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!

The American Massage Therapy Association has just released the results of their annual consumer survey on the state of massage therapy in the U.S.

Americans now get massage for medical reasons as often as they get massage for relaxation, according to the 2009 AMTA survey. The percentage of consumers who receive massage for medical or health-related reasons is almost equal to the percentage of consumers who receive massage for relaxation. Both are just a touch over 30 percent.

Compared to last year, the number of Americans (ages 35-44) who have talked with their medical provider about massage has grown from 14 percent in 2008 to 25 percent in 2009.

This annual consumer research on massage therapy led by the AMTA helps massage therapists and massage students gauge the direction that the industry is headed. You can view the full report on the AMTA website.

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.

The most expensive purchase for most massage therapists just starting out is a massage table. Unfortunately, after the cost of your education, you may not be able to spend the big bucks on that hydraulic massage table just yet. As a massage student on a budget, here are a few guiding principles to consider as you look into buying your first massage table.

Your #1 Priority

For most massage therapists, the number one priority when choosing a massage table is quality. You want to make sure the table is sturdy enough to hold even your heaviest clients under the force of vigorous massage strokes. You also want to make sure it’s comfortable, both for you and your clients. The materials used, such as Canadian maple hardwood and 100% PU vinyl, play a large part in the quality of the table.

The Price Factor

As a massage student, price comes not far behind in terms of priorities. In fact, some massage students purchase cheap massage tables that they plan to use for only a year or two before investing in a higher quality massage table. With school loans in the picture, this can be a good way to save a few bucks while you get back on your feet financially.

The key is finding a low-cost massage table that doesn’t compromise on quality. As the massage table industry progresses, it’s becoming easier and more affordable to find a quality massage table for under $200. Ask around to find out about a particular brand before making your purchase, and read the product description closely to find out exactly what you’re getting.

Just because the price of a massage table is “cheap” doesn’t mean that the massage table itself is cheap. Factors like wholesale pricing and the negotiation of manufacturing supplies can bring the price down to an affordable number. Just because the price of a massage table seems too good to be true doesn’t mean it is. Do your homework and find out which massage tables and brands offer quality and affordability and which ones are just plain cheap.

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

(Continued from Massage Marketing Part 1 and Part 2)

Chair Massage

Reach more clients with chair massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for handouts are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge a dollar per minute. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

(For more tips on chair massage, see Get More Clients with Chair Massage Marketing.)

Business Cards

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don’t hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

(Continued from Massage Marketing Part 1.)

Community Involvement

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers.

Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

Exceptional Service

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment.

If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

See Massage Marketing Part 3 for more marketing tips!

Build a solid massage therapy practice through word of mouth.

Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Your Best Strategy

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist’s strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.

People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members—or even casual acquaintances—are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or flyers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

Referral Programs

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here’s an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free or discounted massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

See Massage Marketing Part 2 and Part 3 for more marketing ideas!

Become a Fan of OneTouch Massage on Facebook

OneTouch Massage fans are connecting on Facebook. It’s easy to join the OneTouch Massage Fan Page to share massage therapy tips, ask questions, or post pictures / video of your massage business. Visit the OneTouch Massage Facebook Page to learn more.

If you’re looking for gift ideas for a recent massage therapy graduate, consider these thoughtful ideas to show your support in their new career.

One of the most popular gifts for massage therapy graduates is a massage table. This basic massage product is essential to a career in this field, especially if the graduate is planning to start their own business. After the financial strain of paying for massage school, your graduate will appreciate the practical value as well as the generosity of this gift.

Professional Massage Table with Reiki End Plates

Is the graduate planning to offer massage at clients’ homes? If so, you will want to look for a table that is easily portable and lightweight. Aluminum massage tables are the lightest tables on the market.

However, if your graduate prefers the aesthetic appearance of wood, consider purchasing a massage table cart to ease the physical strain of transporting a massage table. As a rule, portable tables are cheaper than stationary tables, so for those just getting started in massage, portable tables are usually the best option. They are both easy on the budget and versatile to use.

If your massage graduate is interested in modalities that require seated work (such as reflexology or energy work such as Reiki), look for a table with Reiki end plates. These end plates allow enough room for the therapist to sit with legs under the table. All OneTouch tables except the Euro-Light include Reiki end panels as a standard feature. A rolling massage stool is a perfect complement for a Reiki table, if you want to honor your graduate with an extra special gift.

Professional Massage Oil

If your graduate already owns a table or you’re looking for a smaller gift, professional massage oil or a deluxe table case can also make a thoughtful gift. As a special touch, include a gift certificate for massage therapy to encourage the student to relax and unwind after the stress of school.

Related Posts

• Gift Ideas for a Massage Therapist – Looking for a holiday gift for a massage therapist in your life? Take a look at our massage gift guide!

If you have recently graduated from massage therapy school or will be graduating shortly and are looking to invest in some massage equipment, it may seem overwhelming to sort through the endless supply of massage tables and other massage equipment available. OneTouch massage products are a good place to start your search. The OneTouch line includes a manageable selection of massage tables and accessories at competitively low prices. The only thing to figure out is what style is right for you.

All of the OneTouch massage tables are portable and come with a removable face cradle. The Professional, Deluxe, and Elite series are made with a frame of Canadian Maple wood. These tables have a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs. Each Professional and Deluxe Series table has a fully adjustable backrest that can move in ten positions and has up to 80 degrees of incline. The Professional and Deluxe Series also come with 2.5-inch side arm extenders, which allows flexible body positioning.

Our Professional, Deluxe, and Elite Series massage tables also have 8 height adjustments from 26 to 36 inches.  The Professional and Deluxe Series tables come with a full 3 inches of high density foam. Each of our massage tables come with a removable face portal embedded in the massage table. Each table comes with a high quality tote bag. OneTouch massage tables are built with a wider stance for a more stable base. This also allows for more comfortable and safer access in massage applications.

The Deluxe Series of massage tables is for anyone interested in having increased body positioning. The removable face cradle that can be positioned at either end of the table. With the fully adjustable, square back, this massage table would be ideal for performing massages on larger people. This massage table comes in three colors: black, cream and plum.

The Professional Series is designed for increased access to the upper body. This table has a contoured backrest, which assists in reaching the head, neck and shoulders when a client is sitting up. There is also a premium molded handle that allows for maximum comfort when transporting. This table also comes in three colors: black, cream and plum.

The Elite Series comes with two bonus half bolster pillows for increased versatility in positioning your clients. Side arm extenders may be added for the comfort of clients who appreciate a wider table. This table comes in three colors: black, cream, and teal. The free bolster pillows match the color of your table.

All OneTouch massage tables come with a five-year warranty. If something should happen to your table, all you need to do is give OneTouch a call, and our customer service will take care of you. These tables are high quality and come at a competitively low price. As a new massage therapist, your clients will notice the quality of the table you use with them, and they will be satisfied with a OneTouch massage table.