You’re ready to start your own business, and your research led you to realize spa ownership is the right path to success. What next? If you want to learn how to open a spa, there are some essential steps you need to follow.

Massage Spa Industry

Opening a massage spa is a smart choice, as more consumers and medical professionals consider massage therapy an integral aspect of healthcare. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, about 47.5 million people had a total of 214 million massages in the United States in 2018. That’s compared to 47.1 million people having a total of 179 million massages in 2017. More people are seeking massage therapy more often, and they are visiting spas more frequently for their treatment.

How to Open a Spa

There are certain essential steps you must follow to open a successful massage spa. This includes research, deciding what services you want to offer, and determining startup and ongoing costs. It is imperative to review these steps before beginning the journey toward massage spa ownership. Here are the 10 essential steps to get started:

1. Research

Your research isn’t over after you decide to open a massage spa. Now, you need to determine if you want to join a franchise or open an independent location. By joining a franchise system like MassageLuXe, you will have the support and backing of a successful brand. That is an enticing offer for new entrepreneurs or business owners who are ready to hit the ground running as soon as possible. Reach out to other massage spa owners and ask about their experience, either as franchise or independent owners.

2. Determine Finances and Startup Costs

Take a look at your finances and determine if opening a massage spa right now is feasible. The estimated initial cost to open a MassageLuXe location varies from $449,900 to $564,500. The initial franchise fee is $42,500.

Financing options are available to help franchise owners get started. Most first-time franchise buyers use a combination of personal savings, SBA loans, conventional loan products, and 401(k) or traditional individual retirement account (IRA) rollovers.

Read more about startup costs and financing options with MassageLuXe here.

3. Sign a Franchise Agreement

If your research leads you to join a franchise system rather than open an independent spa, choosing to open a MassageLuXe spa franchise is a smart way to get started in this growing industry. After researching the brand, meeting the team, and making final discussions, you will sign a franchise agreement. Then it’s time to get to work — and start your journey toward successful business ownership!

4. Select a Location

The goal is easy — you want a location that is attractive and accessible to clients. But how do you find the right spot for your massage spa?

Joining a franchise is extremely beneficial when it comes to real estate research and site selection. MassageLuXe provides a great deal of support and engagement throughout this process. A MassageLuXe representative will visit the market and get to know the area while helping you determine which neighborhood to target.

5. Site Development

Once you find the ideal location for your massage spa, it’s time to break ground! MassageLuXe will provide you with the tools, information, and support you need to get your massage spa business up and running.

The timeline for opening a MassageLuXe Spa varies, but on average, a MassageLuXe franchisee can expect to open their spa six to 12 months after signing their franchise agreement. Actual construction generally takes only 10 to 12 weeks.

MassageLuXe will help you secure real estate and permitting. You will also be able to follow a tried-and-true guideline when it comes to creating a layout and designing the space. MassageLuXe’s floor plans include details about space planning, architectural and construction drawings, finish standards, and specifications. You will also need to install equipment and fixtures, but not to worry — the development manual has all that information. This is in addition to standard contract and lease documents specific for MassageLuXe businesses and their construction.

6. Determine Which Services to Offer

When determining how to open a massage spa, a key step is figuring out which services you want to offer your clients. MassageLuXe makes this process easier by streamlining the services offered at every spa franchise location.

Clients visit MassageLuXe for massages, facials, and waxing. MassageLuXe offers various types of massage and facials, and the team works to expand services that entice customers with all skin types and health needs. Clients can choose from a variety of packages and memberships.

7. Hire Staff

You will want to have a team of trained massage therapists, estheticians, and sales representatives in place before you open. As a MassageLuXe franchise owner, you will be responsible for the recruitment and hiring of your spa’s employees. However, MassageLuXe offers support and assistance with staff recruitment prior to opening your spa.

The MassageLuXe operations manual contains best hiring practices within the spa franchise industry. A MassageLuXe franchise representative will also provide direct support and guidance on recruiting spa professionals.

8. Develop a Marketing Plan

Clients need to know about you before they can schedule an appointment. When you join a franchise system like MassageLuXe, clients already know and trust the brand. The franchise team will help you spread the word that there is a MassageLuXe location in your community.

MassageLuXe franchise owners have access to our marketing programs, which are designed to attract clients and establish strong referral networks. All marketing and advertising materials are professionally developed and designed to appeal to targeted clients and demographics. Specific marketing tactics include local promotional programs, print media, special event sponsorships, direct mail marketing, public relations, and in-store campaigns. MassageLuXe also provides digital marketing solutions, including social media and email campaigns.

9. Consider Ongoing Costs

There are ongoing costs associated with owning a franchise location, including a marketing fee. This is how the franchisor keeps the programs that benefit its owners running. These marketing/advertising fees typically are a percentage of monthly revenue, often between 1 percent and 4 percent.

Franchisors also require a royalty fee. This ensures that the franchisor can provide owners ongoing support, tools, and resources to lead the brand and individual owners toward success. To learn more about common franchise fees, click here.

10. Open Your Business

Now you’re ready to go! It’s time to welcome new clients, give your employees the ability to get to work, and earn a profit.

You may decide to have a grand opening, not just to welcome new clients but also to celebrate the start of this new venture. MassageLuXe will help you develop your pre-opening grassroots program alongside your grand opening plan and business launch. You have mastered the steps of how to open a massage spa, and you can relax as the magic of MassageLuXe unfolds.

Join the MassageLuXe Team

The MassageLuXe franchise team knows what it takes to open a successful massage spa. Now, it’s time for you to get started on the road to success.

To learn more about spa franchise opportunities with MassageLuXe, visit massageluxe.com/franchise-opportunities, and submit a contact form.