Thai massage clinic in a rented room

Local residents, office workers, sports and fitness clients, and visitors who find you through search and reviews.

A price per session, plus gift vouchers and block bookings. Some therapists sublet the room on days they are not working or add a second therapist later.

• Recognised Thai massage training
• Marketing and building local reviews
• Managing rent, bookings and accounts
• Professional, welcoming client care

• Rent and lease terms, so avoid long commitments until bookings are steady
• Council licensing for massage and any planning or business use rules for a unit, check with your local council
• Treatment and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Take care with how you describe the business, since the name 'Thai massage' is sometimes misused online and clients want a clearly professional service
• Quiet weeks while you build a client base

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the room or unit you rent, equipment, insurance and marketing. Avoid long lease commitments until your bookings are steady.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your prices, how full your diary is and the room you use. Expect some quiet weeks while you build a client base.

Check council licensing for massage and any planning or business use rules for a unit with your local council. Also check rent and lease terms, treatment and public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff.