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Are you considering starting a business? Now is a great time to open a tanning salon, because the tanning industry is growing rapidly without any indication that it’s slowing down. You will, of course, need some tanning beds, and now is the time to buy them at wholesale costs. They are available from a variety of retailers, but one of the best places to find tanning beds is online. Your price will often be much lower because the retailer does not have to cover the costs of storage or staff. Many online merchants also have special deals with manufacturers, and because they sell so many beds, they can offer you discounted rates. These retailers also offer great flexibility: even if you’re interested in purchasing only a single bed, you should ask if you can “piggyback” on a large order to enjoy bulk discounts.

Buying directly from manufacturers is another way to find cheap tanning beds at wholesale cost. Manufacturers are always eager for free exposure, and they will often be willing to make deals with tanning salon entrepreneurs. For example, you can propose an agreement like this: “I will only use your tanning beds, if you give me this certain discount.”

Don’t limit yourself to new equipment! High-quality tanning beds that have been gently used are often available for only a fraction of the cost of new beds. You should always do extensive research before buying used. Make sure you are familiar with the manufacturer and model, and be aware of any potential problems. You should also make sure to find out why the owner is selling the bed, making sure that there are no major malfunctions. Finally, is the discount worth it?

Another cost-saving option is to consider discount tanning beds. Just like all equipment, tanning beds go through cycles, and obsolete models are sometimes replaced by newer ones. During this cycle, manufacturers will often liquidate their overstock older models. This is a great time to get new tanning beds, with a full warranty, for the price of a used model.

Finally, auctions are potentially a great place to find tanning beds. If a tanning salon goes out of business or is foreclosed, their equipment might be seized and used to pay off the debt. Watch your local newspaper, online auction houses, and even eBay for these possibilities.

If cost is still a problem, consider using solaria. These tanning devices are smaller than traditional tanning beds and cost only 10% as much. Additionally, they are easy to maneuver and can be easily stored in small spaces.

Ian Spellfield, an avid home tanner, discusses topics relevant to the use and pricing of personal tanning beds on his website, the residential tanning bed guide.