How to open a solarium business plan. Solarium business plan with calculations: how to open, where to start

A beautiful tan is always in fashion - winter and summer. The profitability of beauty salons is based on this. How to open your own solarium from scratch? A business plan with calculations of capital investments, income and expenses will help when starting a business from scratch.

Opening a salon that provides only tanning services is not difficult - you just need to rent a room and purchase equipment. The difficulty lies in attracting customers in a highly competitive environment. Therefore, you need to start a business by developing an interesting concept and advertising campaign.

Business plan

The first thing you need to open is to draw up a business plan for a solarium with calculations of the necessary investments and profitability:

1. Choice of concept.
2. Renting premises.
3. Business registration.
4. Purchase of equipment and materials.
5. Advertising campaign.
6. Selection of employees.
7. Economic part.

You also need to assess the risks and identify points that will have to be given special attention when conducting activities.

Concept

The services of the tanning studio are used by a small contingent - young women and men for whom it is important to look good. To expand the audience, it is beneficial for an establishment to provide a variety of related services along with a solarium. Complex procedures cost clients less, which is a competitive advantage among the mass of similar salons.

Another option for opening a solarium from scratch is to rent a room in a popular sports club, swimming pool or beauty salon, and install tanning equipment in it.

Such a startup will require little money, there is no need to spend money on advertising, the investment will pay off quickly, and the landlord will supply customers. On the other hand, the owner of a solarium becomes dependent on a partner, and in the worst case, you can lose the business along with the equipment.

If you have a large start-up capital, it is possible to open a solarium with professional, expensive equipment. However, you need to soberly assess the circle of potential clients, because the prices for services will be high. It makes sense to launch such a project in a metropolis as a separate establishment or on the basis of a health complex.

The most attractive option for a novice businessman is the first option, which includes additional services:

• and pedicure;
• cosmetology procedures and consultations;
• sale of tanning products, creams, cosmetics, cocktails.

A solarium studio, which is not limited to a narrow specialization, reaches a wide audience and does not depend on the time of year.

Room

To open a tanning studio, choose areas located near the city center or in large residential areas. Both a separate building and non-residential premises on the ground floor of an apartment building are suitable. If it is possible to inexpensively rent a point in a shopping and entertainment center, then this is the best option.

Basic requirements for the premises:

1. Ceiling height 2.6 m.
2. Electrical voltage 380 V.
3. Powerful ventilation system.
4. Availability of water supply and sewerage.

To accommodate two tanning machines, a reception area and a change house, 35-40 sq.m. is enough; other services are provided in separate rooms. Based on the range of procedures, a suitable location for opening a solarium is selected.

The salon needs to be renovated and a cozy atmosphere created with lighting, music and interior items. In the room where the equipment is located, the standards provide for tiled flooring.

Registration

A solarium as a business is subject to registration with the tax office, for which the entrepreneur registers as an individual entrepreneur or limited liability company.

To conduct business you will need the following documents:

• approvals from the SES and fire inspection;
• contracts for disinfection, deratization, garbage removal and lamp recycling;
• employee health records;
• confirmation of compliance of equipment and materials with regulatory requirements.

The work of a solarium is classified as physical education and recreation, so the staff must have an employee with a medical education.

Equipment and materials

The equipment needed to open a solarium is divided into:

1. Tanning equipment.
2. Furniture.
3. Office equipment.

The most popular are horizontal and vertical solariums with a minimum set of functions. Vertical technology has several advantages over horizontal:

• takes up less room space;
• short procedure time – up to 10 minutes;
• lack of body contact with the surface of the equipment;
• the tan goes on evenly and looks natural;
• there is no psychological discomfort in front of a confined space.

On the other hand, horizontal solariums are 2-3 times cheaper. The most inexpensive devices - for tanning specific areas of the body - are usually made in the form of a chair. The most expensive equipment additionally functions as aromatherapy, massager, music center, and sea wave simulator.

To satisfy the needs of all customers, it is better to purchase one device of each type. Experts do not recommend using used equipment, since solariums require significant maintenance and repair costs over time. When there is a large flow of visitors, the llamas in the machines must be changed frequently, otherwise the effectiveness of the procedures is reduced.

The salon needs to be furnished with:

1. Reception desk.
2. Chairs, armchairs.
3. Lockers for storing materials.
4. Clothes hanger.
5. Racks and shelves.

If the establishment provides additional cosmetology services, then the offices are equipped with appropriate interior items and instruments.

For accounting, reporting, and client records, stationery and office equipment are purchased:

• computer;
• Printer;
• telephone;
• cash machine.

