Franchise Deep Dive: Massage Envy Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

The membership-based, recurring-revenue, massage and spa experience has been franchised since 2003, and has over 1,000 franchised locations around the United States.

By Victoria CampisiStaff Writer

Updated 12:12PM • 03/14/23

LAST UPDATED: September 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.massageenvy.com/about-us/own-a-franchise
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,100+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $554,850 to $980,000
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,009,980 (2021 average)

Massage Envy is a nationwide wellness franchise, providing massage, stretch and skin care services. In 2002, the brand pioneered the membership-based, recurring-revenue, massage and spa experience. It's now one of the largest franchises in the industry, with over 1,000 locations.

Since its founding, Massage Envy has delivered more than 200 million massages, skin care services and assisted stretch sessions. The company is built upon the belief that regular massage, stretch and facials are integral components of whole-body wellness and keep the body working.

How Many Locations Are There?

After opening in 2002 and franchising in 2003, Massage Envy had already opened 420 independently owned and operated locations in 36 states by 2008. Today, all Massage Envy locations are independently owned and operated franchises. The approximately 1,100 Massage Envy franchise locations across 49 states are collectively the leading provider of massage services in the United States.

In 2017, the company announced it would be undergoing a major, company-wide facelift. While celebrating its 15th anniversary, Massage Envy remodeled more than 700 of its franchised locations and increased its product offerings to become a total body care service.

What Is the Business Model?

The Massage Envy franchise network uses a membership-based business model. In addition to massage therapy, facials, skin peels and microderm infusion, Massage Envy franchises offer stretch therapy and a range of skin care products.

Massage Envy’s leadership team provides franchisees with years of professional experience in operations, construction and design, real estate, development, marketing, learning and development, retail, branding, and merchandising for global brands. Franchise agreements are sold in 10-year terms, and franchisees will pay a continuing royalty fee of 6% as well as a marketing fee of 2% on gross sales and a supplemental marketing fund of 2% on gross sales.

How Much Can Massage Envy Franchise Owners Make?

In 2021, Massage Envy franchisees had an average of $1,009,980, with 44.2% exceeding the average, according to its Item 19. As of December 31, 2021, there were a total of 1,109 franchised Massage Envy Businesses open. Of those, 1,103 were in operation continuously throughout the fiscal year 2021—190 reflecting the new smaller size and layout for Massage Envy businesses (ranging in size from 2,300 to 2,800 square feet) that prospective franchisees are required to develop moving forward. The following financial disclosure presents the 190 smaller-format businesses.

190 Smaller Format Businesses Sales in 2021

Total: $1,009,980
Median gross sales: $951,883
Highest gross sales: $2,150,003
Lowest gross sales: $219,175

Smaller Format Businesses Open 1-5 Years:

Total: $591,954
Median gross sales: $538,307
Highest gross sales: $1,171,673
Lowest gross sales: $262,723

Smaller Format Businesses Open 5-10 Years:

Total: $851,245
Median gross sales: $884,700
Highest gross sales: $1,690,896
Lowest gross sales: $219,175

Smaller Format Businesses Open 10+ Years:

Total: $1,116,952
Median gross sales: $1,033,639
Highest gross sales: $2,150,003
Lowest gross sales: $347,927

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Massage Envy?

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Massage Envy business ranges from $554,850 to $980,000.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Massage Envy?

There is an initial franchise fee of $45,000 that must be paid to Massage Envy. For franchisees opening a second or subsequent Massage Envy franchise, the initial franchise fee for the new operation will be reduced to $35,000. The brand also offers a discount off its initial franchisee fee for qualified veterans.

Who Are the Leaders of Massage Envy?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?

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