Day spas provide a relaxing atmosphere and a variety of treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Some of the most common services offered by smaller day spas are facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, electrolysis, and aromatherapy. Larger day spas with more complex facilities are able to offer additional options such as body wraps, mud baths, or hydrotherapy treatments.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
DIY: How to Start an LLC
Start a day spa by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Day Spa
- Form your Day Spa into a Legal Entity
- Register your Day Spa for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Day Spa
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Day Spa
- Get Day Spa Insurance
- Define your Day Spa Brand
- Create your Day Spa Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your day spa. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Day Spa Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a day spa?
The cost of opening a day spa business depends on the type of day spa you want to open. A business license is required for opening any business, and some types of day spas require additional licenses and/or certifications. A number of day spa owners now provide mobile services to their clients, which means less monthly overhead for space rent. Many day spa owners also rent part of their space to independent contractors with their own equipment. In addition to space rent and the purchase of equipment and initial product inventory, creating the necessary ambiance for this type of business requires an additional $500 to $3000 for layout, design, and decoration. The Small Business Association offers many resources, including information on types of loans.
Read our day spa purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start a day spa, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.
What are the ongoing expenses for a day spa?
- The cost of liability insurance (approximately $250 annually)
- Maintenance of equipment
- Salaries
- Space rent in commercial areas averages approximately $1.00 per square foot, but in larger metropolitan areas it can be as high as $2.50 or more. While a small in-home day spa can be operated with 300-500 feet, most day spas require 1000-2000 square feet or more. Parking space is also an important consideration.
- Beauty supplies such as oils, lotions, facial masks, etc.
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers are those who are enthusiastic about relaxation and holistic health practices and have sufficient funds to invest in health and wellness products and services. These customers will view your spa as both a necessary resource for rejuvenation and a special treat to occupy a day of leisure.
How does a day spa make money?
A day spa business makes money by charging customers for a variety of personal care products, treatments, and services. Products are purchased wholesale in quantity and resold at retail value. Services are priced at an hourly rate above that charged by the provider. Day spa businesses also make money by renting space to independent contractors that provide additional services.
How much can you charge customers?
Massage services are commonly priced in half hour increments with an hourly cost of between $65 and $85 dollars per hour. 55% of the service price commonly goes to the service provider. The cost of a pedicure can range from between $20 to $65. The cost of a facial can range from $50 to over $250, depending on the type of ingredients used and the length of time required. Most day spas offer a continuously changing variety of service packages that provide their customers with the opportunity to spend an entire day being pampered. For example, a $150 package may include a facial, a manicure, and a half-hour of therapeutic massage. Overall pricing fluctuates according to changes in the national and local economies, so it’s a good idea to research competitor’s prices regularly.
How much profit can a day spa make?
The average annual earnings of day spa owners is between $35,000 and $120,000. Small day spas can earn up to $100,000, while large spas offering more expensive equipment and services, such as hydrotherapy, saunas and mud baths, can earn much more.
How can you make your business more profitable?
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A good business plan can help increase your profit margin. Selling retail products that help define and reinforce your spa’s image can also generate significant income. Nutritional supplements and other health and beauty-related products should be arranged attractively in the reception area. Products such as water bottles with your spa’s name, logo, or slogan can provide inexpensive advertising as well as generate additional revenue. Networking with other service providers within the self-care industry, such as acupuncturists or reflexologists, will enable you to offer your customers a wider variety of services. Expanding your customer base can help attract a greater number of customers with differing needs.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your day spa is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your day spa were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a day spa. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
If your facility features spa pools, you will likely need to be licensed by your state’s Department of Environmental Quality. For instance, Michigan’s DEQ extensively regulates recreational pools.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Release of Liability
You may also want to require clients to sign a waiver in order to avoid liability and potential lawsuits. Here is an example of a sample release form.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your spa business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
Cosmetology License
Depending on the kind of treatments offered and the location of your business, you may be required to obtain a cosmetology license or similar certification.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Day Spa needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Day Spa.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a day spa
A website with a home page and pages for services, staff profiles, special offers, and contact information is a must. Most people choose and schedule day spa services online, many from their smart phones. Membership in professional associations is a great way to network with others in the industry while building a solid reputation within the wider community. Offering gift cards to local charities is another good way to highlight your spa’s positive contributions to both individuals and the community.
How to keep customers coming back
In this business, creating an environment that is clean, safe, comfortable and relaxing is an important first step in attracting customers. Maintaining that environment requires good planning and a good cleaning crew. Offering special limited time promotions through Livingsocial or Groupon is also a good strategy. Research shows that marketing staff through employee biographies, personal connections and online recommendations results in stronger customer loyalty.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is ideal for those who enjoy relating with people on a personal level to provide services that reduce stress, enhance beauty, and improve health.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a day spa?
- Hiring and training staff
- Networking with professionally licensed service providers
- Researching new products and ordering supplies
- Developing and expanding a menu of services
- Advertising and creating sales promotions
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful day spa?
- Interpersonal communication skills are essential for understanding and meeting customers’ needs
- Professional certification or license for cosmetology or massage
- A thorough understanding of all treatments offered
- The ability to educate staff and customers about new treatments and products
- Artistic design and decoration skills to create an attractive and inviting environment
What is the growth potential for a day spa?
Franchise opportunities exist for both large and small day spas. Additionally, it is possible to expand within a single location by offering additional services, hiring an outside professional such as a massage therapist, or undergoing construction to add private massage rooms, a sauna, or a pool.
Should you consider joining a franchise?
Joining a day spa franchise can be a good option for entrepreneurs who prefer to use a proven model rather than start from scratch. While joining one can mean slightly higher initial costs and less control, a quality franchise offers great benefits such as initial and ongoing support, marketing assistance, and brand recognition.
Opening a day spa franchise typically requires $120,000-$800,000. Larger day spa franchises typically cost more, while more niche favorites often have lower startup costs.
Interested in joining a day spa franchise? Check out our favorites.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
How and when to build a team
It’s important to build a team of associates from the beginning of your business venture. The success of a day spa depends on both the quality and the quantity of services it offers. Having a network of professionals to refer your customers to for services your own spa doesn’t provide, and vice versa, is essential. To succeed, this type of business requires a delicate balance between competition and cooperation.
Read our day spa hiring guide to learn about the different roles a day spa typically fills, how much to budget for employee salaries, and how to build your team exactly how you want it.
Useful Links
TRUiC Resources
Industry Opportunities
Real World Examples
Further Reading
- An article about different types of facilities and payment packages day spas offer
- A page featuring articles on a variety of spa treatments
- Advice for opening a day spa
- More advice for opening a day spa