How do I check a spa’s therapist schedule and bookings before buying?

Start with the calendar. Ask for the booking records over a full cycle of seasons, not a single busy month. Compare booked time with the hours each therapist could work, and look for gaps on certain days or times. Ask why those gaps exist and what the seller has tried.

Next, look at who fills the book. Some therapists bring their own following, and guests may follow them out the door. Ask which therapists draw the most repeat bookings, whether they are employees or contractors, and what agreements bind them. Your lawyer can advise on whether a restriction is reasonable.

Check how bookings are made and changed. Ask about cancellation habits, no-shows and how many guests come from promotions rather than loyalty. A spa busy with discount buyers may behave differently from one with regular guests. Finally, ask about prepaid packages and gift cards. They are promises you will inherit. Request the outstanding list and see how it appears in the books, then review it with your accountant. Visit the spa on a quiet day and a busy day if you can. Watch how reception handles walk-ins, how rooms are turned over and whether guests seem to know staff by name. What you see in person often confirms or contradicts what the schedule says.

Key takeaways

• Compare booked hours against each therapist’s available hours.
• Ask which therapists clients would follow elsewhere.
• Get the list of outstanding packages and gift cards.