Creams, milk, and spray help you get a beautiful tan. The salon may include the cost of these products in the price of the session, or sell them as a separate product. In addition, it is possible to sell cosmetics, hygiene items, health and dietary products.

To comply with sanitary requirements, detergents and disinfectants, disposable slippers, caps, napkins, and towels are required. To reduce the risk of falls and injury to visitors, a rubber or silicone mat should be placed in the solarium. Goggles are required to protect your eyes; if this is not acceptable, you should keep your eyes closed during the procedure.

Promoting your services to the market is where you need to start opening a solarium after equipping the salon with equipment and materials. Advertising does not work instantly; attracting customers takes time, during which a few visitors can be served by one employee or the entrepreneur himself.

1. Attractive exterior design.
2. Massive attack on the Internet sector: creation of a website, groups on social networks, banners, mailings, forums.
3. Video on television.
4. Advertisements in newspapers, magazines, on radio, in transport, on banners and billboards.
5. Distribution of business cards, flyers, booklets.
6. Promotional offers on the eve of the holidays, discounts for regular customers, services “in a package”.
7. An attractive slogan, for example, in winter: “Start looking stunning now!”

Staff

Until the solarium gains popularity, an administrator or consultant and a cleaner are enough to serve clients. If a businessman is limited in funds, then he can perform all functions independently. With a constant flow of visitors, to work in shifts 7 days a week you will need:

• 2 administrators for recording, accounting and general management of the salon;
• 2 solar consultants for direct communication with clients, determining skin type, conducting tanning sessions, instructing on the use of equipment;
• 2 cleaners.

If the salon provides other services, you will need to hire specialists in manicure, pedicure, massage therapist, and cosmetologist.

Economic calculations

To find out how much it costs to open a solarium, you need to create an estimate of the initial investment, income and expenses. Investments in a salon project with a minimum range of services and with a wide range will differ several times. For example, calculations are made for a simple solarium with one vertical and one horizontal apparatus.

To start the project you need to pay the following expenses:

Fixed business expenses per year are:

Annual income planning is based on average market prices and attendance of solariums:

Additional revenue for the salon comes from the sale of cosmetics and skin care products - another 200,000 rubles. Total earnings are 2,144,000 rubles, minus expenses - 874,000 rubles. arrived. Investments in business will pay off in 10-12 months of activity.

It makes sense to spend the funds raised in the second year on expanding the project - opening a network of the same type of solariums or beauty salons of a higher level.

Video: how to open a solarium - review.

Underwater rocks

Tanning studio owners pay attention to the seasonality of their business. The peak time for people wanting to get into beautiful shape is in spring and early summer - it is at this time that it is most profitable to open a business. Then the competition comes from natural conditions for the production of melanin, and in the fall and winter the vital activity of many people is reduced, which negatively affects the income of solariums.

The second important point is the need to carefully observe safety precautions, instruct staff and clients, and change lamps in a timely manner. Many people have heard about the health risks of artificial tanning, so the more positive and open information that is provided to clients, the better. Modern equipment, when used correctly, is harmless, comfortable and effective.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

The solarium has become quite a popular pleasure, especially among women, so the idea of ​​opening a solarium can safely be called successful. And as in any business, this type of service will require certain resources and proper business registration.
Where to start preparing to open a business in this service sector? By calculating the necessary costs.

Tanning is actually much more than just offering people a tan. This is a beauty industry business that must satisfy all the customer's needs with this in mind.

It is necessary to purchase equipment and materials for your tanning salon that are safe and effective. Your tanning studio should look stylish, but at the same time, satisfy all sanitary rules.

The solarium serves those who want to tan in the safest possible way. Now the ozone layer is thinning, the sun's rays are becoming more and more dangerous.

In addition, many people are too busy to lie on beach chairs or do not live in climates that are conducive to tanning, except in the summer. However, many people want to tan all year round, which means your business can be successful.

This business requires significant start-up capital to purchase the necessary equipment. You can, of course, buy used equipment, but you still need to purchase new tanning lamps.

Additionally, you need to invest in advertising for your business from the very beginning until residents know that your tanning studio is open and ready to help anyone interested in getting a beautiful tan.

Before opening a solarium, you need to evaluate your capabilities and think about which tanning studio option is best for you.

There are two main options for opening a solarium:

1. Simplified version

If it so happens that the starting capital is very limited, then you can open a budget version. Purchasing a simple tanning bed will cost approximately $3,600, while the monthly profit will be approximately $600. That is, already in the first six months of activity you can fully return the money invested in equipment.

