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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
162
+
1%
1%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$676,000 - $1,115,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$563,000
+
-3.3%
-3.3%
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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
The initial investment required for a Sun Tan City franchise is
$676,000 - $1,115,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
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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
Below is Sun Tan City's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Sun Tan City had 252 total units in 2025, of which 162 were franchised-owned and 90 company-owned.
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.
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