Generally speaking, renting a room from an established Spa or Salon is the fastest route to beginning your own aesthetic business, including laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation businesses.
To start your laser business with a room rental you just need to complete a few steps and you should be ready to go;
Business name and registration
Find location and sign contract
Purchase necessary business items
Marketing and advertising
Why is it so quick to get started by renting a room from an established Spa or Salon? Well, there are a number of things that you don’t have to consider if you were setting up your business at home or establishing a Spa/Salon from scratch.
Many Spas and Salons already have the infrastructure required to get started. They will have a wash area for sanitation, reception, health licenses, cleaning services, storage, beds, tables and chairs, as well as utilities, internet and parking as well as other benefits depending on the specific Salon and their location.
Some other advantages that should not be overlooked is the Spa or Salon’s existing clientele, location and potential walk-in traffic. All of these offer opportunities for growing your initial client list – and I would suggest that location is at the top of importance when choosing which Spa/Salon to partner with – it is critical to pick a high-traffic area with great street visibility to fully leverage the benefit of renting a room.
If you choose to rent, another hidden benefit is the time you will save in administration for all of the included services – it may not seem like a big deal, but if you’re busy servicing your clients, you will appreciate the hours saved each month not having to manage these extra responsibilities.
There are many places to find rental Spa/Salon rooms in Canada. In the West, craigslist.org is widely popular, but as you travel further east, Kijiji.ca is more commonly used. On either free classified system, you can find dozens of potentially great locations from which to begin choosing.
The approximate average monthly room rental is usually between $500 to $1000, depending on location as well as the included services and amenities.
When you are deciding on which Spa/Salon to partner with, below is a point form list of they typical questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.
Some questions to ask when choosing your potential Spa/Salon rental partner
Does the Spa/Salon have any competing services to those you will offer?
Is the rent a strict fixed amount, does the Spa/Salon expect a commission per client or is it a mix of both?
Will the Spa/Salon offer any incentives during the first month(s) of the contract, such as decreased rent, free marketing or adverting initiatives, etc?
What are the terms of the contract, the duration of the contract and what options to conclude the contract? Look for month-to-month contract so that you can leave if you’re not happy because the location is poor, or the working conditions between yourself and others in the Spa/Salon are not ideal. As a new laser business owner, there is much more risk to locking into a long term contract at an unproven location.
What is included in the contract? This is a good opportunity to allow the Spa/Salon owner to outline what is included - just listen and follow up with questions only after they are finished – because they may offer benefits that you had not considered.
What hours is the Spa/Salon open?
Will you be given a key to the outer door to the Spa and can you access the Spa/Salon during hours when the business is closed?
Follow up contract questions
Where is the wash station located in relation to the room? Look for a sink in the room so that you are following health board compliance
Be sure the room you are renting has a lock so that no one can walk in during a treatment, again to conform to health board compliance
Make sure the room has walls right up to the ceiling. Laser treatments must be performed in an enclosed room to meet health board compliance.
The floors must be washable, therefore carpets are not suitable.
Do they have in-building laundry and can you use the services as part of your contract?
Can you personalize the rented space – with new paint, wallpaper or other décor, etc?
Which utilities are included with rental – specifically, electricity, hydro, heat?
Which services are included with the rent – such as parking, cleaning, maintenance, etc?
What furnishings are included with rental – specifically, bed, table, chairs, storage, etc?
Does the Health License cover your services and area?
Does the Spa/Salon liability insurance cover you and your clients?
Is the receptionist available to answer or schedule your calls and appointments? If not, are they willing to charge you a flat fee to include a receptionist?
Is the seating area available if you have clients waiting for their appointment?
Marketing and Advertising questions
How many clients does the Spa/Salon have?
Can you access their client database to offer your services directly to their clients?
Can you have your brochures or pricing pamphlets at the reception as well as advertise with posters within the space of the Spa/Salon?
Can you advertise your services at the entrance to the Spa/Salon, such as window posters, or sandwich boards?
Is the Spa/Salon owner willing to partner on any marketing initiatives they engage in? This may included a regular monthly print flyer or email campaign. It may included adding your services to their website if you do not have your own, etc.
Of course making your decision is a personal choice and it would be impossible to cover all the variables that you may be uniquely important to you, such as the distance from your home, personalities of the co-workers within the building, etc., but ultimately, if you do enough research you should find a suitable Spa that will help you be successful in your new laser business.
(This does not constitute legal advice and we encourage you to consult with a legal expert when ever reviewing legal documents)
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If you want to learn more about the Dermalase IPL - the lowest priced, Health Canada approved IPL Laser Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation device manufactured and serviced right here in Canada, including training and certification - just give us a call at 604-788-3413 to book your FREE demonstration.
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