Start a mobile massage company in CA

OMG where to begin? Okay, the first problem with doing massages in California is that almost every county/city has different rules.

In some towns, you can NOT do any mobile massages at all. And, some towns have different requirements on top of that. The San Fernando Valley requires 300 hours, where as Simi Valley requires 250.

Gov. Arnold signed a massage bill that will introduce one law that covers the entire state, instead of it being different city to city.

That won't go into effect until 9/09. And, we don't even have an idea as to what the state-wide laws will be.

So to answer your question, you will have to call EACH city for their business license requirements.

For instance; you are NOT allowed to do mobile massages in Malibu, end of story. Yet, I looked on the internet, and found mobile massage therapists in Malibu.

I GIVE UP! :(

Yeah, see that is what I'm talking about! There are so many freakin' rules in each city! I'm doing spa parties right now where I charge $20 per half hour and the host/hostess brings in at least 3 more friends. So far, I've booked a few parties, and everyone is real happy. I also want to have manicurists and facialists to join me, but before I promote anything on the web, I was wondering what the government rules are. I looked and looked and so far found nothing! I just don't know what to do! Maybe just go ahead?

I've spoke with some friends that do mobile services in So. Cal. They do what they want.

Some will disagree with that, but they have to make a living. I asked if they'd ever been caught, or if anyone they knew had ever been caught. Nobody ever has that they know of.

I'm fairly certain that September will bring a better era for legit massage therapists. As far as I know, this is the only state that is that anal to have different laws in different towns.

Wish I could be more helpful, hun.

As for me, I will do mobile services at-will. It's easier to ask for forgiveness then ask for permission! :)

Please keep in touch!

ha! you're right about that! I'll let you know about my discoveries!
thanks

When I worked in SoCal I licensed in my home town and worked where my clients lead me. I advertised by word of mouth and prayed that if I did something unknowingly illegal I wouldn't get in too much trouble.

I think that you will find that local law enforcers are pretty understanding. I would just do what you are doing, keep your massage insurance and keep your mouth shut.

Good Luck

I hv always known about massaging but got very much interested in it now. Can i get to consult with someone whom is well groomed in this, maybe be from personal buisness experience. This will help me as i look forward to starting off a Massaging outfit soonest. cheers

In Orange county the only two cities that you may legally do "off premise"AKA outcall massages are Irvine and Newport Beach. They offer an actual "off premise" permit. The rest of the orange county cities do not offer any kind of Off premise or out call permit/license because it is illegal in the rest of the cities.

Technically you would not be "licensed" to do such services.

The only law that you may go to any home in all cities is IF the client is disable and can not otherwise get to the spa/facility.

(which is how most mobile massage businesses get their license, however they are doing it illegally because you and I know they are not limiting their clients just to disable and most likely don't have any disable clients any way.

Also, there is no such thing as "not knowing" the laws or what we can and can not do, as it is city test just to get your city massage license. Just like doctors, it our responsibility to know the laws of what we can and not do. Cities where I live have zero tolerance and you would get your city license taken away and possibly fined.

Where did the freedom to earn a few dollars for helping someone gooooooooooooooo.....we all need some attention....a kind touch.....a nice word....a moment of companionship and maybe earn gas money......

D Nourse in Orange, California said: In Orange county the only two cities that you may legally do "off premise"AKA outcall massages are Irvine and Newport Beach. They offer an actual "off premise" permit. The rest of the orange county cities do not offer any kind of Off premise or out call permit/license because it is illegal in the rest of the cities.

Technically you would not be "licensed" to do such services.

The only law that you may go to any home in all cities is IF the client is disable and can not otherwise get to the spa/facility.

(which is how most mobile massage businesses get their license, however they are doing it illegally because you and I know they are not limiting their clients just to disable and most likely don't have any disable clients any way.

Also, there is no such thing as "not knowing" the laws or what we can and can not do, as it is city test just to get your city massage license. Just like doctors, it our responsibility to know the laws of what we can and not do. Cities where I live have zero tolerance and you would get your city license taken away and possibly fined.

Actually, there are several cities that have Off Premise licenses, including Yorba Linda, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. Beware of where you get your information. The only way to know is to ask each city.

Do you believe it would be great for all massage therapist to be unionized? This way we all can have benefits and get paid what we all truly desreve. Being a massage therapist myself I would think this would be a great thing do be unionized for us all. Please correct me if Im wrong.

Lee in Los Angeles, California said: Do you believe it would be great for all massage therapist to be unionized? This way we all can have benefits and get paid what we all truly desreve. Being a massage therapist myself I would think this would be a great thing do be unionized for us all. Please correct me if Im wrong.

Absolutely not! I don't believe all therapists should get paid the same, because there are many factors that should contribute to what a therapist should get paid. Not only the amount of training a therapist has, but just how good the therapist is at doing the massage. I have had some expense massages, where the therapist had no clue what they were doing, even with 1,000 hours of training!

I would rather pay more for someone with only a few hundred hours of training, but had the right "touch" than someone who did their massage like a robot.

