Setting Up Your Massage Office

Setting up your massage office requires that you do some thinking about what your ideal massage office will look like.

Creating a Vision and doing your research will help you get exactly what you want. When you settle for less, you may be compromising your values and needs which is one of the things that usually leads to burn out or at least major frustrations in the massage profession.

1.Do you want an massage office in a residential area, a business area? Do you want it in your home? Do you want a place within a certain distance from home? What is most important to you in choosing a location? What do you value most? Drive around town and find out what "feels" best to you. Do you like a quiet neighborhood or a downtown city location? Don't think about what is possible or not possible at this point. Just use your imagination and focus on what you want and need. Try just sitting in your car or walking in the neighborhood and notice how it makes your body feel.

2.How much will your location influence your business? The location should be safe, professional and secure. Deciding on a location will influence how you are perceived as a professional. Settling for less than your ideal location will compromise your opportunities for success. If you feel that you are choosing a location due because it is cheaper than another, you may want to look at how you value yourself. I am really talking about locations that are questionable - like next to a pornography shop or in a run-down area of town.

3. Contact a Realtor or rental agency. Paying for this service can save you many headaches. First, figure out what you need so that you can clearly present your needs to the professionals.

4. How big of a room do you need? This should be your number one priority. I have seen many offices where the therapist could not even walk all the way around the table. They were sacrificing their bodies because they thought it would be better for them in some way. What is worth sacrificing your body for?

5. Do you need a waiting room? Office area? Laundry room? Kitchen?

6. Do you want more than one room so that you could sub-lease it to other massage therapists or health professionals?

7. Do you want to find a space and sub-lease it from someone who is already established or starting their business? Be sure to read the sections on contracts to determine what you want in the lease. Setting up the relationship that you want right from the beginning will reduce problems in the future. (although that isn't a 100% guarantee - things always happen)

8. When you find a space that is appropriate, it is not unusual to have to sign a 1-3 year lease. (see also: tips for leasing an office) You may also have to pay to renovate the space into separate rooms. Plan ahead financially. Even though you sign a lease it really doesn't guarantee much for you. It usually is more important to the building management, as they want to know if you will pay your rent and stay for awhile. They can at any time make you leave, for example, the building manager decides to turn the offices into condos and asks you to leave. While most respectable places will help you find a new office space and give you a reasonable notice, you may find yourself out on the street one day. Consult a lawyer about lease agreements.

9. Is there adequate parking for yourself and clients? It is easily accessible?

10.Do you have control over the temperature of the rooms?

Once you decide on what you want in extreme detail, keep researching and looking until you find the ideal space. It will increase the chances of your success when you stay true to your values and needs and avoid settling for less.

When signing a lease with an office building you may also want to keep some of these things in mind:

1. What does the rental fee cover exactly?

2. Is there a cleaning service included?

3. Extra fees for cleaning services.

4. Repair responsibilities. Who will repair the cracked walls after an earthquake? Who will repair the water damage when the pipes leak? Who is responsible for electrical repairs? Don't assume that they are covered by the management.

5. Late fees on rent.

6. What possibilities are there for expansion?

7. Can you improve the space? Will you have to use specified contractors or can you hire your own?

8. Are there special parking requirements or assignments?

9. Who is responsible for the heating and cooling systems?

10. What options are there for renewal?

11. Are you allowed to sub-lease to other therapists?

12. What happens if you want to get out of the lease earlier than you planned?

13. Is there a security system or security guards?

14. Is there handicap access? If you are an insurance provider, you may be required to have handicap access.

15. What insurance coverage is there? Do you need to get extra liability or rental insurance? What happens if your office is broken into and things stolen?

16. Can you put a washer and dryer in? If so, who is responsible for getting the water and electricity to the washer and dryer? Who is responsible for venting the dryer properly?

17. What if you want to sell your practice, will you be able to transfer the lease or arrange for a sublease?

18. Review all documents with an attorney!!

Here is a list of some things that you will need for your office:

Massage Equipment:

1. Massage Table
2. Linens/ face rest covers/blankets
3. Pillows/bolsters
4. Oils/Lotions
5. Stereo/ Music

Office Supplies:

1. Appointment Book/Online appointment scheduler
2. Accounting Book/ledger
3. Pens/Pencils
4. Phone System
5. Answering machine or voice mail box system

Marketing Support:

1.Business Cards
2. Brochure
3. Flyer

Additional office equipment:

1.fax machine
2.computer

Set Policies and Procedures:

1. Set fees
2. Set policies about cancellation fees, insurance billing (boundaries)

Resources;Setting up your Green Massage Office - www.massagetherapy.com

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