If Bricks & Mortar aren’t an Option

As COVID restrictions are lifted and businesses resume around Australia, many therapists are considering mobile massage as a viable alternative to renting a clinic.  What are some of the things you should consider before venturing out with a mobile offering?

1. Your equipment can make you or it can break you. Invest in the lightest weight table with the highest working weight that you can afford.It may not seem like a big difference but when you are trying to carry linens and a table 4-5 kg in the weight of a table can make a huge difference.
2. If you cannot afford light weight table, invest in a treatment table trolley. It will become your best friend.
3. Security is a big concern.Prior to committing to a job, check things like carpark availability and assess your surroundings before you go in. Download an ap like “Emergency +” that can give you your GPS coordinates in an instant and connect you to emergency services with one button.Wheneveryou take on a new client, try and have a screening call with them where you discuss the type of massage they want and ensure that you are both on the same page as to what services you provide.
4. Even though you are mobile, you should still have all the Policies and Procedures that you would have in a clinic.It’s a great idea to keep them all in a folder along with your qualifications in case a client requests to see them.
5. The same goes for client records.You are still required to keep detailed records, even for mobile sessions. Extra care needs to be taken to secure client files when you are on the road. Never leave them lying in public view in your car.
6. Consider using sheets rather than towels for your draping.It’s a lot easier to transport 4 folded sheets than 4 folded towels to each appointment.
7. Try not to leave linens for too long in your car. Self-combustion of towels is a very real thing, and it is not unheard of for it to happen to massage towels that are being stored inside a car.
8. A small, lunch sized esky is a great way to store your oil to stop it turning rancid in the heat of the car.
9. Know the working weight of your table and check all the nuts, bolts and cables are secured before every treatment.
10. If you live in a bush fire prone area, reconsider if mobile services are appropriate on days of high-extreme fire danger days.
11. Factor in your travel time both to and from the client’s house when you are working on your pricing. Your time is valuable, and clients expect to pay a premium for the convenience of having you come to them.