Do I or Don't I... concerned possible spray tanner

[happyfeet]

Hi Guys

Please be gentle this is my forst post lol! I have finally got the money to retrain and I really wanted to train and become mobile in spray tanning. However Ive been researching like crazy see what tan solutions people use and also how much they charge. Now Im due to get married in April this year so I need one myself and was looking at paying at least £20. I found one lady who did my area charging £20, 2 charging £15 and one charging £10! Im looking at starting a business to help my family out here and there but £15 and £10 really bothers me. Surely there cannot be much of a profit in this? I live in not a particularly affluent area agreed but Im thinking is it worth me spending out money on training and kit only to charge £10 or £15 especially as Ill be mobile and paying out for petrol on top of stock etc. Could I please have some advice on what you guys charge and see if anyone else charges these low prices because Id really like to hear about your profit margin. I really want to have my own soray tan business but if the figures dont add up I really dont see the point. Please your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. We're selling our second car to finance this and so will not have this money again for years to come, so my decision is really important.
Thanks all sorry for the loooooong post.
Hugs all xxxx

 

[fluff]

Hi ya. It might be a case of getting what you pay for with the cheaper tans. Though some people offer cheaper prices when they start out to get the practise. It depends on what brand you use to make it profitable as some are a lot cheaper than others. I'd of thought anything between £15-£22 was a fair price. I won't leave the house for less than £20. So unless there is 2 of them or they are having another treatment,that's the price.

Have you asked around to see which friends would have one? If you could find someone to swap with,that would be an excellent advertisement. Always carry some business cards with you. I think you can get some for free on vistaprint. You just pay the tax and postage.

HTH.

 

[happyfeet]

Thanks for the reply hun! Your thoughts kind of mirrored mine to be honest. I'm more than happy to run a reduced rate while Im findind my feet, I was just concerned that £10-15 seemed a little low. Personally I would like to price myself at £20 then if Im really struggling I can always give myself room to discount when its a quieter time iykwim.

Ive got quite a good base of friends and friends of friends and there are few local businesses round here that i could do a swap with with business cards etc... take it that what you mean lol its late im a wee spray tanned out lol!

thanks for the reply again hun, im so bloomin excited about doing this but a little scared lotta money to pay etc. now is the next task of finding the right company..... im such a saddo you wanna see the notes ive been making tonight.... i think my family thinks ive disowned them!!!

hugs hun xxxx

 

[Adriana]

Hiya happyfeet, cute name I have just joined to try and get clients in my area so in the same situation. I have been spraying for a few years and now would like to make it my only earning business in the uk and finish my full time work as it is my passion.

This biggest mistake I made at first was to spray people for little cash I felt worthless and everyone expected my time for not a thing and I nearly gave up.

I charge £20 and make good profit for my time. Clients do not mind paying this. I do not offer a cheapy tan. If you start at first to charge too little it is difficult to put your price upwards without upset and making people look somewhere else. It is easier to put your price down. I feel £20 is not a lot to pay. It is all to do with confidence I feel. Don't be scared :lol:

At first I was not making too much as my products eat into my profit. Wisely you can find better deals and all the time I look to save but not on my tan quality as this keeps my client coming back. At first in Manchester I paid top price from a supplier for my throw away items but searching around I found better deals and this helped my profit.

It is good to make notes, I do it all the time, it's a business you are running and writing out expenses and ideas is all part of th reality of it.

Best wishes to you happyfeet I am sure you are going about in a right direction and in very little time for sure it will all come together. Don't be too cheap you are worth it

Adriana.

 

[Adriana]

phew. I just wrote you a response and the website logged me out as I write too long. I nearly pulled my hair out thinking it was gone. Hoping it helps you. Adriana. :lol:

 

[happyfeet]

awwww thanks for the response Adriana, i agree with everything you say hun! thanks so much for the advice hun, lol you wouldnt believe how many bloomin companies ive looked up tonight lists and lists of figures i really should be going to bed but i got the bit in my teeth now!! im just trying to decide what company to go with now...... my head is proper buzzing! i defo want one to one training im 30 this year and the old brainage aint what it used to be!!!
yeah ive decided to charge £20 i truly think thats reasonable and i would pay that myself. I think if i went any lower id really feel it, but ive scope to give discounts if slowing down. ive had lil look at the businesses around me and truly i do think this is fair. few years back i had a baby signing business and charging the right price was essential, if too cheap people do wonder why. i was talking to me hubby2b tonight and said the prices of the tans and he said ooooh £10 thats good i was like er no sunshine im dubious i need a good tan for the wedding!!! so your absolutely right it does make you think... for all i know this girl could be great but truthfully sometimes i like to pay a little more as i feel/hope this reflects the quality of the service and also the product.
wow im writing essays again.... god i wish i could right short posts like some people lol! thanks again hun hugs xxxxx

