“How to Start a Mobile Spa Business”
Comment Page 2

  • Hilaire Radowick said on May 7, 2012
    Hello, I'm writting a business plan on starting a mobile manicure pedicure service. Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond, Washington. I don't think there are any in the area. Do you have suggestions about starting a mobile business. There are so many things to consider. I wonder why someone hasn't done one yet.
  • Diane beginner adviser said on May 8, 2012
    @Hilaire Radowick - make sure you incorporate multiple profit centres/income streams to your business which are complementary to your mani/pedi service. Let me know if you would like some help.
  • nicole said on May 25, 2012
    I am interested in starting a mobile spa. I live in the Brevard County Florida area, Cocoa Beach and its surrounding areas. How do I do market research to see if this would be a good idea for this location and what do I do to get started. Thank you
  • Diane beginner adviser said on May 28, 2012
    @nicole - in your mobile business, what types of services are you looking to offer? How far are you willing to travel in the area? Let me know if you'd like a chat or IM conversation for help.
  • Shonda said on May 29, 2012
    I am looking into starting a mobile salon business for kids in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Would you be able to give a little more insight on starting it if you think it would be lucrative.
  • Lesego said on June 3, 2012
    i'm planning to start a corporate and mobile spa, so i need help on drafting contracts and how 2 put my presentation thank you. South Africa.
  • tumi said on June 24, 2012
    I am really interested in starting up a mobile business in future based in Johannesburg(South Africa). However, I need some information and guidelines on the specific rates to set, drawing up a legit business plan and any advice. THANK YOU, Tumi :)
  • Diane beginner adviser said on June 25, 2012
    @Shonda - yes, mobile can be very lucrative when you incorporate all aspects to the equation. Email me so I have your email and can outline a few options that you can review. See if they suit you.
  • lashar said on July 20, 2012
    I have seen a few mobile spa here in Charleston sc, and as an LMT I know I can operate as one. My lawyer just called and said their research dept cant find a way. I still plan on digging but I would love to know what avenue to take. I have already obtained an EIN and LLC
  • Eleftheria said on July 30, 2012
    I am a beauty therapist from Corfu GREECE and i am really interested in starting up a mobile business in corfu. i am interested in offering mobile services in my home place but i need some information and guidelines from you . Thank you
  • Diane beginner adviser said on July 31, 2012
    @Eleftheria, I would be pleased to help you with options for offerings in your services. Please email me and I can outline some options and recommendations.
  • Beth said on August 6, 2012
    I am looking to start up a Mobile Salon that offers everything and would like to know how to get started in Shelbyville, Kentucky? I am like most people and do not have any money saved, no credit, and just plain poor. Please help me if you can.
  • vivien said on August 18, 2012
    hello, i'm in the process of building my mobile spa business. the only issue i have is that i dont know how much to pay girls? how often? and how should my clients pay for the services? is it necessary to have paypal or visa account on my website? do i need to open a business bank account only for this? do i have to register my business? should i charge more money for gar my clients? how can i make sure that the girls won't offer their services on the side , to avoid situations like these?
  • Diane beginner adviser said on August 20, 2012

    @vivien, Can you tell us where you are building your business so we can better help you? We need this information to help you better.

    @lashar, Let us know if you are still seeking help. We can assist you with your mobile spa offerings.

    @tumi, What are you using in SA for your offerings? We can help you with several aspects to enhance your business.

  • sandra torres said on September 6, 2012
    i currently service my clients from their homes, since the salon i worked in closed down. My question is how much should i be charging? Average price for a mani $20- 25 in a upscale salon/spa. And a spa pedi $50-65. I also do reflexology so i add it on to my pedi. I charge $85 for my reflexolgy spa pedicure.( They get a lot warm neck wrap, detailing of skin exfiolation, mask hot towels 10-13 minutes of reflexology. Is $85 enough? should i charge for my traveling time and gas?
  • James expert adviser said on September 7, 2012

