How to Start a Thriving Spray Tan Business in 90 Days

Why Start a Spray Tan Business in 2025?

The sunless tanning industry continues to grow each year. These days, it’s not just a trend: it’s a smart business move. Whether you’re craving a flexible schedule, want to work in beauty, or are simply ready to be your own boss, 2025 is the perfect time to learn how to start your own spray tan business.

The Rise of Sunless Tanning: Trends, Profitability & Demand

The spray tanning industry's popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years, and it’s now projected to reach over $2.3 billion by 2030.

More and more clients are becoming interested in choosing sunless options, both for safety and convenience. These options help to avoid UV exposure, premature aging, skin cancer, and other risks that typically come from tanning beds or outdoor sunbathing.

In addition, the ease of a quick, flawless tan in under 30 minutes makes spray tanning appealing for busy professionals, brides, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday beauty seekers alike.

So is a spray tan business profitable? With low overhead, repeat business potential, and fast setup, starting a spray tan business can be a highly profitable (and highly enjoyable) move for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Who This Guide Is For

We’ve crafted this guide for anyone ready to take the leap. This includes beauty professionals expanding their service menu, recent cosmetology grads, and entrepreneurs who want a business with low startup costs and high return potential.

Whether you’re going mobile, setting up a home studio, or dreaming of your own salon, this step-by-step roadmap is perfect for you.

Now, let’s explore how to start a spray tan business in just 90 days, beginning with week one.

Identify Your Ideal Client & Research Your Local Market

Future success begins with understanding who you’re serving. Before launching, research your local area to identify spray tan demand.

Check out nearby salons, pricing, and client demographics. Are you targeting busy professionals, students, brides, or a different group entirely? Knowing this information helps shape your brand and even location decisions.

In other words, market research is essential when learning how to start a spray tan business that truly meets local needs.

Pick Your Business Model: Mobile, Studio, or Hybrid

Your setup defines your daily operations and service strategy, so you must establish your ideal business model.

Many new owners researching how to start a mobile spray tan business prefer it for its lower startup costs and flexible scheduling. Studios, on the other hand, offer more consistency and branding control.

A hybrid setup combines location and mobility for wider reach, allowing you the benefits of both mobile and studio setups.

You should choose a business model that aligns with your target client and market gaps and what’s best for your budget and lifestyle.

Common Mistake: Skipping Research

During the first week of setting up your spray tan business, it’s common to focus more on equipment and branding before confirming enough local demand.

While we understand that setting up your space is exciting, not doing research can significantly slow growth and lead to wasted investment time.

Here’s what to do, instead: Spend your first week gathering real data. Write down all local pricing, read competitor reviews, and talk to potential clients about what they’re looking for in a service, and what they think is missing in the area. Then, use that insight to shape your service menu, pricing, and branding with purpose.

Why Training Matters: Inside Norvell’s Certification Program

Proper training builds technical expertise and client trust, positioning your business above untrained competitors. When choosing a certification, it’s wise to look for a program that provides ongoing support to help you grow long after the initial class is over.

Norvell University delivers self-paced online courses, live workshops, and one-on-one academy sessions. Our Core Sunless beginner program covers color theory, spray-gun technique, solution prep, and equipment care, leaving you feeling confident and prepared.

Once you complete this training, you’ll earn an industry-recognized certificate and unlock advanced training like contouring and business techniques. Our graduates often tell us that the practical tips and hands-on nature of the training are what truly build their confidence, leaving them feeling fully prepared to serve their clients. This added confidence is invaluable when building up your business.

Create a Smart Spray Tan Business Plan

A solid business plan details your goals, target client, pricing, projected revenue, expenses, and startup costs. Include strategies for mobile or in-studio operations, marketing, and cash flow.

Drawing from the tanning salon business plan concept, ensure your plan highlights client acquisition, pricing tiers, and baseline revenue targets. Then, you can use this plan to guide business decisions and measure progress as you build a successful spray tan business.

Licenses, Insurance & Compliance: What You Actually Need

You’ll typically register your business (sole proprietorship, LLC) and apply for local permits. You may also need a mobile unit or salon shop license (but this varies by city/state).

When learning how to start a spray tan business, you’ll quickly see that insurance is critical. General liability begins at around $96/year for protection during spray sessions and mobile work. Some states also require $100K in bodily injury coverage for licenses.

If you hire help, workers’ comp and professional liability also apply.

Common Mistake: Underestimating Startup Planning

Many entrepreneurs get so excited that they make the mistake of buying their full setup and trying to spray clients before finalizing their business plan and certifications. This creates cash flow issues and stalls growth.

Here’s what to do, instead: Allocate these three weeks to solidify every foundational element. This includes completing Norvell certification, writing a detailed business plan, registering your business, and securing proper insurance. This way, you’ll operate with clarity, confidence, and compliance when you launch.

What to Buy First: Must-Have Equipment & Solutions

If you aren’t sure where to start with your spray tan equipment, Norvell has you covered.

Our professionals suggest starting with reliable tools like Norvell’s M1000 or Z3000 spray systems, plus overspray booths, extraction fans, and hygienic tents, all purpose-built for mobile or studio use.

You can pair these with Norvell’s top-tier solutions like Dark, Venetian, and Tuscan Plus to ensure consistent, natural results that your clients will love. After all, having quality gear and premium solutions helps people see why you’re the go-to spray tan professional. To simplify your launch, we’ve combined these professional must-haves into convenient, cost-effective starter kits.