 

[fluff]

Morning. Hope you've still got the buzz. You sound as excited as I was. I couldn't sleep the night before. I wasn't very clear when I said about swapping. If you could find another tanner,you could swap tans with them so you are always brown. I think you find lots of people ask where you've been,where did you get your tan etc? So if you carry a bunch of cards,maybe your price jotted down on the back,you can hand them one.
My friend taught her boyfriend to spray her just so she's always brown,but now we swap on each other.
This is a good place to look for hints and tips. I trawled the internet until I found sticky feet at a good price. I also offer the price of £15 a tan if they have a tan party of 5 or more. I do really close friends for £10,but only if they drive to me. And I give a discount for anyone who gets me new clients. I got my original tan that was buy one get one free,so I was able to do it at a really good price while I got my practise in.
There's loads of things you can do,but Adriana is right,don't sell yourself cheap. Good luck. Keep being nosey and asking questions. I've picked up loads of tips even since my course.

x x

 

[happyfeet]

lOl after I sent that to you I realised what you meant lmao! It was late I was tired hee hee.
Yes Im gonna teach my man to spray tan me.... his jaw nearly hit the floor when I said that bless him!
Yeah Im thinking drop the price when it comes to groups of 5 or more and if I have a particularly quiet time to at least generate some income.
I'm thinking of going with Tantrick, they have a course very near my Mum's so can baby sit little man whilst im there and Daddy is at work. I am little worried because of the price of the solution but Im going to do some more number crunching to see how it works out. Though I would like to try other solutions as well, just to see, but Im loving the one to one training they are offering and heard some good things about them. I have spoken to Nouvatan and Sienna X and am sad to say courses are just to far away. Im going to also enquire with Suntana as well as I like the look of their products. Its so hard trying to work out whose the best to go with!
Anyway sorry ive rumbled AGAIN!
Thanks for the reply.

HUgs hun xxxx

 

[fluff]

I read that and didn't once hear a rumble. I really like enthusiasm,and of course,I can only imagine that everyone is nervous and eager to get everything right when you start as soon as you can. I'm still very new myself,it's not my main business,but I'm still really keen to try and get it right as soon as I can.

I have just got myself some Suntana chocolate. Which I'm sure not everyone will want,but I've heard so many good things,I was keen to try. If it's cheaper for you to do your practise with that,you should maybe get yourself a little to try. Once you've got your machine,you can put any professional spray tan in it. Suntana also deal through ebay and it's a little cheaper to order from them there as far as I could tell.

There's lots of tips and tricks to pick up after the course,but it might be better not to fill your head with too much till after training and then you can make changes and judgement calls to suit yourself.

Keep me posted how you do. I've got my three cheers ready for when you pass.x x

 

[happyfeet]

Lol I meant ramble :lol:

Thats such a lovely message thanks hun. God yes I hope you will be able to cheer! I've now decided to go with Tantrick after lots of research etc and Im waiting to hear back from Wow Factor tomorrow hopefully... just want a few more bits of info first. I've contacted a few companies today and Im really liking Tantrick the best so far. Ive still got a few more months till I start but I love just reading through all the posts on here very interesting indeed.

Thanks again honey!

Hugs xxxxx

 

[Terese]

Hi
I thought I would just add my thoughts

With regards to price I calculate in that I supply:

a robe(disposable, but many keep it for next time and because its light weight)

disposable underwear ( some dont like to get their own items tanned)

nose plugs (some dont like the smell, not so much now that I use a different brand)

headband or disposable cap

sticky feet

My time including preping of the client i.e barrier cream on dry areas, toes etc

The lotion I use



Now, I arrive looking professional, with the correct equipment for the job(including extension lead), I have always charged £25. If I do a tanning party there is a minimum of 4.

I have never had anyone complain about the price or the tan - I use XEN-TAN

You should never in my opinion try to keep your prices lower than your competitors after all - what are you going to charge if they charge £8.00! - - £5.00? You risk cheaping the brand, working for next to no profit.

Look at what your Target market is - and dont under value or under sell yourself. You work hard - reap the rewards and dont worry about what the competition is doing. Market and Brand yourself to YOUR market - not theirs.

