How To Set Up A Massage Spa Business | Mobile Massage Services Company

A Healing Company

Individuals who graduate from a Massage Therapy Course have several career options. They can work for an established wellness massage studio, join a healthcare institution, or open their own studio. However, you will first need to get certified to start a massage business. Every state has its own certification rules, which usually require education and passing a national exam. The next step is to decide how you wish to market your skills. Do you want to offer massage as a form of relaxation? A relaxing massage, or do you want to help people recover from an injury? You can present either of these treatments as part of an independent massage clinic.

Massage Therapist At Work

Massage Center Business Plan

If you have decided to open a massage studio, you must develop a business plan to help you understand the profession’s business aspects and anticipate any issues. The plan should contain the following:

  • Where will I open my massage studio?
  • How many people will I employ?
  • What type of massage therapy will I offer?
  • What are my startup costs?
  • What equipment will I need?
  • What will I charge for my services?
  • Who are my customers?
  • What permits and licenses will I require to run a massage clinic?

There are business plan services available online

Massage Business Startup Checklist

  • Register your clinic
  • Register for state and federal taxes
  • Obtain an EIN
  • Create a legal entity- LLC or a corporation
  • Open a dedicated bank account

Check out these few companies that can assist you in getting your LLC started.

Here are a few government links you might want to visit

IRS Website

This site by the IRS is a must-see when beginning your LLC

Massage Company Permits And Licenses

You must obtain the necessary license and permits to open your massage studio. Every state has its own state-specific massage licensing requirements, which you can get from your state’s licensing office. All states require some certification in the form of a diploma or degree. You must also check with the local Chamber Of Commerce for other requirements.

Here are a few online massage therapy courses

Massage Business Insurance

When offering massage services, it is vital to purchase insurance. Besides insurance for your property, you also need liability insurance to protect you from litigation if a client is injured during a massage. You will also need to purchase insurance for your equipment against fire and theft.

Here is a list of some standard insurance companies

Best Places To Get Small Business Insurance

Massage Business From Home

In general, it is not recommended you open a massage studio at home because not only will you lose some privacy in your home, but it may also attract unsavory characters. Plus, zoning and city laws may not permit a massage business in a residential neighborhood. Also, your family members may not be happy with your new home business.

Massage Business Growth

  • Offer customers several payment options
  • Enroll with insurance companies as it will increase the number of new clients
  • Work evenings and weekends, as most people are not at work during these times.
  • Offer discounts for customers require 6-8 sessions
  • Combine forces with a spa or salon
  • Get involved with the local community and schools
  • Participate in local community recreational and sporting events

Massage Studio Market Research

Market research is a must when looking at opening a wellness center. It allows you to verify the existence of a business opportunity at the local level.

First, it will be necessary to assess the local competition properly. Determine whether there is sufficient demand to welcome a new player on the market. For this, you will need to look at the massage studios already established in your area:

  • How many? Where are they located?
  • Their concept: Californian, Balinese, Swedish, Chinese, or deep tissue massage services.
  • What products and services do they offer?
  • What type of clientele do they target?
  • What are their prices?
  • Do they seem to be doing well?
  • How do they find their customers?

What Is Awesome About A Massage Business?

  • Decent income
  • Flexible hours
  • You are the boss
  • You can select your work environment and clients

What Are The Negatives Of A Massage Business?

  • Hard work
  • You’re on your feet all-day
  • You can develop body, muscle, and joint aches.
  • You can only work so many hours daily because massage is hard on the hands.
  • Inconsistent income
  • It can be a demanding work environment
  • Challenging clients
Woman Waiting On A Massage

Specialized Massage Studio Options

  • Massage while pregnant – Prenatal massage
  • Mobile massage therapist
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Japanese massages
  • Couples spa
  • Craniosacral massage
  • Aromatherapy massage
  • Cellulite massage
  • Holistic massage
  • Foot massage
  • Massage yoga
  • Oriental massage
  • Bamboo massage
  • Sports massage
  • Geriatric massage
  • Balinese massage
  • Wellness massage
  • Hand massager

Massage Franchise Or Independent Company?

When choosing your wellness center concept, you should ask yourself whether you prefer to open your business as a franchise or an independent company.

Opening a franchise wellness center allows you to benefit from the support of a recognized brand and a company that has proven itself. You will be able to count on the network’s help and experience:

  • Logistical support,
  • Launch assistance,
  • Marketing and communication tools,

Not to mention the notoriety that the brand already possesses.

