Spa Startup 101 The Real Business of Spa
Presented by Lisa M. Starr Wynne Business
Why Spa Services?
z Technician financing a job for yourself?
{ I can do this better than my current boss.
z Corporate Dropout?
{ The spa world must be so relaxing . . .
z Long-term exit strategy?
{ When I retire Ill run my spa.
z Youd like to have a little more drama in your life?
U.S. Spa Market
z 57 million US Adults have been to a spa z 46% of consumers would choose appearance enhancement over an expensive vacation or luxury vehicle z 45 million consumers visited a day spa or resort spa in the last year z Currently 12K+ day spas in the US
Whats a spa today anyway?
Whats a spa today anyway?
What You Need
z A planning process z Solid financial projections z Money z Realistic expectations z The ability to multitask
Identify Target Market
z Who are your target clients?
{Socio-economic status {Ethnicity {Age
z Where do they live, work? z What services will they be interested in?
Define your Vision
z Expansion or New z Results or experience oriented z Treatment philosophy z Branding opportunities
Examine financial realities
z Project cost analysis
{Getting facility open will cost at least $200/sq ft {You also need 6-9 months of operating capital
z New construction or existing building z 2000 sq ft spa = approx $475K z Bank will want you to contribute 20-30% z Profits , when achieved, will typically range from 0-15%
Financial Projections
z Revenue-producing areas
{ Treatment rooms { Salon Departments { Cosmetics, Waxing, Medical services { Retail Area
z Non-revenue producing areas
{ Lounges, locker rooms { Check-in/Check-out { Employee areas { Storage { Hallways, utilities, laundry
Size matters!
z z z z How big does it need to be? How big can you afford it to be? Start small and grow later Bigger is not necessarily better
Project Logistics
z Site Selection z Development Team
{ General Contractor, Architect, Consultants, Designers
z Licensing & Regulations z Development Timeline
Creating the Spa Personality
zFacility location zAmbiance zFloor plan zDesign & dcor zRoom Layout zAmenities
What services is your target market seeking?
z Skincare z Makeup z Body Treatments z Hydrotherapies z Waxing z Massage z Nails z Meditation/Mind z Classes/Lectures z Eastern modalities z Fitness z Group Events
Service Analysis
z Most Popular z Most Profitable
{ Facials and Makeup = retail sales { Massage = low cost of service delivery
Service Menu
z Basic Services z Service Packages or Groups z Services for Men & Women z Signature Services z Seasonal and Special Offerings z Upselling Opportunities z Tie-ins to theme or branding
Choosing product vendors
z Similar Philosophy z Support & Training assistance z Cost per treatment analysis z Education z Retailing synergies/Price points z Packaging
Building a Brand Identity
z Mission & Vision Statements z Logo & graphics z Facility color scheme and design z Staff Uniforms z Service Menu, Brochures & Collateral Materials
Building a Brand Identity z Private Label Products z Signature Services z Web Site z Spoken cues & scripting z Training, training, training
contd
Assembling a Team
z Management Team
{ Someone in management should have spa or salon experience { But not necessarily everyone!
z Customer Service Staff
{ Other client-facing industries an excellent resource hotels, restaurants, retail
z Spa Service Providers
{ Care and feeding { Employees vs I.C.
Your Compensation Plan
z Labor is your single biggest expense z Traditional approach commission z Modern approach treatment rates, hourly +, team-based, benefits z Know what your competition is doing z Total payroll = < 60% of total revenue z Get it right the first time!
The Human Resource Component
z Creating underlying structure
{ Org Charts { Position descriptions { Staff Handbook { Operations manuals { Orientation & Training programs { Ongoing communication plan
Continuous Evolution
z Make continual facility updates z Change artwork z Remerchandising/Floor moves z Seasonal menu additions z Examine what works, eliminate what doesnt
Current Trends
z z z z z z z Indigenous ingredients & treatments New target markets men, teens, Fusion treatments Social Spa-ing Green Spas Medical Dont forget the stress relief
Future Growth Opportunities
z Clinical Esthetic Services z Medical Esthetic Services z Preventive Health z Lifestyle Management and Wellness z Fitness z Event Venue
Barriers to Success
z Initial Undercapitalization z Not understanding your niche, or not having a niche at all z Thinking it will run itself z Not investing in education & training z The wrong compensation plan z Lack of qualified management
Care and Feeding
z z z z z z z Foster team-building Provide visionary leadership Pay attention to quality assurance Value learning Compensate the behaviors you want Make it fun and fulfilling Expect more competitionits coming
Spa Startup 101
Thank you for your attention! Q & A with
Lisa M. Starr [email protected] www.wynnebusiness.com
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