Marketing for the Holidays

The holiday season has finally arrived! We who all who work in the tanning industry know that we have not four but three seasons to work with (spring, summer, and the holiday’s). After the last few months of work being slow, the holidays is the perfect time to bring in much needed income. But the holiday season is short with only two months, so the time is now, and the word must be got out before it’s to late.

A main source of income this time of year in the tanning industry is the spray on tan. Spray tanning with airbrush and turbine equipments is an easy and inexpensive way to add income to our salons. Equipment is affordable and also other products like the spray tanning solutions and tan extenders. You also can make higher profits on spray tan services than you’re tanning beds and airbrush tanning also saves on energy cost.

This time of year, customers are all looking for some kind of good deal. With times being hard, we all have less money in our pockets to splurge on our pampered perks. So step up your game with your assisting clients by offering them some kind of incentive. Discounts on tanning packages are always a good option or you could offer a discount or free spray tan. Whatever you may offer, make sure it gives them something to look forward to and something to make them feel special. In return, your customer will become a more loyal member to your salon and talk more about you to others who are potential customers.

As most of you already know, the best business we receive is by word of mouth. Our clients are our biggest form of advertising and yet sometimes we forget this. Get your clients talking about your salon or mobile services to others is not hard at all. Try making about 50 free tan gift cards for your most valued clients this holiday season. Give each one of your valued customers a gift card to give to someone else. The point is to have potential clients come in and try your services. Hopefully that person will join and become a new member bring more business to your salon.

Keep in mind that giving away something for free is going to cost you, so you must do everything you can to get that person to buy. This is where your customer service really needs to be at the top of its game. Step outside of your box and try to see what a new person may think when they walk in your salon.

Appearance will have their first reaction so make sure everything is clean and orderly. You want them to see your salon as well managed with a scent of cleanliness in the air.

The second thing they will notice is the person working behind the counter. Workers must have a clean and neat appearance and a smile on their face, with a prompt greeting, welcoming them to the salon. This shows customer service is a priority and they want be disappointed.

Performance of your equipment will be the next thing they notice and so make sure all equipment is cleaned and running smoothly.

Before new client leave, ask them how they liked your salon or see if they will fill out a short and private questionnaire. A great option when giving out free tans and also allows you to get customer feed back on how you can make your salon or services better.


Another option that must be considered is other local salons. If you think about it, tanning is apart of the beauty industry just like hair and nails. Some salons offer multiple services but at the same time, some of us specialize in just one area. It’s these types of salons that should come together and help each other. By helping each other we in return find a bigger local market. Start a referral program with these other salons. Get local hair and nail salons to refer your tanning salon or mobile services to their clients and in return you will refer your clients to them. All that really needs to be done is the exchange of business cards to give to customers. Make sure there is some understanding on how cards are given out. The person giving out the cards needs to be aware of what they say about the other business and know a little about it.

Back when I started doing mobile tanning, I came up with this idea of giving a free spray tan to hairdressers once a month. In return all they had to do was give out my business card to clients interested in spray tanning. I ended up building a whole cliental within three months and was doing mobile tanning services full time. The gallon of tanning solution a purchase to do those free spray tans each month was the best marketing I ever did.

Some of you may know I worked in a tanning salon for several years before the owner closed. I had so many ideas and fell in love with the industry and the people and I knew from then on, what my career was going to be in. I asked the owner to buy the airbrush equipment she had (which was Badger Airbrush) and all the tanning solutions she had. But instead of selling it to me, she gave me the equipment and products telling me “You’ve been good to me, now its time I’m good to you. Take the equipment and go make something of yourself.” I hope I did her proud and she is smiling at me now.

From Tanning salons, to mobile tanning, and now my own company selling tanning equipment, I have to say, my greatest joy has always been working with my clients. I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Gina ManisOwner Sunless Tan Masters LLC