Question about Personal Care practice (massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, HT, etc)?
May 25, 2009 by Massage Tips and Techniques
Filed under More Massage Answers
Can you answer blznsun2004’s question about Massage?:
As a personal care business (massage, aromatherapy, etc) do you need to have a Fictitious Name registered with the state, occupational license, etc? If I am only taking cash for the exchange of services and I travel to their homes it doesn’t seem like I would need to have those things, but I am not sure. Does anyone know? Please advise, I am building a practice and I want to have my ducks in a row so to speak.
As a personal care business (massage, aromatherapy, etc) do you need to have a Fictitious Name registered with the state, occupational license, etc? If I am only taking cash for the exchange of services and I travel to their homes it doesn’t seem like I would need to have those things, but I am not sure. Does anyone know? Please advise, I am building a practice and I want to have my ducks in a row so to speak.
Thank you in advance!
Ergonomic Massage Table
Massage Feedback: To some degree it depends on the state, but in general the answer is no.
I’ve done business under my own name since 2004. Actually, my name plus “LMT” at the end of it.
Getting a Business Registration has it’s advantages. It can make you look like a bigger business, which is a draw for some people. It also lets you open business accounts (a mixed bag - they’re more expensive than personal bank accounts). Finally, you can buy products wholesale.
You can do business under your own name for a few years and spend the money to register with the state later.
EDIT - as for being careful, it’s always a good idea. Having insurance helps. AMTA, ABMP, and the IMA all provide insurance with their memberships (about $200-265/yr). I like AMTA but I have friends in all three organizations.
Massage Feedback: I would just advise you to be really CAREFUL, in all that you do….. if there’s ever any situation where someone is injured or something goes missing,even if it simply happens at the same time that you are in their home, they could conceivably try to sue you ! I know we don’t like to think of our customers (clients?) as anything but intelligent, enlightened beings, but the sad truth is, there are all kinds out there. Be proactive, be careful, and as much as humanly possible, do the very best you can, by everyone. Best of luck !!!