    @sandra torres, don't charge extra for your travel time and gas. You just need to think otherwise, that is your investment like setting up a spa. Once you get your 80% time booked then start raising the price for the new customers.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Colleen Stone said on September 7, 2012
    Hi there, I'm an Esthetician and I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I'm interested in setting up my own mobile spa in the Greater Vancouver area but I'm not sure how to get started. Could you please help me.
  • LENUTA said on September 11, 2012
    Hi, i am mobile therapist NORTH LONDON I need more clients CAN you HELP,
  • Tina Alberino beginner adviser said on September 15, 2012
    Clearly, you have no experience in this industry. The fact that you called it "lucrative" is proof enough of that. I'm a salon & spa management consultant. I've been doing this for over 12 years and can tell you right now that most successful physical salons & spas generate a little over 10% in profit each year, depending on their location and how they're managed. This is a very high overhead business. Most stylists command anywhere from 50-60% and a lot of businesses pay out their nail technicians even more because of the low service costs in their department. If the average signature manicure is $25 and takes about 35-45 minutes and you're paying out 60% to a technician who is using anywhere from $2-4 in product (depending on what lines you use and how conservative she is with it), you're bringing in around $8-9 during that 45 minute period (and that's if the client doesn't smudge the polish, which takes another 10 minutes to fix and dry properly.) That's not a great profit margin considering your operating costs (water, rent, electricity, advertising, any web hosting you may pay for, and any online scheduling systems you may use). So no. This business is not "lucrative" by any means.

    Your article is poorly written at best. It contains no real information outside of the things people can figure out on their own. Obviously, any business is going to need financing. Any business is going to need equipment and staff. If you're running a mobile spa, it makes sense that you would hire people that are qualified to perform spa services. You're also incorrect about spa employee compensation. The majority of spa employees are NOT paid every month regardless of whether they service clients. Most of them are on a commission based pay system. They make a percentage of their service sales and retail sales. If they are not servicing clients, they do not make any money at all. It is extremely rare to find a business that utilizes what is referred to as "team based pay" where everyone makes an hourly wage and earns bonuses based on performance.

    In addition, many states do not permit (or at least heavily regulate) mobile spa businesses. You didn't mention ANY of this in this three paragraph piece of shit you call an "article." You also mention nothing about the required insurances, business licenses, or tax deductible expenses. Read the numerous questions people have posted in your comments and you'll see how far short your article falls. If it were effectively written, you'd have more "thank you" posts than "please help me!" or "please send me more info!" posts.

    I encourage anyone seeking advice here to look elsewhere or email me at tina.alberino@gmail.com. These people do not know what they're talking about.

    tina.alberino@gmail.com || Spa Business Expert

  • peggy rodriguez said on September 27, 2012
    I live in Ocala, Fl where there is alot of retirement communities are. Do I have to call DPR to retain a license. Also, how do I require for internet advertisement? Thank you, Peggy
  • Tina Alberino beginner adviser said on September 28, 2012
    Hi @Peggy rodriguez! I also live in Florida, so I know exactly what you mean with the retirement communities. Your post leaves a lot for me to assume since it isn't very specific as to what you're hoping to do or what licenses you're referring to, so I'll cover everything and if you have any more questions, just ask and I'll be happy to help. If you're asking about a professional license: Yes, you will have to obtain and maintain your nail license through the DBPR, without a professional license, you will be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor when (not if) you get caught.

    If you're asking about a business license: Yes, you will need to get a salon license, which costs $55 per year to renew. The state also requires that you carry and maintain professional liability insurance as well. These policies generally cost around $200 per year. I'm not sure if you're planning on establishing a mobile business (with a state-approved mobile facility) or if you're simply looking to work out of people's homes or retirement communities.

    If you are planning on establishing a legitimate mobile business: You will be required by the Board of Cosmetology to have an actual physical location that is inspected and approved. The law states that, "A mobile cosmetology salon must maintain a permanent business address, located in the inspection area of the local department office, at which records of appointments, itineraries, license numbers of employees, and vehicle identification numbers of the licenseholder's mobile salon shall be kept and made available for verification purposes by department personnel, and at which correspondence from the department can be received." All appointments must be booked through this physical location. Your mobile salon (whether it's an RV or van) must meet the state's requirements for fixed location salons. Also, you are required to provide the Board of Cosmetology with a written itinerary every month letting them know where you will be. The specific paragraph I'm referring to states, "To facilitate periodic inspections of mobile cosmetology salons, prior to the beginning of each month each mobile salon license holder must file with the board a written monthly itinerary listing the locations where and the dates and hours when the mobile salon will be operating." What this means for you is that you will have to set a schedule for when you will be in certain areas. If you're planning on investing in a legitimate mobile salon, you would operate basically the same as a bloodmobile or mobile veterinary clinic. You would set a monthly schedule, submit that to the board, and go to the same locations every month.

