Massage Business Owner Sends Warning
47 million Americans are receiving a massage each year. The U. S. Department of Labor is estimating future massage industry growth at 27% or more. As the massage industry expands, Steve Stabile, owner of an elements therapeutic massage franchise offers consumers and potential franchise owners five potential roadblocks to consider before buying a massage franchise.
Highlands Ranch, CO (PRWEB) July 17, 2007
The massage industry is experiencing impressive growth. Over 47 million American adults are receiving a massage each year and the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates future growth at 27% or more. In 2005, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reported 7 percent more American adults discussed massage therapy with their healthcare provider, an increase from 3 years prior.
The massage industry is growing at an impressive rate. The demand for massage facilities will rise as more consumers get a massage, as will the need for qualified massage therapists. In response to this demand from both consumers and massage therapy graduates, elements therapeutic massage, headquartered in Highlands Ranch, CO quickly sold 40 franchise locations to entrepreneurs looking to profit from the massage industry with a franchise business model.
But deciding whether to buy a franchise or to do it on your own can be a tough decision. Especially with the many choices of massage therapy franchise opportunities to choose from. Knowing what to look for before starting the process can not only save a prospective business owner much money, but a lot of time as well.
"Franchises combine the benefits of being a business owner with the luxury of taking advantage of a proven business model and experience provided by an established franchisor," reports Steve Stabile, owner of an elements therapeutic massage franchise, in Middleton, MA. "As an owner of a franchise, the franchisee will also have a strong association with a recognized brand name, marketing support, training in the business and industry, and risk aversion, something you just don't have as an independent business owner. This gives the business owner the best of both worlds; the ability to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself."
Stabile, who comes from a 14 year career in the Yellow Pages advertising business, learned much about what it takes to be a success in business. "I built my advertising business helping hundreds of local store owners build their business, this process really helped me as I changed careers and moved into the massage industry with an elements franchise," Steve said. "A good franchise model will help you with the fundamentals of a solid business, they will provide a great service, help you keep customers coming in the front door and they will help you to keep those customers doing business with you for a long time."
When investigating a franchise business opportunity, Stabile also offers these key points to consider:
1. Cost: What is the total investment? Several different types of costs are involved, including the initial franchise fee paid in return for using the franchisor's business concept/system and name for a limited time, ongoing royalty payments for the services and support provided by the franchisor, space rental and leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, working capital required to operate, advertising fees, etc.
2. Training & Support: What is included in the training program offered by the franchisor and will it prepare you to run all aspects of your business efficiently and successfully? Do they offer an opportunity to meet other franchise owners? Also, what kind of field assistance, ongoing support, and marketing support can you expect from the franchisor?
3. Market Buzz: Are you familiar with the market you are entering? Consider what kind of need there is for your particular brand of services, and if it is growing or diminishing.
4. Location: Site-selection is critical. Does the franchisor offer population based exclusive territories? Does the franchisor help you decide on the location, and assist you in negotiating a favorable lease? Also, know the demographic of the market area in order to familiarize yourself with client potential.
5. Financing: Does the franchisor assist with financing? If not, you'll need to determine your credit rating, and possibly correct any erroneous information before you try to borrow.
These are some of the topics discussed in detail when working with any legitimate franchise business model. "elements therapeutic massage has a multiple interview process to ensure to the potential franchisee that he or she is making the right decision before a financial commitment is entered into," Stabile reported.
When asked if he had any additional advise for a massage and wellness entrepreneur, he said, "One of the nice things about this business is it is filled with good people, not to mention I get a massage anytime I want. Because I have put the foundation in place just as the franchise corporate staff suggested, I have a great team of certified therapists and a trained office staff, making my elements studio surprisingly easy to run."
"I find it pretty funny because I have friends that have never had a massage, but once they had one, I now see them a couple times per month in my studio, which is more than I ever used to see them."
About elements therapeutic massage
Elements therapeutic massage™ is headquarted in Highlands Ranch, CO and is part of the Fitness Together Franchise Corporation. In 1996, Fitness Together Franchise Corporation was founded to bring professional and affordable personal training services to every major city. Today there are over 346 Fitness Together personal training franchise locations throughout the world and nearly 500 scheduled to open. elements therapeutic massage, inc.™ is following the same model, and was created in 1999 by founder, Michele Merhib. The company started franchising in 2006 under the Fitness Together Franchise Corporation.
To schedule an interview with a representative of elements therapeutic massage or the Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, please contact:
Scott Wendrych
President of elements therapeutic massage
Email: scottwendrych @ fitnesstogether. com
Toll-free: 1-877-663-0880 x 10
International: (303) 663-0880
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