Desert Sun Tanning Salon

Desert Sun Tanning Salon

Information based on 2022 FDD

Personal Care Services · Hair Salons, Skincare, Eyelashes, Nails

Investment min
$431K
Total: $431K–$681K
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2022
Franchise fee
$50K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
19
Franchising since 2012

Description

What is Desert Sun Tanning Salon?

Desert Sun Tanning Salon has established itself as a premier provider of professional tanning and beauty services since 2004. With a strong presence across multiple locations, this franchise has revolutionized the personal care industry by offering a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond traditional tanning.

As a Desert Sun franchise owner, you'll operate a sophisticated salon that caters to clients seeking both UV and spray tanning options, alongside complementary beauty services. The brand has built its reputation on providing a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere where customers can enhance their appearance and boost their confidence in a clean, modern environment.

What sets Desert Sun apart is their commitment to cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service. Their salons feature state-of-the-art tanning equipment, professional-grade skincare products, and a variety of customizable services to meet diverse client needs. The franchise's business model emphasizes both recurring membership revenue and retail product sales, creating multiple revenue streams for owners.

Desert Sun provides comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance to help franchise owners succeed. Their proven business system includes detailed protocols for everything from staff management to customer retention strategies. The brand's focus on safety, hygiene, and professional service delivery has helped build a loyal customer base and strong market presence.

For entrepreneurs looking to enter the growing personal care industry, Desert Sun offers an opportunity to own a business that combines wellness, beauty, and customer service in a thriving market segment. Their established brand name and successful track record make them an attractive option for those seeking to build a sustainable business in the beauty and wellness sector.
  • 20+ years operational experience
  • Advanced UV and wellness technology
  • Multi-service revenue streams available
  • Comprehensive staff training programs
  • Strict safety and sanitation protocols
  • Regional market leadership position

Location Analysis

Where Desert Sun Tanning Salon wins

Desert Sun Tanning Salon, established in 2004, maintains a significant market presence across multiple states, demonstrating notable growth in the personal care industry. The franchise maintains strong customer satisfaction ratings across numerous customer reviews, indicating robust operational performance and service quality. Their geographic distribution shows concentrated presence in the Pacific Northwest, with strong representation in Washington, strategic presence in Oregon, and emerging expansion into the East Coast with locations in Virginia and West Virginia.

The franchise's success in the Pacific Northwest, particularly exemplified by establishments like their Longview location, demonstrates strong market adaptation in regions with limited natural sun exposure and health-conscious demographics. This regional concentration suggests a successful business model that could be replicated in similar climate zones and demographic areas.

Prospective franchisees should target locations in metropolitan areas with median household incomes above $65,000, proximity to fitness centers, and wellness-focused retail environments. The current geographic distribution indicates significant expansion opportunities, particularly in the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions where indoor tanning services maintain year-round demand. The franchise's proven track record over nearly two decades, combined with their consistently positive customer satisfaction metrics, suggests potential for successful growth in markets with similar characteristics to their existing successful locations.
Total US locations
72
Franchise units
19
Corporate locations
53
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Desert Sun Tanning Salon

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$430,500 – $681,000
Investment midpoint$555,750
Brand fund1%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$50,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Desert Sun Tanning Salon requires an initial investment of $430,500 to $681,000, positioning it as a premium entry within the personal care franchise sector. This investment level exceeds the sub-sector average range of $279,322 to $569,025, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of tanning salon operations requiring specialized UV equipment, infrared saunas, and red light therapy technology.

The tanning industry faces evolving market dynamics as consumer preferences shift toward sunless alternatives and wellness-focused services. Desert Sun's diversification into anti-aging red light therapy and infrared sauna services addresses these trends, though the traditional tanning market remains challenged by health awareness campaigns and seasonal demand fluctuations.

With 72 units established since 2004, the franchise demonstrates moderate system maturity and steady expansion over two decades. The concentrated presence in the Pacific Northwest suggests strong regional brand recognition, though this geographic concentration may limit immediate expansion opportunities in other markets.

The investment requires substantial liquid capital for equipment procurement and buildout costs. Multi-unit development potential exists for qualified investors, though operational complexity increases with advanced technology requirements and strict sanitation protocols. Ideal investors should possess significant capital reserves, retail or service industry experience, and commitment to ongoing staff training and equipment maintenance.

Prospective franchisees must carefully evaluate local market demographics, competition from day spas and wellness centers, and regulatory compliance requirements. The premium investment level demands thorough due diligence and comprehensive review of the Franchise Disclosure Document to assess territory rights and operational support structures.
Did you know? Starting your own Desert Sun Tanning Salon franchise requires a total investment between $430,500 and $681,000, which covers everything from the $50,000 franchise fee to state-of-the-art tanning equipment, salon buildout, and working capital needed to launch your sun-kissed business in the thriving beauty and wellness industry.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$431K–$681K
Most common
$430,500
Minimum
$555,750
Midpoint
$681,000
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $430,500 to $681,000. The midpoint $555,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

-3% YoY
100806040200
2019
2020
2021
2022
72 units open as of 2022 FDD-2 in last 12 mo

2022 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Desert Sun Tanning Salon's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2022 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Desert Sun Tanning Salon franchise typically ranges between $430,500.00 and $681,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Desert Sun Tanning Salon
Desert Sun Tanning Salon
N/A avg revenue · 19+ US franchises

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