Guess what? Sunbeds are back in style and it’s Gen Z who are fuelling the revival. A decade ago, it looked like sunbeds were going to dwindle away, but thanks to the rise of the bronzed beauty influencer (we’re looking at you, Molly Mae!) sun-kissed is in season. It seems like everyone and their nan wants to know the ins and outs of indoor tanning, which begs the question, how much do sunbeds cost?
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How much do sunbeds cost? Salons vs home tanning
As we just mentioned, indoor tanning has taken off in recent years with the TikTok hashtag #sunbeds racking up over 614.8M views. But how expensive exactly is this kind of lifestyle? Well, that would depend on your tanning method.
Outside of regular tanning under the heat of the sun or a temporary spray tan, you have a few options:
- You could book a sunbed session in a tanning salon
- You could hire a sunbed at home
- You could purchase a sunbed, so you can tan at your own leisure, whenever.
As you might expect, these options come with different price tags and have their own benefits. Popping into a salon, for example, is a good option if tanning is something you do sporadically. But if you’re a regular, it might become more cost-efficient to tan from home to curate that Greek goddess glow.
Whichever way you sway, it’s worth comparing a salon tan to a home tan to see whether it could help you save in the long run.
Salon tanning
Tanning salons offer a convenient option for those seeking a holiday-ready glow without the commitment of owning a sunbed. Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs:
Single Sessions
On average, a single sunbed session at a tanning salon can cost anywhere from £15 to £50, depending on the location and the duration of the session. Some salons even offer pay-by-the-minute options, although these are rarer and more suited to shorter appointments.
Package Deals
Many salons offer package deals, allowing customers to purchase multiple sessions at a discounted rate. Packages may range from £40 for a small number of sessions to £150 for a monthly unlimited package.
Monthly Memberships
For more frequent tanners, monthly memberships are often available. These memberships can cost between £40 and £150 per month depending on the tier of membership, offering unlimited access to sunbeds.
Additional Costs
Keep in mind that some salons might charge additional fees for peak hours, tanning products like lotions or upgraded tanning bed options. It’s essential to inquire about any extra costs before committing to a tanning session to avoid any unwanted surprises.
While salon tanning offers convenience and a fun excuse to get out and about, the costs can add up over time. It’s crucial to evaluate your tanning frequency and preferences to determine if salon tanning is the most cost-effective option for you.
Sunbed rental
For those who prefer the flexibility of tanning at home, there are two primary options: renting a sunbed or purchasing one outright.
The former option is suitable for those who want the convenience of having a sunbed at home without the commitment of making such a large purchase. The high-quality beds available on the rental market are often hired by savvy business owners, attesting to their salon-worthiness.
How much do tanning beds cost to hire?
In the UK, the cost to hire a sunbed for home use typically ranges from £80 to £200 per month, depending on the duration of the rental and the features of the sunbed.
Additional hiring price factors
In addition to the raw rental price, there are several other crucial factors to consider when delving into the world of sunbed rental. Beyond the type of sunbed, the duration is paramount as it can significantly impact your overall expenses, so pick the right week to optimise your bronzing sessions.
Also be sure to factor in any additional charges for delivery and installation, as well as inquire about maintenance and repair services to ensure uninterrupted tanning sessions.
Finally, selecting a sunbed distributor that you can trust is key to a seamless rental experience. Opt for a distributor with a proven track record and experience in the industry to guarantee reliable equipment and customer satisfaction. By taking all these factors into account, you can make a well-rounded decision that not only meets your tanning needs but also aligns with your budget and expectations.
What about purchasing them?
Whether you’re considering purchasing a tanning bed for your home or your sunbed shop, buying one outright comes with significant expense, and it’s not surprising; sunbeds are huge items requiring technical manufacture and the latest cooling technology.
How much do tanning beds cost to purchase?
Depending on the size, type, model and the bulbs or tubes they use the price of purchasing a sunbed could be anything between £1,600 and £6,600. Hidden costs may include delivery, maintenance and any related accessories.
