Industry Overview

Airbrush Tanning has exploded on to the scene and it is not only here to stay, it is in a stellar growth pattern that is barely out of its infancy. A luxury once only celebrities knew about, airbrush tanning is now affordable and available in most urban areas and it is only the beginning.
 
As with any endeavor that looks like easy money, and is quick, easy and inexpensive to get into, there has been a virtual stampede of people wanting a piece of this potentially multi billion-dollar industry. From suppliers of products and equipment, to business owners, to the technicians with the airbrushes in their hands, they all see an opportunity to capitalize on the bright rising star of airbrush tanning. 
 
As with any industry caught in an explosive upward growth cycle, the potentials for abuses are heightened. Anyone that could get equipment, DHA solution and a website together did so in post haste to supply the demand. One unfortunate development we have noticed, and many have commented on, is the focus many companies have on enticing people into the business by creating unrealistic pie-in-the-sky expectations of financial reward. It should come as no surprise that THEIR livelihood depends not on whether you are successful, but, rather primarily on how many they can persuade to buy their airbrush tanning systems. 
 
Relabeling and private labels are not a new concept but it seems that the printing presses must be working overtime. Manufacturers of airbrush tanning products are selling batches left and right for private labels. We once went to a big trade show and of the nine airbrush tanning companies exhibiting, five on them had the exact same DHA solution from the same manufacturer and not one of the salespeople we spoke with was aware of their DHA solution was identical to the one across the aisle with a different label. Some companies even go so far as to strip the labels off the equipment and claim it as their own. You'll find some companies offer hands on training and others will include an instructional video or a CD. The vast majority have never operated a retail airbrush tanning business. Relabeled products or lack of hands on retail experience doesn't make them bad companies or their products unacceptable. If you are planning to become involved with airbrush tanning as a business you should decide what is important to you in terms of products, experience and support, and do your homework to find the company that best suits your needs.
 
Consumers are discovering that technicians are only as good as their products, equipment, training and experience. This is where the rubber meets the road, folks. If the consumers aren't happy then the industry as a whole will suffer. Everyone that earns any part of their living from airbrush tanning has a responsibility to the consumers to provide the products, knowledge and training it takes to deliver the best airbrush tans possible. The customers are the judge and jury, and may we always remember that it is from their pocketbooks the airbrush tanning revenue begins its journey.