How to Open a Body Contouring Business [Business Plan]

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Body contouring is used to reshape and improve the body’s appearance. Note that this can be invasive, with liposuction and body lifts, but there are also non-invasive options that include CoolSculpting via heating and cooling that uses energy-based devices. According to reports, the body contouring market is expected to rise to $1.1 billion by 2022, registering a 9.8% CAGR during the forecast period 2017-2023.

The rising number of obese people and the growing importance of aesthetics and appearances amongst a massive section of the population is what drives the body contouring market. Aside from this, accessibility and growing awareness of cosmetic surgeries have also propelled the demand for body contouring procedures globally.

Steps on How to Start a Body Contouring Business

Conduct Market Research

As with any new business venture, you must do thorough research before starting a body contouring business. Check out the body contouring market in the state you live in and look at what your competition is doing. Carrying out extensive research will also help you obtain positive results from your marketing efforts.

To become an expert in body contouring, ensure you first gain knowledge and then apply that knowledge. Learn from the experts. Read their books and blogs, take their courses, listen to their podcasts, ask them questions directly, study their actions, let them coach you, etc.

a. Who Is Your Target Audience?

In this modern age, people are very aware of the health benefits of shedding weight. Most often, your target market in this line of business will fall within people over the age of 40 in both men and women. Since it is nonsurgical, body contouring can be a great option for most people. Your ideal target audiences are those who:

Are eager to tighten sagging skin.
Have realistic expectations.
Are at or near their ideal weight.
People who exercise regularly and have a healthy diet but can’t get rid of some areas with stubborn fat, such as tummy fat or back fat.
Overall good health and a BMI of 30 or lower are characteristics of perfect candidates.

b. Is Body Contouring Business a Profitable Business?

Yes, the body contouring business is a profitable business that boasts of a high success rate. The rise in the obese population is the primary driving force of the body contouring market. Body contouring businesses also boast of low operating costs and high-profit margins, making them one of the most profitable modern businesses to start.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Liposuction
Nonsurgical skin tightening
Nonsurgical skin Resurfacing
Cellulite treatment
Gastric bands and injectable body contouring

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

Alma Lasers
Cynosure
Meridian
Syneron Medical
Palomar Medical Technologies
Valeant
Lumenis
GlobalMed Technologies
Asclepion Laser Technologies
Andrew TTechnologie
Cutera
BTL Industries
Fotona
Chromogenex
Human Med
In Mode
Invasix Aesthetic solutions
Erchonia
Wells Johnson Company

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Body Contouring Business?

Yes, in the United States you must research licensing and other regulations for body contouring businesses. Some states may not allow individuals to offer certain body contouring services without having the necessary license. However, for non-invasive body contouring, as long as you have completed the needed training, you are good to go.

f. Is There a Franchise for Body Contouring Business?

Nativis Body Contouring: $47,738
Elite Body Contouring: $35,000
Physicians Weight Loss Centers: $104,643 – $182,857
Body Works Ultra Lipo Clinic: $200,300
Hypoxi USA: $274,150 – $708,000

g. What Do You Need to Start a Body Contouring Business?

Market Research
Business Plan
Relevant Body Contouring Training
Body Contouring Machines And Equipment
Finance
Insurance
Suitable Location

Memorable Body Contouring Business Names

Proper Prep Contouring
Skin Shade Spa
Sculpture Perfect
Tailored Skin LLC
Prime Body Sculpting
Love and Touch
Shading Spa
Body Needs
Pure Body Treatment
Skin Shapers
Fresh& Firm
Shaped Inc.
Body Nirvana
Body Designs
Degree Contours
Perfect Shape Life
Away Skin Fat
Ideal Skin Choice
Shine Body Sculpting
Body Renew

Register your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Body Contouring Business?

