Setting up as a reflexologist

[Milli]

Hi,

I've just starting studying ITEC A&P with a view to learning reflexology afterwards.

At college today, some of the girls were discussing set up costs and the need to buy couches,equipmentetc.

Up to this point, I haven't really thought about what I will do if and when I have that reflexology diploma in my hand. I've just had this feeling that it's something I want to learn.

So, my question is for those of you who are qualified - where do you practice, how did you start out and how much money did it cost?

Are any of you employed reflexologists rather than self employed?

Thanks.

 

[Miss Full of Questions]

Setup costs can vary largely.. you can do it on a budget or splash out.

If you work from home or are mobile you wont have rental costs. If you work from a clinic you may need to pay an hourly rate or a daily rate for the room you book - these vary a lot depending upon geographical location.

If you opt for a lafuma for your treatments, they cost 90-150 depending on where you find them. There are other portable couches and footstools which are less than this.

You need your creams and lotions. Some people use footspas and that kind of thing. You would need to invest in some nice towels, bath and hand.

Insurance can be in the region of 40-70 a year and membership of a professional body will vary greatly - this can be 35-80 a year, depending on who you choose.

You can design and print your own paperwork so costs there are minimal.

For business cards try vistaprint they are very cheap indeed and the cards aren't half bad. You'll want to produce leaflets too which once again is much cheaper to do yourself, then whatever advertising you feel is necessary to get noticed.

That's all I can think of offhand. Have a look in the business section cause there are many threads on this.. if you use the search facility at the top of the forum it should make life a lot simpler too.

 

[Gillenador]

I agree with what Gussie has said.

Just to add - with regards to a lafuma or couch - if you want to add on another therapy such as massage/aroma massage then it would be better to get a massage couch - I use one for reflex and massage and it works really well. If you just want to do reflex then a lafuma is good.

Hope your course goes well - lisa x

 

[shayasaurus]

Hi there

these other two wonderful ladies have covered much of what I wanted to say. If you are able to practise from home it offers many benefits in terms of cost effectiveness and being in your own environment. You need to get clued up to see what you can claim for, either on your own or by using the services of a good accountant. I've recently signed up with one through Reflexions and they are currently preparing my accounts and tax return for last tax year.If you work from home 15 hours a week you can claim a percentage of your light, heating, power, water, council tax. If you drive to see clients keep a good mileage record. Keep receipts when you buy equipment for your practice. If you use a computer you may be able to claim a percentage of your broadband costs. I didn't think of half of this but my accountants did!

Finally, if you are anything like me you're going to shell out for all sorts of additional training because I am a course junkie! Enjoy it and good luck.

 

[mariykagirl]

Oh yes how on earth did I forget the courses! Thay are and probably will always be mybiggest expense!

 

[Tetonic Duck]

Yes - those lovely courses!! Every time I begin to break even with my accounts I go on another course and get myself back to square one - addictive and very expensive!! Lisa x

 

[SuM3r]

You make me laugh Lisa, I wrote that and deleted it thinking oh no I don't want to admit I'mm a course junkie and that's why I never get profits!