In a SmartTan.com poll, more than 90 percent of salons said they offer their employees free tanning, and more than 80 percent said they allow employees to use any of their sunbeds free of cost.

Just 4 percent of salons only offer discounted tanning to employees and 3 percent do not offer any level of free or discounted tanning, according to the poll.

Allowing employees to utilize equipment no cost is the norm in the industry for several reasons. One, it’s a valuable perk that can be provided at very little cost to the employer. And, more importantly, when employees are familiar with the equipment, it makes them better salespeople. An employee with a great tan can be your best in-store advertising, and knowing the qualities of the equipment first-hand makes it easier for them to genuinely describe the benefits to clients and determine the best tanning regimen to meet their needs.