equipment starts from £5,000 + VAT for a stand up and £10,500 + VAT for a lay down, or from £220 + VAT per month on finance, subject to status. Add premises, electrics, ventilation, fit-out, software, stock, insurance and marketing.
Can I open a tanning salon with no money down on the sunbeds?
Finance can reduce the upfront cost of the equipment significantly, subject to status and approval, but you will still need working capital for the premises, fit-out and launch.
What is the most commonly missed cost?
Electrical supply. A unit without 3-phase power can cost thousands to upgrade or may not be viable at all. Check it before you sign.
How many sunbeds should a new salon open with?
Most of the new salons we work with open with three to six. Deluxe Tanning Studio opened with five and added a sixth after seven months; Empire opened with three.
Keep reading
More guides for salon owners
Guide
Sunbed salon regulations in the UK: licences, age limits and what is changing
What the law requires of a tanning salon in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, in plain English.
Guide
Are tanning salons profitable? What actually drives the numbers
Nobody can honestly promise you a figure. What we can show you is how the model works and what real customers did.
Guide
How to write a tanning salon business plan
A plan is what a finance provider, a landlord and your future self will all want to see. Here is what goes in it.
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What salon owners say
Real feedback from people who’ve bought beds, had installs and trained with Julita’s team.
“I had a pleasure to deal with j solution. Best in the business. Have few sunbeds bought and assembled by the company. Never had any issues with the equipment. They would also advise what’s new on the market. Thank you kindly”
“I’ve had a great experience working with J Solutions. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to sunbeds, lotions, and overall salon setup. From installation to training days, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. The team took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I felt confident using the equipment and products. Highly recommend J Solutions to anyone looking for reliable support, quality products, and expert guidance within the tanning industry.”
“The salon looks absolutely stunning – it’s on a completely different level. Everything feels premium and high quality, especially the tanning beds. From a staff and client perspective, the investment was 100% worth it. I also received extremely detailed and professional training on tanning, skin types and safety. The support doesn’t stop after delivery. Highly recommended.”
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