How To Start A Mobile Massage Business

How Does Mobile Massage Work

Defining what mobile massage means is crucial before we see how to start a business offering the service. People get massages in a variety of places: spas, massage parlors, hotels, resorts, their homes, etc.

To receive massage therapy, there is no need to travel to a specific location. The underlying theme of mobile massage is this concept. Massage therapists who offer mobile massages visit clients wherever they are located to provide massages to them. Massage therapists often visit their clients at their properties such as their homes, hotels, and offices.

Clients usually book mobile massages for hotels or their homes . Companies often book massage services for their employees by hiring mobile massage therapists.

Mobile massage therapists usually visit clients at their homes or hotels. In addition to offering chair massages in offices, you may also be able to perform mobile massages there.

What Is Mobile Massage

Before we dive into the specifics of starting a mobile massage business, it is crucial to understand what is meant by mobile massage. Think of the different places a person gets a massage: spa, massage parlor, hotel or resort, their home, etc.

One does not need to be in a specific location to receive massage therapy. This concept is the underlying theme of mobile massage. Mobile massage refers to the concept where the massage therapist visits the client wherever the client is located to offer massage therapy. Most often, the massage therapist visits the client at their home, hotel, or office.

Typically most mobile massage bookings are to clients homes or hotels . Mobile massage at offices is also known as corporate massage and is often booked by companies for their employees.

If you are working as a mobile massage therapist, you will most likely visit clients in their homes or hotels. If you are familiar with chair massage then you could also be booked for offering mobile massage at offices.

Essentially, any massage session where you travel to the location of the client to offer massage therapy is known as a mobile massage. The characteristic of mobile massage is to provide spa-quality massage at the clients site. To do this, the mobile massage therapist carries everything they need massage table, oils, candles, music, etc. to offer a spa-quality massage.

Hire Employees For Your Technical And Manpower Needs

Even if you choose to have a staff of therapists or run your office solo, you will need to hire an accountant for bookkeeping. Note that as the business grows, you will need to hire someone to perform the office duties you dont have time for. Then you could hire an assistant for minimum wage or participate in your states apprenticeship program, where the individual obtains their license at the end of the program. The necessary equipment you will need may include

• Special tables and chairs for massages

Note that there are specialized massage tables and chairs used to position clients during massages. We believe that a typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable.

Also note that Ergonomic chairs serve a similar function as a massage table. Also note that chairs may be either stationary or portable models. But we believe that massage chairs are easier to transport than massage tables, and recipients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Just because of these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

• Massage Warm-water therapy pools

• Easy to use dry-water massages tables

• Classic Vichy showers

• Massage Crèmes, lotions, gels, and oils

• Total Massage tools

The Service Delivery Process of the Business

Recommended Reading: Full Body Massage Cleveland Ohio

Question : Do I Need A Massage Establishment License

In general, if you go to your clients location, you will need your massage therapy license, but you do not need a massage establishment license. I highly recommend reading through the Florida laws and rules and asking the Massage Board office or a lawyer if you have any doubts about needing an establishment license.

You are required to have a Massage Establishment License if massage clients travel to see you at your place of business. The process of obtaining an establishment license includes completing an application, providing proof of liability insurance, and passing an inspection from the Department of Health.

Here is an article from FloridaMassage.com on massage establishments in case you decide not to go the mobile route, Massage Establishment FAQ.

Donate To The West Wales Chronicle

Every single contribution, regardless how big or small, enables us to keep news free. Support the West Wales Chronicle along with Red Brand Media’s other Publications from as little as £1 less than the price of a cup of coffee.

If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you.

Recommended Reading: Costco Massage Chair Return Policy

Starting Your Mobile Massage Business Part I

In this two part blog series, we examine why it is that many qualified therapists decide to go mobile with their massage services. In Part I, we weigh up the pros and cons of this type of massage business, while in Part II: Essential info for starting up, we provide advice on getting the show on the road, once you have decided that mobile massage is for you!

Weighing up the pros and cons

Nothing takes the joy out of a new business faster than overheads. Faced with a file full of invoices, many a new business owner has sat down, scratched her head and wondered just where she went wrong! With steep prices for office rentals and associated costs, along with a desire for more flexibility, a mobile massage business may seem like just the solution. But before you throw away that new lease agreement, lets look at the pros and cons of a mobile massage business to see if its right for you.

