define your business model. broadly, we can dichotomize these into mobile and brick and mortar models
MOBILE MODELS
private drop-off rentals
take your sauna directly to customers
can start with low cost (e.g., barrel sauna on a trailer or even sauna tents)
lower labor costs; larger fuel/delivery time costs
rentals typically priced per day, weekend, or week
e.g., https://www.littleemberco.com/ & https://saunatent.com/pages/rentals
events and pop-ups
similar to private-rentals but your customer may not be an individual but a company or event manager
similar cost structure as rentals although likely needing larger capacity
– 5Ks, marathons, tough mudders, and other fitness events
– corporate events
– tailgates
– follow the surfers
e.g. https://www.surfsauna.net/ & https://www.saunatimes.com/sauna-talk-podcast/sauna-talk-todd-furneaux-the-worlds-largest-sauna/
partnership locations
your sauna is located on-site with one or several partners
more likely a session-based bookings model or possible long-term rental to the partner
if session based, labor becomes a larger cost
– yoga, massage, and fitness studios
– city and state parks
– hotels and bnbs
– breweries
e.g., https://612saunasociety.com/ & https://www.michigansaunas.com/
BRICK AND MORTAR MODELS
rural retreat
mobile or cabin saunas in nature, ideally with a cold body of water nearby
can be relatively low cost but often facing small markets; consider tourist destinations or just outside metro areas
– escape the city
– sauna post hike or ski etc.
e.g., https://www.cedargrovesauna.com/ & https://www.saunacampminnesota.com/
urban retreat
in a building or in the yard
rent or own, but larger capital costs; also larger labor costs with regular hours
as other brick and mortar models, allows better capabilities for changing, bathroom, and showers – amenities often missing from mobile models
e.g., https://thermaculture.events/ & https://lo-lu.com/ & https://www.community-sauna.co.uk/
bathhouse
larger scale urban retreat with many saunas, pools, and cold plunges
may include additional services, esp. massage treatments
significant upfront investment and ongoing operational costs
e.g., https://www.saunahouse.com/ & https://www.abathhouse.com/
each of these models have varying cost and pricing structures, along with implications for feasibility as a side-gig vs. full-time endeavor, need for outside investment, growth potential, risks and rewards
if you need help creating your sauna business, hire me: iknowyou@wannasauna.com