How commercial sunbeds can elevate your UK salon’s revenue - 2025 guide

Winter glow: why adding sunbeds matters now

"a striking fact about the UK beauty sector growth." In 2025 that momentum presents a clear opening for salons to add commercial sunbeds and capture year-round spend, turning seasonal demand into steady revenue.

Winter sunlight in the UK is limited, and clients still want a healthy-looking glow; adding sunbeds meets that demand directly and keeps chair time filled through the colder months. For example, a salon can convert quiet weekday slots into dedicated tanning appointments to maintain utilisation when other services slow.

Wellness is now mainstream: consumers treat mood, vitamin D and self-care as part of their beauty routine, not separate categories. Offering controlled tanning as a complimentary wellness option lets you tap into cross-selling-clients booking a massage or facial are likely to add a short tanning session while on site.

Operating costs are rising across utilities, rent and wages, so diversifying income is essential to protect margins without hiking prices. A single commercial sunbeds can create a new revenue stream with relatively predictable appointment lengths, helping you smooth cashflow and cover fixed costs with additional bookings.

Strategic timing for expansion

Demand, customer behaviour and cost pressures are aligning in 2024 to make sunbeds a timely investment rather than a luxury add-on. You do not need to be a tanning specialist to benefit; with the right protocols and scheduling, a sunbed offering complements existing services and increases average spend per visit. Acting now gives you a window to establish your salon as a trusted local option before competitors react.

• Financial case and ROI. This section will show the revenue levers, typical payback timelines and key variables to model so you can assess whether a sunbed fits your portfolio.
• Compliance and safety. You will find the regulatory steps, training essentials and client screening practices required to operate responsibly and protect your business.
• Technical and operations. This part covers placement, maintenance considerations and simple workflows to integrate a sunbed without disrupting your current timetable.
• Pricing and marketing. Expect practical guidance on service pricing, package strategies and local marketing ideas that position tanning as a value-added treatment.
• Implementation checklist. You will receive a clear prioritised list of actions to take in the first 90 days if you decide to proceed.

If you want to boost winter income, align with wellness trends and insulate your bottom line against rising costs, read on: the next section dissects the financial case in detail so you can make an evidence-based decision.

Crunching the numbers - ROI, pricing and profit models

This section shows how to calculate ROI and set pricing so you can decide on sunbed investment from cold numbers. You will see per-session economics, two membership models with worked examples, a step-by-step three-year ROI scenario using 2024 unit costs, and a sensitivity table that tests utilisation. Each figure is actionable so you can plug your own values and reach a clear investment decision.

When running the numbers, it is useful to compare leading sunbed brands. Many salon owners work with Ergoline and megaSun for their proven reliability and client appeal. However, more recently Opal Fitness vertical units with integrated LED displays have been changing the economics of salon investment by combining strong tanning performance with built-in marketing opportunities. Factoring brand choice into your ROI model helps you understand not only profitability but also long-term positioning in a competitive market.

Per-session pricing and direct costs

Below is a concise comparison of session tiers and the direct cost assumptions used in calculations. Use these margins to model revenue per bed at your expected utilisation.

Add row aboveAdd row belowDelete rowAdd column to leftAdd column to rightDelete columnPrice tierSession priceDirect cost per sessionGross margin per sessionLow£5£1.00£4.00Mid£10£1.00£9.00High£15£1.00£14.00

Assumptions behind the table:

• Electricity cost per session ~£0.50 (explicit input).
• Other direct costs (amortised bulb cost, cleaning consumables) ≈ £0.50 per session, giving total direct cost per session £1.00.
• Session length assumed 10-15 minutes as standard for tiers; use the exact phrase: session fees £5-£15 per 10-15 minute session.

Revenue per bed at a baseline utilisation of 30 sessions/day (for quick reference):

• Low (£5): Day £150, Week (7 days) £1,050, Month (30 days) £4,500.
• Mid (£10): Day £300, Week £2,100, Month £9,000.
• High (£15): Day £450, Week £3,150, Month £13,500.

Membership models with worked examples

Two simple membership tracks illustrate recurring revenue and the effect of retention. These examples use the specification: membership £20-£50 per month and membership retention 60-70%.

Value model (example):

• Price: Value membership £20/month; assumed retention 60%.
• For 100 sign-ups, active paying members (steady state) = 100 × 60% = 60.
• Monthly revenue per 100 members = 60 × £20 = £1,200.
• Quarterly revenue = £3,600; annual revenue = £14,400.
• Per-bed figures: calculations below assume 1 bed serves these 100 members (explicit assumption - see bullet list of assumptions).

