How do I Start a Traveling Spa Business?

Start a travel spa business to pamper clients in their homes.

Travel spa businesses offer many of the same services as traditional spas with the added convenience of providing services in the client's home. Travel spa services include facials, massage, waxing, massage, hair-styling, make-up application and manicures and pedicures.



To start a travel spa business, you should be knowledgeable in a variety of spa services, possess the business and spa licenses required in your state and have the ability to make clients feel comfortable and pampered while receiving treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Business license
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Spa equipment
• Company vehicle

Instructions

Starting to Spa

1. Obtain the education needed to perform specific spa services. Attend cosmetology school or seminars and continuing education courses offered at local vocational, community or beauty colleges to learn more about various spa services.

2. Write a business plan as a guide through each stage of business development. Describe the types of spa services you want to provide. Determine how much to charge for the services, and create a list of spa equipment and supplies necessary to run your business along with projected costs. Create a marketing plan that includes ways to market your spa business to your community.

3. Register your travel spa business with your state's Secretary of State's (SOS) office. Visit the SOS website to download the necessary business registration paperwork. Register your business with the county clerk's office that oversees the county in which your business is primarily located. Visit IRS.gov to apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) after registering your business. You'll use this number when filing state and federal tax returns.

4. Apply for a business license, cosmetology license, spa license and other licenses required by your state to provide spa services to clients. Visit your specific state's department of labor or small business administration website to learn more about licensing requirements.

5. Purchase spa equipment from local beauty supply stores or online. Equipment may include manicure/pedicure supplies, hair styling equipment, towels, candles, waxing supplies, soaking buckets and make-up items. Remember you'll need a vehicle large enough to transport spa equipment. Record mileage in a travel log to deduct travel expenses from your tax return.

6. Market your business by joining the local chamber of commerce, attending networking events with other small business owners or by contacting local beauty salons to ask for referrals. Create a website that provides information such as spa services offered, prices for services, hours of operation and appointment setting information. List your services in online and print business directories.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase business insurance such as general liability, product or property liability, auto insurance and worker's compensation insurance if hiring employees from a licensed insurance provider. This will help protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or settlement.

• Maintain all business and spa licenses to ensure the legal continuation of your business annually.

References

• Small Business Administration: Write a Business Plan

Resources

• Mobilespabusiness