The 5 Best Tanning Salon Software Systems

So, what is the top tanning salon software in 2024?

Well, it depends.

Unlike traditional beauty salons, tanning salons have unique requirements, such as consent forms, managing tanning bed availability, and ensuring compliance with UV safety regulations. These factors, along with your team size and specific business needs, will determine the best software for you.

But here’s a summary of what I believe are the top tanning salon management systems right now. They all address the unique needs of tanning businesses differently, so this list should be a good place to begin your research.

To go deeper into the systems listed here, I recommend you browse the tanning salon software review at The Salon Business.

My Top 5 Tanning Salon Software Options:

1. Mangomint — Highly acclaimed tanning salon software with integrated consent forms
2. Vagaro — The feature-rich and cost-effective software
3. Fresha — Tanning salon software without subscription fees
4. GlossGenius — The premier choice for independent professionals
5. Tan-Link — Specialized tanning salon management software

Mangomint — Top-Rated Software With Superior Design and Customer Support

When I first stumbled upon Mangomint in 2022, I was blown away. Finally, salon software that was fast, intuitive, smart, and — dare I say it — beautiful to use. It was refreshing in an industry plagued by outdated interfaces and frustrating user experiences.

But Mangomint is more than just a pretty interface. This system has been evolving rapidly, adding new features and building a highly engaged community. It’s no wonder it generates serious buzz in the industry and consistently receives high marks on user review websites.

So, what makes Mangomint stand out in the crowded field of tanning salon software? Let’s analyze it:

• Exceptional Design: Every aspect of Mangomint is crafted with care, making it intuitive and user-friendly.
• Smart Automations: Mangomint’s intelligent features streamline appointment management and business operations. This is crucial for busy tanning salons.
• Comprehensive Features: Mangomint has everything you need, from calendar scheduling and online booking to POS, inventory management, payroll, and reporting.
• Client Interaction: Building strong customer relationships is more straightforward than ever with two-way texting and targeted email marketing.
• Integrated Forms: This is huge for tanning salons. Create custom digital consent forms and manage client data securely and in compliance with HIPAA.
• Advanced Resource Scheduling: No more double-booking issues. This feature ensures your tanning beds and equipment are always optimally scheduled.

Now, it’s important to note that Mangomint isn’t for everyone. If you’re a solo operator, look elsewhere as they only cater to teams. And yes, their entry-level price is higher than some competitors. But generally, higher prices correlate with higher quality.

Here’s the essential point: Mangomint should be at the top of your list if you’re running a tanning salon and looking for a platform to simplify your work, save you time, and elevate your business operations.

Pros

• Highest-rated customer service on the market
• Resource scheduling and integrated consent forms
• HIPAA compliant
• Modern, easy-to-use interface
• Open data ownership and no contracts (you’re not locked into anything)
• Can integrate with any other platform that allows for integrations

Cons

• It doesn’t allow independent professionals to use the platform. Only teams.
• Higher entry-level price than many other tanning salon software
• Only available in the United States and Canada

Pricing

Assuming a mid-size team with common add-ons, the average cost is approximately $245 per month.

Supported Countries

• United States
• Canada

Vagaro — The Feature Rich and Cost-Effective Software

Are you searching for affordable yet comprehensive software to manage your tanning salon? Then Vagaro is a strong contender that offers an impressive array of features at a very wallet-friendly price.

Vagaro serves a broad range of beauty businesses, but don’t let that fool you — it includes many relevant features for tanning salons. Let’s break down what you can expect:

• Online Booking: Your clients can easily schedule their tanning sessions online.
• Resource Management: Efficiently manage tanning beds and other equipment.
• Integrated Contactless Payments: Offer modern, touch-free payment options.
• Automated Marketing: Keep your clients engaged with minimal effort.
• Detailed Client Profiles: Track customer preferences and history.
• Membership and Package Management: Easily handle various service offerings.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Gain insights into your business performance.

Now, here’s where Vagaro shines: its Marketplace. This platform helps you attract new customers and increase your salon’s visibility without extra charges.

Is Vagaro perfect? Well, not quite. While it may not boast the sleek, cutting-edge design of some high-end competitors, it makes up for it with robust functionality at an affordable price. This makes it a good choice for cost-conscious tanning salons or independent professionals who want advanced software without significant financial investment.

Pros

• A wealth of features for tanning salons
• Affordable price
• Client marketplace for attracting more new clients
• Integrations with other software (QuickBook, Xerox, Facebook, Zoom)
• Subscription payments and membership features

Cons

• Pages could load faster, and you may find some glitches as you use it
• Clients need to create a Vagaro account when booking, which some find annoying
• There is a learning process in the beginning

Pricing

Assuming a business with a mid-size team and common add-ons, the average cost is approximately $120 per month.

Supported Countries

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• United Kingdom

Fresha — Tanning Salon Software Without Subscription Fees

Now, let’s talk about Fresha, a unique player in the tanning salon software arena. This platform attracts attention with its subscription-free model, offering a fresh approach to managing your tanning business.

