Is Your Tanning Menu Confusing Customers?

Simplifying Your Service Tiers to Increase Upgrades and Reduce Decision Fatigue

If you’ve ever watched a customer stare blankly at a lengthy tanning menu, overwhelmed by choices, you’re not alone. While offering a variety of tanning options can seem like a way to please everyone, too many choices can actually confuse customers, slow down sales, and hurt your bottom line.

This is called decision fatigue — when customers are so overwhelmed by options that they either choose the easiest option (usually the cheapest) or walk away altogether.

Let’s break down how you can simplify your tanning menu, reduce decision fatigue, and create a seamless upgrade path that boosts your revenue.

Why Too Many Choices Can Hurt Your Sales

• Overwhelmed Customers = Fewer Upgrades
  When customers are faced with a long list of tanning beds, session lengths, lotions, and add-ons, they may avoid upgrades or premium options simply because it’s too much to process.

• Slower Service and Frustrated Staff
  Your team might spend extra time explaining options, which slows down appointments and frustrates both staff and customers.

• Lost Revenue Opportunities
  Customers may pick the cheapest option or decide not to book at all, costing you potential income.

Simplify Your Menu with These Proven Strategies

1. Create Clear Service Tiers

Group your tanning options into 3-4 clear tiers: Basic, Mid-Level, and Premium. Each tier should clearly communicate the value difference (e.g., bed type, session length).

Example:

• Basic: Entry-level tanning bed

• Mid-Level: More powerful bed 

• Premium: Top-tier bed + longer session

2. Use Easy-to-Understand Names

Avoid technical jargon or confusing terms. Use names that evoke experience or benefits like “Glow,” “Radiance,” or “Bronze Plus.”

3. Highlight Popular or Best Value Options

Draw attention to the best sellers or most profitable tiers using callouts like “Customer Favorite” or “Best Value.”

4. Bundle Products and Services

Simplify upsells by bundling lotions, upgrades, or add-ons into tiers rather than selling them separately.

How Simplifying Your Menu Drives More Upgrades

• Less Confusion = Faster Decisions
  When options are straightforward, customers feel confident making a choice and are more likely to pick mid- or premium-level services.

• Staff Can Sell More Effectively
  Your team can focus on highlighting the benefits of each tier without overwhelming customers with details.

• Increased Perceived Value
  A clear menu shows customers what they’re getting at each price point, increasing willingness to pay more for a better experience.

Bonus: Use Visuals to Help Customers Decide

Consider using photos, icons, or a simple comparison chart to show the difference between your service tiers. Visual aids can make the decision process even easier and more engaging.

Final Thoughts

Your tanning menu is more than just a list of services — it’s a critical sales tool. By simplifying your offerings, you help customers make faster, more confident decisions, which means more upgrades and happier clients.

Ready to simplify your menu and see the difference? Start by grouping your services into clear tiers, using customer-friendly names, and highlighting your best options. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you!

If you want help training your staff on upselling and delivering exceptional customer experiences, register now for the UV, Sunless & Wellness Summit, and don’t forget to check out our podcasts and webinars for expert tips and strategies.