Starting a tanning bed business is not difficult for an enthusiastic and motivated individual. There is a growing demand for tanning beds as more and more cities set up tanning bed salons. Many individuals are open to purchase tanning beds, and get bronzed at home instead of venturing out in the sun or on the beaches.
One should, however, avoid getting into the manufacturing part. This is too complicated, and requires technical expertise. It is also highly capital-intensive, and the individual will need a large plot of land to set up a manufacturing unit.
A better option is to start the auction of used tanning beds. This business can be started with a capital of $10,000. You first need to purchase 3-4 reasonable quality used tanning beds. A good place to start is the classifieds columns of newspapers.
Once you have located a few sellers close to your home you need to pay them a visit. Check the condition of tanning beds, and the sale price. Make an estimate of how much it will cost to transport the bed to your home or shop, and how much you need to invest in its repair. Pay particular attention to how old the ultra-violet lamps are, and ensure that for an older unit, that particular model of lamp is still readily available.
Today, a used tanning bed can be bought for $1,000 or less, compared to a new bed which can cost $10,000 or more. Spend another $500 on its repairs, so that it looks new. Change the bulbs and the wiring, so that a customer does not return with a complaint, and if you have done your homework, you will have saved a bundle.
After the beds look nice and attractive, you need to invest in promotional activity like printing fliers, running classified advertisements in newspapers or opening a tanning beds website. You can then easily sell a bed for $2,000 to $2,500. Use the technique of "Grand Opening Specials" to get your initial customers in the door. You would be surprised at the number of people this kind of advertising will attract.
Like any retail establishment, you must have patience as it will take time to grow. Maybe you could open a combination tanning bed retailer/tanning salon, which could keep some cash flow moving with your salon customers as you wait for the retail part to catch on.