    If you are just looking to simply perform services at private residences WITHOUT establishing a legitimate mobile salon, you need to read chapter 477.0263. The arrangements for beauty workers to offer their services in a community care facility or nursing home must be made through a licensed salon and the information as to the name of the client and the address at which the services are to be performed shall be recorded in the appointment book which must remain at the salon and be made available upon request to any department inspector.
    FLORIDA LAW EXPRESSLY PROHIBITS COSMETOLOGY WORKERS TO PERFORM SERVICES IN PRIVATE RESIDENCES UNLESS:
    1.) The clients are disabled or otherwise restricted to their homes for legitimate medical reasons, or
    2.) The services are being performed in connection with the motion picture, fashion photography, theatrical, or television industry; a photography studio salon; a manufacturer trade show demonstration; or an educational seminar.

    If this is what your intention was, my suggestion to you is to start your own business as a booth renter inside an already licensed salon and be sure to take only those clients that can NOT leave their residence for medical reasons. I get anywhere from 5-10 emails a day from women begging for help because they were caught violating the board's laws. Their licenses get revoked, they get fined $500 for each violation (many of them have upwards of 4 violations), and several of them get charged with second-degree misdemeanors. That's just what the state board does to them. The state board gets the IRS involved and the health department and then you're really, really screwed. Trust me, you don't want to go down that road.

    In Florida, there is a lot of money to be made working on the disabled and the work is much more satisfying than catering to people's vanity in a standard salon--trust me, I know. I work in a private office located inside a medical practice. I specialize in medical nail & hair care. Many of my patients are suffering from advanced disorders, going through chemo, or recovering from surgeries. I make house calls regularly for our patients that are restricted to their beds. I strongly encourage you to pursue that line of work, but PLEASE do it the right way. The easiest and cheapest way to make this happen is to rent a booth at an established salon that is already inspected and licensed. You will still need a separate business license because as a booth renter, you are simply leasing space. You can use your cell phone to make appointments, but leave the appointment book with all the relevant information at the salon itself. Be sure to abide by the sanitation & disinfection requirements.

    As for internet advertising, I encourage you to stay away from it altogether. A more "mature" clientele is not going to find you on the internet anyways. A Facebook fan page will suffice in getting your work out there and maintaining relationships with your clients (it's also free, which is awesome). If you have advertising money to spend, invest it into your local neighborhood newsletters. I live in Tampa and the ones I advertise in are called LOLA (a cute little newspaper that circulates in Land O' Lakes) and Neighborhood News (another little newsletter that is distributed freely at grocery stores and neighborhoods). The good thing about these small publications is that advertising space is cheap and people actually read them because they focus on positive news stories that happen in our town and showcase upcoming events in the area. The response I get from them is overwhelming. I only run 4 a year at this point because when I was running one every month, I didn't have enough staff to keep up with the client demand. Trust me, if you run an ad saying that you do house calls for disabled women or women with mobility challenges, you will get a HUGE response. I'm the only person in my area that offers it and I'm sure you'll be the only one in yours that does as well.