2. Full solarium.

This already implies significantly higher costs than in the first option, however, the expected profit will be significantly higher. For a solarium of this level you will need a fairly large room, since a wide range of services will be provided: vertical and horizontal solariums, machines for tanning individual parts of the body.

Professional grade tanning equipment will require an investment of approximately $8,000.

Problems that you will have to solve

• Helping clients prepare for tanning sessions
• Consulting clients on post-tanning care
• Solarium services
• Purchase of tanning equipment and components

Opening hours

Finding a place for a solarium

In order not to experience a crisis with the number of visitors, it is best to open a solarium either outside the territory of health centers, spa swimming pools, fitness centers, or in close proximity to them.

Providing solarium services in remote areas of the city only makes sense if you are proud and have large residential areas on the outskirts. In this case, residents of the area will be happy to go to the solarium, to which they do not have to travel far. If the population of the city is small, then the distant quarters of the city are extremely undesirable for opening this business.

Recruitment

Here it is worth knowing the fact that solarium workers have the name of their profession - solar consultants. The essence of the work of solar consultants is not only to meet clients with a pleasant smile and put them on equipment, but also to assess the condition and type of skin, select an individual tanning program and advise on what cosmetics to use after solarium.

Of course, solarium employees must have a sense of tact and ethics in communicating with clients. Simply put, you need a high level of service and service in general. The client should have positive emotions after visiting the salon, then he will definitely come again. In the service industry, the emotions that the client receives are the main component of success.

Necessary equipment

The more equipment presented in the tanning studio, the better. Of course, if the budget is limited, it will not be possible to purchase the full range of necessary equipment, but the fact remains that the wider the range of services, the more clients.
What equipment will you need for a full range of solarium services?

1. Vertical solarium

This equipment is in greatest demand among visitors. The vast majority of clients want to tan while standing. The advantages of a vertical solarium are that it does not require much space to be placed in the cabin, but the obvious disadvantage is the high price - from 5 to 11 thousand dollars.

2. Horizontal solarium

This type of solarium is much more affordable than the vertical one (from 2.5 thousand dollars), but also less popular. In any case, there will be clients who prefer a horizontal tan. Although there will be fewer such people.

3. Solariums for tanning specific areas of the body

The cost of such equipment can range from $150 and above. You can, of course, purchase used equipment, but if you want to positively establish yourself, then it is better not to skimp on the quality of services.

Opening a solarium is a fairly profitable business that, on average, pays off within a year. Plus, if you have free space, you can allocate space for a herbal cafe and make money by selling teas, freshly squeezed juices and other similar goods.

The main thing is not to forget that in our time of severe competition, the leaders in the service market are determined by the service. Give people a high level of service and they will become your regular customers.

Required Start-Up Equipment and Materials:

• Computer
• Printer
• Cell Phones
• Web site
• Solarium
• Washer and dryer
• Towels
• Sunscreens
• After-sun care products
• Protective glasses
• Stationery
• Office equipment
• Accounting software

Additional equipment: – equipment that you can purchase as soon as your business begins to operate stably:

• Additional and new tanning products
• Stereo systems for every room
• Cold and hot drinks
• Tanning oils, creams, lotions, etc.

Monthly expenses:

• Wage
• Telephone/cell phone
• Access to the Internet
• Advertising/Marketing
• Electricity (high consumption)
• Communal payments
• Renting premises

• Learn as much as you can about industry trends. Study your competitors, particularly their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine your competitive advantages. In other words, it will help you understand what you can give your customers that they are not getting from other businesses.
• Visit a few local tanning salons and see how they work. Write down what you liked or didn't like about their business.

Pros and cons of opening a solarium

• It is accessible to many people and therefore in demand
• This business can easily be expanded to include beauty and health products, professional cosmetics

Minuses :

• Some clients may experience side effects from UV rays
• This business must work more hours than most other companies to be successful.

How to attract clients

Finding customers for your tanning salon requires ongoing advertising expenses. You can buy expensive advertising on television, in specialized magazines, if you can afford it.

But you can also try cheaper advertising in other places, including notices, flyers informing people about your new tanning salon, offering special offers to attract new customers.

You should distribute flyers in places where there are target customers for your business. These include beauty salons, fitness clubs and retail stores of cosmetics and perfumes.

Although there are already many tanning salons, more and more people are finding that they don't have time to get a tan outdoors, so there is still a lot of opportunity for this business.

Gone are the days of aristocratic pallor. Tanning is in fashion! Therefore, if you decide to open a solarium, a continuous flow of visitors is guaranteed. With one-time costs, the income will be daily. To create your own business from scratch, you should develop a business plan for a tanning studio.

