Boost Your Bottom Line: 10 Profitable Tanning Salon Specials to Attract & Retain Clients

In the competitive world of beauty and wellness, standing out requires more than just top-tier equipment and a friendly staff. It demands strategic marketing, and nothing drives traffic and builds loyalty quite like a well-executed special offer. For tanning salon owners, crafting irresistible promotions is key to filling beds during off-peak hours, moving inventory, and converting one-time visitors into devoted, long-term clients. This comprehensive guide delves into ten powerful tanning salon specials ideas, complete with implementation strategies, to help you maximize your revenue and solidify your place in the market.

Why Specials Are Essential for Your Tanning Business

Before we dive into the specific ideas, it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Specials are not just about offering a discount; they are multifaceted tools for business growth.

• Attract New Clients: A compelling offer is often the nudge a potential client needs to choose your salon over a competitor’s.
• Increase Off-Peak Traffic: Fill your slower hours (e.g., weekday mornings) by incentivizing visits during those times.
• Sell Ancillary Products: Bundling lotions or accessories with a tanning session can significantly boost your retail sales.
• Build a Loyal Clientele: Membership packages and loyalty programs encourage repeat business and create a stable revenue stream.
• Clear Old Inventory: Use promotions to strategically sell older lotion stock or underutilized spray tan solutions.

1. The “Happy Hour” Tan

Concept

Modeled after the popular bar and restaurant strategy, a “Tanning Happy Hour” offers discounted sessions during specific, traditionally slow hours of the day.

Implementation

Identify your slowest 3-4 hour block (e.g., 10 AM – 2 PM on weekdays). Offer a 20-30% discount on all tanning sessions during that window. Promote this heavily on social media and with in-salon signage.

Why It Works

This special creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity. It trains clients to visit during your off-peak times, maximizing bed utilization and generating revenue from hours that would otherwise be quiet.

2. The “Bronze Bundle” Package

Concept

Instead of selling a single session, bundle a tan with a must-have product. The most effective bundle pairs a session with a high-quality, salon-exclusive tanning lotion or accelerator.

Implementation

Create a package price that offers a tangible saving compared to buying the items separately. For example: “1 Premium Bed Session + Designer Skin® Lotion (100ml) – Bundle Price: $45 (Value: $60)”.

Why It Works

This strategy increases the average transaction value. It introduces clients to your retail products, and once they experience the superior results of a professional-grade lotion, they are likely to repurchase it at full price.

3. Membership & Unlimited Monthly Packages

Concept

Offer clients a subscription-style model for unlimited tanning within a calendar month. This is your most powerful tool for securing long-term, predictable income.

Implementation

Structure tiers based on bed type. For example:

• Bronze Membership: Unlimited Level 1 & 2 Beds – $59.99/month
• Silver Membership: Unlimited Level 3 Beds & 1 Spray Tan – $89.99/month
• Gold Membership: Unlimited All Beds (including premium) & 2 Spray Tans – $129.99/month

Auto-renewing payments via credit card are ideal for this model.

Why It Works

Memberships create “sticky” clients who are less likely to shop around. They provide recurring revenue, improve cash flow predictability, and ensure a baseline of occupied beds throughout the month.

4. Refer-a-Friend Program

Concept

Turn your satisfied clients into your best salespeople by incentivizing them to bring in new business.

Implementation

Create a simple system: “Refer a friend and when they purchase their first package, you BOTH get 50% off your next session.” Use referral cards or a digital form on your website to track referrals accurately.

Why It Works

Word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful and trustworthy. This program leverages your existing happy clientele to acquire new customers at a very low cost, building a community around your brand.

5. Seasonal & Holiday Promotions

Concept

Align your promotions with the calendar. Capitalize on events like Spring Break, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Implementation

Create time-sensitive offers. Examples:

• Spring Break Glow-Up: 5 sessions for the price of 3.
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Deep discounts on memberships or large package purchases.
• New Year, New Glow: Buy a monthly membership in January, get a free bottle of lotion.

Why It Works

These promotions tap into existing consumer mindsets. People are already thinking about looking their best for holidays and vacations, making them highly receptive to your offers.

6. Student, Military & First Responder Discounts

Concept

Offer a standing discount to specific community groups as a way to give back and build a loyal segment of your client base.

Implementation

Advertise a consistent 10-15% discount for students (with a valid ID), active military, veterans, and first responders. This should be a permanent part of your pricing structure, not a fleeting special.

Why It Works

This builds immense goodwill and positions your salon as a community-minded business. These groups are often tight-knit and will enthusiastically support businesses that support them.

7. Loyalty & Punch Card Program

Concept

Reward clients for their repeat business with a simple “earn and get” system.

Implementation

Offer a physical or digital punch card. For example: “Get 9 tanning sessions, get your 10th FREE!” or “Buy 5 spray tans, get 1 FREE.”

Why It Works

It’s a classic for a reason. It provides a clear, tangible reward for loyalty and encourages clients to consistently choose your salon to complete their card and earn their free service.

8. “Try Me” Spray Tan Special

Concept

Specifically target clients who are curious about spray tanning but hesitant to commit to the full price. This is also perfect for those preparing for a special event.

Implementation

Offer a first-time spray tan at a significantly reduced rate, say 50% off. Ensure your technician provides a thorough consultation to guarantee a perfect result, turning a trial into a long-term client.

Why It Works

It removes the barrier to entry for a higher-margin service. A positive first experience with a spray tan will likely convert a UV bed tanner or a new client into a regular user of both services.

9. Social Media Exclusive Contests

Concept

Use your social media platforms to run contests that generate excitement, engagement, and new followers.

Implementation

Run a monthly contest: “Like this post, tag two friends, and share to your story to enter to win a FREE month of unlimited tanning!” The tagged friends are now exposed to your brand, effectively doubling your reach.

Why It Works

This special costs you very little (the marginal cost of an empty bed is low) but generates massive organic reach and engagement, putting your salon in front of hundreds of potential new local clients.

10. The “Glow Getter” Birthday Club

Concept

Everyone loves a birthday gift. Create a birthday club to make your clients feel special and drive a visit during their birthday month.

Implementation

Have clients sign up with their email and birthdate. During their birthday month, automatically email them a coupon for a free tanning session or 50% off a package. You can also offer a “Bring a Friend” discount for their birthday week.

Why It Works

This is a powerful personal touch that fosters incredible loyalty. It’s a feel-good promotion that ensures your salon is top-of-mind for their celebration.

Best Practices for Promoting Your Specials

Creating a great special is only half the battle; you must promote it effectively.

• In-Salon Signage: Beautiful, clear signs at the front desk and in waiting areas.
• Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to your subscriber list announcing new promotions.
• Social Media: Create eye-catching graphics and posts for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Your Website: Feature current specials prominently on your homepage.
• Train Your Staff: Ensure every team member can clearly explain and upsell every current promotion.

By implementing these creative and strategic tanning salon specials, you can effectively attract a flood of new clients, reward your loyal regulars, and build a more profitable, resilient business. Remember, the best specials are a win-win: they provide real value to your clients while driving your key business metrics forward.