For many salon owners and entrepreneurs, getting professional tanning equipment can feel like a big financial commitment. While buying might seem like the obvious choice, leasing a sunbed has become an increasingly popular and smarter alternative. In this blog, we’ll explain why leasing might be the perfect solution for your business.
Leasing a sunbed means you’re renting the equipment for an extended period (usually 2-5 years) with a fixed monthly payment. It’s like having the benefits of ownership, without the huge upfront investment.
At the end of the lease, you often have the option to upgrade to newer models, extend the lease, or purchase the equipment at a reduced price.
No big upfront payment. Buying a sunbed requires a large investment. Leasing spreads the cost over time, so you keep your cash available for other things like marketing, staff, or improvements to your salon.
Always have the latest technlogy. Sunbed technology is improving all the time. Leasing makes it easier to upgrade to newer, more advanced, and energy-efficient models when your lease ends. You stay competitive without having to constantly buy new equipment.
Predictable monthly costs. With leasing, you know exactly what you’re paying every month. That means no surprise repair bills or big one-off expenses. Your cash flow stays predictable.
Possible tax benefits. Leasing payments can often be deducted as a business expense, which may reduce your taxable income. Always check this with your accountant, but it’s definitely worth considering.
While leasing is often the smarter choice for many salons, there are situations where buying a sunbed outright can actually be the better option. If you have the available capital and prefer to own your equipment from day one, buying gives you full ownership with no ongoing monthly payments. This can be a solid long-term investment, especially if you plan to use the sunbed for many years without needing upgrades.
Owning a sunbed also gives you complete control. You decide when to sell it, trade it in, or make modifications without being tied to any agreements. For businesses that like to manage their own equipment and aren’t concerned about handling maintenance and repairs themselves, buying can be the more straightforward choice.
In the long run, if you take good care of the sunbed and avoid major repair costs, buying might save you money compared to leasing. It really comes down to your business situation, your financial flexibility, and how hands-on you want to be with managing your equipment.
Still unsure? Our team at Helionova is happy to talk through your options and find what works best for your business.
Both lay-down and stand-up sunbeds are designed to provide even tanning coverage, but lay-down beds may offer a slight advantage. With lamps positioned above and below, lay-down beds ensure consistent exposure to UV rays across the entire body, minimising the risk of missed spots or uneven tanning.
Stand-up sunbeds have the advantage of a compact footprint and efficient tanning process, making them ideal for tanning salons with limited space. However, some clients may find standing for extended periods uncomfortable. Lay-down beds offer a more comfortable and relaxing experience but may require more floor space and have a higher initial investment cost.
Canopy sunbeds are primarily designed for home use and do not meet the commercial standards and regulations required for professional tanning salons. Helionova specialises in providing professional-grade stand-up and lay-down sunbeds that comply with industry regulations and offer a superior tanning experience for your clients in a commercial setting.