After the hefty price tag of tuition and school loans, the cost of purchasing massage equipment may seem overwhelming, but if you start with the essentials and purchase optional equipment as your cash flow increases, the initial expense of starting out as a massage therapist will be easier to cover.

What equipment is considered essential for a massage therapist? Basically, there are four pieces of equipment needed to start out your career:

1. Portable Massage Table
2. Massage Oil
3. Massage Linens
4. Bolster Pillows

1. Portable Massage Table

Renew Portable Massage Table Package

Most students start out with a massage table, then purchase a portable massage chair later on. If you’re strapped for money (along with the majority of recent massage graduates), you might want to follow suit. You can often find a cheap massage table (cheap in price, not in quality) that includes the same features and quality as the more expensive brands.

This still leaves you with the option to upgrade to a more expensive table later in your career, although you just might discover that the “cheap” massage table you purchased to start out your career is just as high quality as the more expensive massage tables on the market.

2. Massage Oil

If you’re starting up your own business, buy massage oil in bulk. If your employer provides massage oil, you can purchase it in smaller amounts to use on the side for word-of-mouth clients and friends and family.

3. Massage Linens

Massage Sheets and Face Cradle Covers
(6-Piece Set)

If you plan on using the face cradle, remember to keep face cradle covers on hand. You can find reusable covers or disposable covers or, in a pinch, you can make your own headrest covers.

If the temperature in the room is on the cool side, you’ll also need a light blanket or two to keep the client warm.

4. Bolster Pillows

Massage bolsters are important for positioning and client comfort. If you need to pick and choose your essential equipment, use regular bed pillows until you can afford bolster pillows.

To save on laundry and the cost of bolster covers, use a pillowcase or slip the bolster underneath the bottom sheet. It takes a little fussing to arrange the sheet over the bolster, but this trick saves you money and laundry. You can also try arranging the bolsters underneath the sheet before the client gets on the table and then moving the bolsters slightly as needed after the client gets situated.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it for essential massage equipment! Depending on your needs, you might want to add a few more items to the list. Some therapists consider a massage stool to be an essential piece of equipment. If you don’t purchase a stool right away, put it at the top of your list of future massage purchases. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes after a full day of massages!

Disappointed with the success of your massage website? Instead of throwing in the towel, try these 3 quick tips for increasing the effectiveness of your massage website!

1. Include contact information on every page.

   Make it easy for your clients to contact you. Include your phone number, business address, and email address on every page of your website. This tip is also good for higher rankings in local searches on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. When people search for a massage therapist in your city, your website will be more likely to pop up in the first few results.

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2. Write a personal profile of yourself and any other therapists who work at your business.

   Share your qualifications, training, and personal interests (whether they’re related to massage or not). Let your potential clients get to know you as a person, and they will feel more comfortable calling for an appointment.

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   You can boost your search engine rankings by including keywords related to massage in each therapist profile. For example, include keywords such as any modalities that you specialize in (Reiki, pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, etc.), any unique services you offer (spa treatments, hot stones, etc.) and off-site services such as home massage or corporate massage. People searching for a massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage, for example, will be more likely to find your website.

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3. Update your website regularly.

   Fresh content, whether through a blog or a news page, is important on two different levels. One, it helps your clients stay informed about new services, special offers, and events. And two, it boosts your rankings in the search engines by feeding them fresh content (which they love).

Related Content

• Want more tips on how to improve your massage website? Check out the Massage Your Website article in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork!

Replace threadbare or oil-stained massage sheets with new sheet sets and face cradle covers.

Professional appearance in massage is vital to the success of your business. Here are some tips to make sure that the first impression your client gets is a positive and professional one.

1. Dress For The Occasion

If you employ other therapists at your business, you may want to consider choosing a dress code or spa uniform for a consistent appearance among your employees. If you work solo, keep your dress consistent, whether it’s a casual or trendy look.

Most importantly, wear clothes that are comfortable. You’re going to be moving around, working with your whole body in a room that’s warm for the client’s sake but too warm for physical activity. Wear light clothing that keeps you cool and allows free movement.

2. Keep Your Massage Equipment Up To Date

The appearance of your business will reflect the appearance of yourself as a massage professional. Make sure your décor and massage equipment is clean, appealing, and up to date.