Premium model (example):

• Price: Premium £50/month; assumed retention 70%.
• For 100 sign-ups, active paying members = 100 × 70% = 70.
• Monthly revenue per 100 members = 70 × £50 = £3,500.
• Quarterly = £10,500; annual = £42,000.
• Per-bed revenue (same 1-bed assumption) equals the figures above.

Notes on membership modelling:

• You can mix tiers; revenue scales with the split between value and premium plans.
• Retention applied here is steady-state active membership; model monthly churn explicitly if you track cohort flows.

Three-year ROI scenario and break-even

This step-by-step scenario uses the exact cost figures required: cost per unit £5,000-£15,000; maintenance £500/year; electricity cost per session ~£0.50; expected annual revenue range for an active unit of £10,000-£20,000.

Assumptions for the worked example:

• Average session price used for planning: £10 (mid tier).
• Variable cost per session = electricity ~£0.50 + other consumables £0.50 = £1.00 per session.
• Maintenance = £500/year.

Example calculations (illustrative):

1. Conservative active-year revenue = £10,000. Sessions at £10 each = 1,000 sessions/year. Electricity cost = 1,000 × £0.50 = £500.Other variable costs = 1,000 × £0.50 = £500.Annual operating costs = £500 (maintenance) + £500 + £500 = £1,500.Net annual profit = £10,000 − £1,500 = £8,500.Payback on purchase cost: for cost per unit £5,000 payback ≈ 0.59 years; at £10,000 ≈ 1.18 years; at £15,000 ≈ 1.76 years.
2. Typical active-year revenue = £15,000. Sessions = 1,500/year. Annual operating costs ≈ £2,000; net profit ≈ £13,000.Three-year net cash (before tax) ≈ £39,000; ROI = (39,000 − purchase cost)/purchase cost (e.g., for £10,000 purchase ROI ≈ 290%).
3. Aggressive active-year revenue = £20,000. Net annual profit ≈ £17,500.

These step calculations let you choose a purchase price within cost per unit £5,000-£15,000 and model payback and three-year ROI directly.

Sensitivity table - utilisation scenarios and what to watch for

The table below tests three utilisation regimes using session price £10 and variable cost per session £1.00; maintenance £500/year.

Add row aboveAdd row belowDelete rowAdd column to leftAdd column to rightDelete columnScenarioUtilisation (sessions/day)Annual revenueAnnual costsNet profitConservative15£54,750£5,975£48,775Typical30£109,500£11,450£98,050Aggressive45£164,250£17,925£146,325

Key assumptions and confounding factors:

• Year = 365 days; session price = £10; variable cost per session = £1.00 (includes electricity ~£0.50).
• Downtime, bulb replacement timing and unsold time reduce realised utilisation; bulb replacement can add concentrated costs that should be amortised into your monthly forecasts.
• Seasonality: winter/summer demand swings alter utilisation months; model quarterly cohorts rather than annual averages if you have strong seasonality.
• Staffing, cleaning time between clients and booking gaps may cap achievable sessions/day.
• Membership retention 60-70% affects stable recurring revenue; improving retention increases predictable revenue and reduces customer acquisition cost.

Actionable next steps you can apply now:

• Model both pay-per-session and membership mixes using the tables above and your expected sessions/day.
• Test purchase prices within cost per unit £5,000-£15,000 to see payback thresholds for your salon.
• Track actual sessions per bed for 90 days and re-run the sensitivity table to refine forecasts.

Critical: monitor utilisation and maintenance closely - small changes in daily sessions or unexpected bulb replacement timing have the largest impact on payback and ROI.

Rules, safety and compliance - what UK salons must do

You must operate tanning services within the legal framework set out by the Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010; the law expressly bans anyone under 18 from using commercial sunbeds. Begin by embedding the age restriction and safety obligations in your policies, and ensure front-line staff understand how to verify age and refuse service when necessary.

Client requirements and records

• Require and retain a signed written consent form before the first session for every client.
• Complete a health questionnaire that flags Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Fitzpatrick skin type, recent or current medications, photosensitising conditions and pregnancy.
• Enforce photographic or official ID checks to verify age (passport, driving licence, PASS card); keep an age-verification log for each client.
• Provide and record provision of compliant eye protection for every session; log eyewear serial or batch where supplied by the salon.
• Use fitted session timers; record start/finish times and cumulative exposure across visits.
• Maintain individual client records for at least the audit period recommended by local authorities; ensure they are readily retrievable for inspections.
• Display a clear refusal and incident log; note reason, staff on duty and actions taken.

