Small day spa in a shopfront
Open a small spa with a few treatment rooms and a team offering facials, massage and body care.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small day spa in leased premises with two to four treatment rooms, a reception area and a team of therapists offering a full menu of treatments.
Your first three steps
- Research your suburb, check competitors' prices and shortlist shopfronts, then talk to your local council about the approvals needed for a spa
- Draw up a budget covering fit-out, lease, stock, wages and a few months of running costs
- Line up qualified therapists and a booking system before you sign a lease
Who pays
Local residents, couples, gift buyers and groups celebrating special occasions.
How it makes money
Treatment fees, retail sales of skincare products, gift vouchers and packages. More therapists and rooms mean more bookings.
Skills that help
- Beauty therapy or spa management experience
- Managing and rostering staff
- Budgeting and marketing
Watch out for
- Lease terms and fit-out costs, and council approval for the premises and use
- Public liability and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
- Check your state or territory rules on hygiene, skin treatments and equipment
- Quiet periods, rent and wages to cover, and staff qualifications to verify
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a small day spa?
Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your lease terms, fit-out, equipment and insurance. Check lease conditions and council approval for the premises and use before you commit to a site.
How much can a small day spa earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of rooms, the size of your team and how well you are booked. Rent and wages still have to be covered during quiet periods.
What rules should I check before opening a day spa?
Check your lease and council approval, public liability and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, and your state or territory rules on hygiene, skin treatments and equipment. Also verify the qualifications of every therapist you hire.
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