1. Market and competition
Who lives and works nearby, which salons already serve them, what equipment they run and what they charge.
Guide for salon owners · September 2026
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.
The short answer
A tanning salon business plan should cover seven things: your local market and competitors, the premises, the equipment lineup, pricing, start-up and running costs, compliance, and how you will market the salon. Two or three honest pages beat twenty pages of padding.
What to include, section by section
Use these headings. If you cannot fill one in, that is the work you still have to do.
2. Premises
Size, room layout, ceiling height, 3-phase power, ventilation route, parking, rent, rates and lease terms.
3. Equipment
How many sunbeds, which types, new or reconditioned, and why. We will help with this on a free consultation.
4. Pricing
Price per minute or per session for each bed, packages and courses, and how a premium bed fits in.
5. Costs and funding
Start-up costs, monthly running costs, and how the equipment will be funded. See opening costs.
6. Compliance
Age verification, supervision, skin typing, eyewear, records and insurance. See UK regulations.
7. Marketing
Google Business Profile, social media, opening offers, signage and referrals.
Build growth into the plan
The best plans we see do not try to open the perfect salon on day one. Equinox Tanning Studio opened with a sensible mix, upgraded to an Ergoline Prestige 1600 at seven months and a Prestige 1400 two months later. Plan the space, the power and the budget so that the next bed is easy to add.
What a finance provider will look for
If you intend to lease your sunbeds, the application is subject to status. A clear plan, a confirmed unit and realistic numbers help. Be honest about your experience: several of our customers, including the owner of Empire, had never worked in tanning before.
FAQ
Business plans: common questions
Do I need a business plan to lease sunbeds?
It is not always required, but it helps. Finance is subject to status, and a clear plan with confirmed premises shows that the business is viable.
How do I work out what to charge?
Start with what local competitors charge for comparable equipment, then set a higher price for your premium bed. Check the price still works against your running costs per session.
How detailed should the plan be?
Detailed on premises, equipment and costs, because those are the expensive decisions. Brief on everything else.
Can you help with the equipment section?
Yes. On a free consultation we will recommend a lineup for your room, power supply and budget, with prices, so that section of your plan is based on real quotes.
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
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.
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.
Talk it through
Tell us about your salon, your room and your budget
Free consultation with a supplier who installs, services and supports what it sells.
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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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