I know therapists get the shaft when working for a spa, such as Burke Williams to name one, but a therapist can choose to say no to a low paying job. There are lots of people out there who need a decent massage. All unions do is line their own pockets. I would never join a union.

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to start go to www.servemehere.com the first referral network of mobile massage therapist

D Nourse in Orange, California said: In Orange county the only two cities that you may legally do "off premise"AKA outcall massages are Irvine and Newport Beach. They offer an actual "off premise" permit. The rest of the orange county cities do not offer any kind of Off premise or out call permit/license because it is illegal in the rest of the cities.

Technically you would not be "licensed" to do such services.

The only law that you may go to any home in all cities is IF the client is disable and can not otherwise get to the spa/facility.

(which is how most mobile massage businesses get their license, however they are doing it illegally because you and I know they are not limiting their clients just to disable and most likely don't have any disable clients any way.

Also, there is no such thing as "not knowing" the laws or what we can and can not do, as it is city test just to get your city massage license. Just like doctors, it our responsibility to know the laws of what we can and not do. Cities where I live have zero tolerance and you would get your city license taken away and possibly fined.

well listen to this, i work for a chiropractor and he pays me 8 dollars an hour and 2 dollars more for every hour massage i do.... thats b.s.

JW in Los Angeles, California said: Actually, there are several cities that have Off Premise licenses, including Yorba Linda, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. Beware of where you get your information. The only way to know is to ask each city.

Well not riverside county they suck

clowngrrl@sbcglobal.net in Los Angeles, California said: Ok. I want to start a mobile massage company but I need to know about licensing for mobile massage. How is it done in Southern CA? And where do I find info on it? Any help would be appreciated!

I would like to do this in OKLAHOMA... is that possible? HOW???

Hello I am a Personal trainer/ Massage therapist/ esthetician wanting to find info about starting a part time mobile business in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach & Newport Beach. I am calif certified, & NCBTMB certified and ABMP insured. Please! does any one out there have info to help me get started?

Thanks!

D

www.camtc.org/

California now offers a state license, no more licensing per city.

gomassage.com is a referral service I work through as a mobile therapist. Was wondering though, does any1 know of a website that has the # of hrs needed to work in each city in Ca.? or how we can find out this info?

onehevenleangel in San Francisco, California said: gomassage.com is a referral service I work through as a mobile therapist. Was wondering though, does any1 know of a website that has the # of hrs needed to work in each city in Ca.? or how we can find out this info?

If you are Ca. certified you can work any where in Ca.....

I am trying to go mobile here...I am state certified & nationally certified massage therapist.
I guess the next step is to get a business permit? I am obtaining a mobile permitt through Ca board of cosmetology because I am also an esthetician....
Can anyone tell me what else I need to do to be legal?

Thanks!

Donna

the more I read the more confused I get!

Do I need to get a business permit/lic in the city I am working on top of my state certification? Ca. certification requires live scan finger prints do I have to go through the police dept finger printing too???? I just want to be legal! PLEASE HELP IF YOU KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO :)
THANKS!!!!!!

careys massage in Lake Elsinore, California said: well listen to this, i work for a chiropractor and he pays me 8 dollars an hour and 2 dollars more for every hour massage i do.... thats b.s.

That's Illegal, the min. they can pay legally is 15 an hour for massage therapy.

8.00hr? damm you should work at inn and out and get 11hr and get benefits!

Wow, everything seams very confusing :)

donna in Newport Beach, California said: the more I read the more confused I get!

Do I need to get a business permit/lic in the city I am working on top of my state certification? Ca. certification requires live scan finger prints do I have to go through the police dept finger printing too???? I just want to be legal! PLEASE HELP IF YOU KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO :)
THANKS!!!!!!

Yep i believe so because i just found out about the state certification and i called them and asked will i be able to practice mobile in any city with a state certificate and they said no, you will still need to purchase a business license in each city you want to work in. SOOOOOOO WHATS the point in the state certificate??? I think just someone wanting more money honestly

I would recommend you check the site www.servemehere.com to get best types and start your mobile massage business in 2 minutes

Donna Vittorio in Huntington beach, California said: Hello I am a Personal trainer/ Massage therapist/ esthetician wanting to find info about starting a part time mobile business in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach & Newport Beach. I am calif certified, & NCBTMB certified and ABMP insured. Please! does any one out there have info to help me get started?

Thanks!

D

I moved to Seal Beach and they do not allow outcall whatsoever. They are really rude about it too if you ask in person. I even asked about setting up like a volunteer chair massage thing for morning runners, out in the open air, and the lady interrupted me before I could get more in and she just said "NOPE!" then i gave a "...but" and she said "THAT KIND OF THING IS NOT ALLOWED!". wow... anal much??? probably.