Types of solariums

Classification of types of solariums occurs according to the following criteria:

• cabin design;
• purpose.

By design:

According to their purpose, solariums are:

1. Domestic;

2. Professional (studio).

Homemade They are a simple device without multiple functions. Minimum power. This is more of a solarium not for a full tan, but for maintaining a light skin tone. At the same time, the cost is quite high.

Professional units are powerful units designed for many hours of continuous use. They are placed in public places: sports complexes, beauty studios, salons. They are equipped with modern functions and are absolutely safe for humans.

Room

First , what is needed to open a solarium – choose the right area. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Service puts forward clear requirements for the premises of a tanning studio. According to new legislative amendments, solariums can be placed in basements and in shopping centers, on the first and basement floors of residential buildings (provided there is an isolated entrance and the presence of an exhaust hood). It is allowed to install booths in nail salons if the area is at least 9 m2. These meters also include the administrator's reception. Minimum dimensions – 3 m2. This is quite enough to install one device. The air temperature should not exceed +24C.

In addition to sanitary standards, placement is important relative to traffic and customer flow. Decide on the orientation of your solarium business idea. If these are students or working people, consider shopping centers, fitness clubs near universities and educational institutions.

A tanning studio involves a separate room with several devices, preferably of different types. If you want to start a business with one, the ideal option would be to sublease on the territory of a developed complex.

Selection of equipment and consumables

This is the most expensive investment if you consider a solarium as a business. No matter what equipment you buy, A quality certificate is required. It will be a guarantee of security for clients and inspection authorities. It is more profitable to contact an official dealer of a major brand. Such companies and representatives provide a guarantee, free service and setup.

The first thing worth noting is that you cannot save on the device and buy used equipment. Doubtful savings are dangerous to health. An outwardly attractive shell can contain a lot of problems.

In addition to purchasing the device itself, lamp replacement is required periodically. They provide an effective tan. The task of lamp manufacturers is to combine safe rays to launch natural synthesis processes in the skin and obtain a beautiful skin tone.

The most famous manufacturers: Ultrasun, Megasun, Dr. Kern Tandome. The choice directly depends on the future format of the business. If you expect openings studios tanning, choose elite, expensive solariums; if it is a budget salon with one device, and there are no competitors, you can start with a simple option, and over time move up to a higher class.

In addition to equipment, before opening a tanning studio, it is important to take care of accessories and consumables:

• Hair cap (a disposable cap made of cotton material reliably protects hair from drying out).
• Stikini (stickers with a reflective effect. They are designed to protect the delicate skin of the nipples and moles).
• Eye glasses (reliably protect the retina from UV radiation).
• Stickers for the eyes (individual stickers with a reflective effect).
• Disposable slippers.
• Rugs (for vertical solariums).

Many clients love special cosmetics: tanning creams with bronzer, protective, moisturizing, etc.

Staff

If you want to open a tanning studio from scratch, choose the right staff. Employees are the face of the company. Give preference to attractive girls under 35 years old. Some employers stipulate in the employment contract a mandatory visit to the solarium. Employees' skin should be healthy and have a beautiful color.

A prestigious establishment with 4 devices requires:

1. 2 administrators (in shifts);
2. Operator:
3. Cleaning woman.

The administrator and consultant can combine responsibilities. The operator activates the device, sets the session time, and carries out disinfection after the visitor. The administrator is responsible for cash discipline, sells additional goods, accepts applications, and advises clients.

Business registration and necessary permits

Of course, you need to start a business with documents. First, you need to choose a form of ownership: . Lawyers argue that it is more profitable and easier for small businesses to open an individual entrepreneur. If you and your colleagues are going to organize a large network, choose an LLC. Individual entrepreneurs’ reporting does not cause any great difficulties; the state provides benefits and simplified systems. Liquidation of individual entrepreneurship is faster and less costly in terms of finances.

When preparing documents, OKVED for this type of activity is 93.04. At the moment, solariums are recognized as household services and are subject to a Patent. No additional licenses are required. After this, registration of the cash register, permission from the SES, and fire inspection are required. Before renting a premises, invite a sanitary service employee to assess the proposed premises. This service is provided free of charge.

Financial calculations

To understand whether it is profitable to open a solarium or not, you need to realize that this is a seasonal business. In spring there is high demand, in winter the figures are lower. Average results in July, August, September.

Correctly established pricing policy for your studio’s services is an important task. There are different prices for different types of solariums. On average, from 15 to 30 rubles per minute of visit. Pay attention to competitors in your area.

