Sun Tan City Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Sun Tan City is a tanning salon franchise that offers a range of tanning options, promoting a sun-kissed glow and healthy-looking skin for clients.

Sun Tan City, founded in 2007, has become a prominent player in the indoor tanning industry, especially after launching its franchising operations in 2007. This network of tanning salons is celebrated for delivering top-notch tanning services in a clean, tranquil setting, assisted by knowledgeable tanning consultants.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Sun Tan City has significantly impacted the beauty sector with its distinctive business model. The franchise provides a unique blend of luxury indoor tanning with the speed and convenience suited to today's busy lifestyles.

Sun Tan City's dedication to quality service and customer satisfaction, paired with a robust business model and comprehensive support system, makes it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in the indoor tanning industry.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $0 - $30,000
Leasehold Improvements $250,000 - $350,000
Exterior Signage $6,000 - $10,000
Tanning and Spa Equipment $300,000 - $500,000
Office Equipment, Furniture, Retail Service Counter and Display and Supplies, Interior Signage $30,000 - $45,000
Initial Retail Inventory $6,000 - $8,000
Start-Up Marketing $10,000 - $13,000
Insurance $2,000 - $6,000
Lease Deposits $5,000 - $10,000
Professional Fees $500 - $5,000
Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses to Bring in Our Trainers/Field Support $1,000 - $5,000
Computers and Software $7,000 - $10,000
Utility Deposits $1,500 - $5,000
High Speed Internet Access $60 - $2,000
Pre-Opening Training $5,000 - $10,000
Security System $300 - $1,500
Music System $30 - $250
Digital Messaging System (Hardware) $1,400 - $3,000
License/Bonds $500 - $1,000
Working Capital (Additional Funds over next 3 months) $50,000 - $100,000
Total $676,290 - $1,114,750
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $0 - $30,000
Leasehold Improvements $250,000 - $350,000
Exterior Signage $6,000 - $10,000
Tanning and Spa Equipment $300,000 - $500,000
Office Equipment, Furniture, Retail Service Counter and Display and Supplies, Interior Signage $30,000 - $45,000
Initial Retail Inventory $6,000 - $8,000
Start-Up Marketing $10,000 - $13,000
Insurance $2,000 - $6,000
Lease Deposits $5,000 - $10,000
Professional Fees $500 - $5,000
Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses to Bring in Our Trainers/Field Support $1,000 - $5,000
Computers and Software $7,000 - $10,000
Utility Deposits $1,500 - $5,000
High Speed Internet Access $60 - $2,000
Pre-Opening Training $5,000 - $10,000
Security System $300 - $1,500
Music System $30 - $250
Digital Messaging System (Hardware) $1,400 - $3,000
License/Bonds $500 - $1,000
Working Capital (Additional Funds over next 3 months) $50,000 - $100,000
Total $676,290 - $1,114,750

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The franchisor offers a comprehensive training program to its franchisees, covering several essential components:

Franchisee Training Program

  • Conducted by Certified Training Salon Directors, supervised by Lauren Kron.
  • Typically held at Company Salons.
  • Mandatory for day-to-day operators and available for other employees.
  • Participation is free, excluding travel expenses and employee compensation.

New Salon Opening and Training

  • A 40-hour grand opening training program is provided at no cost for the first Salon.
  • Covers new salon setup and organization, along with Salon Director support and training.

First Role Certification

  • Includes training and certification for roles such as Salon Director, District Manager, Training Salon Director, and Trainer.
  • Conducted at Company Training Salons at no cost, except for travel expenses and employee compensation.
  • Franchisees must handle training and certification for additional Salons.

Territory Protection

The Sun Tan City franchise does not provide exclusive territories to its franchisees. This means franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels managed by the franchisor.

While this lack of exclusive territory can lead to increased competition, it also offers opportunities for growth and expansion within the network. Franchisees can leverage the strong brand presence and comprehensive support system to compete effectively in their local markets, ensuring a high standard of service and customer satisfaction.

Competitors

Below are some of

Sun Tan City

key competitors in the

Waxing, Tanning

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

162

New
+
1%
1%

$30,000

$676,000

$1,115,000

n.a.

$563,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

goGLOW

goGLOW offers professional spray tanning services, providing clients with a natural-looking tan using high-quality products in a comfortable setting.

Franchisees

?

7
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$283,000 - $497,000

Sugaring LA

Sugaring LA offers hair removal services using natural sugar paste, providing a gentle and effective alternative to traditional waxing in a clean and comfortable environment.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$313,000 - $432,000

Waxxpot

Waxxpot is a waxing franchise offering a variety of waxing services for both men and women, focusing on a clean, comfortable, and professional experience for clients.

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$293,000 - $512,000

Uni K Wax

Uni K Wax is a franchise providing professional body and facial waxing services in a clean and comfortable environment, focusing on natural products and customer care.

Franchisees

?

33
+
3%
3%
Investment

?

$330,000 - $584,000

Sugaring NYC

Sugaring NYC offers hair removal services using natural sugar paste, providing a gentle and effective alternative to traditional waxing.

Franchisees

?

124
+
63%
63%
Investment

?

$139,000 - $293,000

PURE GLOW

PURE GLOW offers professional teeth whitening services, helping clients achieve a brighter and more confident smile.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$564,000 - $967,000