10 Best Massage Business Franchises in 2024

If you are considering to start a massage business, you need to decide whether to join a massage franchise or go it alone as an independent massage.

Franchises play an important role in the health and wellness industry and can be a great way to get your new massage therapy off the ground.

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1. Pros and Cons of Massage Franchising
2. How Much Does a Massage Franchise Cost?
3. 10 Best Massage Franchise To Work For
4. Conclusion

Pros and Cons of Massage Franchising

If you want to know if joining any top massage franchises is right for you, it is important to first review the risks and benefits faced by franchisees of massage therapy chains.

Advantages of Joining Massage Franchises

Popular Brand. While new massage often need to build brand awareness and a customer base from the ground up, franchising offers a shortcut to enhanced marketing, backed by an existing reputation that can be trusted.

Client Base. Massage that are part of a franchise chain can count on a name that is familiar to nearly every customer. This allows them to reduce initial advertising costs, attract customers with the first service appointment, and bring higher profits and better growth to their location than independent massage when they first open.

Business Management Support. Franchisees can expect a business network that provides management and employee professional development opportunities, as well as advice and free assistance in setting up a massage business (equipment, training materials, business plans, and supplies may also be included in the fee).

Bulk Purchasing. An advantage of a franchise business is that there is no need to replenish inventory individually. In addition, because the entire franchise network in a region or several locations buys in bulk, the total amount charged by the supplier to each company when ordering goods is reduced, and the price is usually lower.

You Can Start with Little Experience. As a massage business chain, you will receive a lot of assistance with advertising, recruiting, and basic business management.

Verified Business Model. The business model is a safer investment because we have tested the business model in multiple stores and have perfected our approach to success in the industry.

Low Risk of Failure. Massage franchises have a lower risk of failure than independent massage business. Partnering with a well-known full-service massage chain can be an excellent marketing tool to maximize your initial investment.

Freedom. Massage and their owners are part of a larger support network and have access to a variety of resources not available to independent stores.

Profitability. One of the advantages of joining a franchise is that you already have a space in the massage business service industry, customers are familiar with your services and products, and the franchisee can benefit from that visibility and the customers you bring.

Disadvantages of Massage Franchising

Let's take a look at some of the typical disadvantages that prospective franchisees should understand before making the initial investment.

Initial Investment. Most popular massage business chains, even small franchises, require an initial investment (franchise fee) to become a member, and the cost varies depending on the franchise and location.

Franchising Policies. Some franchise agreements require compliance with professional standards, such as hours of operation, advertising, and holidays.

Creative Restrictions. Massage layout, website, décor, music, etc., are not always artistically controlled and may be difficult to accommodate. You can also face some limitations if you join a particular type of a franchise e.f, foot massage franchise, or sports massage franchise.

Monthly Fees. Depending on the franchise agreement, there may be ongoing costs such as royalties and training fees.

Potential Competitors. Massage chains have a variety of interests, and you may have to deal with managers and employees you don't like.

You Cannot Own the Brand. Franchising is great, but it does not give you the opportunity to build your business under your own brand, which can make it difficult to get out of doing so later.

How Much Does a Massage Franchise Cost?

Let's take a look at the average franchise fee and what it covers.

Franchise Fee

This is the initial investment for the franchisee to join the company. Most massage business have a franchise fee ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.

In return, you get to set up and market your massage with the massage business name, business system, educational materials, staff uniforms, and anything else they offer (such as a website).

If your company buys in bulk or contracts with vendors, you may be eligible for discounts on massage supplies.

You may also be eligible for this initial discount if you are opening multiple stores at the same time.

Opening Inventory

This is the product required to open a new massage business. Generally, you will need to purchase and sell massage franchise products, and you will need to use certain products in-house. These costs vary widely, but it is common to spend between $5,000 and $10,000.

Royalties

Royalties are annual fees paid to the massage franchisor for the continued use of the massage services and company name. Royalties can be a fixed amount or a percentage of gross revenue.

Training and Setup

Includes everything from signage and furniture upgrades, decor, staff and management training, and possibly even website templates and IT services. Including rent, costs can range from $100,000 to $300,000.