Businesses are expected to be officially registered and once you choose your brand name and decide your business structure, you can get started with your business plan and financial forecasting. For a body contouring business, the LLC remains the ideal and perfect legal entity. The benefits it offers include:

Protected assets
Heightened credibility
Limited compliance requirements
Flexible management structure
Few restrictions

b. List Steps to Form an LLC

Choose a Name for Your LLC.
File Articles of Organization.
Choose a registered agent.
Decide on member vs. manager management.
Create an LLC operating agreement.
Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Body Contouring Business?

General Business License
State Specific Body Contouring Licenses
Health and Safety Permit
Zonal Permits
Signage Permit
Operational State Facility Inspections

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Body Contouring Business?

Non-Surgical Body Sculpting Certification
Body Contouring 6-in-1 Masterclass Certification
Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Body Sculpting Certification
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) Certification
Whole Body Vibration Therapy Body Sculpting Certification
Vacuum Therapy 4-in-1 Masterclass Certification
Pressotherapy Body Contouring Certification

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Body Contouring Business?

DBA
EIN
Federal Tax Payer’s ID
State Permit and Building Approval
Certificate of Incorporation
Business License
Business Plan
Employment Agreement (offer letters)
Operating Agreement for LLCs
Insurance Policy
Body Contouring Consultation Form
Body Contouring Consent Form

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

In the United States, you may not need a patent, trademark, or copyright to protect the body contouring services you offer to clients. However, your company features a name and its own recognizable logo. Since your brand name and logo are a very vital aspect of your brand and business, applying for registration of the copyright and trademark might be necessary.

Do your Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Body Contouring Business?

According to experts, start-up costs for a body contouring business will range anywhere from $150,000 to $225,000, depending on the services you wish to offer and your location. For a large-scale body contouring business, expect startup costs to range from around $350,000 to $625,000. Franchising opportunities are available, with standard fees of approximately $50,000.

b. What are the Cost Involved?

Get educated in treatments and technologies, take Courses, and get Certified – $549
The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services – $3,300.
The total cost for hiring a business consultant including writing a business plan – $2,500.
The total cost for the purchase of insurance coverage at a total premium – $6,400.
The cost for renting or leasing operational office space or facility- $45,000.
Portable Massage Table Bed – $99.95
Ultrasound Gel, 250 ml bottles – $12.90
Protective Eye Goggles – $12.99
CaviWipes (Germicidal) 1 Large Bottle 160 count – $9.74
Exam Table Paper 2 Rolls – $17.99
Alcohol Prep Pads 200 wipes – $3.99
Liquid Alcohol 99% 16 fl oz – $6.99
Spray Bottle set of 3 (8 oz) – $6.65
Other start-up expenses including commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery, ultrasound gel, gel warmers, Disinfectant spray, wipes, and cleaning solution – $4,700
Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills and fuelling et al) – $10,000
The cost for the purchase of storage hardware (bins, rack, and shelves) – $3,720
The cost for office equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $3,750
The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs – $3, 000
The cost of launching a website – $14/month (Wix, but GoDaddy and Squarespace are low cost too)

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Body Contouring Business?

Location
Business Size
Equipment
License and Certifications
Hiring and Paying a Business Consultant and Attorney
Branding, Promotion, and Marketing Plans
Insurance
Supplies and Ongoing Expenses
Cost of Recruiting and Training Your Staff

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility?

Yes, a well-built facility is very necessary when starting a body contouring business. The cost of your facility will definitely vary depending on major variables like size, square footage, union or non-union, and existing building infrastructure. You should also remember that every state and county institute has specific requirements for HVAC environmental control and conditions. Nevertheless, expect to spend around $350 to $1325 per square foot.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Body Contouring Business?

Budget for the following ongoing expenses when considering a body contouring business:

Payroll, taxes, and employee benefits
Insurance
Replenishment of supplies
Marketing supplies
Lease, utilities, phone, and other administrative fees
Maintenance and cleaning of equipment
Continuing education

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

Medical Director (Owner) – $83,185 /year
Technicians – $65,753 /year
Facility Nurse: $75,981/year
Technician Assistant: $49,694 /year
Accountants (Cashiers) – $52,000 per year
Receptionist – $26,541 per year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Body Contouring Business?

From personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
From investors and business partners
Selling shares to interested investors
Applying for a loan and equipment financing from your bank/banks
Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Perfect Body Sculpture (PBS) is a new San Diego-based Aesthetics Services company that is established to provide the latest technology and the most appealing atmosphere for clients who are eager to look better and feel better. Well, renowned Doctor and Entrepreneur Mishark Craig is launching the PBS at the Fashion Valley Mall, centrally located in San Diego’s Mission Valley District. This location is a shopper’s delight owing to its 200+ stores and restaurants, and outdoor ambiance – a spot perfect for the local demographic makeup of the populace.

b. Products and Service

Injectables, Neurotoxins, Fillers & Weight Loss Supplements
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Sclerotherapy (Veins)
Chemical Peels
Lipo-dissolve
PDO Thread Lift
Laser, Hair Removal & Skin Resurfacing

c. Mission Statement

At PBS, our mission is to provide well-tailored services to each client to enhance their natural beauty in an appealing and safe environment.

Vision Statement

At PBS, our vision is to offer a vast range of aesthetic services to anyone who walks into our facility.

d. Goals and Objectives

Align closely with well-recognized Spa and Med Spa Consultant, William Hill, CEO and founder of Topnotch Management, to assist with the actualization of our business model.
Provide a top-notch guest experience by leveraging a team of experts who are warm and professional and will exceed guests’ expectations.
Make available only the highest quality retail products; maintain high-quality business-to-business relations with all vendors.
Include a membership model that represents a recurring revenue model, which helps reduce marketing costs and increase retention.
Provide a best-in-class loyalty program to include gifts and special events. It is designed to grow retention and limit marketing costs.
Make available an attractive referral program that will be incentivized by gifts from the loyalty program.
Ensure we stay flexible in considering new product offerings – especially as the latest technologies and trends evolve.
Put together a system of continuous improvement, where customer feedback is steadily monitored and adjustments are constantly made to the business model to better the business.
Continue to offer a wide array of services, since some of the most profitable offerings can come from niche offerings.

e. Organizational Structure

Medical Director (Owner)
Technicians
Facility Nurse
Technician Assistant
Accountants (Cashiers)
Receptionist

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strength

Suitable location
Reliably Strong, Experienced Management/Founder
Latest technology

Weakness

We will have to build brand equity/credibility in the market
Adequate funding to move forward

Opportunities

Newer technology to improve product quality and new service opportunities.
Expansion into other San Diego suburbs and other California metropolitan areas

Threats

Low-to-Moderate Barriers to Entry.
Legislative threats that could hurt our business
National or Global economic downturns

b. . How Do Body Contouring Businesses Make Money?

A body-contouring business makes money from clients with appointments, as well as walk-in clients, all of whom pay for body contouring and other aesthetic services.

c. Payment Options

Payment with cash
Payment via credit cards
Payment via online bank transfer
Payment via check
Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

Web Design
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Social Media Management
Lead Funnels
Video Marketing
Graphic Design (Print & Web)
Content Writing & Marketing
Pay Per Click Advertising (PPC)
Social Media Advertising
Reputation Management
Local Authority Packages
Email Marketing
Software Development
Content Syndication

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your product/Service?

The average cost of body contouring services can vary widely depending on the experience of the technician, the type of procedure(s) used, as well as a geographic office location. The cost of any given treatment will depend on how large the area being treated is, the amount of work that needs to be done to achieve the appearance goal, and the method of treatment being used.

However, according to industry reports, the average price of a full-body lift is around $30,000. Arm surgery can cost around $8,000, while inner thighs cost about $10,000 a pair. A breast lift and upper back surgery will set you back about $15,000, and a neck and face lift would also cost around $15,000.

b. How Much Profit Do Body Contouring Business Owners Make a Year?

