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If you don’t plan and track your spray tan salon budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for spray tan salon owners, we saw a lot of salon owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having a steady stream of clients.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your salon's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for spray tan salons
Most spray tan salon owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for spray tan salons
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a spray tan salon, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for salon space | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for tanning booths and lighting | $500 | $6,000 |
| Water | Water usage for cleaning and client services | $100 | $1,200 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $50 | $600 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $300 | $3,600 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salon Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Spray Tan Technicians | 3 | $2,500 | $7,500 | $90,000 |
| Receptionist | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Cleaning Staff | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $18,000 |
3. Supplies & Inventory
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray Tan Solutions | Various shades and types of tanning solutions | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Protective Gear | Disposable caps, nose filters, and foot protectors | $200 | $2,400 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $150 | $1,800 |
| Paper Goods | Towels, tissues, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Marketing Materials | Brochures, business cards, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of tanning booths and equipment | $300 | $3,600 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and aprons | $100 | $1,200 |
| Licenses & Permits | Health permits, business licenses, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $500 | $6,000 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
Some spray tan salons make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best spray tan salons in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a spray tan salon?
Be mindful of these potential pitfalls. Here are five major costs every spray tan salon owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Spray tan solution and suppliesThese can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with products that have a shelf life, and prices can vary based on quality and supplier. To keep these costs in check, focus on inventory management, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by buying too much or opting for premium solutions that don’t necessarily add value.
- Your salon staffYour staff is essential, but paying for their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a certain number of employees to provide excellent service and keep operations running smoothly. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Rent and utilities of your salonPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more clients. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too luxurious for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to promote your salon, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we recommend. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Equipment and maintenance costsThis includes everything from spray tan machines to salon furniture. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, energy-efficient equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your spray tan salon?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a spray tan salon owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Product Costs | Partner with reputable suppliers for bulk purchases of tanning solutions and skincare products at discounted rates. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime, ensuring peak times are adequately covered. |
| Utilities | Install energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems to reduce electricity costs. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your salon and collaborate with local influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and maintain a clean, inviting environment. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of spray tan machines and other equipment. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location with good foot traffic. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Packaging | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging for retail products and offer discounts for customers bringing their own bags. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep staff updated on the latest techniques and products. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize product waste and recycle whenever possible. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional salon equipment and utilize salon management software for appointments and customer records. |
| Linen and Laundry | Partner with a cost-effective linen service and consider reusable towels and robes. |
| Advertising | Use digital advertising methods such as social media ads and email marketing to reach a wider audience at a lower cost. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan product delivery routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital appointment and record-keeping systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage of tanning solutions and skincare products. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Ambiance | Use a streaming service for background music and create a relaxing atmosphere with soothing scents and decor. |
Copy the tactics of the best spray tan salons in the world!
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Expenses that are just useless for a spray tan salon
Yes, some expenses for your spray tan salon are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving customer experience.
| Salon Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Waiting Area Furniture | Overly lavish furniture doesn't necessarily attract more clients and can be a drain on the budget. |
| High-End Tanning Solutions | Unless you are catering to a very exclusive clientele, most customers are satisfied with mid-range options. |
| Excessive Product Lines | Offering too many product lines increases inventory costs and leads to more waste. |
| Top-of-the-Line Equipment | High-end tanning equipment is not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Traditional Paper Advertising | Paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your salon. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Overstaffing | Having more staff than needed leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by clients. |
| Exclusive Ingredients | Using rare ingredients in tanning solutions can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Decor | High-end decor is not always appreciated by clients and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Towels | Personalized towels are a minor detail that most clients overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most clients are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Delivery Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Room Decorations | Elaborate decorations are often ignored by clients and add to the cost. |
| Luxury Towels and Robes | High-end towels and robes are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by clients. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Brochure Designs | Frequently redesigning brochures is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Tanning Booths | Specialized tanning booths are often unnecessary and add to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your spray tan salon!
Managing a budget for a spray tan salon when funds are tight can feel overwhelming. It's like being trapped in a cycle where any unexpected expense can throw you off balance.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth opportunities, leaving you always scrambling to cover costs. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, cutting corners and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more resources to invest back into your business.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of spray tan salons just like yours. Get them now!
Make your spray tan salon more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best spray tan salons in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
