3 minute read

Mobile spray tanning is one of those side hustles that looks simple from the outside and actually kind of is — if you set it up right from the beginning. Low overhead, flexible hours, and a client base that tends to book repeatedly once they find someone good. 

The people who struggle with it usually aren’t failing because of the tanning itself. It’s normally bad equipment, disorganized setups, or trying to cut corners too early. 

A few smart decisions upfront make the whole business run smoother later.

Figure Out If There’s Demand First

Before you buy anything, spend a week paying attention. Are people in your area booking spray tans before weddings, proms, vacations, or fitness competitions? 

Check local Facebook groups, browse what’s already being offered nearby, and look at whether anyone is running a mobile operation or if it’s all salon-based. A gap in mobile availability is actually a good sign — it means demand exists but nobody’s making it convenient yet.

Get Trained and Understand Sanitation

A one or two day spray tan certification course is worth doing even if it’s not legally required in your state. It covers technique, skin prep, solution types, and how to handle different skin tones — things that take a lot longer to figure out through trial and error. 

Sanitation matters too. Clients are trusting you in their homes, so having a clean, professional setup builds confidence fast.

Choosing Your Equipment

The right equipment makes a real difference in finish quality and how quickly you can work. For mobile setups, you want an HVLP spray gun — high volume low pressure — which gives you better control and less overspray than cheaper alternatives. A good tent is non-negotiable for protecting floors and walls.

For people just starting out, Sjolie spray tan starter kits are a practical option worth looking at — they bundle the core equipment and solution together so you’re not piecing everything together separately and hoping it works as a system.

Lighting and Transport

Bring your own lighting. Relying on whatever’s in a client’s bathroom or bedroom is how you end up with uneven applications. 

A portable ring light or a dedicated spray tan light that shows true color is a small investment that pays off immediately — and when you’re building a side hustle, knowing where to invest your money early versus where to cut corners makes a real difference in how fast it takes off.

Keep your kit compact enough to move in and out of locations quickly. A rolling bag or dedicated case makes setup and breakdown faster and keeps your equipment protected between appointments.

Pricing and Packages

Start simple. A base full-body spray tan, a touch-up rate, and a small discount for booking multiple sessions. 

Research what local salons charge and price yourself competitively — you’re offering convenience, which has real value, but you’re also building a client base so aggressive pricing early makes sense.

Marketing to Men

Men book spray tans before travel, events, and competitions more than most people realize — they just tend to search differently. Straightforward language, before and after results, and a low-pressure booking process work well. Skip the heavily feminine branding if you want to reach that audience.

Ready to Get Started?

A mobile tanning side hustle can turn into a genuinely solid income stream with the right setup and a little consistency. The barrier to entry is low — the main thing is just getting started.

If you found this helpful, check out more side hustle and grooming guides on the site.