According to industry reports, the amount of profit a body contouring business owner can make annually will surely depend on the number of clients the business attracts, average fees charged for each client, and operating costs. Notably, owners of body contouring businesses make around $37,104 as profit annually. This simply works out to be approximately $17.84 an hour, $714/week, or $3,092/month.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

Size of business
Number of patients or clients
Business location
Facility management style
Marketing and advertising plans
Staff and facility credibility

d. What is the Profit Margin of a Body Contouring Business?

Body contouring businesses have low operating costs and high-profit margins, and this can range from 45 percent to 62 percent.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

At PBS, our projected cash flow shows that the Company will reach and maintain sufficient cash balances over the five years of this plan. Our projected cash flow is expected to represent the actual flow of cash in and out of our facility.

First Fiscal Year (FY1): $560,000
Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $980,000
Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1,522,000

Set Up your Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Body Contouring Business

At least 6-10 spas and skincare businesses within ten miles
The population of the cities and towns in the business area should be encouraging
Traffic patterns and accessibility from major roadways.
The local laws and regulations in the community/state
Traffic, parking and security et al

b. What State and City are Best to Open a Body Contouring Business?

New York City, New York
Los Angeles, California
Houston, Texas
Austin, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate?

6 in 1 40K Cavitation Machine
Portable Massage Table Bed
Ultrasound Gel
Protective Eye Goggles
CaviWipes (Germicidal)
Velashape III Deep Tissue Therapy
Centrifuge
Everest Oval Single Pedestal Electric Lift Table
Velashape III Laser
Exam Table Paper
Alcohol Prep Pads
Liquid Alcohol 99%
Spray Bottle
Synergie Elite
Pear 3D
Enshey 8 in1 Anti-Aging Beauty Machine
SmartGraft Hair Restoration

Hire Employees

In this line of business, when you are ready to start building a staff, ensure that every team member is professional, both in appearance and attitude. Also, ensure that all your employees are properly licensed and passionate about their work.

It would also help to have an idea of how many people you need to hire. If you don’t plan to hire more people, ensure you have the skills to offer something else alongside this service. A great place to find dedicated workers is at your local cosmetology schools.

Launch the Business Proper

In this modern age, everyone wants to look their best without resorting to invasive surgery. Owing to that, the non-invasive body contouring market is witnessing such rapid growth and advances in treatment technology. Therefore, aside from hosting an opening party, properly branding your business should be one of your topmost priorities.

Also have in mind that the outward appearance of your facility, location, logo, and website are all very necessary components of the branding experience. You should also consider employing the services and expertise of a professional when developing your branding and marketing strategy.

a. What Makes a Body Contouring Business Successful?

A loyal customer base
Business expertise of operators
Ability to provide a range of services for different customer markets
Find qualified talent
Proximity to key markets
Gift Cards/Certificates
Up-Sell and Link-Sell to Create an Experience
Online Booking
Do not over-invest in equipment and build-out

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Body Contouring Business?

Although body contouring businesses often boast of a relaxing environment, they also require a reasonably regimented schedule. This involves guarantying that every client receives the full benefit from each session and ensuring that the environment is kept safe and clean. In a successful body contouring business, here are a few things that will require you and your staff’s attention daily:

Consulting with clients regarding their treatment goals
Scheduling appointments
Performing body contouring services
Educating customers regarding proper aftercare
Cleaning and maintaining all equipment
Stocking inventory, placing orders when necessary
Reviewing current marketing efforts, modifying strategy when necessary
Educating staff, managing their human resources needs, and managing their schedules
Billing, accounting, and administrative duties

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Body Contouring Business?

Organization Skills
Confidence In Decision-Making
Skilled At Delegating Responsibilities To Staff Members
Experience In Business Administration
Excellent Communication and Negotiation Skills.
Ability To Pay Attention To Details