So how much does it cost to franchise a massage? It will likely depend largely on the franchise company, whether your location is leased or owned, and the value of the services they provide.

Do not miss our post on massage therapy license.

10 Best Massage Franchise To Work For

There are many different opportunities for massage business franchisees. Here is a list of the best massage franchises we have found for massage franchisees.

#1. Massage Luxe

This is a fast-growing massage franchise that puts a lot of emphasis on client referrals and employee retention. They also offer some spa services at their locations. They’ve developed a program of membership-based massage and facial services that clients can opt into.

In order to set up a Massage Luxe franchise, you’ll need at least $100,000 in liquid capital, and they recommend having access to more if possible.

#2. Massage Green Spa

This massage franchise offers a combination of relaxing massage therapy, massage for pain management, and infared sauna services. This variety makes it a great option for anyone looking to invest in a franchise with a broad client base.

They have several locations in Michigain, but you can find Massage Green Spa franchises in nine states right now. Their franchise fee is $45,000 and the initial investment they recommend is $170,000.

#3. The Now Massage

At the moment, The Now Massage has four locations open in Los Angeles and is in the process of opening over 100 more locations across the United States. One reason that they’re expanding so quickly is their plan to capitalize on younger clients, connecting Millennials and Gen Z with affordable massage services.

If this appeals to you, you can open a The Now Massage franchise- you just need to have a total net worth of at least $650,000.

#4. Elements Massage

This is a massage franchise that focuses on the therapeutic side of things, offering deep tissue, Swedish, sports and even prenatal massage therapy. They also provide add-ons such as reflexology, hot stone massage and cupping therapy.

Initial investments start at $225,350 and they charge 6% royalty fees.

#5. Massage Envy

Founded in 2002, Massage Envy was a poineer among membership-based massage spas. Their business model relies on repeat clients and referrals to generate a recurring revenu stream using memberships.

Their franchise agreements have a ten year term, they charge a $45,000 franchise fee and the recommend an initial investment from $614,850 - $927,000. Their royalty fee is 6%.

Do not miss our post on massage therapy business plan.

#6. Massage Heights

At Massage Heights, clients save money by signing up for monthly massage treatments for a fraction of what they’d pay at luxury spas. They only use natural oils and products, and provide the opportunity to upsell by adding customizable services.

They’ll assist new franchisees with support in marketing, site selection, training and operations.

#7. LaVida Massage

This franchise offers affordable therapeutic massage services. Founded in Michigain, LaVida Massage focuses on providing each client with personalized care and each franchisee with the support they need to succeed.

They require new franchisees with a net worth of at least $500,000. The investment you’ll need to make ranges from $293,250 – $499,500 including a $39,000 franchise fee. The royalties you’ll pay are just 5%.

#8. Footy Rooty

If you’re interested in reflexology and foot health, then Footy Rooty might be the massage therapy franchise for you. Although Footy Rooty specializes in reflexology, they do provide standard massage therapy services at their centers, too.

One thing that sets Footy Rooty apart is its relatively low start-up costs. The franchise fee is only $16,000, and they have very flexible requirements on the amount fo space needed.

#9. The Great American Backrub

This massage therapy franchise operates primarily in shopping malls and has been in business since 1998. New franchisees don’t need to have massage experience, but you are required to have some sort of business or management background.

The initial franchise fee is $37,500, and they estimate the total investment at $150,000 - $200,000.

#10. Massage Life Center

This massage therapy franchise provides a variety of services, including (but not limited to) body and scalp massages, aromatherapy and athletic massage. Their services are available to members at a discount price and non-members at full price.

The franchise fee to start a Massage Life Center is $36,000. You’ll need to have a net worth of $400,000 with $100,000 in available capital and they are willing to help you obtain third-party financing if needed.

Conclusion

Before deciding whether to join a massage franchise, look at what opportunities are available and make a budget. It may be the best way for touy to start your own business. There are many responsibilities as well as some drawbacks.

Citations

The economics of franchise contracts
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1

Factors for new franchise success
https://search.proquest.com/openview/df4f81db89eb286b

Why franchise companies expand overseas
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0883902