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Working from home

I know that many people run successful massage businesses out of their homes. My question to you is are they really successful? I have two (very friendly) cats and a dog (who I can always put in the back yard when people come over. I have a spare room that is used for nothing but massage, my table is permanently set up there, i have a cabinet for sheets, a rack with oils and lotions and it's decorated pretty zen. So when booking with someone do I just inform them that, yes I work out of my home, yes there are animals present (they don't ever come in the massage room) ? I love being an MT but I hate not being my own boss. If anyone has pointers I'd love to hear them.

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Permalink Reply by Lee Edelberg on September 18, 2012 at 8:51pm

I agree with Therese that you will draw the right clients for your situation. I work some at home and mainly at my own studio in town. Different people come to each place. A fair number of people in my practice have allergies to animals and I'm thankful I have a place to see them.

I've always thought that for a home office the ideal would be a separate entrance and bath (which I don't have!).

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Permalink Reply by Cassandra Cravens on September 19, 2012 at 8:48am

My ideal goal is to find a little house with an attached garage that has plumbing hook ups in the garage or a bathroom just inside the entry way to the house. Then convert the garage to a home office.

I have 3 cats I adore and just trying to keep them out of my kitchen is a headache- I can't imagine trying to keep them out of a room that is part of the house proper. They are sneaky and determined.

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Permalink Reply by SHARON A NIERESCHER on December 4, 2012 at 11:27am

I'm just starting a massage business in my home. I have two cats and a small dog. One cat hides from everybody, the other one I put in a cat carrier, and the dog I put in his crate. That works pretty well for me. So far I have not had any problems with the animals. I would be careul with anyone who has asthma; even with a clean, separate room they can still have a reaction. I do plan to be successful and I know someone who has their business in their home and they are very successful.

I have two regular customers now. I believe the repeaters are the indication of success. Even though I only have two I feel that is a good start for only being open one month.

The only advertising I've done is business cards and gift certificates. My successful friend told me if you don't want to advertise just be very good. That is my goal to be very good. I am a widow and have a big house that two therapists could work in. Eventually I plan to have a smaller house and an office.

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Permalink Reply by Katie Clair on December 6, 2012 at 12:42pm

I really appreciate everyone's input!! I love the idea of animal massage and I think that I'll advertise animal reiki. I will disclose up front to anyone coming that 'we have animals and I will put the dog outside when they arrive and leave. I live in a town where I can drop business cards off all over the place. I'm hoping this works!