Pros of owning a mobile massage business

Cost-savingHaving a mobile massage clinic may give you a considerable financial saving. With an office, you must budget for rent, outgoings, electricity, telephone landline, and street signage. You will also be locked into a contract usually for 12 months, three or five years, with an option to extend.

Mobile marketingAnother handy benefit of a mobile business is that, providing you own the vehicle you can cover it with signage, which is a great way of advertising to your local market.

Cons of owning a mobile massage business

Ensure Your Qualifications Are Valid And Display Them For The Public To See

According to Massage Australia , in order to be eligible to register with a health fund, itâs essential to have accredited qualifications. Registered training organisations in Australia offer the standard Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice and the Diploma of Remedial Massage.

More important than health fund status, of course, is having the appropriate skills and training experience prior to meeting with clients. Learning the correct technique not only leads to a better service, it also means your service will be safe and at industry standards. If done incorrectly, massages can lead to serious long-term damage, so make sure youâre confident in your practice before getting started.

Also Check: Should I Keep Massaging After Coolsculpting

Small Details Big Results

Clients like to know that you care. This and your amazing healing hands is what will keep them coming back. Your client is extra sensitive to scents? Bring scent-free oils to your next appointment. Maybe another client loves lavender? Bring lavender-scented oils and maybe a few sprigs of dried lavender for them to keep.

Keeping notes on clients is certainly useful, and it doesnt have to be complicated. Keep all your notes on each client neatly organized and easily accessible with PodiumIO. Add notes on the spot, right on your phone! Never forget a single detail. You can even set automated reminders to send emails to clients offering them a personalized promo for their birthday! Your thoughtfulness will not go unnoticed.

Take Time For Yourself

Now that you get to decide your own hours, you are free to take time off when needed. You are in charge of your schedule. You are also more than welcome to take time off if you are struggling with your mental health. You are the only person responsible for yourself and your time. Use it wisely and listen to your own needs too.

You May Like: Good Karma Massage And Cupping

Resources To Help Women In Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. Weve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

• Funding
• Guides
• Support

If youre a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How The Massage Therapy Business Will Be Started

The first thing to do before you start thinking about how to start a physical therapy business is to develop a business plan for a massage therapist. You can also take help from this massage business plan template. After this phase, you can start executing the planned steps. As the next phase, Susan will procure and enhance an existing therapy center in downtown Manhattan which ceased to function two months ago. Since the facility was previously used as a therapy center so the cost of inventory is cut down and the biggest expense will be incurred on the renovation work. The costs for the startup are as follows:

The detailed startup requirements are given below:

Recommended Reading: Massage Therapy Of Oak Park

Starting A Mobile Massage Practice Follow These Best Practices

Taking your massage practice on the road is certainly a good way to expand your service offerings and find potential clients. It can seem overwhelming thinking about how to set up an efficient, profitable mobile or chair massage business and how best to pack everything up and take it with you. Once youre armed with information and products and youve gotten a few events under your belt, youll soon be a pro at onsite massage. This blog touches on some of the best practices for setting up a mobile massage business.

Taking your massage practice on the road is certainly a good way to expand your service offerings and find potential clients. It can seem overwhelming thinking about how to set up an efficient, profitable mobile or chair massage business and how best to pack everything up and take it with you. Once youre armed with information and products and youve gotten a few events under your belt, youll soon be a pro at onsite massage. This blog touches on some of the best practices for setting up a mobile massage business.

This blog was written by Massamio and was originally published on blog.sohnen-moe.com. The original article can be found here.

Appearances matter! Look like a pro

Get An Abn Register Your Business And Register A Domain Name

According to business.gov, there are some key decisions to consider when starting any Australian business. These include selecting a business structure, choosing a business type and considering a trademark. If you do not already have one, you will also need to obtain an ABN.

Key actions:

Choose a business name: something catchy that captures the essence of your business

Register your business name: check if itâs available online

Register a domain name: something as close as possible to your business name

Register your company: and ensure your business details are up to date

Also Check: Lymphatic Drainage Massage Grand Rapids

Select The Right Location

When it comes to selecting a location for your business, you need to understand that it has to cater to your target audience. It would make no sense to start up a spa/leisure therapy business in an area primarily centered around a more laid-back lifestyle because there is no demand for your service. You will have to profile your locations for your ideal target market and choose one that best suits the type of service you offer.