    If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

    tina.alberino@gmail.com || Spa Business Expert

  • Reetika said on November 24, 2012
    INDIA, NEW DELHI. What are the basic things I have to keep in mind before starting a doorstep beauty service? I hv no formal training in beauty & Spa but hv good experience in handling teams & basic business sense . please advise asap
    1. Is there a license i hv to take to run this business?
    2. employee insurance?
    3. do i need to register?
    4. what mobile equipment's are necessary
    5. How do i immunize myself?
  • cheryl rodriguez said on December 2, 2012
    I'm in school right now to be an esthetician! A mobile spa would be great! Are there any sites that u could recommend for my equipment n supplies & any other info u can give ! I'ld appreciate it!
  • Novelle said on December 5, 2012
    I'm interested to start a mobile Spa business, i have been a Beautcian more than 10 years.. i am very familiar with all type hands on skill and equipment.. please email more information...
  • zenaida said on December 8, 2012
    i'm interested to start a mobile spa business...
  • Ms T said on December 10, 2012
    Hi I am a licensed Esthetician, in the state of michigan and i am interested in starting a mobile kids spa in the metro detroit area. I would like to know where to start although i have some ideas i need to know the do's and dont's about the business, what kid friendly facial products i can use? how much to pay employees? do i need to purchase insurance? should i register the business at the state level? what kind of price list should i incorporate based on our local economy? Thanks i really appreciate it!
  • Lisa Dangerfield said on January 11, 2013
    Is it legal to do facials out clients homes in the State of South Carolina
  • Ranesha said on January 25, 2013
    i have been in the mobile Spa Business now for almost 4yrs and now is an Esthetician so i have a little knowledge if anyone wants to hit me up for advice and for excellence product to start i will be gladly to assist my email is ranesha_brown@yahoo.com please put in subject( Spa Advice and Product) Thanks
  • Olivia said on February 7, 2013
    I have been wanting to start up a mobile spa ( go to clients home to do facials and skin care treatments) and Stateboard of CA told me that I can't do it and that I would have to have a trailer in order for it to be legal. I see tons of mobile spas in the state of CA. I just don't understand why I can't do it! Please HELP!!!
  • pinkal said on March 5, 2013
    i am interested in mobile spa. can you email me more information? how much money i need for investment? my employee need license for that.
  • Lisa Dangerfield said on March 10, 2013
    Please send me info on mobile spa business in south carolina please. What are the laws, requirements or anything that will help thanks.
  • Michelle Pope said on May 6, 2013
    Hi Tina! I live in Miami and would like to know if I have to be licensed to have a mobile foot spa business.
  • Sabine said on May 22, 2013
    Hi I would like to open a hair mobile business in California orange country for Hair , make up I am just wondering if I can build a salon in a trailer or does it need to be a van /bus or mobile? Can you send me some infos about a hair on the wheels ?
  • Simone said on June 26, 2013
    Hi there. I recently did my diploma in beauty therapy and want to start a mobile spa I have no clients yet. Could you please advise me on the best way to gain clients. I live in sydney NSW. Must I have insurance.
  • Diane said on August 12, 2013
    I would like more information on starting my own business i live in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
  • Katlego Manganye said on September 8, 2013
    My Name Katlego from South Africa in Pretoria, i would like to start a mobile spa, need to know more infor about it. like importantly the maximum of the starter amount of the business and generally more information about it
  • Magdaline said on September 11, 2013
    I would like to start my own mobile massage I don't known how to star can you please tell me the first step that I need to do please thank you.
  • Donna said on September 20, 2013
    My name is Donna. I am currently a Aesthetic student in Little Rock, AR. I am interested in starting a mobile Aesthetic service. I would like more information on starting this. I am not sure if this is something I can do in Arkansas. The state laws are very vaugue. I look forward to hearing from you.
  • wanich srat said on December 4, 2013
    Hi! I'm Srat. I can start working now.and,service sure 24 Hrs.I'm live in Hong-Kong, Wan chai. I'm is Thai people. If you want talk to me at mobile 6217-8192 or srat@ gmail.com. Thanks you so much. Form- wanich srat. [I hope you help me]
  • babul said on December 24, 2013
    sir i want make mobile sells business i'm leaving bangladesh dhaka mirzapur sir i want buy mobile and sells i hope you will help me. thank you
  • Keri said on January 9, 2014
    This was an idea I had in my head since I started my esthetics program last year. I graduated in September, started the Massage Therapy program in October passed my board exams for Esthetics in November and will graduate from Massage therapy in July and take my board exam for MT soon after. I live in NC but considering relocating after graduation to with SC or Florida. How do I go about finding out the laws and regulations for these states and exactly what I need to do and purchase in order to start a mobile business? Hope you can help me! Thanks!!!
  • Beth Christen said on February 2, 2014
    Hello, I would like to start a Mobile waxing business in Massachusetts. Could you please send me some more information on laws and regulations and what kinds of insurance and or permits I will need. Thank you!
  • Maria lucas said on February 3, 2014
    Hello I need advice on marketing websites and email address getting myself known and found. I've been a beauty therapist make-up artist for about 15 years and I've never had to market myself as it was a word & mouth . I have had to move to Bristol and I just don't know how to get clients apart from handing out my cards and Facebook. I know I need to get a website but there are so many I don't know where to start much I should spend. Please help. Maria x
  • Patty said on February 24, 2014
    I am looking into doing a mobile waxing service and need guidance. Does anyone know of where I can get supplies from skin care to wax pot to easy portable bed? I live in New York City so my commute until business picks up will be by public transportation. Email: mystiquechanging@gmail.com