Ripped vinyl on your massage table, threadbare sheets, and oil stains can leave a bad impression even if the service is superb. Keep your massage equipment in the best condition possible, and replace your massage table, sheets, bolsters, and other equipment as necessary.

3. Be Consistent With Your Décor

Choose soothing colors and décor that match the objectives of your massage business. Do you primarily target clients with medical needs? If so, you will want your office to reflect the sanitation and décor of a doctor’s office. Do you primarily attract the spa and relaxation crowd? If so, incorporate a luxury look into your office and massage room.

Be consistent with your décor and marketing materials. It not only reinforces your professional image but it also gives your business a unique look and feel that your clients will begin to recognize.

4. Tidy Up The Office

Get rid of clutter. It’s not only displeasing to the eye but the busyness of clutter makes it hard for your clients to relax and sends the message that you’re unorganized and frazzled. If you work best with an “organized mess,” at least keep it to the back room where clients will never see it.

Conclusion

Most of these tips are common sense, but when you’re focused on the day-to-day business of massage therapy, it’s easy to let things like professional appearance fall through the cracks. Remember that you only have one chance to leave a good first impression! It could make the difference between a returning client and a one-time visit.

Massage Your Website article featured in Massage & Bodywork | Page 22

You can read the full article, “What’s On the Web: Massage Your Website,” on page 22 of the print version or digital edition of the November/December 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.

In honor of Spa Week Fall 2009, we’re focusing on spa add-on treatments for massage therapists. These are dry room spa treatments, so you can use them even if you don’t have a wet room or shower facilities at your location!

The best spa add-on treatments are simple to prepare, easy to clean up, and offer the greatest return on investment and client satisfaction. With the right promotions and marketing, your spa add-ons allow you to increase your income without demanding too much time or hassle. They also give your hands a break from massage.

Here are some ideas for spa add-on treatments that you can use in your massage therapy practice:

UV Towel Warmer for Hot Towel Treatments

1. Hot Towel Treatment

   The first spa add-on that we recommend is a hot towel treatment. You can get creative with hot towels. For example, you can offer a hot towel foot wrap (or hand wrap) during a full-body massage. Wrap the client’s feet in hot towels before you begin the massage, and remove the towels at the end of the session. Finish with a foot moisturizer or talcum powder.

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   Another idea is a hot towel face massage. Clients will love the heat and the refreshing moisture of the hot towels. You can add a drop or two of diluted essential oils to the hot towels. Just be cautious about sensitivity to smell and do your research on which essential oils should come in contact with the face. Always ask the client about sensitivities and preferences before using any essential oils.

   Hot towel treatment is convenient because all it requires is a UV towel warmer (which sanitizes and heats the towels) and towels. Most therapists have enough room to fit a towel warmer in the treatment room. Simply plug in the towel warmer at least 15 minutes before the session and fill it with moistened, rolled towels.

2. Hot Stone Treatment

   Hot stones are another popular spa add-on for massage therapists. Hot stones are soothing to the client and they give your hands a break from the typical massage routine. Turn the hot stone warmer on before the session so that you allow the stones enough time to warm up. Test the heat level on your own skin before applying the hot stones to the client’s skin.

3. Peel-Off Wraps
   If you want to try wraps, look for wraps that peel off cleanly. Peel-off wraps work well as a dry room treatment because they eliminate the messiness of taking off the wrap. Salt or sugar scrubs are another option for spa add-ons. You can remove the scrub with hot towels (which can get a little messy) and finish with a moisturizer and spritz.
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4. Spa Gloves
   Paraffin gloves or spa booties are another treat that your clients will appreciate. Purchase them in bulk for the best deal.

Some dry room spa treatments may work better for certain massage therapists than others. Perhaps the best way to decide which spa add-ons to offer is to ask your clients what treatments they would enjoy the most!

Cold weather is on its way. Are you prepared for it? Here are a few ways you can keep your clients warm and toasty during the massage session.

Keep your clients cozy warm with a table warmer.

Let your clients sink in to the soothing heat of a massage table warmer pad!

A table warmer adds an extra level of cushion to your massage table and takes the chill out of the air. Snuggled between the warmth of a light blanket and the massage table warmer, your clients will warm up instantly. The sooner your clients warm up and get comfortable, the sooner they can start relaxing. And the more they relax, the greater the benefit of the massage!

