Starting a Mobile Massage Business
Why choose the mobile business model?
I started my own mobile business in 2019 because I wanted the flexibility that came from working on my own. I didn’t have the space in my own home to open an home-based clinic and I didn’t want to lease an expensive clinic room. I just knew I was tired of working for other people!
Are you considering doing the same?
Here’s some PROs and CONS:
Cons
Driving (can be dangerous/time consuming)
Safety concerns
Carrying equipment can cause injuries
May have to deal with pets/kids/messy house
No co-workers
Less control over environment
Will have to manage business-side (vs. being a contractor/employee in a clinic)
Pros
Work for yourself without taking up space in your home
Not staring at same four walls every day
Usually working in natural light
Flexibility
Can run things the way you want (be your own boss!)
Low overhead cost
Convenience for clients
How to Get Started
There are many requirements when it comes to starting your own business. You want to set things up in a compliant professional way. There’s a lot involved, which is why we created the course, “Starting a Home-Based Business”. It focuses on building a clinic at home but also features many aspects of mobile massage as well.
The primary things you’ll need to set up are:
Choosing a business name
Registering a trade name
Opening a separate bank account
Obtaining a license and permit from the City
The type of license you’ll need is usually called a “minor home business license” or something similar. This essentially authorizes you to use your home as an office for out-calls. If you already have a home massage therapy clinic, and have obtained a major home business license (authorized for clients to come to your location), you don’t usually need an additional license.
Safety Considerations
The question that I get asked most frequently is, “What about safety?” (I feel like this is the equivalent of vegetarians being asked a thousand times, “Well what about protein?”) Entering people’s homes can be nerve wracking, but with some precautions, we can keep safety top of mind.
A few of my top safety considerations include:
Set clear expectations and communicate the code of conduct prior to the appointment
Maintain a professional presence online and in-person
Pre-screen clients by inquiring about the purpose of booking the appointment and have them fill out the intake form. Be on the look out for red flags. You can also search their online presence for a general idea of who they are and search for altercations with the law.
If possible, only treat clients you know or have been referred by clients you know.
Designate a safety partner and check in with them when you arrive for an appointment/leave an appointment. You can also share your location with a smart phone.
Bring a safety device such as BIRDIE.
How Much to Charge
Mobile massage is a luxury service, and so the cost should reflect this. Some may argue that because there is less overhead such as no lease to pay, it should cost less, but your biggest cost is your time!
How much you charge depends on a wide variety of factors but a general idea is about 20-25% more than a standard clinic massage in your area.
How far Should you Travel?
I recommend setting a tight perimeter. I don’t like to travel more than 20 minutes from my home. Nobody wants to be driving all day!
I usually put 45 minutes in between appointments. 10 minutes to set up (I tell clients I will arrive 5-10 minutes early), 20 minutes to drive, and 15 minutes to pack up/take payment.
Is is worth it?
I really enjoy mobile massage. I’ve worked in multi-disiplenary clinics, a spa, and a clinic in my home and I think I like mobile the most! Every day is different and I love that CLIENTS love the services I offer. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my career have been with mobile. Massaging a 93-year old in her senior’s home and her telling me this is the highlight of her month, massaging a 6-week-old colicky baby and getting her to fall asleep, and giving a client a peaceful massage in her gorgeous backyard.
Primarily, I love having freedom and flexibility! Working for myself has been rewarding especially while raising a family.
If you’re curious about it, my biggest recommendation is to give it a try! You can start it on the side and see where it takes you. If you end up hating it, it’s honestly not a huge upfront cost to start a mobile business, so it’s okay if it’s not for you and you want to go back to working for a clinic. You’ve got this!
More Resources
Bouncing things off colleagues is so helpful!
You don’t want to become a pack-mule! Bring only the essentials.
Episodes 8, 9, and 10 of the Massage Life Podcast goes over all my top tips for mobile. These are our most listened to episodes!
Mobile Massage Course
Coming soon!
Join our email list to be notified when it launches.
