♥ Gael Wood, LMT, Esthetician For starting a massage business, this guide will give you the information you need to get you going in the right direction 1 I decided to write this guide to help massage therapists who are working toward or dreaming of having their own businesses one day. This starter guide includes Information on getting started with supplies How to check your state and 2 local laws Taxes Insurance Legal structures What to look for in a location Naming your business Budgeting Bookkeeping Marketing Independent contracting Advice for offering outcalls A simple business plan You will find information that I 3 have learned through experience, research, resources, and more. Also included are links to videos I have made explaining things in more detail, checklists, and worksheets to help you start making your plan! Whether you want to start a business next month or in five years, this guide will give you the information and advice to get you going in the right direction. 4 Getting Started Let’s start with all of the STUFF you will need to open your business. This is a good place to start, because even if having your own business is a someday dream, 5 you can start purchasing some of the things you will need. Looking for great deals and just buying a little at a time can save you thousands of dollars and is a simple action step you can take. As you start taking action steps, amazing things will start to happen. You will be more aware of opportunities all around you, and your business might be opening sooner than you think! It’s also a good idea to try 6 different products that you might want to use during your massage services, spa services, and for retail. Most manufacturers will send out free samples to professionals or sell low cost sample sets. Start searching online for different brands that have the qualities you are interested in. Or, if you plan to make your own products, order some ingredients and start working with different recipes, so you can get them 7 exactly right. 8 Supplies Checklist 1. Massage table 2. Table warmer 3. Sheets, blankets and towels (how many sets will you need to start with? I suggest 10-12) 4. Massage oil or cream 9 5. Essential oils 6. Music system 7. Computer 8. Bookkeeping/SOAP Notes/Scheduling System (most will offer a free trial, so start experimenting with different systems so you will know what you want) 9. Client chair, clothes hooks, mirror 10. Office supplies: intake forms, clipboard, pens, thank you 10 cards (for referrals) 11. Credit/debit card processing (start checking out all of your options) 12. Business cards, Gift Certificates, Rack Card or Flyers (start on your wording and design, look into printing options) 13. Water cooler or nice water setup—bottled water? glasses or paper cups? 14. Trash cans 11 15. Products for any spa services you will want to offer (eg., paraffin wax heater, body wrap supplies, mask products) 16. Large items such as a sauna or Steamy Wonder 17. Wall art 18. Curtains 19. Desk and chair for yourself 20. Waiting area table, chairs, shelves 21. Keurig or teapot for hot beverages 12 22.Rugs, welcome mats 23.Bathroom and cleaning supplies 24. Washer & dryer! That seems like a lot of stuff! Some of it you won’t be able to pick out until you have an office and you can see what is included. But there is quite a bit you can start looking for and looking into right now. This will save you many hours of time and stress as you get closer to owning your own 13 business. You won’t want to buy some of these things way ahead of time (like massage oil), but knowing what brand you like is a time saver, and you can look for it on sale. 14 Money Saving Tips 1. EVERYTHING goes on sale! If you know what you need and keep an eye on local & internet sales you can save up to 50% off almost everything. Sales run 15 in cycles (for example Massage Warehouse has a huge sheet set sale twice a year). Also, if you just purchased something and see it on sale call and ask for the sale price; some businesses will give you a credit to your account or refund the price difference. 2. Apply for your EIN number (business tax ID). Then you can open wholesale accounts with companies like 16 Frontier. You do not have to resell to have an EIN number; you just need to use what you buy for business purposes. 3. Buy Used Stuff! I keep a close eye on the Craigslist Health and Beauty section and also use the search feature. Spas go out of business, and lots of people go to massage school but never end up practicing. Their massage equipment is often in great 17 shape at a great price on Craigslist. I also hit the thrift stores to look for nice twin size sheets (in like-new condition). I know thrift shopping is not for everyone, but it’s a bit of a hobby for me. You just can’t go with the idea of finding any specific item; be open to what you might find. 4. Get the coupon code. Before you checkout when 18 shopping online, search Google for a coupon code that you can use. For example, search the phrase “massage warehouse coupon code” before checkout. You can also check the Facebook page of that business for discount codes and promotions. 5. Price Shop on Amazon and Ebay. Buy directly from the manufacturer and save. This does take some extra time, and 19 you may or may not get a warranty. Be sure to check shipping prices and shipping lead times, as these items are sometimes shipped from overseas. 6. Buy Off-Season. When you buy off-season for the next year, you can save up to 90% on gift bags, decorations, cards, sheets. For example, winter flannel sets go on clearance in March. Even gift certificates can go on sale. 20 7. Take Advantage of Coupons and Rewards Points. This can take a little extra time and planning, but you can really save $$. Think Staples rebates and rewards, CVS Extra Care Bucks, and remembering to send in rebate forms. 8. Stock up and save! When something is a good deal, buy enough for several months or even a few years. 21 9. Barter and Share: Why buy something you might only use a few times a year, like a massage chair? Trade a session to borrow one, or offer to rent it for the day. Barter for services you need such as bookkeeping or advertising. Just be sure to make crystal clear arrangements about the barter terms to avoid misunderstandings. 10. Use stuff you already 22 have. Unfurnish your house to furnish your office and then rearrange it later! 11. Paint and up-cycle used furniture. Fresh paint gives an instant clean and coordinated look. This is really trendy right now and there are TONS of DIY tutorial videos and articles online. 12. Start with what you can afford. You can always upgrade later. The most 23 important thing is to have a clean, warm, inviting space and give a GREAT massage. 24 Resources Massage Supplies & Products Frontier Natural Products (get a wholesale account), Ancient 25 Wisdom Essential Oils, Mountain Rose Herbs, Massage Warehouse, Best Massage, Amazon, Ebay, Craigslist Office Supplies Staples, Office Depot, Quill, local office supply stores, Craigslist Furniture & Office Decorations Second-hand stores, Craigslist, TJ Maxx, Etsy, flea markets, furniture 26 consignment stores, your house, your mama’s house or attic. Printed Materials Zazzle, Vista Print Office Software Massage Book, Island Software, Massage-Suite, or BodyWork Buddy Other Dollar Store or Dollar Tree (for gift bags and cheap office supplies), 27 drugstore & grocery store for cleaning supplies and laundry supplies. 28 State and Local Rules, Laws, and Regulations 29 Most states now regulate massage therapy, and you probably already have your state license. It’s a good idea to log into your state board website and print out the board rules and laws. Go through these with a highlighter, and highlight anything you will need to keep in mind as you set up your business. Each state has its own set of rules, so it is best to make sure you are following the ones for your state. Your county or 30 town may also have local requirements (most just go with the state requirements, but some do have their own). You should be able to look these up on your town or county website. Another great resource would be a local therapist who has been practicing for a while; maybe you could trade a massage or pay a consulting fee in exchange for some good advice. If you are practicing within town or city limits you will probably 31 need to obtain a business license. The application can usually be completed online or at the town hall. While you are at the town’s website or town hall, also find out if your town has any sign ordinances. It would not be good to pay for a sign and then have to take it down because it doesn’t meet town regulations. One good resource to help you with figuring out all of these different rules, regulations, and 32 taxes is your local community college. Many have free or inexpensive classes for small businesses and even people that can meet with you and give you advice.