Small massage spa with a few therapists

Local residents, couples, visitors and tourists, gift buyers, and groups booking for birthdays or other occasions.

Treatment fees split with therapists, memberships, packages, gift cards and retail sales such as oils and candles.

• Managing and scheduling staff
• Customer service
• Budgeting and marketing

• Many states and cities license massage establishments as well as individual therapists, check both
• Employee vs. independent contractor rules, get advice before you hire
• Workers' compensation insurance once you have employees, plus general and professional liability
• Build-out and lease costs that can grow beyond your budget
• Health department or sanitation rules for linens, laundry and any added services like facials or saunas

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, build-out, treatment room equipment and insurance. These are estimates, and build-out and lease costs can grow beyond budget, so plan carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of rooms, therapist bookings, pricing and extra services. That is revenue before staff, rent and other costs, with about 30 hours a week or more.

Many states and cities license massage establishments as well as individual therapists, so check both. Also get advice on employee versus independent contractor rules, check workers' compensation and liability insurance, and check health department rules for linens and extra services.