One of the most common questions I hear from salon owners is, "Should I start an EFT membership program?"

My answer is almost always the same.

Absolutely.

In fact, if you ask salon owners who have successfully implemented an EFT membership program what the best business decision they ever made was, many of them will tell you it was introducing memberships.

I've heard very few owners say, "I wish I hadn't done it."

Why?

Because EFT memberships create something every business owner wants, predictable, recurring income.

Predictable Income Changes Everything

Running a salon can feel like a roller coaster.

Busy season is exciting, but slower months can create stress. Bills don't stop coming just because customer traffic slows down.

An EFT membership helps smooth out those highs and lows by providing recurring monthly revenue.

Instead of wondering how many people will walk through the door each day, you begin each month knowing that a portion of your income is already committed.

That consistency allows you to better manage inventory, payroll, marketing, and future investments in your business.

Customers Already Understand Memberships

Twenty years ago, automatic monthly payments felt unfamiliar.

Today, they're part of everyday life.

Most people already pay monthly for streaming services, internet, cell phone plans, gym memberships, car washes, music subscriptions, and countless other services.

Consumers have become comfortable with recurring payments because they appreciate convenience.

An EFT tanning membership isn't introducing them to something new—it's offering them a service they're already accustomed to purchasing.

Create Value They Can't Ignore

Simply offering a monthly payment isn't enough.

The membership has to feel like an incredible value.

When someone compares paying one session at a time versus becoming a member, the membership should clearly be the better choice.

Many of today's most successful salons include several services in their memberships, such as:

  • UV tanning with multiple equipment levels
  • Sunless tanning
  • Red light therapy
  • Wellness services
  • Massage chairs
  • Sauna sessions
  • Cryotherapy
  • Discounts on lotions and retail products

The more value you build into your membership, the easier it becomes for customers to justify saying "yes."

People don't buy memberships because they're cheaper.

They buy them because they feel they're getting more.

Don't Keep Your Best Services a Secret

One of the easiest ways to increase memberships is simply letting customers experience everything your salon offers.

Offer every new customer a complimentary opportunity to try your premium services.

If they've never experienced a high-pressure bed, red light therapy, a massage chair, or a wellness service, they're much less likely to see the value.

People are far more willing to purchase something they've already experienced and enjoyed.

Sometimes all they need is one visit to understand why it's worth it.

Your Team Will Determine Your Success

Even the best membership program won't sell itself.

Your staff has to believe in it.

That starts with training.

Make sure every team member understands the benefits of the membership, knows how to explain it, and feels comfortable asking every customer to consider joining.

Notice I said every customer.

Not just the ones who "look interested."

Not just the regulars.

Every customer deserves to hear about the option.

If your team only mentions memberships occasionally, you'll only sell them occasionally.

Consistency is everything.

Reward the Behavior You Want

One of the most effective ways to increase membership sales is to pay commissions.

If you expect your team to actively promote memberships, reward them when they succeed.

The best salespeople are often motivated by goals, recognition, and incentives.

Whether it's a commission for each new membership, monthly bonuses, contests, or other rewards, giving your staff a reason to consistently talk about memberships can dramatically increase enrollment.

When your employees win, your salon wins.

Make Memberships Part of Every Conversation

One mistake I see salon owners make is treating memberships as an optional conversation.

Instead, make it part of your customer experience.

Train your staff to naturally introduce the membership to every guest. Not in a pushy way, but as a way of helping customers save money while enjoying more of what your salon offers.

If someone declines, that's perfectly okay.

But don't let them leave without knowing the option exists.

Think Long-Term

One of the biggest mindset shifts with EFT memberships is understanding that you're building long-term customer relationships rather than simply selling today's visit.

A customer who visits once this week is great.

A customer who returns month after month because they're part of your membership program is even better.

Over time, recurring memberships become one of the strongest foundations a salon can build.

The Bottom Line

In over 30 years in the indoor tanning industry, I've talked with countless salon owners about EFT memberships.

I honestly can't remember one telling me, "Starting our membership program was a mistake."

What I have heard are stories about increased stability, improved customer retention, stronger cash flow, and more predictable business planning.

An EFT membership isn't just another pricing option.

It's an investment in the future of your salon.

Build a membership that delivers real value.

Train your team to confidently present it.

Reward them for helping customers join.

Then watch what happens.

You may find that one decision becomes one of the best investments you've ever made for your business.

Here’s a sales pitch example to get you started.

Customer comes in for a single tanning session.

Sales Associate:

"Can I ask you a quick question? Is this your first visit with us, or do you tan pretty regularly?"

(Customer says they usually tan 2-3 times a week.)

"Perfect! You're actually exactly the kind of customer I wanted to talk to for just a second."

"I don't want you spending more money than you need to."

"If you're tanning a couple of times each week, you're probably going to save money with one of our memberships instead of paying by the visit."

(Now transition into value—not price.)

"Our membership gives you unlimited tanning, discounts on lotions, and access to our wellness services like red light therapy and the massage chair. Plus, if you ever want to upgrade and try one of our premium beds or a sunless session, you've already got options built into your membership."