On the other hand, opening a wellness establishment as an independent company allows you to benefit from more autonomy. You will organize yourself as you wish, choose the situation that suits you best, and have free rein in choosing your location.

Here is a list of popular massage studio franchise opportunities

Is There Growth Potential For The Massage Business?

Yes. We live in a stressful world; injuries and illness are prevalent in society, and massage therapists will always be necessary. However, it is best to ease into the business with one studio; expansion should only occur if there is an increased demand for your services.

Massage Business Earnings

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that a massage therapist’s average salary is around 60K yearly. However, this figure varies and depends on experience, specialization, type of office setting, and additional certification. You can expect to make anywhere from $4K-$6K a month. Because each massage session can take 30-45 minutes, you can serve only so many clients in a day.

How Can I Increase Profit For My Massage Services Business?

Besides massage services, you may want to offer:

  • Essential oils
  • Biofreeze
  • Books
  • CDs

Before you start offering alternative services, remember that when a customer has paid $100 an hour for a massage, the last thing they want is to be bombarded with another sales pitch. This nickel-and-dime approach is a complete turn-off for many, who may not appear again.

Massage Spa Company Billing

In general, massage services bill per session. You may offer treatment packages if the client sometimes needs multiple treatments. If you are billing insurance companies, you need to be aware that they do not pay for an infinite number of sessions. Most limit patients to 6-12 massages a year. The patient is responsible for the additional payments if your client requires multiple sessions. 

What Should I Charge For My Massage Services?

The going massage rate varies from $50 to $100 an hour. Remember, patients who pay out of pocket usually look for the cheapest massage therapist, so your prices must be reasonable.

Woman Getting A Massage

Local Massage Center Startup Costs

  • Rent $1,000 to $3,000 a month
  • License fees are $400-$800 a year
  • Employee salary $3,500-$5,000 a month
  • Utilities $200-$300 a month
  • Massage tables $900-$2,000
  • Bolsters, wedges $150
  • Marketing $200-$500
  • Sheets, etc., $200
  • Furniture $2,000
  • Lawyer fees are $1,000  
  • Accountant fees are $500
  • Phone $100
  • PC and software $600
  • Miscellaneous $500

Another option is to lower the cost of rent and utilities to share the workspace with other massage entrepreneurs, physical therapists, and chiropractors.

A small massage clinic will require anywhere from $10K-$30K to open.

Funding my Massage Studio

Here are a few of your options

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration, SBA has a program to fund new startups and is worth a look

Massage Business Marketing Ideas

  • Create a website, and reveal the services you provide, the cost, location, and contact information. Also, state if you do accept insurance.
  • Distribute flyers to the local community
  • Go on social media platforms and spread the word
  • Create a youtube video about your services
  • Distribute your business card to physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists

Build Your Own Website

Your massage studio domain name protects your website address on the internet. You can register a domain name with any hosting company you like.

Some of the common domain registrars include:

  1. Bluehost
  2. Buydomains
  3. Dreamhost
  4. GoDaddy
  5. HostGator
  6. Namecheap
  7. Shopify

Here is a list of some options for building a regular website.

Here is a list of drag-and-drop page builders for WordPress.

Who Are My Massage Customers?

A massage clinic offers value to people of all ages because massage helps heal and reduces stress. Most of your customers will have been injured, have muscle and joint pain, headaches, or are just a little stressed out. These individuals may be self-referred or sent by another therapist, physician, or healthcare facility.

Consent Forms & Contracts

When providing massage services, you must have a consent form signed and dated by the client. The consent form has to state the type of service you provide, potential complications and risks, and that you will maintain that confidentiality. 

Try out some of these “free” contract template websites

Supplies Needed To Run A Massage Business

  • Bolsters & Wedges
  • Sheets and blankets
  • Pillows
  • Essential oils
  • Lotions
  • Furniture-chairs, sofa, reception desk
  • Phone
  • Wifi
  • Safety kit
  • Candles
  • Storage cabinets
  • Washer and dryer
  • Brochures
  • Business cards
  • PC and software
  • POs
  • Supplements
  • Hot stone massages
  • Scrubs
  • Masques
  • Herbs and wraps
  • Therapeutic tape
  • Security camera
  • Music system
  • Sanitizers
  • Cleaning equipment- broom, mop, bucket
  • Personal protective equipment- masks, gloves, apron
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