How Much Does It Cost to Start a Med Spa?

Have you decided to start med spa business? But the cost is keeping you uncertain. Well, it happens. You have to make many expenses, seen and unseen. 

If these expenses make you wonder, you’ve landed at the right place. We’re going to discuss the amount you need to bring your dream into reality. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of opening a med spa and share some tips to save money while building your dream business!

Let’s Calculate the Cost to Start Med Spa Business

Now you have decided to start med spa of your own. However, are you unaware of the med spa startup costs? 

#1. Licences and Permits

Like every spa or business, there are a few licenses that are required to run a med spa. However, the cost to start med spa varies depending on your location (state or country). 

But these are some of the expenses you’ll still have to make. And having proper licensing ensures that your customers know that you’re following the legal norms and are safe. These included the initial cost:

• • License and Registration – $150 to $300, which depends on your city. 
  • Employer Identification Number – To pay taxes, open a bank account, or apply for credits.
  • For med spa business operations, you need a Health Department Permit, certifications and licenses for practicing staff, and a director’s license. It costs around $500 to $1,000.
  • Insurance- You have to pay around $2,000-$5,000 per year.

Apply for the certifications early so that you’ll have the necessary licenses by the time your spa is ready to operate. 

#2. Location of the Spa

Where your spa is located makes a huge difference. And this decides the price of space, whether you want to buy or are going to lease it. 

If you’re going to buy it, then be ready to spend $100,000-$1M+.  And you have to pay at least  $400,000-$600,000 as a down payment. 

And if you’ve decided to lease the property, then be ready to pay around $3,000-$7,000 monthly. Depending on your location, it could be the rent + security deposit or just the rent alone. 

And at some places, the rental cost to start med spa could go up to $8,000-$15,000.

#3. Spa Renovations 

Now you have decided whether you’re leasing or purchasing, the next step is the renovation. To redecorate the spa from scratch, you need to spend around $225,000-$325,000.

And your refurbishing requires the minimum effort, still to be ready to pay around $10,000-$50,000.

• Furniture 

Since you’re dealing in the med spa, ordinary furniture can’t work here. For that you need special furniture like treatment tables, chairs, couches, reception desks, and storage cabinets. And these can cost $10,000 to $35,000.

If you desire a luxury spa, then you have to spend up to $600,000. And this money will be used on fancy decor, high-end furnishings, and a stylish design.

A well-decorated spa makes customers feel relaxed and comfortable, so investing in quality furniture and decorations helps create a great experience!

#4. Tools and Equipment

What can define your med spa startup costs? The equipment needed for the type of services you provide. As med spas offer a ton of services, finding your match makes a big difference. 

As you can’t compromise on the quality, you need the best and the most advanced components. Since these are some common services, you have to include them –

• Laser machines: $5,000-$50,000
• Botox Machines: $5,000-$25,000+
• Microdermabrasion devices: $500-$6,000
• IPL machines: $7,000-$30,000
• Treatment chairs: $500-$2,500

However, these are the costs of machines. Their maintenance charges may vary depending on the model and company you are using. 

However, it doesn’t end here. To maintain the smooth and undisturbed flow of work, battery backup is needed. And it also costs around $1,600-$18,000. Ensure to also include these in your startup cost amount.

#5. Spa Inventory

Running a medical spa means having the right products for different treatments. You need special supplies like beauty products for 

• facials, 
• laser treatments, 
• microdermabrasion crystals, 
• medical tools, and 
• cleaning equipment.

Stocking up on these items for three months can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. And it depends on how many treatment rooms you have.

If you also plan to sell beauty products at the front desk, you’ll need a bigger inventory. And it will go up to $15,000 to $20,000 by increasing the cost to start med spa.

You’ll also need injectables like Botox and fillers, healing serums, cooling gels, creams, and medical-grade cleaning agents. These items run out quickly, so expect to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars every month on restocking supplies.

#6. Staff Salary

Running a medical spa means having the right products for different treatments. You need special supplies like beauty products for 

• facials, 
• laser treatments, 
• microdermabrasion crystals, 
• medical tools, and 
• cleaning equipment.

Stocking up on these items for three months can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. It depends on how many treatment rooms you have.

Planning to sell beauty products at the front desk? You’ll need a bigger inventory. It costs around $15,000 to $20,000.

You’ll also need injectables like Botox and fillers, healing serums, cooling gels, creams, and medical-grade cleaning agents. These items run out quickly, so expect to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars every month on restocking supplies.

#7. Marketing Expenses

The marketing cost to start med spa is another expense that you need to write in your financial records. However, you need to pay a lot.

First, a website is a must. And having one can cost you between $150 and $1,000 or more. It is important, as the website works as your digital store. 

Next, to catch people’s attention, you need to invest in print marketing as well – signs, banners, and billboards. Depending on their size and location, the cost varies from $1,000 to $10,000.

You’ll also need to spend money on online medical spa marketing to help your spa grow. Expect to spend about $2,000 to $5,000 per month on marketing.

Finally, you should plan a big grand opening or a soft launch to introduce your spa. A good marketing budget will help you attract more customers and make your business successful!

#8. Technology Needed

Technology is very important for running a med spa smoothly. You need special medspa software to help with 

• scheduling appointments, 
• managing clients, 
• processing payments, 
• tracking inventory, and 
• Handling marketing.

With online booking systems, customers can book or change their appointments anytime. A point-of-sale (POS) system makes it easy to handle payments and generate invoices. The software also helps keep track of supplies so you never run out of important products.

You also use customer management tools to save client history and give them better service. This makes everything faster, easier, and more organized.

What if we say you can get all these services in one place? Salonist is the best software that saves you and your customers time and money. 

#9. Other Expenses 

Have you counted important utilities like electricity, water, internet, heating, air conditioning, and cleaning services? No. Then you should as such utilities to keep the space comfortable and functional.

But surprises can happen! Machines may break, pipes could leak, or heating systems might stop working. Fixing these problems can be expensive. So it’s smart to have extra money set aside for repairs.

Moreover, if you do regular maintenance, this prevents big breakdowns, saving time and money. Keeping everything running smoothly ensures a safe and relaxing experience for your customers!

Some Quick Tips for Your Med Spa Budget Planning

• Make a solid business plan – Planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary spending!
• Pick a cheaper location – Instead of an expensive city, choose a less crowded area to save on rent and renovations.
• Offer fewer services at first – Start with popular treatments like Botox or laser therapy, then add more as your spa grows.
• Lease equipment – Medical machines are costly, so renting them instead of buying can save money.
  
• Buy used furniture—secondhand chairs and desks cost much less than brand-new ones.
  

Conclusion 

With careful planning, you can control the cost to start med spa. As you have to use your finances to get several licenses or permits, rent or buy property, equipment, furniture, marketing, and many more. By making smart choices, like leasing equipment, starting with fewer services, and choosing a budget-friendly location, you can reduce expenses. 

Having the right technology and maintenance plan helps keep things running smoothly. With the right strategy and budgeting, you can turn your dream med spa into reality while saving money along the way! Plan wisely, and success will follow!