How to Start a Wellness Business
- 1). Visit local wellness businesses, including massage clinics, acupuncture centers, yoga studios and other establishments. Observe pricing scales, décor, wellness packages and whether venues maintain full-time staff members or contract with wellness professionals on an as-needed basis. Interacting with other wellness business owners early on helps establish positive communication, with room for practical cross-marketing and mutual referrals down the line.
- 2). Apply for necessary permits. It's not necessary that you hold a wellness permit personally if you plan to hire other licensed professionals to complete wellness services, but the business itself requires a business license, tax identification number and liability insurance. Require all employees to stay current with professional licensing requirements for massage, body wraps, nutrition counseling, weight management, yoga and any other filed in which they practice. Also require that employees submit a copy of their own liability insurance policy.
- 3). Buy or lease a storefront location for your wellness business. Look for a building with ample room for a reception area, consultation room and rooms for wellness services. You'll also need storage cupboards for yoga mats, massage tables, aromatherapy vials, acupuncture needles and towels. Provide secure cubbies or lockers for customers to leave valuables while receiving treatments.
- 4). Establish pricing scales for customers and independent contractors for wellness work. Independent contractors may set their own rates, paying you a percentage to use the wellness facility for services. Or you may set wellness service rates, paying independent contractors an agreed-upon hourly rate or salary. Customers may pay as they go, or receive preferred rates for booking multiple treatments at the same time.
- 5). Market your wellness business by hosting a grand opening health fair with free lectures, demonstrations and samples available to new customers. Your staff will welcome the opportunity to interact with potential clients, and customers can check out the facility and ask questions. Establishing a welcoming, fact-based dialogue with your community helps address concerns potential clients may have with the concept of "wellness" compared with traditional medicine.