Hot towels add an extra touch of warmth.

Pamper your clients with hot towel treatment!

The soothing heat of hot towels before and after the massage helps your clients warm up quickly and relax. It’s also a good way to cleanse the feet before a massage and to wipe away excess oil from the client’s skin. Provide the client with a hot towel at the end of the massage to let them wipe off any more oil before they get dressed.

More ideas:

• Add an extra blanket or two on top of the sheets.
• Use a portable heater to warm up the room at the before your first massage session and between sessions when possible.
• Suggest hot stone treatment as an add-on to the session.

Bon Vital Massage Creme

Choose products that are relevant to your services and fit your focus. For example, if you specialize in Reiki, consider carrying meditation CDs for your clients to purchase. Your clients may be interested in purchasing the same products that you use during the massage session, such as Bon Vital lotions. One oriental massage and spa business even sells chi machines to its clients—the same kind that they use in the complimentary chi session before each massage!

The possibilities are endless. Ask your clients which products they’d like to see you offer, and start from there.

Your clients will appreciate the convenience of being able to purchase massage products directly from you. It can also be a great way for you to generate more income from your business!

Massage Table Warmer Pad

The more comfortable your clients are, the easier it will be for them to relax. Plus, the more you can increase client satisfaction, the more loyal your clients will be to your services.

Most massage table warmers come with an auto-shutoff feature that prevents the pad from overheating, protects your clients from exposure to burning hot temps, and reduces the risk of an accident or fire if you forget to turn off the heating pad.

For the best results, turn the table warmer on a few minutes before the client arrives. This will allow the pad to warm up before the massage. Adjust the temperature to a low setting. When the client is settled on the table, ask if he or she is warm enough and adjust the temperature as requested.

The massage table warmer not only provides warmth, but it also adds an extra level of comfort to the massage by adding a thin layer of padding to the massage table. The warmth and comfort will encourage your clients to sink into a deeper state of relaxation as you massage away their aches and pains.

Keep your hot towel cabi looking sharp with these care and maintenance tips.

On a daily basis after use:

1. Turn off the power switch. Do not leave the towel warmer turned on overnight.
2. Remove any towels remaining in the cabinet. Towels left in the cabinet overnight may promote the growth of mildew.
3. Dry the inside of the cabinet with a clean towel.
4. Empty the drip tray.
5. Leave the cabinet door open, allowing the interior to dry completely.

On a weekly basis:

1. Wipe down the hot towel cabinet exterior with a neutral cleaning solution. Avoid using acidic or alkaline products or cleaning agents that may be toxic or corrosive.
2. Wipe down the inside of the towel cabinet with a non-abrasive, antimicrobial cleaning solution.
3. Clean the drip tray with hot water and soap to prevent the growth of microbes or fungus.
4. Wipe down and sanitize the metal towel trays inside the cabinet.

Does your appearance and massage equipment say "professional"?

Some therapists choose to use an intake form for every customer, even for quick sessions. Even if you choose not to use intake forms, post a sign-up sheet for customers to write down their name and address, phone number, and email. Besides giving you a way to follow up with your customers, a signup sheet will also help you keep track of who’s next in line.

After the chair massage event, send a follow-up postcard with a promotional coupon to encourage your event massage customers to discover the deeper benefits of a full table massage session.

Bring your appointment schedule along to book office appointments on the spot. Then you don’t have to worry about customers forgetting to call in to schedule an appointment. Booking on the spot means you don’t have to rely on the good intentions of potential clients. You can also bring along several gift certificates for individuals who may be interested in purchasing a massage session as a gift for a friend or relative.

As you promote your services at an event, remember that your professional appearance is representative of your massage therapy business. Set yourself apart with a sharp, clean, and professional look, both with your personal appearance and the appearance of your booth, massage chair and equipment, and promotional materials. Your look will be interpreted as a reflection on the quality and integrity of your business.

Lastly, realize that many of your event clients may never use your services again. Don’t let this discourage you. Your goal is to connect with those few individuals who will turn into regular clients. This is what will make your massage event marketing a success.

Related Posts:

• Why Should I Market My Massage Business at Events?
• Event Massage Marketing: It’s All in the Details
• How to Attract Customers to Your Massage Event Booth