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With a consumer base of more than 28 million people, it’s no wonder that indoor tanning is one of the fastest growing industries. Whether you are considering indoor tanning as your next business venture or if you are looking to expand your salon, selecting the right commercial tanning beds for a salon is crucial. It is important to research all of the available options, and weigh how the product attributes will affect your salon and clients. Here are just a few features to consider before investing in commercial tanning beds:

Number And Wattage Of Lamps

The number and wattage of lamps in a bed are two of the most important factors to think about when selecting tanning beds. The lamps determine the power needed to operate the bed, the type of tan a client will receive, and the average tanning time per session. A higher number and wattage of lamps requires a larger breaker size, so make sure your electrical system has the capacity to operate the bed you are interested in buying.

Also, clients will be able to achieve deeper, longer lasting tans with higher wattage lamps, usually in a shorter tanning session time. Tanning beds with lower wattage bulbs can have an average tan time of 20 minutes per session. However, higher wattage lamps can decrease the tanning time to 10-12 minutes, allowing the client to get in, get out and get on with their day more quickly. A shorter tanning time also allows the salon to accommodate more clients and make more money!

Size Of Tanning Beds

Salon owners should also consider size when purchasing tanning beds. The exterior dimensions of a bed can dictate the minimum size requirements for the tanning room. If you are working with an existing salon, you may be restricted in the number of commercial tanning beds that you can buy, solely due to the size of your tanning rooms. If size is a concern, a vertical, stand-up tanning vessel may be the solution, as it does not require as much space as a horizontal, lay-down bed.

The tanning surface size in a horizontal bed is another important consideration when selecting commercial tanning beds. A larger surface can accommodate a wider range of body types and also provides a more comfortable atmosphere when inside the tanning chamber. Stand-up tanning beds may be the solution for clients who feel confined in the lay-down tanning beds. Handles inside stand-up vessel give an additional level of comfort to the client, and allows for tanning in a variety of positions.

Luxuries For Clients

The addition of luxury options, such as sound and cooling systems, should also be considered when purchasing tanning beds. These items enhance clients’ tanning experiences. Many tanning beds offer sound systems with multiple speakers and radio and CD capabilities, and some have the option of an MP3 player jack so that clients can hook-up their own music. Cooling systems provide fans in order to keep clients at a comfortable temperature during the tanning session. However, these features may not be as important to salon owners who already have these features built into the salon.

Christine O’Kelly is an author for TanAmerica, a manufacturer and distributor of commercial tanning beds. The company has more than 20 years of business experience and also provides after-sale support and marketing materials to clients who purchase tanning beds.