Therefore, deciding where you are going to set yourself up is a crucial decision that you need to make as a prospective massage business owner. You could either choose to start a massage therapy business from home, run a mobile massage business, or simply get your own massage therapy office.

Raise The Needed Startup Capital

When planning to start this business, have it in mind that you need to secure the financing you need from a bank, your credit cards or investors but if you have the money to invest then it is a good idea to rent rather than buy a building to cut costs and pay for your own launch yourself. But note that before you do anything you need to find money to finance your business plan. Sometimes you need to hire a professional to do it for you.

Also have it in mind that investors can be difficult to come by for any business simply because there has been a recession and times have been a bit hard. It is for this reason that you would need to prove to any investor that you can multiply the profits of your business exponentially by showing them a solid business plan. Sometimes a person running a similar business to your own like the owner of a Tattoo parlor might be a good source of clients. Ways to get funds for your massage therapy business may include

• Use Your Own Savings and Assets for Financing
• Family members and friends

Read Also: Massage Places That Take Walk Ins

The Benefits Of Becoming A Mobile Massage Therapist

With the increase in popularity surrounding mobile massage, there is no surprise that it offers a wide array of benefits for all involved.

As a mobile massage therapist, you will become your own boss. You will have the freedom to build up your own personal clientele and choose where you travel to.

This geographic freedom will help you find more clients and open yourself up to more opportunities than a static salon would.

Set Up An Accounting System

Setting up an accounting system is critical to the long-term success of your business.

Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government, but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.

The thought of accounting can be intimidating for a lot of new entrepreneurs. There are a number of ways of handling bookkeeping, from DIY to hiring a bookkeeper. These include:- Pen and paper – Low expense, but difficult to track.- Spreadsheet – Low expense, but easy to make errors.- Accounting software – Medium expense, but owner typically inputs expenses. Some great accounting software programs include Freshbooks or Wave Accounting.– Hire a bookkeeper – Higher expense, though very affordable at $100-$200 per month in most cases. A dedicated bookkeeper will probably save money because, in addition to handling all of the bookkeeping , they also provide personalized tax advice and ensure the business is in compliance. Find bookkeepers in your local area or use a service like800Accountant.

Don’t Miss: I Want To Become A Massage Therapist

What Do You Need

A tradesman is only as good as his tools. Since your business is mobile, youll need a reliable source of transportation. A personal car is great. Some Blys therapists opt to use Uber or OLA, which comes in handy if parking spaces are limited or paid. As long as the vehicle can transport the rest of your equipment, youll be good to go.

Other equipment for your mobile massage business includes:

Your massage table

A massage chair

A trolley

Sheets and/or towels

What Are Some Skills And Experiences That Will Help You Build A Successful Massage Therapy Business

While healing hands and a gentle heart are the most critical skills you must possess, obtaining your national certification from the National Certificate Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork should be a consideration. They offer a number of specialty certifications that will enhance your career and your Board Certification credentials will put you a step above the rest.

Its also critical that therapists consistently seek out new healing practices through continuing education. Aside from fulfilling your continuing education requirements, you stand to learn from and network with the industrys leading professionals. Therapists can attend CE classes through their local massage schools or travel for national and international courses. The NCBTMBs website is a great resource for finding CE classes, as they maintain an updated list of available courses on their website at all times.

You May Like: Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair

Setting Up A Mobile Massage Business In 12 Steps

As the market for massage services increases, so do the opportunities for the massage therapist with an entrepreneurial spirit, ready to take advantage of a new business opportunity in a field they love. And unlike salon, spa and clinic work, a mobile massage business offers the flexibility of a portable set-up, professional autonomy, and doesnât require the ongoing stress of paying rent or managing an office.

For clients, the benefits of massage – and therefore many different areas of speciality or ânichesâ that a massage business can occupy:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Muscle tension
• Soft tissue issues and injuries
• Carpal tunnel

There are additional services that can be provided, such as:

• Assistance in alleviating insomnia
• Treatment of mental health issues
• Alleviation of anxiety and stress
• Boosting the immune system
• Assisting in the treatment of other chronic diseases

There are so many reasons you might be exploring setting up a mobile massage business, but there are several important steps youâll have to take to get started. Weâve compiled a list of the top 12 things thatâll take your business from a bold idea to a profitable reality. Read on to get started!