I want to open a business in massage therapy. What are the costs?

[TerribleTaylor]

So, if I were to open a business in massage therapy, exactly how much would it cost?
Aside from education, how much would it cost for the massage tables, oils, and lotions and all the requirements needed to open a business in massage therapy?

 

[Sabeena]

I'm so sick & tired of non-answers from one particular massage practitioner who doesn't have anything concrete to offer except her own services that I've spent time gathering REAL figures for you.

I am assuming you want to open a practice for one person (you), working 5 days a week. I did the same thing 4 years ago and spent around $8,000. Here's what I bought:

Electric table, $1,500
Table accessories (heating pads, bolsters, breast pillows, pregnancy pillows, neck rolls, etc) $500
12 sets of very nice 800-thread-count linens, $650
Set of hot stones with warmer, $100
Paraffin bath and wax, $150
4 gallons of lotion with holsters from Biotone, $200
Cleaning supplies (vacuum, dusters, gallon of Simple Green) $250
Computer and nice speakers, $750 (I use free online music and scheduling/billing software, links posted below)
First & last month's rent with deposit, $2,000. ($750 per month rent plus $500 security deposit)
Marketing (business cards, web site/Google keywords & maps, yellow pages), $500
Misc furniture and accessories (tables, chairs, decorations) around $1,000

The first space I rented had 3 treatment rooms. As I added therapists I outfitted each room for about $3,000 each. Then I added laundry facilities for $2,000, including plumbing and washer/dryer.

I bought very nice things that would last a long time. I have a friend who opened her business for $1,500 on a single room buying the cheapest used stuff she could find, but she's already replacing things after 2 years. In the long run it's best to buy good stuff.

Good luck to you!