Tanning Franchises Information

Forget the perfect ten – the perfect tan is the look every beauty-conscious woman is striving for in the present day. But getting those limbs sun-kissed can prove problematic in an age when we are all more aware of the hazards of exposure to the sun's harmful rays. We talk about health and beauty in the same breath – but what about when becoming more beautiful might actually harm your health?

The solution to the problem is of course hardly breaking news. Women can either achieve a healthy tan via safe sun bed tanning which is the ideal way to combine pampering with monitored sun tanning protection services. Sun bed tanning industry specialists are aware of the dangers of traditional sun tanning methods and are initiating higher factor sun tan bed solutions for consumers, as well as monitoring the duration of consumer sun bed tanning, providing consumers with health warnings and protective sun goggles. (Food and Drug Administration)

Then there is the option of indoor fake spray tanning which has a more immediate effect but does not last as long as a monitored sun bed tan. Both tanning solutions contribute to a multi-million dollar industry market with a consumer base of over 28 million for sun tanning alone. See below for more interesting tanning franchise industry facts:
 

• The total number of indoor tanning facility businesses was up in 2006 averaging at 30,000
• The total number of consumers averaged at 28 million making it a very profitable market base
• The total annual revenue earnings of indoor tanning facilities was estimated at $5 billion
• According to survey statistics conducted by The American Tanning Institute "63 percent of salons reported an average single-session price of $7 or more compared to 60 percent last year; only 3 percent charged $5 or less...Additionally, lotion sales in 2007 continued to shift to the mid-range price-points with 80 percent of salons reporting that lotion salons accounted for 10 percent to 30 percent of their monthly revenues."

Source: American Tanning Institute

So, for those tempted to join a tanning franchise, the opportunities are out there – and growing by the day. 
 
Choosing your tanning franchise takes research and time. The liquid capital requirement for your franchise will average out at around $100,000, although quotes on the market suggest it could be as little as $30,000 and rise as high as $500,000. Your franchise fee should average out at around $25,000, but it's important to shop around before making a commitment.

Your franchise firm should offer financial assistance and business development support. Depending on how independent you want to be, you may choose one which offers sales training, advertising expertise and a standard business model. The Tan Company explains: "We want to ensure that we are getting the most "bang for our buck" every month, and our strategically placed marketing program guarantees this."

But if you find this hands-on approach intrusive, you might be better opting for a franchise which gives you more space to mould your own business. The room for flexibility and creativity will be greater – and so will the challenges.

Before you can get started, locating your site is critical. You'll have an idea of where you want to be based – perhaps having identified a gap in the market. But selecting a space that is functional, cheap to run and gives your customers the requisite sense of relaxation, is where expert advice comes in.

Some franchisees will choose to team up with a beautician, hairdresser or health club in a single space. This allows you to share custom, advertising jointly and promoting each other to customers coming through the door.

Whatever you decide to do, the business is in your hands. You are your own boss, and the opportunities for personal growth and career development are as limitless as your imagination.