Hand & Stone’s Membership Model Gives Franchisees a Recurring Revenue Stream and Stability During Difficult Times

When the COVID-19 crisis caused businesses across the globe to temporarily close their doors, entrepreneurs found themselves needing to pivot. From discovering new ways to engage customers virtually to preparing for enhanced sanitation standards on the other side of the pandemic, business owners have needed to act quickly in order to keep their companies afloat.

One of the advantages that comes with being a business owner in a franchise system is the built in support system designed to help navigate these challenges. Now, franchisors, including Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, are working tirelessly to ensure that their franchisees emerge on the other side of COVID-19 stronger than ever before. During this difficult time, Hand & Stone’s local owners are also finding that they have an additional advantage—a membership business model.

At all of the brand’s 450-plus locations across the U.S. and Canada, Hand & Stone offers customers a membership package. These memberships allow customers to choose a one-hour signature massage or facial every month, in addition to lower prices for additional services. Of course, due to the financial strain that many are finding themselves under due to the coronavirus, some members have frozen their packages until spas are reopened. Still, many Hand & Stone members are keeping their memberships active in order to support their local spa owner and favorite massage therapists.

“It’s been so inspiring to hear stories of members reaching out to their local franchisees to ensure that their membership packages are still active,” said Bob McQuillan, vice president of franchise development for Hand & Stone. “Our spa owners go above and beyond to become integral parts of the local communities that they call home, and it’s amazing to see those communities come together in the middle of this crisis.”

Hand & Stone’s membership model provides franchisees with a recession-resistant business opportunity and recurring revenue streams, ultimately creating financial stability regardless of the economic conditions.

In addition to its membership business model, Hand & Stone has provided franchisees with tools and resources to help them navigate COVID-19. This robust suite of support includes guidance on preserving cash flow, loans and leases, at-home massage and facial tips to keep customers engaged, as well as social media and blog content for local use and updated best practices for spa cleaning procedures.

Looking to the future, Hand & Stone is eager for spas to reopen as soon as it’s safe for franchisees, employees and members. While the coronavirus has presented challenges that the industry has never seen, McQuillan is confident that the experience will lead to something positive.

In a webinar with 1851 Franchise, McQuillan said, “When we look back on this thing, you know what, this made us a better team. This made us more focused. This made us treat the clients differently, and therefore [we’ve created] a better Hand & Stone experience.”

The total cost to open a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa ranges from $532,563 to $618,327, including the franchise fee. For more information on available franchise opportunities with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, visit https://handandstonefranchise.com/.