How to Start a Sensory Deprivation Tank Business

Sensory deprivation tanks give people a sense of pure weightlessness in temperature-controlled water. It is typically used to help people meditate by depriving them of all external stimuli or to relieve health ailments such as muscle aches or even asthma.

You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.

Learn how to start your own Sensory Deprivation Tank Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a sensory deprivation tank business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business
  2. Form your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business
  7. Get Sensory Deprivation Tank Business Insurance
  8. Define your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business Brand
  9. Create your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your sensory deprivation tank business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Sensory Deprivation Tank Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your sensory deprivation tank business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a sensory deprivation tank business?

It can be quite expensive to start an isolation tank business from scratch. One float tank costs about $25,000, but most stores will want to have at least two or three. High end estimates for start-up costs are around $340,000. This includes everything from readying the space to marketing to utilities to office equipment. It also includes licensing and permit cost for the building. There are a variety of ways to save money by price comparing, opening in a cheap neighborhood, or even by selecing previously used equipment. However, even with all these cost-saving measures, low-end estimates are still around $180,000.

What are the ongoing expenses for a sensory deprivation tank business?

The majority of the expenses will be maintenance and sanitary upkeep of the machines:

  • Cleaning products/labor
  • Tank maintenance
  • Insurance
  • Office equipment
  • Marketing costs
  • Employee salaries

Who is the target market?

Historically, these tanks were meant for clients who have a good deal of expendable income. Those who pay hundreds of dollars for regular spa services will think little of paying for a new experience that can help them relax and unwind. However, you can also promote your service as less of a luxury and more of a necessity to those with specific health problems.

How does a sensory deprivation tank business make money?

Owners can charge clients based on the amount of time they’re in the tank, or they may charge a monthly fee for a certain amount of sessions or even unlimited use. Spa services can also be sold as a package if you offer other services that will complement a floatation tank session.

How much can you charge customers?

Most sensory deprivation tank businesses charge over a dollar a minute, generally in increments of 30, 60, or 90 minutes sessions. Intro sessions may be given at a far reduced rate, such as $100 for two 60 minute sessions.

How much profit can a sensory deprivation tank business make?

On average, a store with two tanks should net more than $100,000 a year assuming steady clientele. Considering tanks only cost $2,400 a year to maintain after the initial purchase, you’ll start turning a profit (minus the costs of the space) in less than two years.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Adding additional relaxation services can help turn your business into a full-service spa. Consider adding massage or sauna services to round out the client’s day of rest and relaxation.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your sensory deprivation tank business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a floatation center. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Release of Liability

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, floatation tank businesses should have their clients sign waivers.  Here is an example of one such form.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your sensory deprivation business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A flotation center businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a floatation center location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a flotation center business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening,  it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a floatation center location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your flotation center business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Sensory Deprivation Tank Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Sensory Deprivation Tank Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a sensory deprivation tank business

Promotion to a certain extent takes care of itself through word-of-mouth buzz. This is such an unusual activity that it manages to generate its own press. However, not all word-of-mouth is good. Some people see sensory deprivation tanks as a waste of time and money rather than a genuine way to decompress or relieve pain. Promotion is likely to occur mainly on the company’s website, where you can both fully address the concerns and give concrete reasons as to why it’s worth taking a chance.

Choose a branding strategy for your company, and stick with it. Whether you focus more on the relaxation or the health angle, you want customers to have a solid idea of what your business stands for. You may want to give customers a taste of the experience for free (or a deep discount) during the first few weeks of opening. Let customers know they have the ability to stop the session at any time, and give them tips for the best way to enjoy it.

How to keep customers coming back

You’ll need your customers to become hooked on the experience of being in the tank. Excellent customer service is important, but it’s not what will keep people coming back. Keep up with each client at the beginning, and find out how they feel about the experience. Address any and all complaints that come in immediately — either by survey, Yelp, or in-person. Expectation setting before a customer even enters the tank will go a long way when it comes to retaining your clients.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is good for someone who is already familiar with spa services, and who understands the direct benefits of these tanks.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a sensory deprivation tank business?

Owners may be faced with the following everyday tasks:

  • Client intake and scheduling
  • Tank maintenance
  • Marketing/website upkeep
  • Supply ordering
  • Administrative duties
  • Employee hiring/managing

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful sensory deprivation tank business?

People and marketing skills are definitely at the top of the list. Practically anyone can buy the equipment and set up the space, but the successful entrepreneur will need to convince those in the neighborhood that the service is worth it. This means understanding the values and the principles of the area, and deciding on the best angle when it comes to attracting a clientele. Whether it’s online, on TV, through flyers, or by word-of-mouth, a successful owner needs to anticipate how to make their name.

Owners should also have organizational and leadership skills. Schedules will need to be coordinated, staff meetings will need to be run, and supplies will need to be ordered.

What is the growth potential for a sensory deprivation tank business?

This question largely depends on the area you choose to open in. While this is market is largely untapped in most cities and towns, it is only popular in certain social circles. However, this experience can become very addictive or even be deemed a necessity for certain people. The right business owner can change people's minds and open them up to the benefits of an isolation tank.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a sensory deprivation tank business?

People have very different reactions to the feeling of being inside a sensory deprivation tank, so it helps to understand how individuals interact with and benefit from the experience. People today are so used to having constant sensory distractions, from a blinking smartphone light to the distant sound of bird song. It's welcoming to experience a change, but it's also an extremely foreign concept. You’ll need to collect and study feedback, as well as develop your own personal experiences inside the tank.

Some people report very extreme feelings or events inside, such as hallucinations or strange thoughts. All customers will need to fully understand what they’re signing up for before their first session. They’ll need to sign a liability waiver so you aren't held responsible for their reaction. You'll also need to form a relationship with the health department. They'll need to inspect the sanitation of the tanks and your space before you can open.

How and when to build a team

You’ll likely be able to keep the employee roster low by doing much of the work yourself (at least at first.) As your clientele ramps up, you’ll want to hire people who are organized and who have experienced the sensory deprivation tanks first-hand.

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!