The Hands-On Approach to Starting a Massage Therapy Business

Business Overview:

If you are a skilled massage therapist or a new massage school graduate looking to go out on your own, you should consider starting a massage therapy business. If you have been working for a health spa or health club, you know that the massage therapy business is booming. You also know that a portion of your hard earned paycheck goes back to the facility where you work. Wouldn’t it be great if all the income was yours? Starting a massage business can make that a reality. When researching this business idea, you’ll find that since you’re already a trained massage therapist, all you need is a massage therapy business plan to get the ball rolling. Some elements you’ll need to outline in your massage business plan are whether you want to buy a franchise business or start your business from the ground up. Buying a franchise usually means buying a client list as well. Most of the up-front work is done for you but this is usually a more expensive route to take. When you look into how to start a massage business from scratch you’ll find it will likely take less startup capital but you will have to do more marketing work. You may need to purchase massage equipment if you don’t already own any. Next you will need to decide if you want a storefront or if you will offer in-home services. Each has their pros and cons; it depends on your business model and only you can decide which one would be a better fit. As your business grows, you may want to hire a team of massage therapists to work for you. If this is the case, your workload will diminish but the profits will keep rolling in. As clients send you referral business, word will quickly spread about your new business and the top-notch massage therapy you offer.

A Day in the Life of a Massage Therapy Business Owner:

If you work alone, your day will begin with a check of your appointments. Make sure you arrive on time and with all your equipment and supplies if you offer treatment at various client locations. If customers will be coming to you, make sure your therapy area is clean and appropriately appointed for a pleasant massage experience. If you have massage therapists working for you, you’ll want to go over their appointments with them to make sure their schedule is correct. You’ll make sure they have everything they need to attend to the clients. You will also spend a portion of your day marketing your business. This can be done via ads in local magazines, on the Internet, or making calls to local businesses like fitness facilities and hotels, asking them if you can advertise your business there. Finally you will want to check your books to make sure you have received payment for all massage services given and that all your bills have been paid.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be individuals seeking therapeutic massage for various injuries or relaxation.

What You Need to Start:

• Business plan
• Marketing plan and materials
• Massage table
• Towels
• Oils and lotions
• Relaxing music (and music player)
• Vehicle to transport your equipment if offering services on location
• Storefront (optional)

The Good:

• If you are already a skilled massage therapist, the transition to business owner is an easy one.
• You get to spend all day doing what you enjoy.
• This a highly rewarding business as your clients will be very grateful for your services.
• You can work as much or as little as you want.
• You can charge top dollar for high quality massage therapy.

The Bad:

• It could take some time to get enough clients to make a comfortable income.
• Some customers may be difficult to work with.

Resources:

• American Massage Therapy Association
• International Massage Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Massage Therapists
• Wikipedia on Massage