Wants to Open a Japenese Themed Spa

I am very new to the spa industry but would like to open my own day spa within the next 6 months. I would like to go with an Asian theme preferably japanese. Can you point me in the direction of Asian treatments and products and asian inspired designs for spas maybe in pictures. Also i would appreciate a foundation plan. Right now i'm really confused as to which direction to turn. What type of office space would make more sense to lease (a beauty salon, doctors/dental office or just an open floor plan office space) as there is no existing spa in my area. I would like to start out small, how many rooms would i need besides the reception area if i plan on having 2 massage treatment rooms and i also want to do facials and foot massages. what type of rooms are generally found in a day spa. thanks

Dear Jade,

Before you start, I would advise that you do a Business Plan and Market Analysis to determine the feasibility of what you plan to do. If you are not sure of how to write one or how to perform a Market Analysis, then you should consider either hiring a Spa Consultant or if you do not have the funding to do that, then I would advise that you contact the small business association in your area or SCORE which is comprised of retired business executives http://www.score.org/.

In regard to Japanese Therapies, here are a few. However, these are very technical services and really require proper additional training and certification to perform. Seeing how there are no spas in your area currently, You may not find specialists in your area who can perform these services. So, hiring staff may be a challenge.

Shiatsu

Ashiatsu

Thai Massage

Anma Massage

Reiki

Accussage

Accupunture

Acu Facials

Anma Facial

Facials & Body treatments incorporating Japanese Herbs or Green Tea

Japanese Enzyme/Herbal Baths

Location is going to be key, and starting out small is a good idea. Do consider how long your lease is for, because if you need to expand you do not want to be locked in. You will probably need to be in a high traffic area. Going into a strip center with a good anchor or a location where they are already generating the type of traffic /cliental that you determine is your market audience is also important. Locations near a salon, Fitness club, yoga/palates studio is beneficial. Developing a network with dermatologists, chiropractors, and plastic surgeons is advisable.

Make sure you get all of the legalities clarified so you know what is required in your area to operate an establishment with massage, aesthetics and nail services. Verify the need for water and equipment in the treatment rooms as required by local ordinances.

To view locations for ideas, just Google Japanese Day Spas and you can get a few ideas. Or visit Japanese restaurants to get inspired on colors and features. Spa Trade has a buyers guide that can assist you with locating Equipment companies.

Good Luck if you need assistance as you move forward please feel free to contact me.

Marie Bernat

COO Spavelous

The Best Spa Finder

Developing Spa Business Plan

Question From Latoya -

I am in the process of developing my business plan to open my own day spa. I wanted to find out how I conduct a market analysis and determine who my target market is? Any suggestions on where to go to get industry population, average pricing, age range of spa goers?

Also how do I determine how much to charge for my services?

Thanks
Dear Latoya,


Here are some simplified answers to your questions. However, based on the questions you asked, you may want to hire a spa consultant to assist you so you have a better understanding of what you are getting into and set yourself up for success. You have not indicated where you are located, so I have based this on the USA.

Market analysis of the demographics: First you need to know the demographics of the city that you want to build your spa in. You can go to your city's website to pull up the latest population demographics, or you can get a rough estimate on line form the AP site for Census Data. You will first select the state and then using the pull down menu select the city. The numbers in blue you can click on for greater detail. An even easier and more specific way if you are in a shopping center is to get the information form the commercial realtor for your shopping center they can give specifics broken down to radius miles around your specific site. This information will be the most accurate.

What is the demographics of the Spa Client: I recommend that you become an ISPA member. They have several publications that will assist you. The 2006 Spa-goer study will give you general demographics. Your demographics may be different, so I recommend that you situate yourself outside your competitors and do random counts during peak periods.

For the question What should you charge. You want to be competitive in your market, but you also want to make sure that your services are priced to be profitable. This means you need to know what product line you will carry and what services you will offer. Start by doing a Google search with the name of your city and the word spa. In this link I did "Scottsdale, AZ Spa"

A map will come up with the spas in that area. If the spas near you have a web site go online to their website and pull up their spa menu. Start a spread sheet so you can Spa name, chart services, cost, and facility information, product line. You can also go to my website http://www.spavelous.com we have the largest database of spas in the USA in one location. We are still growing, so we hope that all spas will sign up for their free listing so people can find them. This will also tell you who your competition is.

After you let your fingers do the walking to view the menus, services and facilities, book some spa appointments. Nothing can replace a first hand experience. This will help you view the spa as your guests will view you.

Good Luck, if you need any other information, please call. Spavelous is here to support the success of the spa industry. Don't forget to sign up with Spavelous before you open, we can even help develop your spa website and a year of our services for $500.


Sincerely Yours

Marie Bernat

Spavelous - The Largest US Spa Directory