Running a day spa involves a lot of responsibilities like hiring licensed employees such as massage therapists. Check that their licenses are renewed and not expired. You will also need to hire hairstylists, facial specialists, manicurists, and assistants. It's best to get highly qualified workers who charge a little more than get someone who doesn't know how to cut hair or give a proper manicure. Make sure that they have pleasing personalities and excellent manners because working in a day spa involves very close contact with clients.
You also have to find a good spot for your salon. Location is important for the success of any business, including a spa business. Look for a place with a lot of traffic, both foot traffic and clients who come by car. The salon should be visible and provide a lot of parking space. Check zoning laws in the area to make sure you will be allowed to open a spa in that area.
Spa
Running a day spa also needs a bit of sophisticated flair. Decorate you spa to what appeals to your market. If you are going to service upscale clients, use good quality porcelain tiles for the floors, install good quality mirrors, choose your lighting well to be both functional and appealing to customers. Makeup artists prefer a certain type of lighting. You can have just a small section specifically for make-up and facials. Salons are supposed to be relaxing so lay off red paint or other loud colors.
Once begin hiring workers, ask for reference and make sure that their licenses are renewed. Have them do procedures on you like a facial or massage to test if they are good at what they do. Crunch some number and find out if you should pay them a fixed monthly rate or offer them commissions. Some dayspas offer a small monthly rate but give commissions to employees.
Running a day spa also includes the responsibility to buy equipment and supplies. There are many supplies needed at a salon from nail polish to hair treatment solutions and massage oils. The list is pretty extensive. If you don't have a list of supplies yet, go to a massage or beauty school and ask them for a complete list of equipment and supplies you will need. They may also know where you can get cheap used equipment that are still in good shape. This can lessen the initial money you have to spend to open a spa.
Provide something special when customers visit your salon. Offer a nice refreshing drink or tea. Stick bottled water. Create an ambiance that spells P-A-M-P-E-R-I-N-G. Buy luxurious towels, soft linens, fluffy pillows, and comfortable massage tables. Have enough supplies of towels, robes, nail polish, etc. Make your clients feel like they are royalty for a day.
Direct more budget into promoting your salon that buying expensive new equipment. Good marketing can get more customers through your doors. Have some brochures and fliers printed prior to opening the salon so you can start spreading the word around town that you will be running a day spa in their area. Advertise in the local publications and have the local radio station advertise yours service a few days before opening.
Running a day spa involves more details than what we've just discussed here. There are more things to do before and after you open the salon. You have to manage earnings, train staff, buy cheap supplies, find affordable equipment, and keep learning new trends in the day spa industry. You can learn a lot by talking to people who have been in the business. Their experience and unbiased advice can come in handy for you. Look for a mentor who can guide you to success.
Running A Day Spa - Things You Need To Do Before You Start
If you are going to be running a day spa, find more info about the day spa business on dayspastartup.com