How to Run a Day Spa Business
Running a day spa requires a well-qualified staff of licensed massage therapists, facial and makeup experts and hair designers. You need to create operating space and order appropriate supplies. You also need to hire good employees with proper licenses and appropriate insurance coverage. Employees should have pleasant personalities and strong work ethics.
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Things You'll Need
- Building space
- Capital funding
- Massage tables
- Chairs for clients
- Reception desk and phone area
- Licensed massage therapists
- Aestheticians
- Laundry service
- Hot towel caddy
- Lotions and body scrubs
- Hair care products
- Hair stylists
- Dressing areas
- Shower areas
- Towels and sheets
Instructions
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Establish funding for your day spa through a bank, investors group or co-ownership with other business owners. Consider approaching a hotel group for financing as many hotels have day spas. Find space that is easily accessible to passing traffic. Check with your city tax office before renting or buying space to make sure it is zoned for a day spa. Renovate the space for an upscale look. Install high-end porcelain tile flooring, mirrors and wall coverings that will appeal to a day-spa clientele.
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Hire massage therapists, aestheticians and hair care experts with proper licensing and resumes that include professional references. Negotiate a percentage of client fees each employee will receive, or charge them to rent space in the spa. Work with an accountant who understands the correct way to write a day-spa business plan. Base the plan on anticipated hourly rates per customer; most spas keep 60 percent of hourly rates while massage therapists keep 40 percent.
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Order massage tables, hair salon chairs and other equipment. Discuss with employees that you plan to hire their personal preferences for certain equipment, and buy the best quality you can afford. Seek out local beauty schools or massage therapy schools for equipment catalogs. Review magazines for classified ads for used and discounted equipment if on a tight budget.
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Consult with massage therapists to ensure their licenses are up to date. Review all information upon hiring an employee, but never assume he has renewed his license. Go over special techniques such as body polishes or hot stone therapy to ensure each massage therapist is well qualified before you print up brochures. Talk with personnel to discuss supplies they need.
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Create ambiance by focusing on servicing clients well from the moment they enter the spa until they leave. Order enough towels, sheets and robes to stock supply cabinets generously. Buy towels that look and feel luxurious. Serve lemon water, bottled water or herbal tea.
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Tips & Warnings
Create marketing collateral that you can leave at hotels or hair salons. Develop brochures and business cards to distribute before opening.
It can take up to 6 to 12 months to get a day spa up and running.
Be aware that, technically, a massage therapist can list a specialty such as hot stone massage or body polishing if she only has had a continuing education class in those areas.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
