Many clients visit spas in search of relief from chronic or acute pain. Massage, acupressure, and reflexology bring relief to many sufferers of headaches, back pain, and sore muscles. When a person seeking relief from pain finds the right combination of massage therapist, massage type, and setting, he is likely to become a regular client.
The right ?setting? for a massage includes how a place looks, smells, and sounds. A peaceful color scheme, essential oil diffusers, and water or nature sounds in the background all contribute to a welcoming setting. Professional spa equipment and furniture is an often overlooked, yet essential component of a spa?s appeal.
While the appearance of a massage or treatment table is important, the critical factor is whether it is comfortable for your clients. Follow these three steps to choose the most comfortable spa equipment and furniture for all your clients, especially those seeking relief from pain.
1. Identify The Types Of Clients You Want To Serve
What kinds of clients do you need to meet your business goals? Savvy spa owners and managers review their business plans before investing in new spa equipment and furniture. If your plan doesn?t include a profile of your ideal clients, now is a great time to create one.
To identify your clients? needs, determine what percentage of your desired clients fall into the following categories:
- Clients seeking chronic pain relief
- Clients presenting with sports injuries or strained / overused muscles
- Elderly
- Mobility impaired
- Athletes
- Pregnant
- Larger-than-average people
- Smaller-than-average people
- Clients with special health conditions
List services you will provide to meet the needs of your desired clients. For example, maybe you are considering offering Shiatsu massage to help clients with chronic body pain. That decision will influence the type of massage table you invest in.
2. Choose Spa Furniture That Supports The Services You Offer
Now that you?ve identified your ideal clients and the services they want, choose spa furniture designed for those services. Several manufacturers offer multi-purpose service tables and chairs, which maximize your investment.
All good massage tables must have the following qualities:
- Comfortable padding
- Sturdy base
- Supportive table surface and cushioning
- Not too hard or soft
- Wide enough for clients
- Appropriate width for the massage therapist to work effectively
- Comfortable, accessible height for clients and therapist
- Easy to clean
- Quiet
- Minimal maintenance
In addition to the basics, your spa furniture needs to meet your client?s individual needs. For example, if many of your clients suffer from chronic pain, chairs should have lumbar support and tables should have supportive cushioning.
Massage tables must be appropriate for the types of massage you offer. Clarify whether you need any special features such as a Reiki end panel or Shiatsu cables.
Consider whether any of the following accessories or options are needed to increase your clients? comfort:
- Adjustable face cradle
- Hydraulic or electric lift system
- Variable reclining positions
- Warming pads or built-in heating system
- Extra cushioning to ease body pain
- Lumbar or other supports
- Length extender
- Pregnancy cushion
- Breast comfort bolster
- Bolsters of different sizes and shapes
3. Identify The Best Value For Your Spa Business
New spa equipment and furniture is a significant investment. Examine all aspects of the purchase to determine the best value for your needs and business goals. Read reviews, look at the manufacturer websites, and talk to an equipment and furniture specialist who can walk you through your options.
Consider the following points before making a final decision:
- Price
- Warranty or guarantees
- Shipping and set-up options
- Training provided by the manufacturer or seller
- Support provided for set-up or over time if problems arise
- Cost of maintenance over time
- Durability of product (how long will it last, given how you will use it)
- Track record of needing repairs or ongoing maintenance
- Availability of service technicians if maintenance is needed
- Business value over time (for example, if a more expensive table with additional
features results in more and higher-paying clients, the investment is worthwhile)
Many spa owners find purchasing new spa equipment or furniture to be a challenge. This is especially true if the clientele is changing to include people with special needs such as chronic body pain. Following these three steps can help ease the stress of the process and ensure you choose the right furniture for your clients.
Trying to develop your spa business? Spa development and consulting, as well as professional spa equipment and furniture, will help you build and customize your spa experience.
