Fuzzy on starting private practice

[sreedhar s]

Hi folks,Graduation is a-comin! And I'm feeling both scared and excited at the same time. Unfortunately, our Business Class isn't addressing some areas I really would like information and help with: starting a private practice.I know the basics: DBAs, entity types, EIN application, sales tax issues for retail, bookkeeping. None of that stuff worries me, but that's exactly the type of thing our class focuses on.What about the real life nitty gritty logistics? Especially *startup*. How do actual people do it? How much money was needed, and where did it come from? What's your overhead like--what perceneforum.xxxe of your gross is your draw?It sounds like most MTs start out working at spas and such, transition into private practice, learning as they go. I'd LOVE to be able to learn from other people's mistakes, not reinvent the wheel, etc. I'd enjoy hearing general startup stories, how to make it work, etc. If you have anything specific to share, any pitfalls you wish someone had told you about, lessons learned, please post them!

 

[Dave Randal]

Fuzzy on starting private practice

Nice. Did you later cut Sunday availability? After how long, and how did you manage that transition? Lose any clients over it?

 

[emma(:]

Being available on Sundays built my practice faster than anything else;

I can imagine that. آ I have a lot of people who ask for Sunday appointments. آ However, I take off Sunday and Monday; possibly changing that to off on Sunday and Tuesdays, but that may be next year... we'll see. آ I have only rarely worked a Sunday, maybe 5 times in the past 12 years in the office -- however I will do hotel outcalls on a Sunday. آ But that is a different story... as I am on-call for a few upscale hotels that make it very much worth my while to come out to provide treatment to a client when their in-house spa is closed.Also, I'll get back to you later on your original question, when I get a chance to compile some good thoughts.  

 

[Naughty Baby]

Fuzzy on starting private practice

EgoMagickian,

This is a pretty good bit of info on "start-up" costs:

Stacy,

Here are a few replies to your questions.

Are small business loans the way to go?  

If you are going to get a business loan, I'd suggest finding a CPA who can help you with this. Cost could range anywhere from $200 - $800.  You should be able to find a CPA practice that is not too large and he/she can help you make a business plan etc - etc.

You'll need to check with your lending agency to see what info they require and if you need collateral backing you.

A loan can help when you don't have a part-time job or money backing you.

Should I focus on massage or offer spa treatments as well?

Depends on where you practice and the room you have.  If you have a wet area (shower/bath) of course it will make it easier to offer these treatments.  

There are some spa things you can do without water and only moist towels. (Parafango comes to mind.)

There is also a steam cabinet you might want to use.  

http://www.steamywonder.com/SteamyWonder.html

http://www.newlifesystems.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NLS&Product_Code=SW107&Category_Code=5

What is the most important item (other than a table,oils,etc) needed before starting a business?  

Table, lotion, sheets, pillows, a gown or two, some towels, music, foot stool, radio/CD player. Those should be enough to get you going.

Consider getting a receipt book system for your customers too.  They may want to use you as a write off on their taxes, or even submit your services to an insurance company for reimbursement.

What is the best way to advertise?  

Word of mouth seems to be best, but this is slow at the start.  

Hand out those business cards and link up with some special people who will refer to you.  

You can also sometimes get a fairly inexpensive add in a local paper or holistic magazine.

How much money is needed to start up?  

A fair estimate so you are not in a huge pinch would be somewhere in the neighborhood of ~$10,000.00  (but this highly depends on where you are and what you want to do - you would have to sit down and make your own evaluation of your pocketbook, needs and wishes).

On a serious budget, it will all depend on if you rent, if you use your home, if you pay a split fee, things like that.

Let's look at some generalized costs and then you can see where you fit in.

Office space: $900/mo.  You will need first and last months rent.

Business owners insurance: $50/mo.- You'll need this if you rent space.

Malpractice: $200/year

Flood Insurance: $350/year If you are in a flood plane.

Phones: $40 - 120/month Depending on if you use cell or straight office phones.

Air/Heat: $250/month

Supplies: $1,500 Things like - table, lotions, sheets, lamp, pens, pencils, appointment book, folders, computer program (if you use a comp), etc.

Laundry Detergent $15.00/month - hard to say on that one, I buy "Sun" detergent at Wal-mart for really cheap and it does a great job and lasts a long time, longer than a month I know... so hey, you can save a few bucks there and eat out!

Water for clients: $30/month

A few chairs for your clients to sit in: $60

Desk: $100

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And of course, you can do all of this a lot less expensive, if you just don't have the money - especially by looking at the thrift stores and whatnot.  

Hope that helps.

 

[hellokity017]

Fuzzy on starting private practice

i started working on sundays too. so far so good. last sunday i saw 4 clients