Are you thinking about starting your own business and wondering how to set about opening a massage studio? Read our article and find out about the formalities you need to meet, what equipment you will need, as well as how to operate as a mobile massage business.
Are you thinking about starting your own business and wondering how to set about opening a massage studio? Read our article and find out about the formalities you need to meet, what equipment you will need, as well as how to operate as a mobile massage business.
How to open a massage studio
Setting up a massage studio, as with many other business activities, is subject to formal requirements. If you decide to run your business as a sole trader, you will first need to register your company. To set up as a sole trader, you need to tell HMRC that you pay tax through Self-Assessment, and will need to file a tax return every year. You’ll need to keep records of your business’s sales and expenses, send a Self-Assessment tax return every year, and pay Income Tax on your profits. You will also need to set up a company bank account and it would be helpful to sign a contract with a company providing accounting services if you are not comfortable doing this yourself. You must register for VAT if your turnover is over £85,000. You can register voluntarily if it suits your business, for example if you sell to other VAT-registered businesses and want to reclaim the VAT.
You can trade under your own name, or you can choose another name for your business. You do not need to register your name. However, you must include your name and business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, for example invoices and letters. Sole trader names must not include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership’, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’, or be offensive or the same as an existing trade mark. Your name also cannot contain a ‘sensitive’ word or expression, or suggest a connection with government or local authorities, unless you get permission.
Before taking any formal steps, however, you should decide on the specific type of services you want to offer. There are many types of massage and some of them require a diploma from a specific field of study.
If you are not trained as a physiotherapist but are wondering how to open a massage studio, you should first acquire the necessary knowledge about massage techniques and skills. A vocational course, where you can explore both theory and practice, will certainly be a good idea.
Knowing the formal issues and being aware of the requirements related to necessary qualifications, you should carefully consider the location of your massage business. Renting a property can be expensive, but on the other hand ensuring the right conditions for yourself and your customers is essential. Your business must meet the basic hygiene and health & safety requirements, so an ideal solution would be renting space that is already adapted for giving massages. However, if you are planning to set up a massage studio from scratch, be sure to read the necessary requirements before going about setting up the premises.
How to set up a mobile massage business
Offering massage services does not always have to be associated with a concrete location. If you don’t want to rent or buy your own premises, offering your services at your clients’ home could be a good idea.
When deciding on this form of business activity, you should first of all have a folding massage bed (preferably with any necessary accessories, depending on your service offer), and a car with a boot large enough to fit your equipment. Although information about the high-quality services of masseurs, hairdressers or beauticians will usually spread by word of mouth, it is still a good idea to have a professional website and social media profiles. Before your clients will be able to appreciate the positive effects of your services, they must first find out what you actually offer.
A mobile massage business provides greater flexibility than a massage studio, although it also involves spending time commuting to clients, which can also be tiresome. Many people prefer to use the services of masseurs in the comfort of their own home. People with physical injuries of undergoing rehabilitation often find it difficult to travel to a massage studio, so it is much more convenient to use such services at home. Some masseurs also treat mobile services as an addition to their main activity, helping them more effectively fill up their schedule.
How to equip your massage studio
Now that you know how to open a massage studio, it’s time to look at how to equip it. High-quality equipment, ensuring the comfort of your clients, is undoubtedly a top priority. As with any similar business you must also remember about the reliability of the equipment you buy, as well as your own health and safety. Although there are many types of massage (including those performed in beauty salons), the basic equipment in any massage studio will be similar. It might differ in the case of equipment intended for special treatments.
Massage tables
Massage tables are the most basic piece of equipment for any masseur or physiotherapist. They are usually minimalistic in design and must have a solid steel or wood frame. They should be comfortable for your clients and also make your job easier. They usually come equipped with a paper towel roll holder, which is ideal from a hygiene perspective, as it lets you quickly cover the whole table with a disposable layer before each massage.
The material is also important. It must be resistant to water, oils and other massage products, so that it doesn’t easily stain or get damaged. Massage tables are usually covered with faux leather, which can come in various colours, both light or even black, so that they perfectly match your interior design. Read more on how to choose a massage table to make a more informed decision.
Beauty beds
Another basic piece of equipment of such business are beauty beds. They are generally very universal and can also be used for beauty treatments such as a face massage. Qualified masseurs also appreciate the versatility of such equipment due to the possibility to adjust the height and angles of the backrest and footrest, as well as adjust the lying position. Most beauty beds have a special face opening letting your clients lie comfortably on their stomach for the duration of a back or leg massage. When choosing a beauty bed, carefully consider your expectations regarding use, as you can usually choose from three types of mechanism: electric, hydraulic and manual.
Massage chairs
Once you have chosen the right massage table, another useful piece of equipment is a massage chair. This is mainly used for shoulder and neck massages, where your clients will be able to comfortably rest their legs, arms and head.
Massage chairs are lightweight furniture. Their frames are usually made of aluminium or wood. They are easy and quick to fold, and often come as a set with a carrying bag. For this reason, they are ideal if you want to offer mobile massage services, although they are also popular in massage studios as an addition to massage tables.
Features of the recommended product
- Ergonomical – seat, footrests and headrest ideal for back treatments
- Stabile – strong steel frame can support up to 130kg
- Comfortable – face hole in headrest, thick and comfortable PVC padding
- Easy care – surfaces are easy to clean and do not absorb oil or water
- Mobile – a carry bag and lightweight construction make it easy to move
Equipment for your massage studio – what else will you need?
Some massages may only last a dozen or so minutes, while others may take up to two hours. Regardless of the length of the massage, you should always take care of your posture. This is where saddle chairs and stools will come in handy, ensuring you keep a comfortable but healthy position when seated during work. They are perfect for everyday use in places such as medical or rehabilitation clinics, beauty and hairdressing salons, or tattoo studios.
A well-equipped massage studio will ensure a high level of satisfaction not only for your clients, but also yourself. When choosing the right equipment for your business, try to focus on products with a simple but functional design. In a massage studio the skills of the masseur and the comfort of your clients are more important than high-tech modern equipment.
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