Staff training and SOP outline

1. Induction and refresher training: deliver a formal course covering legal duties under the Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010, age verification, health screening and consent processes; certify staff on completion.
2. Operational SOPs: train staff on pre-session checks, correct skin-type assessment, setting session times and issuing eye protection; include scripted refusal language and escalation routes.
3. Emergency procedures: cover emergency stop use, power-cut actions and first-aid response for burns or adverse reactions; run quarterly drills.
4. Cleaning and infection control: standardise surface, mattress and eyewear cleaning between clients; include approved disinfectants and PPE use.
5. Lamp-change and maintenance protocol: restrict lamp replacement to authorised staff; log date, serial numbers and safety checks when lamps are changed.
6. Incident reporting: require immediate reporting of adverse events, complete written incident forms and notify insurers and regulators as required.

Training checklist examples:

• Recognise banned clients and refuse lawfully.
• Complete and store consent and questionnaire correctly.
• Demonstrate emergency stop and post-event reporting.

Signage and consent examples

• Signage example 1: “Use of tanning equipment is restricted to customers aged 18+ in line with the Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010. Please present ID.”
• Signage example 2: “Melanoma risk increased by UV exposure. Follow advised session limits and wear supplied eye protection.”
• Signage example 3: “Tell staff about medications or skin conditions before every session; staff will advise safe use.”

I confirm I am aged 18 or over, have answered the health questions truthfully and consent to UV tanning at this salon under the conditions explained to me.

Practical tips for audits and liability reduction: keep training records time-stamped, back up client files securely, perform periodic spot-checks of age-verification, and align procedures with the HSE 2024 pilot to demonstrate proactive safe-practice alignment. Regular internal audits and documented corrective actions reduce regulatory risk and strengthen your defence in any liability review.

Technical setup and day-to-day operations for profitable use

For most UK salons, selecting the right sunbed is a practical decision driven by floorplan, footfall and service mix. Urban salons with steady walk-ins benefit from compact lie-down units or upright hybrid models that speed throughput; high-traffic sites should favour robust commercial lie-down beds with faster warm-up and longer bulb life; wellness-hybrid studios that combine spray tans or massage will prefer hybrid or stand-up options to save space and offer flexible service flows. Below is a concise comparison to match machine type to common salon profiles and expectations.

Add row aboveAdd row belowDelete rowAdd column to leftAdd column to rightDelete columnTypeBest forPurchase cost rangeKey pros/consLie-downHigh-traffic urban salons, full-service tanning£3,000-£10,000Pros: comfortable, even coverage, higher client satisfaction. Cons: larger footprint, higher power draw.Stand-up (upright)Quick-turnover, compact city salons, hygiene-focused sites£1,800-£5,500Pros: small floor area, faster sessions, perceived hygiene. Cons: some clients prefer lie-down comfort; steeper learning curve.Hybrid (combo)Wellness-hybrid salons, multi-service studios£2,500-£8,000Pros: flexible use, space-efficient. Cons: more complex maintenance, moderate power needs.

Technical installation checklist

This checklist translates equipment choice into practical site requirements so you can plan installation with electricians and facilities staff. Follow each item to reduce downtime at fit-out and to ensure safe, reliable operation.

• Power supply: specify dedicated circuit; pattern power draws: lie-down 6-12 kW, stand-up 3-6 kW, hybrid 4-9 kW. Confirm breaker sizing and RCD protection with your electrician.
• Metering and distribution: allow a 20-30% headroom above maximum draw for other equipment (lights, HVAC).
• Ventilation: provide mechanical extraction or supply; recommended air changes 6-10 per hour for tanning rooms. Position extract away from timer controls to avoid overheating.
• Room size and layout: lie-down beds need a minimum of 3.0 m x 2.0 m clear space; stand-up units can fit into 1.5 m x 1.5 m pods. Keep 0.6-1.0 m clearance around the bed for safe access.
• Lighting and signage: install dimmable, non-UV room lighting and clear safety signage; ensure emergency lighting meets salon standards.
• Timer and auto-shutoff: use digital timers with preset programmes and auto-shutoff at session end; require manual reset for consecutive sessions to prevent overuse.
• Bulb specifications: plan for pattern bulb lives of 800-1,200 hours; store replacement tubes in a dry, temperature-stable area.
• Grounding and surge protection: include surge suppression on the supply to protect electronic controls.

Expert note: involve your electrician early; power constraints are the most common cause of delayed installations.