Design a Client Experience That Feels Premium

A seamless client journey differentiates your service from the rest. Make sure to offer a clean booth or mobile setup and use relaxing (or popular) music. Putting up visible before/after displays can also give clients a sense of relief as they can see your work firsthand.

Share pre and post-tan instructions, and highlight your Norvell certification and top-rated solutions to build even more confidence. These small but crucial details support brand trust and repeat bookings as you grow your business month after month.

Budget Breakdown: Startup Costs You Can Expect

In the next few weeks, you should expect to spend between $600 and $10,000 on equipment, legal setup, and marketing.

Mobile-first setups tend toward the lower end, often landing under $1,000. A typical mobile setup includes a versatile machine like the Oasis, a portable tent, an extraction fan, and tanning solution. For those opening a dedicated studio, the budget will be higher to include premium equipment and a professional back bar of products.

Also, include the booth, tent, and any extra supplies you use in your budget. Having all of this clearly laid out helps you manage costs and profits while mastering the smart way to start a spray business.

Common Mistake: Overspending Early

Unfortunately, many new founders buy the fanciest gear first and overspend before finding clients. This can cause a lot of stress and put you in a negative financial position right off the bat.

Instead, Start smart and scale up. Norvell is a brand you can grow with. Begin with a high-quality, essentials-only mobile kit. As your clientele and profits grow, you can reinvest in more advanced equipment and expand your services.

Days 41–60: Launch with Confidence

Now that your spray tan business has a plan, equipment, and certification in place, it’s time to launch. These next steps will focus on building your brand identity, creating local awareness, and booking real clients.

This part of the process is critical when learning how to start a spray tan business that attracts attention and builds trust, especially when exploring how to start a mobile spray tan business in a competitive area.

Build Your Brand Identity: Name, Logo, Website, & Socials

Your name, visuals, and tone should match your ideal client’s style. Choose a short, memorable name that’s relevant to sunless tanning. Make sure you utilize consistent fonts and colors on your website, booking platform, and social media accounts.

Launch a simple but professional website with a booking tool and location information to make it easy for your clients to find you and get on your schedule.

Finally, you’ll want to set up Instagram, Facebook, and other social media pages to showcase and connect with local clients near your mobile or in-studio spray tan business.

Pro Tip: As you go through your training and set up your business, document the journey! Capture behind-the-scenes photos and videos of you practicing, unboxing new equipment, or preparing your studio. This authentic content is perfect for launch, giving you a library of posts to share as you start attracting your first clients.

First Clients, First Reviews: How to Build Momentum

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful growth tools in the marketing industry.

After each appointment, ask your clients for a quick review on Google or other platforms to help get your name out there. You can also send follow-up texts with care tips and a review link to receive even more reviews.

It may even be beneficial to offer a discount to returning clients who refer a friend! These early reviews and client experiences will shape your reputation and increase visibility for your spray tan business in local search results.

Common Mistake: Trying to Market to Everyone

Many new spray tan artists try to reach every possible customer instead of focusing on a niche.

Here’s what to do, instead: Target a clear audience. If your goal is learning how to start a mobile spray tan business, center your marketing on convenience and travel zones. If you’re building a studio brand, highlight professionalism, consistency, and luxury.

Speak directly to the clients you want, and the bookings will follow.

Track KPIs & Improve What’s Working

Simply put, you need data to make decisions. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like appointment volume, average spend, and repeat bookings will show what’s working.

Use simple tracking tools or booking software to monitor trends each week. If most clients come from social media, focus more time there. If referrals are growing, build a formal program! This is how to start a spray tan business that continues to improve month after month.

Turn First-Timers into Loyal Clients

First-time clients are extremely valuable, but returning clients are your foundation. After each visit, set up a follow-up system to thank clients, offer care tips, and encourage rebooking.

Educating clients on timing, color options, and skin prep may be worthwhile so they come back for weddings, events, and regular tans.

Mobile spray tan clients especially appreciate appointment reminders and pre-booking options that make their routine easier.

Common Mistake: Not Systemizing

Unfortunately, some spray tan artists wait too long to build systems for scheduling, follow-ups, and product inventory. Without structure, growth becomes chaotic.

Here’s what to do instead: Create a repeatable, easy process. Utilize straightforward online scheduling with automatic reminders, and keep a checklist for client setup, breakdown, and product use. Standardizing client intake forms can also streamline the process tenfold. These steps ensure your spray tan business can grow without becoming disorganized or overwhelmed.

Go Mobile: Expanding Beyond Your First Location

Mobile spray tanning can increase reach and flexibility while lowering overhead. If you started in a studio, going mobile opens access to private clients, bridal parties, and other special events.

Look into portable equipment and tents to maintain quality anywhere you go. As you grow, define service zones, set travel fees, and invest in a booking system that keeps appointments organized.

Add-On Services That Boost Profits

Once your core spray tan service runs smoothly, layering in extras can increase your average ticket. Consider introducing:

• Service Upgrades: Offer solution additives for a customized tan or provide express options for clients in a hurry.
• Retail Aftercare: Sell professional products like tan extenders, self-tanners, and prep sprays that help clients maintain their glow between sessions.

These add-ons create more value for your clients and build a more profitable business without needing to find new customers..

These add-ons create value and encourage your clients to book more often, making your business more profitable without needing more clients.

Is Franchising Right for You? Scaling Up the Smart Way

If you’ve built a steady base, strong systems, and consistent results, franchising or opening a second location might be a smart next step.

This works best when you’ve documented every part of your business, from how you train your team members to how you handle client communication. Focus on hiring and mentoring first before launching new locations.

Scaling starts with a strong foundation. Without it, even the best spray tan business can stall.