← Spray Tan Guides

1. Step 1

   Get certified

   Complete a recognized spray tan certification (Norvell, Sjolie, Aviva Labs, or NAHA). Programs run $200–$800 and combine online curriculum with hands-on practice. Certification is required by most insurance providers and is the single largest credibility lever in early-stage marketing.

2. Step 2

   Choose your operating model

   Three options: home studio (lowest overhead, $0 rent, zoning permitted in most US residential areas), commercial studio ($800–$3,500/month rent), or mobile (highest per-tan margin, no rent, but requires a vehicle and tent setup). 70% of US spray tan businesses are solo or two-person.

3. Step 3

   Buy starter equipment

   Minimum kit: HVLP turbine + gun ($400–$1,200), pop-up tent + extractor fan ($180–$700), 1 gallon of solution ($50–$120), barrier cream, disposable thongs, hair caps, nose plugs. Total starter cost: $700–$2,500.

4. Step 4

   Get insured and licensed

   Apply for general liability + professional liability insurance ($200–$500/year for solo). File for an LLC or sole prop in your state ($50–$300). Get a business license from your city ($50–$200/year). Mobile artists need a vehicle endorsement covering off-premises work.

5. Step 5

   Set up bookings, payments, and CRM

   Join Bronzly on the Solo plan ($9/month) when your account is ready. Connect Stripe Express for payouts. Build your service menu, set deposit policy ($25 deposit, $50 no-show fee), and import any existing client list via CSV. Total setup time: under 60 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Build your Google Business Profile

   Claim and verify your Google Business Profile. Add hours, services, the Bronzly booking link, 10+ photos, and 5+ before/after pairs. Google Business Profile is responsible for 60–80% of new-client bookings in the spray tan vertical.

7. Step 7

   Launch with 5 free practice tans

   Tan 5 friends or family members at a transparent launch rate. Ask separately for permission to use before/after photos, then invite every eligible client to leave an honest review without conditioning the service or discount on a review.

8. Step 8

   Activate the rinse-reminder + review-request loop

   Configure Bronzly's automated rinse reminder (sent at the correct rinse window per solution) and a neutral post-tan review SMS. Offer the same review choices for every rating, keep private feedback separate, and never filter access to a public review site by sentiment.