Profitability depends on the number of devices:

• for one – from 9 months to 1.2 years;
• more than 3 – from 10 months to 1.6 years.

The average price for a turbo solarium is 8,000 euros. The cost of 1 minute is 0.5 euros. In low season, 6 sessions per day for 10 minutes, the cost per day is approximately 30 euros. For a month – 900 euros. Main monthly expense items:

• staff salary 100-200 euros;
• rent from 100 euros;
• electricity – 50 euros;
• Internet, communication – 10 euros;
• tax payment – ​​100 euros.

Total monthly expenses are 560 euros.

Lamps are replaced every 6 months. This is approximately 600 euros. Therefore, the income for the year will be 4080 euros. This is in the worst case scenario. The payback for one powerful unit will occur in 2 years.

All calculations directly depend on the form of business organization. But it is already clear that the benefits of “artificial sun” are undeniable. It makes no difference whether the future enterprise is located in a large or small city. Will it be a premium studio or an economy option for residential areas. All the same, this business is doomed to success.

Use the Rubitime online recording CRM system: the service will help you analyze the performance of your business and interact productively with your clients.

Most Russian regions are located in mid-latitudes and suffer from a lack of sunlight. This explains the high demand for artificial ultraviolet light, because in modern solariums you can get a quick, intense tan without harm to health. Even in Miami there are about 100 studios - after all, the sun is more harmful to the skin than high-quality solar lamps. They are equipped with filters that reflect aggressive rays of spectrum C and dose rays of spectrum B and A.

In large cities, there is one solarium per 10-15 thousand residents (the service is often provided by fitness centers, beauty salons, and beauty parlors). There is an annual market expansion of 30%. Many tanning studios require pre-registration.

The simplest way to enter a niche is to buy professional equipment (about $8 thousand), enter into an agreement with a salon and install the device there. A vertical unit will require about 5.5 m². Profit is usually divided in half, the payback period is 1 year.

A more detailed business plan for a solarium is given below.

Which solariums are better?

There are horizontal and vertical solariums. Horizontal ones have a gentle effect; you can lie in them without turning on the lamps at face level. The disadvantages include an uneven tan. Usually the sides don't tan well - you have to constantly change your body position. To achieve the desired effect, it is visited more often.

The tan goes on faster in a vertical position. To ensure an even shade, a person raises his hands or constantly moves. Modern equipment is equipped with elevator lamps and an aroma system.

Subtypes of solariums:

• Turbo solarium. It has a cooling ventilation system, which promotes quick tanning (as in windy weather).
• Sitting. Designed for hands, décolleté and face. High power lamps provide quick results.
• Collagen. The skin is exposed to blue and red lamps with a healing effect. Blue ones destroy pathogenic microorganisms, red ones stimulate cell renewal. As a result, metabolism is activated, toxins are eliminated, collagen and elastane are produced.
• Studio (professional solarium).

There are salons that offer instant tanning. It does not involve exposure to ultraviolet light - a bronzer lotion and a turbine (or compressor) spray are applied to the skin. The method is 100% safe.

If you have already decided what type of solarium you will open, it’s time to think about what you need to open a tanning studio from scratch.

Documentation

A solarium as a business does not require a license, which simplifies registration.

Required package of documents:

• organizational and legal documents (for LLC or individual entrepreneur);
• permission from Rospotrebnadzor;
• permission from the sanitary and epidemiological station;
• production control program;
• documents for cash register equipment;
• concluded contracts for disinfection, disinfestation, deratization;
• lamp recycling agreement.

Please indicate OKVED code 93.04 (physical education and recreational activities). The staff must have at least one specialist with a medical education.

Room

It does not matter where the premises are located - in the center or in a residential area. The main conditions are a developed transport interchange and distance from competitors. It is desirable that there is access to the main street - then the target audience will quickly find the salon. The location of beauty salons, sports centers, shopping and entertainment complexes nearby will be a plus.

A spacious and dry room is required, with good ventilation, a temperature not exceeding +25° and a humidity not exceeding 80%. Area - at least 25 m², optimally - 40-50 m². You will need to organize a power supply of 350 Watts. Decorate your interior in a modern style. It is important that the client feels as comfortable and comfortable as possible in the salon.

Businessmen often rent space from owners of beauty salons, hair salons and fitness centers, which allows both parties to attract more clients.

Equipment

Mandatory steps at the stage of equipping a solarium:

• drawing up a layout of equipment;
• equipment purchase;
• examination.

You can buy either a new or used solarium. Used devices are 30-50% cheaper. This is $2.5-4 thousand. New prices range from 5 to 8 thousand dollars. For the salon to fully operate, you need at least 2 solariums.

