Thai massage studio with a rented room

Local residents, workers nearby and visitors in busy areas who want a regular or one-off massage.

A set price per session plus extras such as longer treatments, packages and gift vouchers. You may later rent rooms to other therapists.

• Recognised Thai massage training
• Customer service and bookings
• Basic bookkeeping and budgeting

• Lease terms and rent, which are a fixed cost even in quiet weeks
• Council approvals and any state or territory rules for massage premises
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
• Workers compensation insurance and employment rules if you hire other therapists
• Being clear about the type of service you offer to avoid unwanted enquiries

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the room or shopfront, fit-out, deposit, insurance and equipment. Lease terms and rent are fixed costs, so check them carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on opening days, how many therapists work and your prices. Estimates start at about 25 hours a week.

Check lease terms, council approvals and any state or territory rules for massage premises, plus public liability and professional indemnity insurance. If you hire therapists, also check workers compensation and employment rules.