Mobile Spray Tan Artists: Here’s How to Automate Your Business

Running a mobile spray tan business means juggling schedules, travel time, supplies and let’s not forget all the behind-the-scenes admin work like booking, payments, and follow-ups. The good news? You don’t have to do it all manually.

With Vagaro, mobile artists can build a seamless, professional experience that’s fully automated from start to finish—no front desk needed. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, here’s how Vagaro can help you run your business smarter, not harder.

1. Access Seamless Booking from Anywhere

Clients don’t want to text back and forth or wait for availability. Vagaro gives you a fully branded booking page where clients can view your availability, choose services, and book—all in a few taps.

Here are some advantages to using Vagaro for your mobile spray tan business:

• Block travel buffers between appointments

• Set service zones

• Manage your schedule in real-time

The result? No overbooking, no confusion, just an ultra-smooth scheduling flow.

2. Secure Deposits That Protect Your Time

No-shows are frustrating — and costly. Vagaro lets you require deposits at booking, which helps weed out last-minute cancellations and secures your income in advance.

You can customize deposit amounts per service, add cancellation policies, and automatically enforce them — so you're not chasing payments or dealing with awkward conversations.

How To Set Up Deposits in Vagaro:

• Log into your Vagaro account and go to the Settings menu.

• Navigate to Online Shopping Cart > Checkout Settings.

• Scroll to Deposit Settings and enable "Require Deposit for Online Booking."

• Choose your deposit type:

  • Flat Amount: Set a fixed dollar value (e.g., $25 deposit for any tan).

  • Percentage: Charge a % of the total service cost (e.g., 50%).

• Assign deposits by service (optional): If you want different deposit rules for different services (e.g., bridal parties vs. single tans), go to Service/Class Menu, click the service, and customize the deposit under Advanced Settings.

• Add a cancellation policy: Under Business Settings > Cancellation Policy, clearly state the deposit terms (e.g., non-refundable within 24 hours). Vagaro will display this to clients during booking.

• Save your settings, and your booking page will now automatically collect deposits before confirming appointments.
  

3. How To Send Invoices On The Go

Forget manual receipts or Venmo confusion. With Vagaro’s invoicing feature, you can send professional invoices directly to your clients via email or SMS. Whether it’s for group tans, bridal parties, or last-minute add-ons, everything looks polished and gets paid faster.

Invoices include itemized services, taxes, and tipping options, and clients can pay securely online with a card—even from their phone.

Here’s how to send invoices with Vagaro:

Forget manual receipts or Venmo confusion. With Vagaro’s invoicing feature, you can send professional invoices directly to your clients via email or SMS. Whether it’s for group tans, bridal parties, or last-minute add-ons, everything looks polished and gets paid faster.

Invoices include itemized services, taxes, and tipping options, and clients can pay securely online with a card—even from their phone.

How To Send an Invoice in Vagaro:

1. Log into Vagaro, Go to Checkout > Invoices > Create Invoice

2. Add client details.
   Select a client from your list or manually enter their name, phone number, and email.

3. Add items or services.
   Choose services from your menu (like “Bridal Party Package” or “Travel Fee”). You can include:
   

• Service descriptions

• Prices

• Tax

• Discounts
  

4. Enable tipping.
   Toggle the option to allow tipping on the invoice — helpful for on-location jobs where digital payment is the norm.
   

5. Set due date and payment options.
   You can request immediate payment or set a due date (perfect for booking deposits or post-event billing).
   

6. Preview and send.
   Review the invoice, then click Send via email or SMS. The client receives a secure link to pay online.
   

7. Track payment status.
   In your Invoices dashboard, you’ll see if the invoice is viewed, unpaid, or paid — so you always know where things stand.

4. Customize & Automate Everything

Vagaro gives you full control over how your services appear, how your calendar operates, and how your clients interact with your business.

Here’s how to customize your booking platform:

• Set custom service durations and travel zones

• Send automatic appointment confirmations and reminders

• Add digital forms for pre-tan prep or waivers

• Create discount codes for referrals or loyalty perks
  

Once set up, your booking system becomes your personal assistant — taking care of confirmations, follow-ups, and payments while you focus on glowing results.

5. Run It All From Your Phone

As a mobile artist, your business is in your bag and on your phone. Vagaro’s mobile app lets you:

• View and adjust your schedule in real-time

• Accept payments on the spot

• Check client histories and notes

• Send forms or invoices instantly

• Track income and manage reports
  

No laptop? No problem. Everything you need is right in your pocket so you can stay organized and professional no matter where your next appointment takes you.

Ready to Take Control of Your Bookings?

If you're ready to upgrade your biz, streamline your schedule, and never answer another “when do i exfoliate?” text again—head to vagaro.com/pro/tanbible to grab your FREE month of Vagaro.

You’ll get:
✅ Seamless client intake forms
✅ Automated email + text comms
✅ Branded, SEO-friendly booking page
✅ Checkout + deposits handled
✅ AND the spray tan scheduling peace of mind you deserve