New vs reconditioned sunbeds: which is right for your salon?
Both have a place on a salon floor. The question is which bed, in which room, at which stage of the business.
New sunbeds give you the latest technology, the strongest customer appeal and the longest life ahead of them. Professionally reconditioned sunbeds put a premium brand on your floor for less. Most growing salons use both, and upgrade room by room.
Side by side
A fair comparison, from a supplier that sells both.
| New | Professionally reconditioned | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Technology | Latest features, hybrid and LED options | Proven models from recent generations |
| Customer appeal | Strongest, and a marketing story in itself | Strong if presented well |
| Best for | Your premium room, your flagship price point | Adding capacity, mid-range rooms, opening on a budget |
| Finance | Available, subject to status | Available, subject to status |
What professional reconditioning means
Reconditioned is not the same as used. When Glow Tanning & Beauty rebranded, we carried out an extensive clean and refurbishment of the sunbeds they kept, including preparation and repainting of external components. Once rebuilt and reassembled, the machines had a completely refreshed appearance that matched the newly refurbished salon.
A sunbed bought privately from a marketplace comes with none of that, and with no one to install, commission or service it.
How salons mix the two
Equinox opened with basic and mid-range units and upgraded twice within nine months. megaTan moved an existing Ergoline Excellence 800 into a new salon, ran it for six months, then part exchanged it for a megaSun P9S. Your existing equipment is an asset, and part exchange keeps its value working for you.
New vs reconditioned: common questions
Are reconditioned sunbeds reliable?
A professionally reconditioned commercial sunbed from a supplier that also services it is a sound choice. The risk lies in buying unseen from a private seller with no support.
Can I part exchange my old sunbeds?
Yes. Glow Tanning & Beauty part exchanged four existing sunbeds against two new megaSun units, and megaTan part exchanged an Excellence 800 for a P9S.
Should a new salon buy new or reconditioned?
Often both: a new or premium bed as the flagship, with reconditioned beds alongside. It gives customers a reason to upgrade and keeps the opening budget under control.
How much cheaper are reconditioned sunbeds?
It depends on the model and its age. Our commercial lay down sunbeds start from £10,500 + VAT and stand ups from £5,000 + VAT, with new and reconditioned options. Ask for a quote on a specific model.
More guides for salon owners
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.
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.
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.
Tell us about your salon, your room and your budget
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Book free consultationWhat 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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