Oh and by the way - GOOD LUCKX and happy tanning x

 

[fluff]

Ooo,how fab. And have you decided on your kit? I loved it when mine came. Top tip,don't be tempted to put the tent up to see what it looks like until you know how to get it down! x x

 

[Susie H]

I charge £20 for one tan.
I charge less for parties.
For parties I give the hostess (or host) a free tan and her/his guests pay £15 each provided there is a minimun of 5 guests. £75.
I insist the host (ess) collects 50% of the fee and that I have that fee at least 3 days before the party date, this money is non refundeble.
I provide, knickers, for those who want them, hair nets and Aquaeus cream for elbows, knees and palms of hands (for those I can see have dry skin)
I don't use sticky feet, I have a supply of black hand towels. Fresh one for each client, I put it in the bottom of my pop up tent for them to stand on and use that towel to wipe down any over spray from the inside of the tent after each client.
I am willing to charge so much less for the parties because I only have to pay once for my fuel and set up once.
I also retail body scrubs, tan extenders and moisturisor.
My sales pitch is that if the ladies / men organise a party every two weeks at each others homes they all get the group price and a free tan every 12 weeks.
I get approx 33 tans out of 1liter of solution and stock 8% and 10% solutions. Anyone who wants darker has to request it but at this time of year no one does, come the summer EVERY ONE wants darker :lol:

Early last summer, I did a tan party, at a party, by the end of the night I'd done 30 tans, set up in the back garden and had bookings for nails and waxing for the next month, shame they were students who all had homes to go to.
Good luck with this, I think it's my most fun service, and is definetly my easyest.
Oh, one last thing, contact all the tanning companies you can find and ask them for samples, they usually send enough for one tan, try them out on as many people as you can grab and see which ones you like befor making your choice.:hug:

 

[happyfeet]

Hi
I thought I would just add my thoughts
With regards to price I calculate in that I supply:
a robe(disposable, but many keep it for next time and because its light weight)
disposable underwear ( some dont like to get their own items tanned)
nose plugs (some dont like the smell, not so much now that I use a different brand)
headband or disposable cap
sticky feet
My time including preping of the client i.e barrier cream on dry areas, toes etc
The lotion I use
Now, I arrive looking professional, with the correct equipment for the job(including extension lead), I have always charged £25. If I do a tanning party there is a minimum of 4.
I have never had anyone complain about the price or the tan - I use XEN-TAN
You should never in my opinion try to keep your prices lower than your competitors after all - what are you going to charge if they charge £8.00! - - £5.00? You risk cheaping the brand, working for next to no profit.
Look at what your Target market is - and dont under value or under sell yourself. You work hard - reap the rewards and dont worry about what the competition is doing. Market and Brand yourself to YOUR market - not theirs.
Oh and by the way - GOOD LUCKX and happy tanning x

Hello hun,

Thank you for the response. Your absolutely right not to under value yourself and to be honest whats the point in doing it if you make no profit or teeny tiny profit... how the girl in my area is doing is for £10 Ill never know.
I love hearing the replies from everyone, I needed to ask what people thought of the prices charged in my area as I obviously dont want to outprice myself but at the same time Im definately not undercutting as that would be just bloomin ridiculous!
I was just concerned that I didnt want to spend on set up and training and never have a help in heck of breaking even EVER... well it will still be a time even if i charge £20 but £10-£15 I think Ill be spray tanning people when im 60.... lol all i can think of now is the old tanned woman from benidorm programme!!! NOT a good look!!
Since posting Ive done loads more research on prices and was having a little wobble cos i really wanted to do tantrick but felt for what i was going to charge i was concerned about because the products are on the higher end of the price scale. but after speaking to the OH today we worked through the numbers and id rather make a little less profit and go with a brand i really love.... in saying that i sure shall be trying other brands samples to see how i feel but if i know i can earn based on the higher cost product i will eventually be laughing..... mind you ive still got to do the course and actually learn to spray tan yet but before i part with any cash i wanna know if its viable..... came accropper on a nail course recently and well less said about that the better!!!! not the companies fault im just not the most delicate handed woman shall we say!!
thanks again honey!
hugs xxxx

 

[happyfeet]

Ooo,how fab. And have you decided on your kit? I loved it when mine came. Top tip,don't be tempted to put the tent up to see what it looks like until you know how to get it down! x x

giggled my socks off reading about the tent!!! glad you said that im the sort of person that would do that and then get the OH to help... OH would not be a happy bunny at all!!

I think Im going to be seeing kit in my sleep tonight!! gonna go for the maximist (without gun upgrade) and then add on tent, holdall, lotions and all the other bits and bobs! I could get the kit cheaper from Suntana but i really want to get the discount on the tantrick and tandare lotions... every little helps!!

in the process of selling our second car at the mo so as soon as ive fixed a couple of minor things on it im selling to the dealers or who ever the higher price is and Ill be spray tanning till my little hearts content!! Woop Woop!