The best option is vertical solariums. 90% of clients use them. They require less space, so they can serve more people. Horizontal devices are cheaper, but not as popular.

It is important to have devices for tanning individual parts of the body: face and décolleté, shoulders and back, arms, legs.

Lamps are changed every 400-500 hours of operation.

The higher quality the tanning equipment, the lower the health risks for the client. Modern devices produce radiation that is indistinguishable from the sun in terms of the quality of its impact. The opportunity to get a natural tan will attract customers.

Staff

Solarium employees who communicate with visitors are called solar consultants. In most solariums, they perform administrative functions - meeting clients, escorting them to the treatment room, and handling cash transactions. But their main tasks are to provide information about the features of artificial tanning and skin care methods, determine the client’s skin type, and select the type of tan. Solariums often sell cosmetics for tanning and care, and a solar consultant helps you choose the optimal product.

The work of employees is usually organized in 2 shifts. The establishment has no days off.

Base staff:

• 2 solar consultants;
• 1 manager;
• cleaning woman;

If there is free time and experience, the owner can take on the responsibilities of a manager. For accounting, it is better to turn to outsourcing.

Advertising

No matter how high-quality your solarium is, without an effective marketing policy, its payback will take years. Think about this point when drawing up a business plan for a tanning studio.

• Signboard. This is the beginning of the beginning. The more attractive it is, the more people will want to look inside.

• Flyers - for distribution on the street, in shopping centers, metro crossings. Design is also important here. An image of a beautiful, tanned girl or guy on high-quality paper with a “juicy” call to action is the ideal solution.
• Announcement in the media. The method is no longer so relevant, but in sparsely populated regions it can work.
• Advertising on the Internet (own website, ads on forms, social networks). Focus on the advantages of your solarium: safety, modern equipment, natural tanning.
• Mutual PR with other enterprises. For example, in your salon you place an advertisement for a nearby hairdresser, and the hairdresser has flyers for your solarium.

Profitability and payback of a solarium: plan with calculations

A solarium is profitable when calculating 15-20 clients per tanning machine per day. A minute costs from 10 to 15 rubles. This is 250-600 rubles per client (including the use of cosmetics).

A ready-made business plan for a solarium with calculations assumes the following starting expenses:

Monthly costs:

Expense item (weekly)	Amount (in rub.)
Renting premises
Wage
Communal payments So is it profitable or not to open a solarium? Solarium services are seasonal, the peak period is March-April. In October and November, demand drops significantly. This is the first problem. The second pitfall is high rental rates (in the center, rent can cost $100/m²) and high fees for energy consumption (if many tanning machines are used). The situation is being resolved by expanding the range of services. The situation in the industry is favorable for the entry of new players. Provided you use advanced equipment, impeccable service, a competent advertising strategy, the introduction of additional services (herbal bar, sale of cosmetics, manicure, pedicure, massage), as well as a loyalty system with promotions and discount cards, your salon will almost certainly be visited and will pay for itself in a little more than six months.

At every step you can meet someone's small business. , tanning studios, and just ordinary hairdressers are in every district of the city. Sometimes their concentration reaches the point of absurdity: a couple of salons in one building.

I think everyone has wondered: “Is it profitable to open something like this if the market is already oversaturated? After all, competition in this area is very high.” Your story of opening a tanning studio with a magazine Reconomica Ekaterina Krylova shared.

Why I decided to open a tanning business

Currently I live in the city of Krasnoyarsk. At the time of starting my first business, in 2008, I was 22 years old, I was finishing university and planning to develop my own tanning studio, but, unfortunately, the business had to be closed two years after opening. Read below about why I decided to try myself in this business, about all the subtleties and difficulties that I encountered while working.

Tanning craze as a reason to make money

At the end of the 2000s, the craze for tanning in solariums reached its peak. It was just boom!

My friends and I went to the neighboring house almost every day, where there was a small tanning studio. Coming once again to sunbathe and observing a decent queue of people eager to give their skin a bronze tint, I mentally calculated the approximate costs of opening such a business and was inspired by the idea.

Moreover, a friend of a friend of a friend of mine personally knew the owner of this studio, and according to rumors, during the year of work this same owner made a profit, which also fueled my desire to try myself in this business.

Tanning studio business plan

In parallel with writing my thesis, I was drawing up a business plan for opening my own tanning studio.

I planned to open a budget studio, the quality of tanning would not be inferior to expensive ones. It was supposed to save money on the design of the premises and hired employees, since I planned to work there as an administrator, an accountant, and a cleaner myself.

