Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

[3utkarsh3]

As a newer massage therapist who plans to have my own practice in the not-too-distant future, I thought I'd ask about everyone's idea of the barebones basics for starting out. Some are pretty obvious (table, sheets, lubricants if you use them, office supplies, etc.), but then people start adding, "Oh! Of course I need a printer for intake forms. And my computer has to be a PC/Mac because nothing else works with XYZ Program that I use. Of course XYZ Program is essential. And I need a stool or I'll hurt my back. ABC brand is the best for that. Also, I can't function without a good stereo, huge towel collection, microwave, and a good carpet. And my goodness, let's talk about furniture ..."

I know everyone is totally different, which is why I'm asking here. I have my own ideas about what's "essential," but I'd like to hear your takes. Is a table warmer a "gotta have" for you? Is a smartphone? If you were just starting, what wouldn't you do without?

Kat

 

[Melody E]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

I truly believe you can start out pretty barebones and do fantastic. It's one thing I love about massage - all you REALLY need are your hands (or feet if that's what you massage with). That said, here was my own personal "barebones" room set up when I first started (this assumes working from my home where I already have washer and dryer, microwave, computer, printer):

massage table
Egg crate table pad
crock pot (for hot towels, or hot water to warm oils)
turkey roaster (for hot stones)
set of stones
2 chairs (one for client, one for me)
massage table
table warmer
2 large tube socks filled with brown rice (hot packs)
music playing arrangement (cheapest/best I found was a no name mp3 player hooked into speakers: (http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-SuMassagePlanetofer-Satellite-CA-3602/dp/B0027VT6V4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319730269&sr=8-2)
space heater
decorations
15 towels
5 sets of sheets
blanket
small appointment book
voicemail on my cell phone (believe it or not, one therapist I know operates without voicemail service and just calls back every missed call)
Water service (I started with a pitcher of water and cups, but our water is so bad here and people like to take water bottles with them...so eventually I just bought palettes of bottled water to hand out)
clipboard and pens


what I added later when I got more money:
hot towel warmer
more music
nicer hot packs
himalyan salt lamps
humidifier (desert climate)
Eucalyptus and Lavender Essential Oils
Fleece table pad
arm rest shelf attachment for table
waterproof table cover

I'm sure I'm missing something, but that's a start!

 

[ablex]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

Mine is very similar to shiva. Only difference is I used 2 small crockpots for my stones. One I used every session as I use hot stones on back with every session. I only used the second crockpot for full body hot stone massages which was very rare for me. I didn't have room to store a large roaster.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

When I started out:
table, linens/pillows/blankets/towels
I did have a table warming pad
2 small cabinets to hold linens
a small desk & chair
dest lamp, floor lamp
ipod docking station, speakers and ipod for music (already had the ipod)
chair for client
rolling stool for me
small table near client chair
mirror with hooks for clothing
cell phone

no crock pot or anything, I didn't use stones

 

[Rio Madeira]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

Key: Red = had or had to have Orange = felt was needed Green = wanted for convenience or atmosphere/comfort

When I first rented my room here I started with:

Previously owed by me:
pc/printer at home
table/bolster/shiatsu mat
massage gel/bottle/holster
massage chair
small folding stool
2 hand towels (for me)
5 sets of sheets/1 blanket
cd player/cd's
metal rolling cart with shelves
a few Asian themed decor items I had
2 glass cupping sets
folding shoji screen

Things I had to purchase:
black out curtain
small trash can
wall clock
wall calendar
small folding table and 2 chairs
floor lamp
simple cell phone w/voicemail
appointment book

Things I bought later to help finish my "budget" room:
fleece padded table heater
another blanket
extra hand towels
small book case
storage bench
iPod docking system (for the nano my sister won years ago and gave to me!)
paint (to complete my color scheme)
picture frames and nature photos from my BF
table cloth for the rolling cart (to conceal items on shelves)
over the door hooks

Things I have added or will add soon:
multifunction printer
aroma diffuser w/3 personal blends
4-6 Qt. crock pot and stones
foot bath (deep dish pan, lots of marbles & my bath salts )
electric kettle (for foot bath)
wall or over the door mirror
large muscle chart
smart phone & Square for credit cards
extra bolsters (large wedge/body pillow)

Wow, and someone actually said how they liked that I didn't "clutter" my room with stuff! :shock: I guess I'm good at hiding/storing things! :

 

[Pompal 09.]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

Is there are similar thread of your basic "Gotta Haves" for those of us who only do outcalls using either a massage table or massage chair?

 

[Dennis A]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

Is there are similar thread of your basic "Gotta Haves" for those of us who only do outcalls using either a massage table or massage chair?

Yup!

What to bring to outcalls
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=4717

Outcall Suggestion & Needs List
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3251

On-site Supplies List:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=513&p=150807

 

[Claudia]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

My basic "Gotta Have" list has gotten shorter, not longer.

Here it is: A high-quality, portable massage table.

That's all I really need.

 

[Goligoski]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

I am a brand new Massage therapist too, I Plan to own my own massage practice one day not to soon I want to get experience first so I know how to run the whole business. I do have my own office space to bulid up clients before I open up my own place.
Gotta Haves for Me
a Massage chair I only do chair massage in the office space looking to expand to do table massage though
Hand sanitaizer
a professional grade Cleaner for the face craddle and Bolster
an aroma therapy diffuser to put people in to a more relaxed state
Business cards even if you don't hand them out all the time
a facebook page to get people intrested in what you do
a website which i just made
disposalable face cradle covers so much easier then washing a bunch of cotton face craddle covers and worrying that they are sterile

 

[Caps Lock]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

Great website, facebook, twitter and online booking.

 

[Alyssandra]

Your Basic "Gotta Haves"

One other item for my list:

Strong work ethic.

Nothing gets done without it.