← 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

   Sign up for Bronzly Glow ($79/month, 30-day free trial). 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 in exchange for permission to use before/after photos and Google reviews. This bootstraps your portfolio and review velocity simultaneously — the two assets that matter most for the first 90 days.

8. Step 8

   Activate the rinse-reminder + review-request loop

   Configure Bronzly's automated rinse reminder (sends SMS at correct rinse window per solution) and post-tan review SMS (24 hours after tan, routes to Google for 4–5 star ratings, private feedback for 1–3 stars). This loop is the single biggest driver of client retention and review velocity.