The UK tanning industry continues to expand in 2025, driven by consistent demand for year-round bronzing solutions and the wider growth of the beauty and wellness sector. For entrepreneurs and salon owners, investing in commercial sunbeds remains one of the most profitable opportunities in the industry. However, choosing the right equipment, understanding running costs, and calculating potential ROI are essential steps before making a significant investment. This guide provides a clear breakdown of commercial sunbed costs, realistic profit margins, and practical investment strategies tailored for salon owners. Whether you are planning to launch a dedicated tanning salon or add a sunbed as an additional service in a beauty salon, barber shop or gym, these insights will help you make informed decisions and secure long-term profitability.
Understanding the Commercial Sunbed Market in 2025
The commercial tanning market in the UK remains resilient. Despite shifts within the wider beauty industry, demand for professional tanning continues to grow, particularly in areas with new residential developments where customers seek convenient wellness and appearance-enhancing services close to home.
Across both the UK and Europe, new tanning salons are opening each month. The industry benefits from a consistent client base that values controlled tanning sessions, particularly given the UK’s often unpredictable weather. Unlike many seasonal beauty treatments, sunbeds provide year-round revenue, making them a stable business model.
How Much Do Commercial Sunbeds Cost in 2025?
New Sunbeds – Premium Investment
Purchasing new equipment is the best option for salon owners who want to build a professional, competitive brand from day one. Leading manufacturers such as Ergoline, megaSun, Luxura and Opal Fitness offer state-of-the-art sunbeds equipped with features like LED technology, energy-efficient systems, climate control and premium design.
- Entry-level commercial units start from around £12,000–£15,000.
- Mid-range models typically cost £20,000–£30,000.
- High-end flagship sunbeds can reach £70,000–£90,000, but also deliver unmatched performance and customer appeal.
These premium devices are essential for salons in competitive areas, as they attract loyal customers who value comfort, speed and quality results.
Reconditioned Sunbeds – Affordable Alternatives
Reconditioned or refurbished sunbeds can be a cost-effective way to enter the market, especially for smaller businesses. Prices are significantly lower than new units, but quality varies greatly depending on the supplier.
Key considerations include:
- Maintenance history – only purchase machines that have been professionally serviced.
- Spare parts availability – some older models may be difficult to maintain.
- Performance – reconditioned units can still deliver excellent results if sourced from a trusted distributor.
Buying from a reliable partner such as Best Sunbeds ensures that reconditioned equipment is thoroughly tested, fitted with new lamps and backed by expert support. Explore our commercial sunbeds for sale.
Rental vs Leasing – Which Is Better for Your Business?
Rental
- A practical option for beauty salons, barber shops, gyms or spas that want to add tanning as an additional service.
- Typically limited to basic models, suitable as a complement but not competitive for a dedicated tanning salon.
- Risk: launching a full tanning studio with only rental units usually leads to weak market positioning against competitors with premium sunbeds.
Leasing / Finance
- The preferred solution for entrepreneurs opening a dedicated tanning salon.
- Provides access to premium brands like Ergoline, megaSun and Opal Fitness without the upfront cost.
- Best Sunbeds partners with leading finance brokers such as Kennet Equipment Leasing and First Business Finance, enabling quick approvals and tailored repayment plans.
ROI – When Will a Tanning Salon Become Profitable?
Calculating Running Costs per Minute
Operating costs mainly consist of:
- Electricity – modern LED-integrated sunbeds are more energy-efficient, reducing bills.
- Lamp replacement – usually required every 500–800 hours, depending on usage.
- Service and maintenance – essential to keep machines running smoothly.
The real cost per tanning minute in the UK generally ranges from 20–40 pence.
Average Client Pricing and Turnover
UK salons typically charge £1–2 per minute. With proper pricing, most operators achieve gross profit margins exceeding 60%.
- A small salon with 3–4 sunbeds can generate strong profits within 12–18 months.
- Larger salons or multi-site operations often reach break-even within the first year, thanks to higher client throughput.
How Location Impacts ROI
Location is one of the most decisive factors in profitability.
- Gyms and barber shops: tanning services add value and attract new customers.
- Beauty salons and spas: sunbeds increase treatment variety and cross-selling opportunities.
- Dedicated tanning salons: with multiple premium machines, they achieve the fastest ROI if positioned in high-footfall areas.
Smart Investment Tips for Salon Owners
Standing vs. Lay-Down Sunbeds – Which to Choose?
A successful salon should ideally offer both standing and lay-down options to cater to different customer preferences.
- Lay-down sunbeds (e.g. Ergoline, megaSun) provide a relaxing tanning experience.
- Standing sunbeds are space-efficient and popular among younger clients seeking fast sessions.
The Opal Fitness vertical sunbed, distributed exclusively by Best Sunbeds in the UK, is the most advanced stand-up unit on the market, featuring LED technology and a unique external advertising screen. Discover Opal Fitness here.
Don’t Forget About Cosmetics Sales
Sunbed cosmetics significantly increase ROI by boosting both tanning results and retail margins.
- Fame Tan – Best Sunbeds’ own brand, developed for visible results from the first use.
- QL Tan – innovative formulations, exclusive to Best Sunbeds in the UK.
Selling lotions and after-tan products not only increases revenue but also improves client satisfaction and loyalty. View our tanning cosmetics.
Service and Maintenance – Protecting Your Investment
Reliable service is critical in protecting your investment. Downtime leads directly to lost revenue.
Best Sunbeds provides:
- A team of manufacturer-trained engineers.
- A fully stocked warehouse with spare parts and lamps.
- Fast response times across the UK.
Learn more about our sunbed service and repairs.
Why Work with an Experienced Supplier?
Choosing the right supplier determines long-term success. Buying from unofficial channels or private resellers often results in poor reliability, lack of parts and no service support.
Best Sunbeds offers:
- A showroom with 30+ machines in stock, available for demonstrations.
- Exclusive UK distribution of leading brands such as Opal Fitness, Fame Tan and QL Tan.
- Professional installation and nationwide service coverage.
- Flexible finance and leasing options tailored to your business.
? Contact Best Sunbeds today to view our stock and discuss your investment plans.
Conclusion
The tanning market in the UK remains strong in 2025, offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and salon owners. With clear insight into equipment costs, ROI and smart investment strategies, you can make confident decisions that will set your business apart.
With the right partner, your tanning salon can become profitable within the first year.
Jennifer Marshall is a friendly and talented journalist who loves telling stories. She is an expert in writing biographies that make people’s lives shine. With clear and simple words, Jennifer creates engaging stories that everyone can enjoy. With 9 years of experience, her passion for writing helps her connect with readers and share inspiring tales.