Preventative maintenance schedule

The table below sets a baseline you can adapt to utilisation. Include estimated downtime per task when scheduling services so you keep availability high.

Add row aboveAdd row belowDelete rowAdd column to leftAdd column to rightDelete columnTaskFrequencyEstimated costBulb/tube replacement (per bed)800-1,200 operating hours or 6-12 months£100-£450 per changeVentilation filter cleaning/replacementMonthly clean; replace every 6-12 months£10-£80 (parts/labour)Full service (electronics, safety check)Annually£150-£450

Plan downtime: bulb swaps typically take 30-60 minutes; a full annual service may require 3-4 hours or a half-day closure per bed. Schedule major servicing during low-demand periods and maintain a small stock of spare bulbs and filters to avoid multi-day outages.

Daily operations checklist and staff rota

Below are operational steps staff should follow to maximise uptime, reduce risk and keep sessions efficient. Implement a simple handover between shifts to maintain continuity.

1. Pre-session checks (before first client): confirm timer reset, inspect lamps for cracks, check ventilation is operating, verify emergency stop is functional, top up cleaning supplies.
2. Client handover: confirm client identity, verify skin assessment and that consent has been checked, explain session time and aftercare briefly, provide protective goggles and disposable towels.
3. Session timing: set timer per protocol, monitor audible/visual signals during session, never leave a client unattended if contra-indicated by equipment instructions.
4. Between clients: allow 2-5 minutes for wipe-down using approved disinfectant, replace disposable items, inspect for unusual odours or sounds.
5. End-of-day: run a 10-15 minute ventilation flush, log any faults, secure manual override and power isolate if required.

Sample 10-hour staffing rota for one bed (08:30-18:30):

• 08:30-12:30: Operator A - open checks, morning bookings, handle peak 09:30-11:30. Hand over log notes at 12:25.
• 12:30-13:00: Break/cleaning slot - deep clean, filter visual check; short downtime scheduled.
• 13:00-16:30: Operator B - afternoon clients, record bulb hours, minor maintenance as needed. Handover at 16:25.
• 16:30-18:30: Operator A (or C) - evening bookings, final checks, run ventilation flush; complete daily log and report faults.

Stagger breaks so the bed remains available for bookings; include a 30-minute scheduled maintenance window mid-shift to replace consumables or address minor faults without surprise cancellations.

Common pitfalls and quick fixes

• Overloading circuits: if breakers trip, redistribute loads or upgrade the circuit; temporary fix - stagger bed starts, but arrange permanent electrical work promptly.
• Poor ventilation causing overheating: increase extraction rate, clear vents of obstructions or add a small inline fan; short-term measure - reduce session lengths until resolved.
• Unexpected lamp failure: keep spare tubes and a trained staff member who can replace them in under an hour.
• Inconsistent timers or controls: reboot control panel and log the fault; if recurring, schedule technician visit and use manual override sparingly.

Critical safety reminder: always check client consent before starting a session and record it in your log. Follow the technical and operational steps above to keep equipment available, safe and profitable while you scale utilisation.

Pricing, packages and marketing to drive repeat visits

Commercial decisions should turn your salon’s technical capability into predictable revenue. Focus on value-based pricing, and lead with membership offers that lock in recurring income, while using bundles and targeted marketing to lift average spend. The following tactics give ready-to-deploy prices, copy, and a 90-day plan so you can convert interest into repeat visits quickly.

Pricing and packages

Set tiered single sessions, multi-session bundles, and memberships to appeal to occasional users and regulars. Price to reflect premium facility access, fast throughput, and add-on services. Below is a concise sample package table you can publish and test immediately.

Add row aboveAdd row belowDelete rowAdd column to leftAdd column to rightDelete columnPackagePriceBenefitExpected upliftSingle session£12-£25Walk-in access, pay-as-you-go+0-5% per visit5-session bundle£55-£100Saved per session, bookable in advance"increase average transaction value by 20-30%"Monthly membership£40-£75Unlimited/discounted sessions, priority bookingHigher LTV, steady cashflow

"Bundles increase average transaction value by 20-30%."

90-day marketing plan and ready copy

Month 1: Launch - list on Google Business Profile, optimise local SEO, display POS flyers, run an intro offer. Month 2: Nurture - start email drip, retarget engaged socials, incentivise referrals. Month 3: Convert - push memberships, test two-tier pricing, scale top-performing channels.