Fresha has some serious strengths. First off, its user-friendly interface is very easy to use. Plus, they’re often introducing feature updates. The recently introduced consultation forms? That’s a big win for tanning salons.

It’s important to note that “subscription-free” doesn’t mean entirely free. Fresha charges for each appointment and up to 20% of the appointment value for new clients from their marketplace. But consider this perspective: you’re investing in growing your client base.

Of course, no software is perfect. Fresha’s main drawback is its limited customization options. While it works out of the box, you can only partially modify the appearance of your booking page or fully integrate booking into your website. You’re restricted from linking to the Fresha-designed booking page. It’s like renting a fully furnished apartment — it looks good, but you can’t knock down walls or repaint.

Pros

• Free subscription for unlimited staff. Only usage-based pricing.
• Easy to use
• Available in many countries and languages
• Marketplace for promoting your tanning salon

Cons

• Limited options to customize the appearance (though default designs look good)
• Clients are required to create a Fresha account to book
• Online booking cannot be integrated with your website (you need to link out to your Fresha page)
• Limited support for integration with other platforms. You’re locked into using the Fresha tools.

Pricing

While Fresha is subscription-free, you will be charged for each appointment and up to 20% of the appointment value if a new client finds you through the Fresha marketplace.

For a business with a mid-size team and common add-ons, the average cost is approximately $80 per month.

Supported Countries

Fresha is available in 22 languages and over 120 countries worldwide.

GlossGenius — A Top Option for Independent Tanning Studio Professionals

If you’re an independent tanning professional looking for software that’s as sleek and stylish as your studio, GlossGenius might just be your perfect match.

GlossGenius breathes premium beauty. Every touchpoint, from its polished website to its elegantly designed card reader, exudes a high-end aesthetic.

What sets GlossGenius apart is its seamless blend of beautiful design and user-friendly features. GlossGenius is a dream come true for tanning professionals who want to offer a top-tier client experience without getting bogged down in technical complexities.

GlossGenius offers robust client management tools to personalize the tanning experience and track client progress. With automatic history saving and photo storage, you’ll always remember a client’s preferences or results.

I recommend GlossGenius for independent tanning professionals who want an attractive online booking experience and powerful marketing tools without technical complexities. Larger tanning businesses may need more flexibility and team support.

Pros

• Intuitive features that are easy to use
• Professional salon website in just a few clicks
• Integrated payments with a nicely designed card reader
• Affordable and transparent flat fee pricing
• Synchronize clients and calendars with your phone

Cons

• Limited flexibility (you need to follow pre-defined standards)
• Can only be managed via app (calendar can be accessed in web browser)
• No booking widget to integrate on existing website (you need to link to your GlossGenius website)

Pricing

For a business with common add-ons, the average cost is approximately $48 per month.

Supported Countries

• United States

Tan-Link — Specialized Tanning Salon Management Software

Tan-Link is a specialized solution for tanning salons seeking software that truly understands their industry. Unlike general salon management systems, Tan-Link is built from the ground up for the tanning business. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to address UV tanning services’ unique challenges and requirements.

Tan-Link combines all the essentials: appointment scheduling, client management, point-of-sale, and marketing tools. But its integration with tanning-specific equipment like T-max manager/timers is where it excels. This feature allows for precise tracking of tanning sessions and package balances, a crucial aspect of any tanning business.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some users have reported challenges with the scheduling and booking system, and custom settings can have a learning curve. The user interface, while functional, may not win any design awards.

That said, this software is worth considering if you already have tanning bed equipment supported by Tan-Link and want to automate as much of your equipment management as possible. Just be prepared to invest some time in learning the system.

Pros

• Tanning-specific features (e.g., TMAX control, EFT processing)
• All-in-one solution (scheduling, payments, marketing)
• Supports multi-location businesses
• Offline functionality for uninterrupted service

Cons

• There is a learning curve
• The user interface can be challenging
• Limited customization options
• No mobile apps

Pricing

For a business with common add-ons, the average cost is approximately $250 per month.

Supported Countries

• United States
• United Kingdom

How to Choose?

How can you choose among the top tanning salon software options listed here?

Mangomint: This elegant and intuitive salon software, featuring integrated consent forms and robust client management capabilities, is perfect for tanning salons.

Vagaro: A cost-effective and feature-packed tanning salon software providing extensive tools for booking appointments, managing resources, and marketing.

Fresha: A subscription-free tanning salon software with a comprehensive feature set, ideal for budget-conscious salon owners, although it has some customization constraints.

GlossGenius: An aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly software best suited for independent tanning professionals, offering strong marketing tools and client management features.

Tan-Link: Tailored specifically for tanning salons, it provides extensive functionality and seamless integration with sunbed equipment.

I suggest reading the system reviews at The Salon Business to investigate all the options listed here. The top list includes all the tanning salon software alternatives.