Adding tanning services can be a smart way to expand your business, increase member value, and create a new revenue opportunity. For gyms, spas, salons, med spas, wellness centers, and beauty businesses, tanning can work as a standalone service, membership upgrade, or premium amenity.
But before buying a tanning bed, it is important to think through the business model, equipment needs, space requirements, client experience, and long-term support.
This guide explains what to consider before adding tanning services to your business.
Why Businesses Add Tanning Services
Many businesses add tanning because it fits naturally with their existing client base.
A gym member may want tanning as part of their fitness and appearance routine. A spa client may see tanning as another beauty or wellness service. A salon client may want tanning before a vacation, wedding, event, or seasonal wardrobe change.
Tanning can help businesses:
- Add a new revenue stream
- Increase membership value
- Improve client retention
- Create premium service packages
- Use existing space more profitably
- Differentiate from competitors
- Offer a more complete beauty or wellness experience
For businesses that already have steady foot traffic, tanning can be a natural add-on.
What Types of Businesses Can Offer Tanning?
Commercial tanning equipment can work in several business types, including:
- Tanning salons
- Hair and beauty salons
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Med spas
- Day spas
- Wellness centers
- Hotels and resorts
- Country clubs
- Apartment or private amenities spaces
The right tanning bed depends on the business type. A compact tanning bed may work well for a gym or small salon. A premium LED tanning bed may be better for a luxury wellness center or high-end spa.
Start With Your Space
Before choosing equipment, look at your available rooms. Room size, ceiling height, electrical access, ventilation, and client flow all matter.
Some tanning beds require more space than others. Stand-up tanning booths can be useful in smaller or more compact spaces. Lay-down tanning beds may require more room but can create a more relaxing experience.
You should consider:
- Recommended room size
- Electrical requirements
- Ventilation needs
- Delivery access
- Cleaning workflow
- Client privacy
- Staff access
- Future equipment expansion
Choosing the right tanning equipment starts with knowing what your space can support.
Choose the Right Equipment Level
Not every business needs the same type of tanning bed.
A gym adding tanning as a member amenity may need a durable, efficient, easy-to-use commercial tanning bed. A spa or wellness business may want a more premium model with comfort cooling, sound, lighting, aroma, and advanced light technology.
Common equipment categories include:
- Entry-level commercial tanning beds
- Compact lay-down tanning beds
- Stand-up tanning booths
- Hybrid Light tanning beds
- Premium LED tanning beds
- High-comfort salon tanning beds
For example, Ergoline Shine 32/0 PLT may be a practical compact option for businesses adding tanning for the first time. Ergoline Elements may be better suited for businesses that want a premium LED tanning experience.
Decide How You Will Sell the Service
Before adding tanning, think about how it will be priced.
Common options include:
- Single-session pricing
- Monthly memberships
- Add-on membership upgrades
- Premium tanning packages
- Event or vacation packages
- Bundles with spa or beauty services
- Included access for higher-tier members
Gyms may use tanning as a membership upgrade. Spas may bundle tanning with beauty or wellness services. Salons may promote packages before vacations, weddings, dances, holidays, or seasonal events.
Your pricing strategy should match your equipment, business type, and client expectations.
Train Your Team
Even the best tanning equipment needs proper staff support. Your team should understand how the equipment works, how to explain session options, how to clean the room, and how to answer basic client questions.
Staff should be prepared to explain:
- Session length
- Equipment features
- Cleaning procedures
- Client instructions
- Membership options
- Upgrade opportunities
- Safety and compliance policies
The more confident your team is, the easier it will be to promote tanning services.
Promote Tanning to Existing Clients
One of the biggest advantages of adding tanning to an existing business is that you already have an audience.
Promote the service through:
- Email announcements
- Website service pages
- Google Business Profile posts
- In-location signage
- Social media
- Membership upgrade campaigns
- Front desk scripts
- Event-based promotions
- Seasonal offers
For SEO, your website should include a dedicated tanning services page that explains what you offer, who it is for, pricing or quote information, and how clients can book.
Final Thoughts
Adding tanning services to a gym, spa, salon, or wellness business can create a new revenue opportunity and improve the client experience. The key is choosing the right commercial tanning equipment for your space, client base, and business goals.
Whether you need a compact tanning bed, stand-up tanning booth, Hybrid Light model, or premium LED tanning bed, Ergoline offers commercial tanning equipment designed for professional businesses.