Below is a list for Starting a Pole Dance Studio. Some items are essential for any pole studio. Some are recommendations. While still others can be added later as needed or within the budget. It is not only physical items but items to help in planning what steps and expenses you will encounter. It is not simply a space and some poles.
- Fictitious Name: If you will be using anything other than only your real personal name, you will need to file for a “Fictitious Name. ” It is also called a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. When you first form a business, the legal name of that business is the name of the person or entity that owns the business, unless you choose to rename it and register it as a DBA name. There are a couple of US states and countries that do not require this. If you are a corporation forming a business the corporation name will be the business name unless you file for a fictitious name. A search will be made to assure there are no other businesses already using the name. In the US this search is by state. For Federal name protection you would need to file for a Trademark.
- Business License: You will need a business license. Some phone calls and/or and Internet search will need to be done by you. Business license vary greatly by country, state, county and city. Each of those government offices may require separate licenses. In most locations you may just need a local (City or County) business license. There is a small annual fee. If you will be using a fictitious name, make sure to have completed the above step. Banks cannot open a bank account for a fictitious name without a business license using that name.
- Federal Tax Identification Number: If you will be running your business as anything but a sole proprietorship you will need a Federal Tax Identification Number also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This takes the place of a social security number (SSN) when filing anything tax related in the USA. You can file for it on the IRS.gov website.
- Incorporation: While you could operate as a sole proprietorship, you may elect to form a corporation. Formal incorporation as opposed to a sole proprietorship or partnership is a consideration for pole studios although for some, this can be done in the future. There is a cost involved which varies by the state of incorporation. While there are benefits to a corporation there are also drawbacks. Corporations do provide protection for your personal assets when the business is sued but be aware that does not necessarily keep you from personally being sued as well which then would include your assets. (See Separate Incorporation Article)
- Health Permit: In some localities a fitness center can be subject to health inspections. When filing for a business license they should inform you if one is required. Often a health permit is only needed when some form of drinks, food or childcare is provided.
- Lease (Facility): You will need a location for your studio even if in your home. NOTE: That many localities may not allow operating a business such as a pole studio in the home. If leasing the facility be it a store in a shopping plaza; stand-alone building; industrial park or sub-letting inside another facility a lease will be required. Your lease will most likely be your largest expenses for your business. If you do not have experience with dealing & negotiating with commercial leases, it is highly recommended to use a Commercial Real Estate broker and/or an attorney that specializes in real estate. You will locked into a lease for an extended period of from one to many years. That means expenses which can offer surprises and the rules of your business location that cannot be changed later on. (See Article on Leases & Facilities)
- Insurance: You will need insurance. It is for the protection of your business and yourself. (See Article on Insurance)
- Payment System: This will be covered in detail in another article. You will need some system of accepting payments for Cash, Checks and Credit Cards. Whether an online processor (Paypal, Square, Google Checkout), mobile credit card processing or merchant account through your bank. Rates will vary from less than half a percent to as much as 15% of the transaction as well as other fees. That is money out of your profits and pocket. NOTE: Online processors tend to have a higher number of consumer chargebacks. A lot of those is due to people not realizing what the charge is for as their credit card statement will show the processor and not your business name.
- Accounting System: Even if you retain an accountant you will need to keep track of Income and expenses. There are books for old style entry or software applications like Quicken. You need to know what is coming in and going out. (See Article on Balance Sheet)
- Outside Signage: You need customers and more importantly potential customers to find your business. Signage is also a form of advertising. Most small businesses find that a percentage of their new customers discovered them through outside signage. It may be a complex lighted neon sign, a painted wood sign or a vinyl banner tied up by rope. It should state the business name and possibly a slogan, logo and/or description. A slogan or description is no passerby’s know what kind of service you are offering. There are still people who have some familiarity with pole dancing but do not know what a pole studio is. You may want to consider a phone number or website address as well.
- Poles: It would be a little bit difficult to open a pole studio without at least one pole 🙄 How many poles will reflect your research on potential customer base. Many small studios have started with 3-4 poles and several have started with two poles. The important consideration is if space allows, you can always add more poles later as business increases. Not only do more poles equate to higher expense but also more time to maintaining. It is recommended to start with the smallest number possible. Until you actually have the customers in the studio, you will learn what pole finishes, and diameter they prefer. You may also order a model from one company only to find it does not work well for you. One studio we spoke with said they needed poles that could come down each day. They found the semi-permanent poles that could “come down in minutes” equated to almost two hours setup and two hours takedown for all eight poles. Start small and build up. (See Article on Poles)
- Dance Floor: The existing floor may be sufficient for business startup. If not you will need to one installed. You will need to check with your lease if their are limitations on such a change and also whether improvements such as this remain when you vacate the premises. If you allow shoes with a stiletto heel. you will need a higher quality flooring. Remember there will be excessive use in specific areas of the floor. Most residential type flooring will not stand up for long under that use.
- Mirrors: Nearly all pole studios have some kind of mirroring even in a shared facility. While many want large mirrors across the walls, at business startup some large wall or door mirrors can work quite well. Like many things, you can always add later.