Should you choose a vertical or horizontal solarium for business?

Due to limited funds, I decided to buy one solarium cabin first. Having studied the fairly extensive solarium market on the Internet (thanks to those who invented it!), my choice fell on a vertical model of medium power at an acceptable price for me of 170 thousand rubles with delivery.

Since I am very skeptical about loans, I saved 150 thousand rubles, the rest of the money was borrowed from friends, acquaintances and strangers. I swore to everyone that I would start returning the money from the first profit, and that’s what we agreed on.

Individual entrepreneur registration

So, when everything was planned and I was ready to organize my first business, things were set in motion. The first thing I started with, having previously studied the information on the Internet, was. Having gone to the tax office for a consultation in advance, on day “X” I came fully armed, namely with a full package of documents.

On the way from the stop to the tax office, at least five times I was offered help with registering an individual entrepreneur, LLC - or even a closed joint stock company - for a completely symbolic amount.

But in reality there is nothing wrong with registration, the procedure goes very quickly and soon you will be given the coveted certificate! The most difficult thing for me, I think, was deciding on the OKVED code.

It is important to register an individual entrepreneur or other legal entity.

Finding a room for a solarium and arranging it

Inspired by the success of registering my individual entrepreneur, I enthusiastically began searching for suitable premises. Determined, I looked through all the real estate sites in the city, but day by day my fuse faded, and I couldn’t find anything worthwhile on my own.

I had to contact them, and this was the first unplanned expense for me. After visiting a couple of unsuitable premises, I finally found a room that suited me.

The room with an area of ​​16 square meters was located on the first non-residential floor of an apartment building. To get into the tanning studio, you had to tell the administrator where you were going and walk through a confusing labyrinth of corridors to the very end. In key places in the corridor I hung signs in the form of an arrow and the name of the tanning studio, otherwise you simply wouldn’t be able to get to the studio.

Rent price

Renting the premises at that time cost about 16 thousand rubles, the first and last months were paid immediately. Additionally, I had to pay the realtor a fee in the amount of monthly rent.

Before signing the contract, I carried out reconnaissance of the area: the premises were located in a residential area not far from the city center, opposite there was a technical school, which gave hope to young students who wanted to sunbathe, in the neighboring house there was a beauty salon with a solarium, but this solarium was not particularly popular enjoyed it.

High human traffic will be a big plus.

Self-repair

I did some minor cosmetic repairs in the rented space: I painted the walls and changed the blinds. A partition was also installed that divided the room into two zones: the one where the solarium was installed, and the entrance zone.

In the entrance area, I installed a rack for displaying samples of cosmetics and related products, a sofa, a TV, a reception desk, and a hanger. In the area where the solarium was installed, there was the apparatus itself, a large mirror hanging, a floor fan, a dressing table, a trash can, and a couple of posters adorned the wall. Of all the things listed, I bought a sofa for 7 thousand rubles. The mirror, fan and dressing table together cost about 5 thousand rubles.

Problem with sockets

Most of the tanning beds we reviewed, including mine, were powered by a 380-watt outlet. In the rented premises there were only 220 W sockets. So, before concluding a lease agreement, I agreed with the administration of the premises on the possibility of installing an additional 380 W outlet. The administration of the premises gave its approval and sent electricians.

As a result, for 30 thousand rubles and a day of work, I was given a new outlet. This was my second unplanned expense. More precisely, these expenses were planned, but in a much smaller amount.

You should also pay attention to the fact that the lamps in the device have a certain expiration date and must be completely replaced after the specified hours have expired, otherwise they begin to emit harmful radiation. At that time, a set of lamps with installation cost about 40 thousand rubles.

How to attract clients to a new solarium

While organizing my own business, I also managed to serve as a creative director. I independently developed the general concept of the tanning studio, I came up with a sonorous name and a beautiful sign, developed a layout for business cards and subscriptions, as well as a discount system.

Watch an interesting video about typical mistakes in this type of business.

Bonuses and other goodies for clients

Guests of the studio could sunbathe either one-time for 13 rubles per minute, or purchase a subscription for any number of minutes, in which case the cost of a minute of tanning was cheaper by a ruble. For clients who came to the cold solarium, I always added two minutes of tanning for free in order to preheat the solarium.

Additionally, I sold a variety of “before and after tanning” creams and oils in various price categories, stickies and caps. There were always free cotton pads and makeup remover milk, rolls of paper towels and wet wipes on the dressing table. After each client, it was necessary to wipe the tanning booth with an antiseptic solution, in my case it was “Alaminol”. All consumables were purchased from the same organization where the solarium was purchased.