Local SEO tips (three snippets):

• Title: Sunbed sessions in [Town] - Book today, feel confident. Meta: Fast bookings, hygienic booths, expert staff. CTA: Book now.
• Title: Tanning salon near me - Evening slots available. Meta: Flexible sessions, membership plans. CTA: View prices.
• Title: Premium sunbeds in [Postcode] - Safe, fast, friendly. Meta: Intro offers for new clients. CTA: Claim offer.

Google Business Profile (each under 300 characters):

• New to tanning? Enjoy a welcome session from £12. Hygienic rooms, friendly staff. Book online now.
• Join our monthly plan from £40 and save on every visit. Priority slots, member perks. Sign up today.
• Five-session bundles from £55 - ideal for regulars. Save time, lock in price. Reserve your pack.

In-salon POS flyer snippets:

• Welcome offer: First session £10 when you book today - ask at reception.
• Bundle bonus: Buy 5 sessions, get 1 red-light add-on at 50% off.
• Membership: £40/month - unlimited quick sessions, online booking.

Instagram Story templates (2-3 lines each):

• Glow now. First session £10. Swipe up to book.
• Members save every visit. Join from £40/month. Tap to join.
• Bundle deal: 5 sessions £55. Limited packs available. Book here.

Email drip (3 emails, subject + 1-2 sentence body):

• Welcome - Subject: Welcome to [Salon] - Body: Thanks for signing up; book your first session with 10% off using code WELCOME10.
• First-month retention - Subject: Keep the glow going - Body: Loved your session? Get a 5-session bundle at a special rate this week only.
• Upsell - Subject: Upgrade to membership - Body: Members save on every visit and enjoy priority slots; join now and receive a free add-on.

Membership, retention tactics and quick-launch checklist

Offer two membership tiers: Standard (£40/month) with capped sessions, and Premium (£65/month) with unlimited quick sessions plus quarterly perks. Use onboarding discounts, a referral credit, and an automated renewal plan to reduce churn; target membership retention 60-70% and track MRR, churn rate, activation rate, and average transaction value.

1. Create GBP listing, publish table pricing, add booking link. 2. Print POS flyers, train front-desk script. 3. Load email drip into CRM, schedule sends. 4. Launch Instagram story ads, pin highlights. 5. Activate referral code and monitor redemptions. 6. Offer first-month discount for new members. 7. Review KPIs at day 30 and iterate.

Take action - next steps for a profitable sunbed offer

You can turn the planning, finance and marketing work you’ve done into a concrete, income-generating offer by sequencing practical tasks and keeping compliance at the centre. Focus on equipment quality, safe operation and clear membership pricing, then use targeted marketing to accelerate utilisation and margin. Prioritise a staged rollout that balances regulatory checks, technician readiness and promotional momentum to protect customers and boost revenue.

Immediate action checklist

This six-point plan gives clear tasks you can complete within 30/60/90 days; each step produces a measurable short outcome so you know progress is working.

1. 30 days - Secure quotes and choose equipment: request three competitive sunbed quotes and shortlist a supplier; expected outcome: finalised capital estimate and installation schedule.
2. 30 days - Compliance and insurance check: confirm local licence requirements and update public liability cover; expected outcome: documented legal readiness to operate.
3. 60 days - Staff training and SOPs: schedule technician and front-of-house training, and publish operating procedures; expected outcome: trained staff able to deliver safe, consistent sessions.
4. 60 days - Pricing and membership launch: set tiered pricing, trial offers and a membership option; expected outcome: at least one pre-paid membership or booking to validate demand.
5. 90 days - Soft-launch marketing campaign: run targeted emails, social teasers and in-salon signage to local clients; expected outcome: 20-30% utilisation target for first month of trading.
6. 90 days - Measure, iterate and scale: review revenue, customer feedback and safety incidents, then adjust pricing or hours; expected outcome: a refined offer and 3-month growth plan.

Growth signal and resources

Market indicators show increasing interest in membership-driven services and wellness complementary offers, making now a timely moment to act; forecasts suggest steady demand and membership models will drive continued growth. > "Forecasts suggest steady demand and membership models will drive continued growth." Use your finance section’s tables to model profitability and cashflow, consult the compliance checklist for mandatory safety steps, and follow the technical installation guide for wiring, site layout and ventilation requirements - each is a resource, not a substitute for professional advice.

Communication ready-to-use lines

Use these one-line prompts to start staff engagement and public buzz immediately.

• Internal staff message: "We’re launching a compliant sunbed service - training starts next week; please confirm availability so we can finalise rotas."
• Social teaser post: "Coming soon: a new, safe sunbed experience with exclusive member rates - sign up for early access."

Act now to capture demand and build a sustainable ancillary revenue stream that complements existing salon services.