- Wall Decorations: An environment that is attractive and conducive to pole dancing or fitness should be provided. Simple posters of pole dancers possibly with an inexpensive frame are seen even at many established pole dance studios. A little creativity goes a long way.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting provides two benefits. First is visibility to see instructor demonstrations of moves. Students can then clearly see body contact points with the pole. The instructor can also watch the students clearly for their actions. Shadows caused by lighting in one direction makes this difficult. The second benefit is in photography. At some point nearly all pole studios do some video or still photography in the studio. Having at least basic good lighting will make a world of difference. Most poor quality video and pictures is due more to bad lighting than the cameras. Some studios may have pole parties and colored lights help create the right ambiance. These do not have to be expensive. There are companies like Chauvet and American DJ that provide good and reliable lighting at reasonable prices. Be sure to purchase spare bulbs/LED’s. We recommend LED’s and not bulbs for lighting whenever possible for safety reasons. (See Article on Photography)
- Crash Mats: There are many type of crash mats and there is always at some point where they may be needed. Some pole students it helps for moral support early on. Maybe you remember your first time inverting? Most small studios have a single crash mat that is shared when needed. Your experience & reviews elsewhere should help with the brand, thickness & width of the crash mat. Some studios have two mats with different thicknesses as 5″ and thicker mats are difficult to walk on.
- Alarm & Monitoring: Depending on the location of your studio facility you may want an alarm system to protect not only the contents but your business. If the studio is damaged or equipment is stolen you will not be able to have classes or parties. An alarm system will often reduce your insurance.
- Pole Certification: While there is no legal requirement in most areas it does help to give credibility to instructors and studios to be certified pole instructors. There are literally over a hundred pole instructor certifications! Some seem to only focus on knowing how to perform certain pole dance moves with virtually nothing covering the actual teaching. The best instructor certification actually teaches you to teach others besides any test. (See Article on Pole Certifications)
- Music Licensing: If you will be playing licensed music you must pay a public performance fee to the music performing rights organizations. The pole studio owner is responsible for the fees regardless of who or how the music was brought into the studio. The fines can be substantial for violation. (See Article on Music Licensing)
- Advertising: Once you open your Pole Studio, you need students and customers! Advertising is how you reach those potential customers. Advertising can be everything from word-of-mouth to television commercials. The first start is with business cards. Even with today’s technology they are still inexpensive and yet can reach many people. A box of 500 cards can be not only handed out to a single person but placed on bulletin boards where many people will see it reaching thousands of people. Without advertising and marketing of your business, you will have no business. Please read the separate article on advertising as well. (See Article on Advertising)
- Website: While not every pole studio needs a website, they should have some sort of Internet presence. A website though is an incredible marketing tool and should be considered. The cost can be kept fairly low but achieve a high return on that investment. (See Article on Internet Marketing)
- Computer & Printer: A computer will be needed for sales transactions, printing receipts and online communication. If you have a laptop you already own, you could bring it to your studio instead of a separate purchase. You will need a printer as they tend not to travel well.
- Checking Account & Checks: There is more to this than it sounds. You will want a commercial bank. As your business grows you will need more services that only a commercial bank can provide. Should you at some point want financing (a loan), having a relationship with the bank helps a hundred fold. Take your time and find one that provides all the services you need and at reasonable fees. Commercial accounts are different than personal accounts. Some banks have added fees that could cost you even for deposits, every check/transaction and monthly just for having the account. A local commercial bank may provide more service than the large internationals. Compare.
- Cleaning Supplies: You will want to maintain your studio clean, safe and attractive. Window, spray, floor cleaners. Sponges, a broom, dustpan, garbage cans & mop. Some microfiber cloths & alcohol to clean the poles. People need to feel comfortable & safe in your studio. Cleanliness is what go by.
- Consumables: Soap, Hand Sanitizers, Paper towels, Toilet paper. Its the simple things but you will have to have them. Try the large bottles of hand santizer found at the box stores. One for in front and the other next to the poles. It is good if students see you using it regularly whether you need it or not. In the germophobic society we are in, people tend to be even more comfortable when the owner is careful.
- Refrigerator: Not a must have especially when starting but even many small studios will have a small refrigerator to hold water bottles. Whether you supply for students or just yourself, it is good to keep hydrated during & after poling. Also handy if bring lunch from home.
- Spare Clothes: You will not know how important this is until you need them.
- First Aid Kit: This is a must have. It can be an inexpensive one that contains the basics. One addition you should make is an eye wash kit. They are minimal cost though important for quick relief from many eye issues even often sweat.
- AED/Defibrillator: This may be required by local zoning or your insurance policy. It would then also require someone onsite that is certified to use one. They can be an expensive item of over a thousand dollars. If its a required item you may also then need AED signage and cabinet. Most fitness certifications require CPR & AED certification.
- Fire Extinguisher: Smokey the Bear says “Only you can prevent business fires!” or something like that.
- Radio or Music Player: If you are playing music (no matter the source) you will need some way to play it. It can be a boombox, mobile device with bluetooth speakers, a small PA or some device plugged into a guitar amp. As long as it provides the loudness you want at an acceptable quality.
- Camera: At some point you will need or want to take video or still pictures of yourself and/or students. This can be more complicated than people realize. While most still cameras take video, it is not what they are designed for. Same goes for video cameras. Actual type of use can dictate what type of camera and how much to spend. When first starting your phones camera or even a webcam may suffice. Would consider this a purchase after you have established business a bit. Proper lighting can make even a smartphone’s camera look decent. (See Article on Photography)
- Exercise Bands: Even just from the local sports store can suffice initially. Exercise Bands are used in pole dance studios for more than exercise. They can be a good tool in evaluating new students for their strength level. Some students will want to perform moves that are beyond their physical capability. It is your responsibility to see they do not injure themselves. An exercise band can help determine if you should be teaching that move.
- Toolbox: At some point you may need one of these tools for minor repairs. Most you can pick up at the dollar stores.
- Level
- Straight-edge
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Scissors
- Duct Tape
- Flashlights
- Tape Measure
- Calculator
Have any suggestions to this list? CONTACT US!