Swedish Massage - from a studio or from your own home?

[natty1986]

Hi everyone,

I'm really keen to set up my own massage business and I'm currently in two minds about whether clients would prefer this from a proper studio (based in my home, but a nice, professional space) or to receive this in their own home? I'm just trying to work out the best route - to be home based or a mobile therapist and wanted some thoughts from others!

Thanks,
Nat

Neither for me. The one I use is based in a business centre so in my eyes its safer and seems more legitimate.

I don't get a Swedish massage but I do go to a beauty therapist in her home. She now rents a room (like a converted garage but with windows which she has done up beautifully). I would be happier going to someone if their space was a designated one (not just a portable table in their livingroom). Not keen on someone coming to me as they won't have all their equipment (obviously not such an essential of just getting a massage). Plus the dogs, cats, someone ringing the door...

Your place if done up nicely - I do not have a suitable space and have a dog.

I am a mobile therapist, but I also rent a room on an ad hoc basis at a local beauty place. Gives me the best of both worlds. I’m now building a home studio so I can cut back on my mobile work, although I will still offer it (at a price).

Both have pros and cons. Mobile work has fewer fixed overheads (no room rental etc) but it’s hard work on the therapist - don’t underestimate the work of hauling all your equipment in and out of the car several
times a day. You won’t be able to get as many appointments in, and it can be hard to do self-care for yourself - warming up and cooling down between clients. Plus you need to consider the spaces you’ll need to work in, some of which will be too small to allow good posture for you. And of course general personal safety. Make sure your prices reflect the additional costs to you too - a home massage is a premium service and your prices should reflect that.

Renting a room avoids some of these issues but it is an overhead cost, and it takes time to build a client base so you may make a loss at first, unless you do ad hoc rental. This normally costs more per hour, but makes sense if you may only have one or two clients a day. You also probably won’t be using your own table so you might need to fiddle around with the height, and you won’t have much or any say over the decor etc.

A home space is good as long as you can set it up well. Be aware of any planning or council tax implications. But it does save lugging all your stuff around, and you can set it up to your own specifications - sockets where you want, your own decor etc. I’m very excited about mine and I think it will help my business to grow. Clients like
not having to worry about parking or needing to clear a space in their home.

Exciting times! Best of luck whatever you decide.