Relax The Back vs Hand and Stone Spa Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Relax The Back vs Hand and Stone Spa including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Relax The Back Franchise
Hand and Stone Spa Franchise
Investment $219,700 - $391,300$567,626 - $674,476
Franchise Fee $29,500$32,500 - $42,500
Royalty Fee 2%-5%5%-6%
Advertising Fee 2%5%
Year Founded 19842004
Year Franchised 19892004
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Relax The Back Franchise
Hand and Stone Spa Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Relax The Back Franchise
    Hand and Stone Spa Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Relax The Back Franchise
    Hand and Stone Spa Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 18 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: Regional training On-The-Job Training: 85 hours Classroom Training: 54 hours Additional Training: At existing location
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 34% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		Number of Employees Required to Run: 12 - 15

    Expansion Plans
     
    Relax The Back Franchise
    Hand and Stone Spa Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Relax The Back

    Make a Difference - Own a Business - Change a Life
     It's not often you can own a business that brings both financial and personal success while helping people live pain free. As part of the premier retailer of ergonomic and comfort care products you will feel personal satisfaction in providing your clients the highest quality solutions for back and neck pain. Find success and independence in the $112B health and wellness market.
     Having grown out of just one retail store in 1984, Relax The Back Corporation today is for people seeking relief and prevention of back and neck pain, Relax The Back offers posture and back support products and self care solutions because we are the most innovative medically driven nationwide back care retailer. With 80 stores nationwide and in Canada, distribution centers, corporate offices and the acquisition of a leading back care product manufacturer, Relax The Back Corporation has a proven track record of sales, customer satisfaction, and success.
     To end the epidemic of back pain and help in preventing back pain, Relax The Back stores provide both the best products and associates who educate customers on proper product use. The associates attend a company-training program about posture, ergonomics, and most importantly, self-care. That commitment to ensure that each product solution is accompanied by appropriate education in product use has proven to be the foundation for success.
     Since the beginning Relax The Back has expanded not only the number of stores, but also the customer base and product line. Stores now offer a variety of products for your back and neck. Products are merchandised in one of five lifestyle zones- Office, Home, Sleep, Travel and Health & Fitness-, many of which are exclusive to the chain. Customers make multiple purchases as products are classified in each zone of their 24-hour day.
     The health care industry response to Relax The Back has been vigorous. By continuing to educate consumers and revitalizing the merchandising Relax The Back maintains the unique position as a specialty health care retailer. The success of Relax The Back demonstrates the American consumer's insistence on value and integrity.

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
    #266 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Hand and Stone Spa

    Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa was founded in 2004 by physical therapist John Marco, who noticed that there was no national massage brand in spite of the service's popularity. Franchising of the concept began in 2006, offering massage, facial and waxing services, along with a membership program.
    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #151 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #94 in Franchise 500 for 2021.