How much do sunbeds cost to run?
To make smart choices when hiring or purchasing a sunbed, you need to get the lowdown on the basics, and particularly the factors influencing the running costs. This knowledge will help you breeze through the whole home tanning process, so you can decide what works best for your business or your tan without breaking a sweat.
Sunbed types: conventional vs electronic
When weighing up your sunbed running costs, the choice between the available types – either a conventional sunbed or an electronic one – can significantly impact your expenses.
The electronic sunbeds come equipped with advanced features such as electronic ballasts, ensuring greater energy efficiency and reduced electricity consumption. The use of new cool tanning technology not only makes the sessions more comfortable by minimising heat, but it also optimises UVA/UVB tanning performance.
Despite potentially higher upfront costs for electronic tubes, the long-term benefit lies in their lower running costs compared to conventional tubes. This makes electronic sunbeds a cost-effective option over time, as the energy efficiency translates into savings on electricity bills – an attractive choice for those mindful of their budget.
Sunbed models
Back in the day, commercial and home sunbeds had a massive quality gap, leading to significantly varying results. Fast forward to today, and that gap has pretty much vanished.
Thanks to advancements in tanning technology, you can now achieve salon-worthy looks from the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to splash out on a fancier model or something a little more subtle, know that home sunbeds can help give you that confidence-boosting glow.
Here’s the price breakdown for our most popular models:
Electronic sunbed models
Electronic sunbeds range in consumption from 0.72 kilowatt-hour (kWh) using a single canopy, which costs 2-4p for a 10-minute session, to 2.2 kWh at 10-12p for a 26-tube bed.
Conventional sunbed models
In contrast, conventional beds typically use more than 3 times the power, so a 24-tube conventional sunbed can cost up to 35p for a session of ten minutes.
Breaking down the running costs
Now we’ve explored the raw cost of home tanning, you might be curious about our method for calculating how much these sunbeds cost per minute in terms of electricity.
For business proprietors, delving into the wattage of a sunbed takes centre stage when contemplating operational expenses. The wattage serves as a direct link to the electricity consumed during its use, usually falling within the 0.7 to 5 kilowatt-hour (kWh) spectrum.
Assuming a 10-minute session, the anticipated electricity expenditure hovers between £0.02 and £0.35*, contingent upon the prevailing rates in your locality. Given the palpable apprehension about power consumption and its associated costs, it’s a prudent move for business owners to explore alternatives that align with sustainability principles.
*Estimations based on the UK Energy Price Guarantee (November 2023) electricity rate of 28.6p per kWh.
TLDR: Everything you need to know about sunbed running costs
How much do sunbeds cost? Here’s a whistle-stop tour of our findings:
- You can choose between salon sessions (£15 to £50), but they may be less cost-efficient or convenient for regular tanners.
- Home tanning options vary considerably: renting (£80 to £200/month) or buying (£1,600 to £6,600).
- Electronic sunbeds offer energy efficiency (2-4p per 10-minute session), while additional factors like delivery, maintenance, and distributor trustworthiness should be considered.
- For business owners, wattage influences operational expenses, with estimated daily electricity costs ranging from £1.14 to £3.72 per hour as multiple customers use the beds – never spend this long on a tanning bed at home in a single session.
- Take into account each of the considerations listed to calculate which option is the most appropriate for you!
Get the glow-up you deserve
Armed with the insights provided, you now possess the tools to make a savvy decision regarding your tanning practices. Whether you opt for a short sunbed rental or a more long-term one, understanding the costs and nuances of sunbed models ensures you’re in control of your glow-up journey.
Remember, your radiant confidence is just a tan away, and with the right information, you’re poised to achieve the sun-kissed look you desire. So, go ahead, bask in the warmth, and embrace the glow you’ve earned. Happy tanning!
To hire a sunbed or learn more about the process please do get in touch.