I'd like to say something to you all. And hopefully you put it all together in your mind...
You are going to wonder how this pertains but please bear with me!!
One thing that is really strong in this country is 'freedom of religion". No one can mess with your right to practice.... for now anyway.
One helpful little thing you can get... for $25... is an ordained minister certification, online. It's legal and legit. Your title can be anything from minster to goddess to whatever high up title you can have in whatever religion, any religion, because it's alllll protected under the constitution. Keep that card on your person always. If anyone ever gives you s**t about massaging someone, you were simply doing a "healing session" and you have every right to "practice religion" and since you are recognized as a person of religion with a certification, you are within your rights to put your hands on someone, for healing purposes only, of course. You were healing using massage techniques.
This is handy if your massage licenses ever expire or if you forget it somewhere or lose it or whatever the case...
Many times I've had thoughts to start a "Massage religion" just so that I have constitutional protection because local bureaucrats can get really greedy as far as licensing.
In Nevada (where I originally practiced) the state license was supposed to "do away" with the individual city and county licenses, but what the real plan was to just make ONE MORE MANDATORY LICENSE for you to pay for annually. It's crazy b/s.
btw I dunno why this thing insists on saying I'm from Texas, I'm in NV and CA... doesn't matter I guess, but it might...

Go start your business. I been doing massage out calls in southern califonia for 10 years. Do you believe the massage police are around corner watching you going into your customers house ? Do you beleive the local authorities have better things to do then do bug some massage therapist ? Your business is between you and your customer not your city. If you want to start a spa in your city that is different story. Market yourself pass out flyers, build web site , do some you tube videos on massage , blog and word of mouth. Do not worrying about local government BS. I hope your local governement and police have other things more important do with their time then worrying about a massage therapist doing mibile massage like dealing with drunk drivers , domestic volienceand thiefs.

bbluemz in Buena Park, California said: Go start your business. I been doing massage out calls in southern califonia for 10 years. Do you believe the massage police are around corner watching you going into your customers house ? Do you beleive the local authorities have better things to do then do bug some massage therapist ? Your business is between you and your customer not your city. If you want to start a spa in your city that is different story. Market yourself pass out flyers, build web site , do some you tube videos on massage , blog and word of mouth. Do not worrying about local government BS. I hope your local governement and police have other things more important do with their time then worrying about a massage therapist doing mibile massage like dealing with drunk drivers , domestic volienceand thiefs.

I fully agree with you. If I for some reason got "popped" I would take it to court and I would hire a really excellent lawyer and I'd argue I have my client's best interest in mind and I'm fully professional.
I've just been doing what I do, Not worrying about that stuff. In Las Vegas, they have prostitute stings and will call massage therapists and literally ask for a legit therapeutic massage, (this actually happened to a therapist). The undercover cop asked for more than massage, the therapist blew it off and of course didn't do more but finished the massage, then cops came in and asked her for her business license and she only had her state license (she needed state and county), well they arrested her, the state revoked her license, the judge had no mercy on her and told her it was all her fault, etc.
That state is so twisted concerning small business owners. They want tons of money up front to practice, but it's not like the LMT's out there make tons of money.. they say it's to deter the hookers away from claiming they are massage therapists but come on they make WAY more than massage therapists.

Hi, I am an Esthetician and masseuse
I have a shuttle bus for mobile spa service
and will have small shop in Hollywood blvd. close to Highland
Does anyone join and establish massage therapy with me?

I was gonna do it by myself, but my other job get busier.
I will buy mobile sink for sanitation(hand wash)
Also I can set up Aroma land oils and lotions

Thanks!

Bijoux in Los Angeles, California said: Hi, I am an Esthetician and masseuse
I have a shuttle bus for mobile spa service
and will have small shop in Hollywood blvd. close to Highland
Does anyone join and establish massage therapy with me?

I was gonna do it by myself, but my other job get busier.
I will buy mobile sink for sanitation(hand wash)
Also I can set up Aroma land oils and lotions

Thanks!

Do you mean like someone to work for you because I totally can!
Email me please at patriciasbeautyandmassage@gmail.com :]

Thanks Patricia
I will send a e-mail for detail :)

Ok I will send a email
Thank you Trish

Hi, I am so new to California that I swear im still wet from the Oregon rain... ive been here only 5 weeks today, I stumbled upon this site trying to find out the rules for massage out here... i am so out of my element here..

in Oregon I am a licensed massage therapist with over 500 hours education and two + years experience doing massages.

I have applied for the CA license, and now its just a waiting game, as they have told me that "you are a new applicant, we cant process your application any faster, you need to give us 60 more days" when I called them and asked them why their site claims my background checks are not in yet, when the have been in since the 5h of November??? yikes, ive never had to wait this long for a license in any state I have ever lived in and ive been a licensed CNA in three states, a licensed chiropractic assistant, as well as a licensed massage therapist in Oregon...

any help or guidance you can offer me would be so greatly appreciated please contact me kristeenanne@gmail.com

by the way, i am so encouraged by many of the posts here that say just do it and hope to not get caught, to be honest trying to figure out how to work as a massage therapist in this state is a very confusing process!

what is your contact bijoux?

cc in Ontario, California said: 8.00hr? damm you should work at inn and out and get 11hr and get benefits!

8 or 11 dollars an hr? people u went to school and r trained in a profession i wont massage for less then 80.00 an hr and people pay!