Running a tanning salon can be a rewarding business, but when things start to decline—fewer customers, lower revenue, employee issues—it can feel like the sun has set on your success. However, with a strategic plan, dedication, and the right tools, you can reverse the downward trend and revitalize your salon. This ultimate guide outlines a detailed, industry-specific roadmap to help you identify the issues, improve operations, and bring your tanning salon back to life.

Whether you’re struggling with foot traffic, customer retention, or employee accountability, we cover everything you need to know, including how the Best POS Software can assist in your turnaround.

📘 Introduction: Why Some Tanning Salons Struggle

The tanning industry has shifted dramatically in recent years. With rising competition from multi-service beauty spas, growing awareness of UV risks, and the rise of spray tanning and red-light therapy, traditional tanning salons face mounting pressure.

According to IBISWorld, the tanning salon industry has seen a 4.1% annual decline over the past five years. Many owners are finding it harder to retain clients and manage expenses. But decline is not destiny. With a strategic reset and operational overhaul, you can not only survive but thrive.

Let’s break down the process into two areas:

  • Internal factors: Your team, customer experience, service offerings, and daily operations
  • External factors: Competition, economic shifts, location, and customer trends

Throughout this guide, you’ll find:

  • Step-by-step fixes
  • POS software-powered strategies
  • Real-world-inspired stories
  • Tools and downloads

🔍 Internal Factors You Can Control

1. Employee Performance and Accountability

Your staff is the face of your brand. If they’re not engaged, sales and service will decline.

Solutions:

  • Use the Best Tanning Salon Software with time tracking, sales logging, and commission-based reporting.
  • Institute daily briefings with clear targets: memberships sold, upgrades, products pushed.
  • Install a “star wall” to reward top performers with visibility.
  • Example: One Florida salon saw a 22% revenue jump in 60 days after switching to performance-tracked POS.

2. Staff Errors or Dishonesty

Every misplaced decimal or unauthorized discount impacts your bottom line.

Solutions:

  • Use POS permissions to restrict cash drawer access and discount approvals.
  • Audit refund and “no sale” transactions weekly.
  • Set up automated alerts for unusual POS activity.
  • Integrate surveillance with your POS terminal.

3. Service Quality and Cleanliness

Clients expect cleanliness, comfort, and results.

Solutions:

  • Daily closing checklist that includes bed sanitation, lobby touchups, and inventory restock.
  • Monthly inspections (logged in your POS’s checklist feature).
  • Loyalty bonuses for staff who maintain 100% cleanliness scores.
  • Use customer feedback tools like Typeform or SurveyMonkey linked via QR codes.

4. Uncompetitive Service Packages

The industry’s gone hybrid—if you haven’t updated your offerings, you’re behind.

Suggestions:

  • Add red-light therapy or spray tanning.
  • Launch flexible memberships (monthly, unlimited, add-ons).
  • Run a 14-day free trial promo tracked via POS.
  • Bundle sample-size lotions into new-client packages.

5. Inconsistent or Weak Marketing

Many salons rely too heavily on word-of-mouth. Digital matters more than ever.

Fixes:

  • Use Best POS Software that integrates email/SMS marketing with promotions.
  • Launch targeted Facebook Ads using ZIP code radius targeting.
  • Monthly newsletters with skincare tips, member discounts, and client spotlights.

🌎 External Factors You Can Influence

6. Falling Foot Traffic in Your Area

Use data tools like:

  • Google Business Profile (track direction requests)
  • Placer.ai (foot traffic trends)
  • Apple Maps local analytics (via website click-throughs)

Compensation strategies:

  • Partner with nearby gyms, smoothie bars, or nail salons for combo deals.
  • Offer “walk-in happy hour” pricing from 3–5PM weekdays.
  • Relocate to a co-tenancy strip with high foot traffic (if lease permits).

7. Online Presence and Traffic Drop

Tools: Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and POS booking analytics.

Fixes:

  • Refresh your website with SEO content: “Best Spray Tan Tips for Pale Skin” or “Tanning for Prom Season.”
  • Optimize for mobile bookings.
  • Use Google Posts and encourage Google Reviews with loyalty point rewards.

8. Strong Competition Nearby

Audit the competition:

  • Services offered
  • Pricing
  • Hours
  • Packages
  • Ambience and amenities

What to do:

  • Offer something they don’t (LED skincare, unlimited red light packages, etc.)
  • Match price, but add value (free lotion sample with every visit).
  • Analyze and adjust monthly using your POS competitor tracking sheet.

9. Market Shifts and Industry Trends

Emerging demands:

  • Safer tanning options
  • Add-on services like body sculpting, infrared therapy
  • Personalized skincare analysis

How to adapt:

  • Attend beauty expos or follow top salon influencers.
  • Survey your best customers: “What would you like us to offer?”
  • Add trending products (collagen drinks, tanning extenders).

10. Economic Climate

Recession or inflation periods reduce discretionary spending.

How to adjust:

  • Install layaway or “buy now pay later” for memberships.
  • Run student/military pricing tiers.
  • Use loyalty systems via your POS to reward frequent visitors.

🧠 Owner Mindset: Embrace the Role of CEO

Don’t be the technician who’s always fixing bulbs or manning the desk. Be the leader.

Actions:

  • Block 1 hour daily for strategy work
  • Track KPIs weekly: sales, rebook rate, average transaction value
  • Delegate low-impact tasks (laundry, front desk, restocking)

As Marcus Lemonis says: “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.”

💼 Case Study: Golden Glow Tanning

Location: Clearwater, FL Before:

  • Monthly loss of $4,000
  • 2.2-star Google rating
  • 50% employee turnover in 4 months

Actions Taken:

  • Installed the Best POS Software with commission tracking and integrated email marketing
  • Fired one toxic employee and rehired after structured interviews
  • Ran a 30-day referral contest with gift basket giveaways
  • Partnered with a nearby yoga studio for co-promos

After 6 Months:

  • 38% sales growth
  • Google rating up to 4.4
  • Employee turnover dropped to 0%
  • 200 new clients added

📊 Tools and Visual Resources

1. Turnaround Checklist (Free PDF Download)

  • Internal audit template
  • Customer satisfaction tracker
  • Monthly KPI spreadsheet

2. Tanning Salon Profit Calculator (Coming Soon)

  • Estimate break-even point and net margin

3. Foot Traffic Heat Map Template

  • Track morning vs. evening rush, days of week
  • Plan promos accordingly

4. Competitor Research Sheet

  • Plug in service types, prices, promos, and social media stats

✅ Final Turnaround Checklist for Owners

👩‍💼 About the Author

Jessica R. Moreno is a small business strategist and salon technology consultant with over 12 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. She’s worked with over 200 salons and spas nationwide to modernize operations and boost profitability using data-backed systems. Jessica is a contributor to Salon Today, Small Biz Trends, and speaks at the annual Spa & Wellness Expo in Las Vegas.

📚 Sources and Citations

  • IBISWorld: Tanning Salons in the US Market Research Report (2023)
  • Forbes: “The 4 Metrics That Make or Break Local Businesses”
  • Small Business Administration: Customer Retention Statistics (2023)
  • Placer.ai Foot Traffic Reports for Retail (2023)

Ready to Reignite Your Business?

Don’t just survive—thrive. Adopt smarter strategies, leverage technology, and lead your team to a brighter, more profitable future. Explore the Best POS Software for tanning salons at AlexandriaComputers.com to get started with tools built for growth.

Let’s bring the glow back to your business.