Business At A Glance
Startup Costs: Under $2,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Online Operation? No
Business Overview
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get frustrated, frazzled andstressed out. But if you’ve got that healing touch–you can knead awaytense muscles and calm jagged nerves–then you can make the dreams ofrelaxation a reality with a mobile massage service. You’ll drive tohomes or offices; bring in your massage chair or table, soothing oilsand restful music; and give your clients 7- to 20-minute on-sitetreatments.
You can even–with permission from the properauthorities–set up on the beach, at shopping malls and at airports.The advantages to this business are that your start-up costs areminimal and you get the glow of satisfaction from making the world–atleast temporarily–a more relaxing place for your clients. You’ll needto have a background in massage therapy, an affinity and empathy forpeople, and a restful nature.
The Market
Your clients can be overworked executives and home officeentrepreneurs, stay-at-home moms, and athletes who’ve overdone theaerobics workout and even sports rehabilitation clinics. Send salesletters and brochures to the human resources departments or health andsafety coordinators of large corporations and small-business owners inyour area.
Leave fliers or brochures at health clubs and spas; swim,running and biking clubs; fitness centers; athletic shoe and clothingshops; vitamin and nutrition shops; and with chiropractors who canrefer you to their patients. Give seminars to professional and civicgroups and volunteer yourself as a guest on a local radio chat show.Get yourself written up in local publications. Donate a few sessions toa charity fundraiser in exchange for publicity.
Needed Equipment
Some states require massage therapists to be licensed–check with theAmerican Massage Therapy Association to find out if yours is one ofthem. You’ll need a portable massage table or chair, a selection ofscented candles and oils, a stack of clean towels, and a CD or cassetteplayer plus some relaxing music to pop into it.