The studio's opening hours were from 10:00 to 20:00. In some cases, by prior agreement with the client, I could open earlier, but could not close later, since the entire office complex where I rented the premises was open until 20:00.

It is worth noting that throughout my work I have not had any inspections from supervisory authorities. In the room, in the corner at the entrance, a fire extinguisher given to me by the administration was gathering dust.

The advertisement is engine of the trade

• by prior agreement with the administration of the premises, an advertising banner with the name of the tanning studio and telephone number was hung on the façade of the house;
• Advertising leaflets with a promotion like “come with this coupon and get a 50% discount on your first tan” were produced, which were distributed to mailboxes in the surrounding area;
• the same flyers were given to a girl promoter, who handed them out not far from the tanning studio (by the way, the girl handed them out haphazardly, threw some away, hid some in her bag, but when she came to collect her wages, she was caught doing poor quality work) ;
• 1000 business cards were printed for 650 rubles, plus a layout for 300 rubles. Business cards were on the reception desk in the studio and on the reception desk throughout the office complex.

Seasonality of business is a minus

Peak tanning activity occurs in spring. There were also many people who wanted to sunbathe before big holidays: New Year, school graduation, etc. I started my business in the fall with the expectation that, firstly, everyone’s summer tan would gradually begin to fade, and crowds of people would flock to me to maintain their bronze skin tone, and secondly, that by the season they will know about me in all nearby areas.

As a result, in the off-season months there was barely enough money for rent, small advertising and the purchase of consumables. During the season, things went better and I managed to completely pay off my debts, but I never saw the expected profit. During the summer months, as you can imagine, the solarium is usually completely silent. Due to a completely dire situation, I negotiated with the owners of the rented premises and agreed to reduce the rent for three summer months.

Regarding hot weather outside, I have the following very important note: when the tanning bed is running, the air in the room gets very hot very quickly. So in the summer heat, neither a switched-on fan nor a wide-open window saved me and my clients from the hellish heat in the room, for this reason, for comfortable operation of the tanning studio, it is necessary to install an air conditioner.

Difficult choice

In the middle of work, trying to somehow improve my situation, I rented out part of the premises for 5 thousand rubles a month. And yet, two years after starting work, I decided to sell my tanning studio.

Working for the sake of working does not bring joy.

The debts were paid, which no longer burdened me financially, but I also did not receive the expected profit.

When I opened the solarium, the peak of the artificial tanning craze had passed and demand had sharply declined. More and more information began to appear in the media that excessive tanning is harmful to health, that tanning is especially dangerous for people with a large number of moles, that “all these tans of yours” lead to the formation of skin cancer. So the number of clients who came to me to sunbathe was half the number I expected.

Ahead were three summer months of complete calm and a quick replacement of all the lamps in the device. I sold my business not as a business, but as a solarium, plus unsold consumables as a gift. The furniture went under the hammer, the remaining change went around the world. After two years of work, I sold the solarium for 135 thousand rubles. As a result, I wasn’t in the red, but I wasn’t a big plus either; in two years of work, I worked to zero.

Conclusions - why my business failed and what mistakes should be avoided

From my business history of organizing a tanning studio I can highlight the following points:

1. The room where the solarium is located must have a flow of fresh air and air conditioning., without which, in warm weather, the room becomes simply indescribably hot.
2. After turning off the solarium, always ensure that the client leaves the cabin. There are frequent cases when people in an unventilated room in the heat lost consciousness in a solarium booth. Fortunately, I didn’t have such cases.
3. My ad wasn't working. At all. Maybe the reason lay in the disgusting organization of the advertising campaign by me personally, and it was worth hiring professionals for this work. But the budget was extremely limited, and almost no one ever came with leaflets. Usually people came for the first time with phrases like: “But my friend has been coming to you for a month and she is so tanned” or “My neighbor, Baba Klava, highly recommends you.” So word of mouth sometimes works better than low-quality advertising.
4. Be very responsible when choosing premises. A creepy woman worked for us as an administrator, from whom all my clients shied away and, as if during an interrogation, answered the question: “Where are you going?” Towards the end of my work, a notorious local poultry farm began renting the space next to me, which left my studio constantly smelling of rotten meat. I suspect that this terrible smell was one of the compelling reasons for my decision to sell the business.
5. Ideally, there will be a sink in the room where the tanning booth is installed.. Because, you see, washing off makeup with a cotton pad in front of the dressing table is not very convenient.
6. And finally, an immutable truth that works not only in the matter of organizing your own business. When planning, you should include about 30% in your budget for unforeseen expenses.