Small hot stone spa studio

Local residents, office workers, tourists in visitor areas, couples and gift voucher buyers.

Treatment prices per session, packages and memberships, gift vouchers, retail of oils and candles, and room or commission income if you add other therapists.

• Massage qualification and hot stone technique
• Running a small business and basic bookkeeping
• Managing bookings, stock and staff

• Lease terms, fit-out costs and council or landlord approval for the use of the premises
• Check state and council rules on hygiene and skin treatments, which vary
• Public liability, professional indemnity and contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Whether contractors or employees suit your team, check with the ATO and Fair Work
• Quiet periods can make fixed rent hard to cover, so plan cash reserves

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you rent a room or a shopfront, the fit-out, equipment and insurance. Check lease terms and fit-out costs before committing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on location, bookings and how many therapists work there. This is revenue before rent and other costs. Quiet periods can make fixed rent hard to cover.

Things to check: lease terms and landlord or council approval for the premises, state and council hygiene and skin treatment rules, insurance including workers compensation if you hire, and whether contractors or employees suit your team (ATO and Fair Work).