Hugs

xxxxxxxx

 

[happyfeet]

I charge £20 for one tan.
I charge less for parties.
For parties I give the hostess (or host) a free tan and her/his guests pay £15 each provided there is a minimun of 5 guests. £75.
I insist the host (ess) collects 50% of the fee and that I have that fee at least 3 days before the party date, this money is non refundeble.
I provide, knickers, for those who want them, hair nets and Aquaeus cream for elbows, knees and palms of hands (for those I can see have dry skin)
I don't use sticky feet, I have a supply of black hand towels. Fresh one for each client, I put it in the bottom of my pop up tent for them to stand on and use that towel to wipe down any over spray from the inside of the tent after each client.
I am willing to charge so much less for the parties because I only have to pay once for my fuel and set up once.
I also retail body scrubs, tan extenders and moisturisor.
My sales pitch is that if the ladies / men organise a party every two weeks at each others homes they all get the group price and a free tan every 12 weeks.
I get approx 33 tans out of 1liter of solution and stock 8% and 10% solutions. Anyone who wants darker has to request it but at this time of year no one does, come the summer EVERY ONE wants darker :lol:

Early last summer, I did a tan party, at a party, by the end of the night I'd done 30 tans, set up in the back garden and had bookings for nails and waxing for the next month, shame they were students who all had homes to go to.
Good luck with this, I think it's my most fun service, and is definetly my easyest.
Oh, one last thing, contact all the tanning companies you can find and ask them for samples, they usually send enough for one tan, try them out on as many people as you can grab and see which ones you like befor making your choice.:hug:

Hey Susie!

Loving your sums there..... have all that info in my little note book and came out with the same prices as you also. So Im on the right track yay!
:idea: Fab idea about the towels didnt think of that at all..... right off to google black hand towels now lol! That works out much more economical me thinks.... thanks for the tip!
Wow 33 tans..... what brand do you use? Thats really good isnt it? Ive read up on some other posts and seen 20-25. That must really help your profit margin heaps!!
Yes defo going to try and sample all the brands around. I know in my area they use Sienna X and Su Do and the other didnt specify. Mind you what one uses doesnt mean I will... its what i think is good and works ultimately best for my clients.

Thanks again hun..... god I cant wait to do my training now!!!

Hugs xxxx

 

[Adriana]

Hiya happyfeet,

Just thinking I would post my sums to help you also.

Charge £20 for Spray Tan.

I use a client record card.
Cost ++++
I get my disposable items from ebay sold in one pack for £35.95

This includes.
Sticky feet
Knickers
Cap
Cost £++++ each tan

I use a Vines barrier cream.
Cost £++++ each tan

I use a roll of hygiene paper for wiping and cleaning booth. This saves washing machine bill.

Usual 4 sheets.
Cost £++++ each tan.

If I use OMG Solution to make 20-25 tans per 1000ml for £+++++
Cost £++++

If I use Tantruth I make 20-22 tans per 1000ml for £+++++
Cost £+++++

Electrical bill for 400w machine is cheap so not counted.

I give one loyalty card at end of session.
Cost £++++

So, One spray tan =++++ approximatley.

Profit = £++++ if I spray in my conservatory.

Fuel is an expense if I travel but is not more than £++++.

As you see from my sum profit can be healthy.

Adriana.

 

[Charlie Brown]

Sorry to jump in on your conversation, but wanted to say thanks for this thread as I too am an extremely new newbie!

It really is a mine field out there finding out all the information, and like you I can't wait to get going, my training is booked for mid Feb, and now I'm worried I've chosen the wrong course, choose it cos I read up about being insured and I know I can insurance with these peeps, but it seems soo cheap, just hope I haven't made my first blunder, well second actually cos I've brought a spray compressor without even holding or using one! lol

To the original poster...Sorry no good with names, memorys not like it used to be lol, but how's things going? not sure when this thread was made, so hopefully your on the go now?
Lindsay
xx

 

[Charlie Brown]

Adrianna...sorry I'm back again. How do you find using TanTruth? The equipment I've brought is TanTruth (2nd hand, if no good will buy a different one, but couldn't resist as I thought I paid a good price) and was wondering whether to use TanTruth solution etc
xx

 

[fluff]

giggled my socks off reading about the tent!!! glad you said that im the sort of person that would do that and then get the OH to help... OH would not be a happy bunny at all!!

I think Im going to be seeing kit in my sleep tonight!! gonna go for the maximist (without gun upgrade) and then add on tent, holdall, lotions and all the other bits and bobs! I could get the kit cheaper from Suntana but i really want to get the discount on the tantrick and tandare lotions... every little helps!!

in the process of selling our second car at the mo so as soon as ive fixed a couple of minor things on it im selling to the dealers or who ever the higher price is and Ill be spray tanning till my little hearts content!! Woop Woop!

Hugs

xxxxxxxx

I was seeing kit for ages. I kept looking at it when it arrived and thank goodness thought not to put the tent up as I'd seen my friend put hers down loads,but could see there was a knack. Did make me smile at the thought though.
Just as a thought,is a dealer the best place to sell a car? Might get more private if you're fixing it up.
Really chuffed you've made a decision on your kit. I really like the maximist. It packs up so neat and you get a nice lot of cups with it so you don't need to empty them back into your bottles. Be sure to keep a little mark on the bottom of each one if you do,so you know which lotion is which in them.
Happy dreaming.x x