The number one thing to remember is it costs money to start any business and the knowledge about the types of products you need to keep the business up and running.

You should do research prior to making any commitment. Talk with others that own tanning salons, it would be best to talk with someone that is not located within the same area as you are planning to open yours as they think of you as competition and not give you correct answers.

When you first look at starting a tanning salon, you will have to learn just how much room is needed to accommodate the equipment and visitors to your salon. You will have to decide if you plan to have a new building built or if you plan on renting space in a strip mall area. Either way you go, there will be construction expenses, unless you plan to purchase an already existing business. Once you have made this decision, you will have to learn about the different types of tanning beds and tanning booths. Remember, every person that visits your salon will have preference as to what they prefer. Talk with family and friends, learn what products they like to use at their favorite salon. Check out all the different brands of tanning beds and tanning booths on the market. Learn how they work, what type of lamps or bulbs they use and the cost of operating each one.

You will also have to have towels, tanning lotions, creams, and tanning clothing for some customers. All of these types of products will have to be purchased for your customers and should be on display. This will be another expense, shelving for all the items you purchased.

Staff is another big cost when starting a tanning salon unless you plan to stay at the salon from the time it opens until you close every day.

Research has shown that starting a tanning salon can cost as much as $115,000 per year. Tanning beds range in price from $750 to $10,000 according to the specifications. Rental space will be one of your major expenses, which can be around $7,000 to $35,000 per year. Added to these amounts are the miscellaneous tanning products listed above plus payroll, utilities, and replacement parts.

In some cases, if you have good credit, you maybe able to apply for a small business loan to help you start a tanning salon, however, remember the loan must be paid back and the costs of running your salon will still be there.