  • Jan said on February 27, 2014
    Munich, Bavaria - Germany: I just found an office to lease around the area and very much interested to put up an office for a mobile spa/ personal training and an Asian store. I am Fil-American and a certified Physical Therapist, worked already in a Spa here at a 5 star hotel and worldwide cruising industry. Please contact me should you find an interest helping me to build this business. My partner is also thinking of a liquor store, since he has gastronomy education, been a bar tender and maitre d in a 5 star hotel as well. thanks in advance.
  • kayla said on March 12, 2014
    good day guys and girls. I am looking to start a mobile massage therapy business. Can anybody advise me on how to go about this idea? Thank You
  • Taj said on March 31, 2014
    Good evening. I have been running a mobile spa for several years but I would love any info you are willing to share. I pretty much only do pamper parties, individual services are rare and the ones request are normally massages, so I send out the massage therapist. I'm definitely interested in tips regarding determining service rates, tech pay and what to carry/how to pack but all and any info is appreciated. I offer nail, skin & body services. I started catering to the disabled, domestic violence victims and cancer patients but demand came for people wanting to have pamper events.
  • Jessica said on September 2, 2014
    I am a registered massage therapist living in Woodstock Ontario. I would love information on starting my mobile massage business. I have liability insurance but am not sure if I need any other insurance to cover the legal end of it.
  • Moya Murray said on September 10, 2014
    I'm located in Phoenix Arizona I would like a list of equipment I need for a mobile business
  • Lisa said on October 24, 2014
    Diane, I'm based in New York State and wish to startup a mobile nail business. It appears that I would also need to have a physical location to do this. Do you know if that's the case? My hope is to earn money from mobile work that would eventually fund a physical studio. My home is not zoned for conducting a nail business, so I'd have to rent space elsewhere, but since cash is short at the moment, I'd like to avoid taking on a lease. Thank you in advance.
  • fatee said on January 3, 2015
    Am from nigeria, abj. hi, am starting a mobile spa business and need more info on pricing, employing and equipment purchase. thank you
  • shi said on January 6, 2015
    I would like to start my mobile spa business in Montreal, Quebec - Canada. I rather start small with nail services to young busy students and elderly people. Please let me know if anyone is interested to help.
  • justice said on January 24, 2015
    i have a spa saloon but looking for a business financially partner in jhb. call me at 0732665882
  • Eugenia said on February 1, 2015
    Hi. I am starting a mobile business in Tampa Florida. I saw the information you gave to someone else and I was hoping that we could talk outside of this forum about some things. I'm currently up with the business name, operational manual, prices for services and even a couple employees. I haven't started providing services yet because I don't know all avenues I need as far as licensing and such. Can you please contact me. Thank you
  • Linda said on February 14, 2015
    I live in SC and am a licensed esthetician. I am looking for information on if it is legal to run a mobile business to do facials at client's homes if I bring all of the necessary equipment.
  • Sunny said on February 26, 2015
    i am interested in mobile spa, So, Need advise to start it.
  • Jesica said on May 31, 2015
    I am an esthetician and would like to do mobile facial and body treatments. I have my products and a website, I just don't know all the equipment I would need. Like how to do hot towels being mobile etc...any info would helps lots!!
  • Charlotte Bennett said on September 29, 2015
    I would to setup Mobile spa in IL
  • Mary said on November 18, 2015
    Hello, I am from Alberta canada. I would like to offer services in a mobile spa form. I am current set up to do manicures and pedicures. I am a licensed Esthetician. I would like more information on procedure and business licenses, I want to introduce waxing and facials. I have big hopes for my future business but as of now I haven't done many home visits because I don't want to be fined or shut down for not having the proper documents.
  • sam said on November 18, 2015
    we are going to start our business in kelowna, BC . but we don't know how much it will cost to get the permit or license.
  • Flo said on March 27, 2016
    Flo.I am in the process of starting a mobile kids spa in ma. I am more interesting on event planning and more so marketing to promote my business. Also can you help me with proper startup procedure?
  • Flo said on March 27, 2016
    I am interesting in proper startup and marketing for mobile kid spa.
  • Mrs. Que said on April 10, 2016
    Hi my name is Que can you please send me some info one how to go about starting a moblie Spa. Thank you so much! mrs.questyles@gmail.com.
  • nhlanhla said on May 26, 2016
    Hi I am interested in obtaining more information on how to start a mobile spa business in south africa johannesburg
  • Sue said on July 24, 2016
    Hello, my name is Sue, i am a RN, and Aesthetician, i want to start mobile facial business in central Fl. I am Tired of poking prodding and sticking needles into people I want to do something that makes them feel good and me too. I work mostly Hospice and i know families can not always leave home for services. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia so I really need to have a career that is not quite so physically demanding
  • Martin Stoykov said on November 22, 2016
    I'm interested in the fish spa therapy in London. Can you send me info please !
  • Ivana said on January 18, 2017
    Hi is it anybody in NYC interested to start a mobile spa. Maybe we can meet and try to collaborate.
  • Happy said on February 27, 2017
    Hello am interested on opening my own mobile spa, but I don't know were to start. And I need someone to help me with business plan please
  • Adela said on May 16, 2017
    Hi am interested in opening my own mobile spa but i dont know how to market it how to go about it i have few equipment i have a business plan n proposal can u pleas help me adel
  • Shanna said on June 12, 2017
    Hi... I want to start my own mobile spa business I love massaging people so I need help with oils what oils can I use and where can I buy it. Thank You!

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