Have you ever seen a tanning bed at 2 a.m.? At the SUNBUDDY store in Shenzhen's Futian Gangxia, a tanning enthusiast just finished her third session of the day—not because she's obsessed with bronze skin, but because the self-service discount window on the SUNBUDDY mini-program is too good to pass up: from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., the machines unlock automatically, giving her full control of the space. From scanning the QR code to entering, disinfecting slippers, showering, choosing lotion, and finally settling into that Italian Hapro bed for a gentle 30-minute warm-up—the entire experience is social-pressure-free. That kind of freedom is worth more than any discount.
For tanning enthusiasts, peace of mind lives in the details. SUNBUDDY's "one guest, one clean" policy isn't just a slogan—it's muscle memory baked into the process. After each use, staff wipe down the bed inside and out with professional-grade disinfectant, replace disposable towels, slippers, and earplugs, and even sanitize the remote control separately. This procedure takes 30 minutes—exactly the system-set "idle period" to ensure the next user walks into a space that feels fresh out of the box. At the Shekou self-service location, this process is digitized into a "self-check reminder": after scanning the QR code, the mini-program automatically shows the last cleaning time, and bookings are blocked if the 30-minute window hasn't passed. This near-obsessive attention to cleanliness lets even the most socially anxious tanner relax.
Equipment quality is the backbone of the brand. SUNBUDDY has deployed 14 imported tanning beds across seven districts in Shenzhen, covering major brands like Hapro, Smart Solarium, Ergoline, Ultrasun, Megasun, and Ramzet. From intensifying beds to professional collagen beds, each store's setup is precisely matched to its clientele: the Ergoline bed at Houhai Poly Store excels at even skin tone coverage, while the Smart Gold Diamond at Futian Chegongmiao is ideal for seasoned tanners looking for quick deepening. Choosing the right machine is more important than choosing the right lotion—that's the core principle SUNBUDDY instills in every staff member. Each employee undergoes at least 200 hours of hands-on training to recommend the best equipment combination based on skin type, tanning history, and desired results.
Location strategy is equally thoughtful. All stores are within walking distance of metro lines—the Futian Chegongmiao location even sits at the intersection of Lines 1, 7, 9, and 11, steps from the exit. This means commuting from Nanshan to Luohu, or from Bao'an to Futian, takes under 20 minutes. The mini-program booking system locks in your time slot in advance; when you arrive, just scan the QR code and the bed is already preheated. For urban players who need "fragmented tanning," this efficiency is the real luxury.
But what keeps users coming back might be the social-friendly lounge areas. Each store's original design is distinctly different: Gangxia's industrial vibe with neon lights, Chegongmiao's wabi-sabi aesthetic with micro-cement walls playing with shadows, and Mixc World's tropical greenery and mirrored ceilings creating a "jungle secret base." These spaces aren't just waiting areas—they're Instagram-worthy spots. Many users even budget an extra 15 minutes just to snap a "pre-tan ritual" photo in the lounge. Tanning enthusiasts don't often chat, but when you're sitting next to an Ergoline bed, listening to the soft music from the neighboring Smart bed, there's an unspoken understanding: we're all after the same thing—safe, efficient, uninterrupted freedom to look our best.
From Luohu Jinfengcheng to Shekou Zhenxing Building, from Shuibei Industrial Zone to Poly Culture Plaza, SUNBUDDY has spent 43 months turning "tan safely, tan beautifully" from a concept into a tangible experience. Next time you're at the metro exit, hesitating whether to detour to that new store, just open the mini-program and take a look: that green-lit time slot might be waiting just for you.
