Foot massage shop
Open a small walk-in foot massage shop with a few chairs and trained therapists.
- A$80k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shopfront or shopping centre kiosk with several reclining chairs offering foot and lower-leg massage to walk-in and booked customers.
Your first three steps
- Scout busy locations and compare rents, then ask the local council whether the premises can be used for a massage or personal care business and what approvals are needed
- Check your state or territory rules for personal care or skin penetration services (if any apply) and whether your therapists need particular qualifications or association membership
- Price a fit-out with chairs, basins and storage, and get quotes for public liability and professional indemnity insurance
Who pays
Shoppers, office workers, tourists and locals wanting a quick, affordable treatment.
How it makes money
Price per session by length, plus memberships, multi-visit packs, gift vouchers and add-on treatments.
Skills that help
- Massage or reflexology technique
- Managing and rostering staff
- Local marketing and customer service
Watch out for
- Lease terms and rent, a long commitment before you know the trade
- Council approval may be needed for the premises and its use, and state or territory health rules may apply to personal care services; requirements vary, so check with your council and state health department before signing a lease
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire, plus award wages and super obligations
- Check each worker's right to work in Australia (for example through the Department of Home Affairs VEVO system) before hiring, and keep advertising accurate and limited to the legitimate therapeutic services you offer
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: foot massage shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a foot massage shop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on your location, fit-out, chairs and lease terms. These are estimates, so compare premises carefully before committing.
How much can a foot massage shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, number of chairs and opening hours. Revenue is not profit, as rent and wages apply.
What rules should I check before opening a foot massage shop?
Check with your council and state health department about premises approval and personal care service rules before signing a lease. Also check workers compensation, award wages, super, and each worker's right to work before hiring.
Other ways to run this business
Mobile foot and leg massage
Bring relaxing foot and lower-leg massages to clients at home, in offices and at events.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home foot massage studio
Set up a calm treatment corner at home and offer foot and lower-leg massage by appointment.
- A$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
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