Sunday, May 9, 2010

Starting a Massage Business

A massage therapist must want to have their own practice for more than just making money. They have to be dedicated to the profession. They should also be knowledgeable in alternative and natural health. Massage therapy can provide people with a sense of peace. You as a massage therapist would want to enhance your career by leaning new massage techniques. Specializing in a niche of massaging not only can help you make a lot of money, but provide you with different clientele as well. If you’re looking to make massage therapy your career, you must be up to the challenge. You should be physically fit to do this, because it will require a lot of movement from you. It can also be a demanding profession. For this reason, most massage therapists will start out working part time as opposed to full time. Massage therapy is more than just using your hands to relieve a person’s pain and discomfort. They have to set aside time to set up for each customer. This can take up to a half hour to do. When massage therapists start working, they can work for an hourly rate or take a salary. The average salary for a massage therapist is $41,000 to $58,000. If you have your license and you are certified, of course, you will make more. The hourly rates for massage therapy can run from $30 to $100 an hour, depending on several factors: location, services and other miscellaneous things come into play. The more experienced the massage therapist is, the more they can stand to make. When you have decided it is time to branch out on your own, make sure that you have enough funds to start. You must get the right equipment in order to start your business on the right foot. Since the massage room is where you will be engaged with your clientele, you have to make sure that you have the proper supplies and related equipment to get the job done.

For your massage room you will need the following furniture and supplies:

Massage tables
Chairs
Stools
Sound machines for music
Shelves
Blankets
Hand sanitizer
Table warmer
Sheets
Face cradle covers
Pillow cases

When looking for massage tables, look for portable tables that are of good quality. Don’t concern yourself with trying to get the cheapest thing that’s available. Look for something that will be comfortable for the clients. The client’s well being should be first and foremost. The tables should be flexible and include a headrest that can be adjusted to different heights. There should also be a protective case included. You want to get tables that have plenty of foam. Foam will help to make the table soft to lie on. The foam should also make the table sturdy and long lasting. It should be able to endure all kind of conditions. Make sure that you have a warranty with the product. Using a sound machine can create a soothing atmosphere for the client as they lie on the table getting a massage. It will make a difference between in how they view the entire massage therapy experience. Find something that will help the client to enjoy their visit.

As a massage therapist, you will need different types of massage oils that you will use on the client. You will also need a showcase of additional products to market to your clientele. You will also need office supplies for the reception area, along with cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items. The therapist will also need a business license and liability insurance.