Mobile spray tanning

Travel to clients' homes, events and parties with a portable spray tan setup.

A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.
Startup costA$1.5k to A$5k
Monthly revenueA$800 to A$4k
Time needed6+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A mobile spray tan service using a portable spray machine and pop-up tent. Sunbeds are not part of this idea, as commercial sunbed tanning is banned in Australia (check your state's rules).

Your first three steps

  1. Complete a spray tan training course and practise on friends and family
  2. Buy a spray machine, tent and quality solutions, then get an ABN and public liability insurance
  3. Set up an Instagram page and online booking, and offer discounted tans for before-and-after photos and reviews
Who pays

Brides and bridal parties, formal and dance students, event-goers, and regulars who like a tan year-round.

How it makes money

A set price per spray tan, with extras like group or bridal party packages, travel fees and repeat-visit deals.

Skills that help
  • Steady hand and attention to detail
  • Friendly, confident manner with clients
  • Booking and time management
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance that covers working at clients' homes
  • Check ingredients in your solutions meet Australian cosmetic rules and test for allergies or skin reactions
  • Demand is seasonal, with peaks around summer, formals and wedding season
  • Check whether you need to charge GST once your turnover reaches the threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: mobile spray tanning

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile spray tanning business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your spray machine, tent and solutions. Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on bookings and the season. These are estimates only.

What should I check before starting mobile spray tanning in Australia?

Check public liability insurance covers working at clients' homes. Check the ingredients in your solutions meet Australian cosmetic rules, and test for allergies or skin reactions. Also check whether you need to charge GST once your turnover reaches the threshold.

How much time does mobile spray tanning take, and is it seasonal?

Estimates suggest at least around 6 hours a week. Demand is seasonal, with peaks around summer, formals and wedding season. A steady hand, attention to detail, a friendly manner and good time management all help.

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Photo: Tho-Ge on Pixabay

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