Massage practice in a rented room

Local clients seeking therapeutic, deep tissue or relaxation massage, plus people referred by chiropractors, physical therapists or gyms nearby.

Session fees minus room rent. Packages, memberships and referral relationships help fill the schedule and keep income steady.

• Hands-on massage techniques
• Marketing and local networking
• Scheduling and bookkeeping
• Client communication

• Most states require a massage therapy license, and some require the business location to be approved, so check your state board
• Read any room rental agreement carefully for length, notice periods and rules on using your own clients
• Professional and general liability insurance, which landlords often require
• Fixed rent has to be paid even in quiet weeks
• Sales tax may apply to some products you sell, so check with your state

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the room you rent, the equipment and supplies you buy, and your insurance. Compare rental terms before committing, since rent is a fixed cost.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you build up and how many hours you work. Rent still has to be paid in quiet weeks, so plan for that.

Most states require a massage therapy license, and some require the business location to be approved, so check your state board. Read the room rental agreement for length, notice periods and rules on using your own clients. Also check insurance requirements and whether sales tax applies to products.