How to Start a Mobile Spa Business 1-2-3
Because people's lifestyles are becoming busier, the demand for mobile services is increasing. More and
more companies are "delivering the goods" to the consumer, offering hair or nail care, makeup, massage or even
pet spa care.
Salons and spas that are mobile can also locate to and profit from resorts, conferences and even airports.
There is opportunity for spa services at weddings (like bridal hair and makeup), spa parties and corporate
activities that can generate profit.
In fact, you've probably seen some of the many portable salon businesses or mobile spa franchises like Day
Spa To-Go, On-the-Go Spa or Doorstep Day Spa.
Whether it's that a person doesn't have the time to drive to the salon, can't find a sitter for the kids or
simply wants a massage or manicure in the comfort of his or her own home - mobile spa services are growing in
popularity. See sample spa business
plan.
A salon or spa owner can offer mobile services in addition to their existing selection of products, or an
entrepreneur can open an exclusive mobile spa business without having a shop.
A mobile spa business requires less capital to start and operate, since no storefront is needed. The cost of
furnishings and utility bills can also be avoided, which brings operation costs way down. The trade-off is
commute time from client to client and vehicle expenses. If you prefer the freedom that a mobile business
offers and don't mind not having a physical shop, a mobile spa could be your ideal career.
Start a Spa Business
Steps to Start a Mobile Day Spa Business
1. Get a
business license. Your local government office can tell you licensing requirements for your business
location. You can also find information on state beauty licensing requirements using the Board of Cosmetology state
listings.
2. Open a business
bank account. It's important to keep personal and business finances separate, plus, you'll be able to
write checks under your business name and keep a professional image.
3. Meet with an accountant to discuss your bookkeeping needs, organize your
paperwork and maximize business tax deductions. Alternately, you can invest in low-cost accounting software and handle
bookkeeping tasks yourself.
4. Register your business name with the
county clerk.
5. You'll also need a vehicle for your mobile spa. Will you be providing
spa services on-site or will you need a mobile spa bus? A mobile spa bus can provide a barber chair, manicure table, sink,
make-up and facial stations, restrooms, storage, display amenities and more.
Alternatively, a large van with lots of storage space and convenient features can be ideal for many mobile
spa owners. You can also start with a vehicle you already have and size-up later. Use your vehicle not only to
transport you, your spa equipment and supplies to your clients, but also to advertise your business. See
custom car door
magnets.
6. You will need insurance for your business vehicle. Check online for
free business insurance quotes.
7. Get the equipment and supplies that you'll need for the services you'll
be providing. Many mobile beauty technicians use portable styling stations and rolling storage carts to make transporting supplies and
products easier. For supplies in the UK, check out PortableSalon.com
8. Get business cards. See how you can design and use your cards as
"miniature walking advertisements": 250
Free Business Cards. You can also design
your own logo online as well.
9. Set up a mobile spa website. Simple websites can be surprisingly easy
and low cost to set up. Create your own website with easy-to-use templates and display your services,
rates, hours of operation, customer testimonials, etc. (see Free Website Builder). Much cheaper than
printing hundreds of brochures, and it can convey more information to more people.
10. Need an outline to follow to start your mobile spa business? Here are
some helpful guides:
Mobile Spa Business Resources:
Mobile Spa Advertising: How to Get More Clients
Advertise on the SpaFinder website or on local search engines. Local Search sources
that are affordable and receive substantial traffic include Google Local, Yelp and Super Pages.
Get Free Publicity to Reach Interested
Customers Within Days
Save money by writing a press release to your local paper announcing the grand opening of your
new salon - or (if your business is not new) an event that you're holding.
Hold a contest or drawing with a prize that salon clientele would want - for example, a
free product or service that you offer, or gift card to use at your salon. Make it a unique or big enough prize
that it gets people's attention, and that your local paper will want to write a story about it. Make the
contest or drawing very easy to enter, so that you can generate lots of leads.
You could also host a beauty-related workshop that your clients would be interested in,
such as easy hair styling techniques or natural skin care tips. You can either present the workshop yourself or
partner with other business owners interested in promoting their companies - like an image consultant or salon
product manufacturer.
Your press release can be short and simple, and you can find samples here: How to Get Free Publicity
Coupon Advertising: Get Customers to Buy Without
Having to "Sell"
Advertising with coupons is a "feel good" form of marketing, since you are giving a gift to your customers
for visiting and purchasing from your spa service. Even if a coupon is not redeemed, you get the benefit of
prospects viewing your coupon in the newspaper, magazine, online or in a coupon mailer. If your coupon was
memorable, this could mean readers think of your service the next time they need a haircut or manicure.
Groupon
This is a
popular online coupon marketing tool that doesn't cost lots of money. Get a ton of new prospects fast (in 24
hours) through at site called Groupon. No up-front marketing costs!
