Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$515,789 - $729,603
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total US Locations
240
Business Summary
Elements Massage offers franchises for studios that provide various therapeutic massage services, certain skincare services, and related products to the general public. These studios operate under the "Elements Massage" brand and utilize a unique business system. They also offer a membership program where clients pay a monthly fee for discounted massage or skincare sessions and other benefits.
Corporate History
Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC was incorporated in Delaware on August 4, 2006, as Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc. It later converted to a Delaware limited liability company on October 9, 2015. Elements Massage has been offering franchises for studios since 2006, with the exception of a previous area director program from 2006-2008 and 2013-2017. The company is part of a larger corporate family, WellBiz Brands, Inc., which also oversees other franchise systems like Amazing Lash Studio, Drybar, Fitness Together, and Radiant Waxing.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$515,789 - $729,603
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$40,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$364,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$505,600
Working Capital
$77,275
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC's financial condition has been identified as raising questions about its ability to provide services and support to franchisees, as noted in the FDD's special risks section, despite an unqualified audit opinion from its independent public accountants. The company relies on its parent, WBZ Investment LLC, for operational funds. Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC is jointly and severally liable for a significant debt from its parent, totaling $21,679,865 as of December 31, 2024, without holding specific recourse or collateral rights for potential payments exceeding its agreed-upon portion. The parent's outstanding debt agreement was amended in June 2024 to extend its maturity to March 2027, and a $10,000,000 principal payment was made. The parent was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Financing Details
Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any franchisee's notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
240
Franchised Units
239
Corporate Units
1
Avg Square Footage
1,950
Franchising Since
2006
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
3
Litigation Summary
Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC has disclosed three litigation cases. Two of these cases, filed in August and September 2023, involve an affiliate, Amazing Lash Franchise LLC, and its franchisees. In the first case, franchisees sought declaratory judgments on trade secrets and non-compete clauses, alleging breach of contract related to product pricing and termination. Amazing Lash counterclaimed for proper termination and client information ownership. Summary judgment was entered for Amazing Lash on certain claims in October 2025 (likely a typo, meaning 2024 or 2025), and a confidential settlement was reached in November 2025 (likely 2024 or 2025), where franchisees paid $50,000 and were given time to sell their studios. In the second case, franchisees alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud, civil theft, and California Corporations Code violations related to product pricing, supplier selection, and marketing support. This arbitration was terminated in September 2024 due to the franchisees' failure to respond and pay the retainer. A confidential settlement was reached in December 2024, with franchisees paying $150,000 for contract termination and permission to operate eyelash businesses. The third case directly involved Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC as the respondent, with franchisees filing an arbitration in May 2019 alleging pre-sale misrepresentations, fraud, and breach of contract. Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC counterclaimed for premature studio abandonment. This case was settled in March 2020, with Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC refunding one $45,000 initial franchise fee without admitting wrongdoing. Both recent cases involve an affiliate.
Bankruptcy History
Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Elements Massage franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to acquire a successor franchise. They must not be in default of their existing agreement and must sign the then-current version of the Elements Massage franchise agreement, which may have terms and conditions significantly different from their original agreement. Franchisees are also required to sign a general release of claims, pay a successor franchise fee, and update or remodel their studio to meet the brand's current standards.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Elements Massage provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees, starting with pre-opening support. This includes reviewing proposed sites for compliance and providing mandatory specifications for studio development, including design, layout, and equipment. Franchisees receive access to the Operations Manual and mandatory initial training, which covers various aspects of running the business. An on-site operations team may also be sent for new studios to offer initial support and guidance. After opening, Elements Massage offers ongoing assistance through general guidance based on franchisee reports and inspections. The company administers a Brand Marketing Fund for national, regional, and local marketing programs, and franchisees receive annual unaudited statements of its contributions and disbursements. There is also a Local Marketing Spend Requirement, including a fixed Local Advertising Fee and a percentage of gross receipts to be spent on local advertising. Franchisees must comply with advertising standards and participate in additional marketing programs like loyalty programs and prize promotions. Technology support includes providing a required Computer System for sales and scheduling, website and email hosting, and help desk assistance, for which a monthly Technology Fee is charged. Franchisees are required to attend annual franchise owner conferences and may be required to complete other training courses and regional meetings. General guidance is also provided on facility appearance, client-service procedures, quality control, equipment maintenance, inventory management, supplier relations, advertising strategies, and administrative reporting.
Initial Training Hours
62
Training Location
Elements Massage provides initial training virtually, at a certified Franchisee Training Studio, or at its Support Center in Colorado. Training may also require experiencing massage or skincare services at another Elements Massage studio location.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Elements Massage franchisees receive general guidance on studio operations, facility appearance, client-service procedures, quality control, equipment maintenance, inventory management, supplier relations, advertising strategies, and administrative, accounting, and reporting practices. This guidance is provided through the Operations Manual, virtual meetings, telephonic conversations, and consultations at the corporate offices. Franchisees are required to attend annual franchise owner conferences and may also be required to participate in regional meetings, various in-person or electronic training courses, trade shows, ongoing education, or certification programs. Elements Massage also provides ongoing technology services, including website and email hosting and help desk support, for which a monthly Technology Fee is charged.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Elements Massage seeks an Operating Partner who holds at least a 25% ownership and voting interest in the franchise. This individual must be approved by Elements Massage and is generally expected to supervise the studio full-time, dedicating their best efforts to promote and enhance the business. If the Operating Partner does not supervise full-time, a full-time Designated Manager, who has completed the Elements Massage training program, must be appointed to oversee day-to-day operations.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
6
Territory Size Requirements
Elements Massage franchisees are granted a Protected Area, which is typically a circular geographic area with a 1.5-mile radius centered at the studio's front door. In densely populated urban areas, this Protected Area may be defined by political subdivisions, streets, or ZIP codes, and could be the lesser of a 1.5-mile radius or a radius reflecting a 50,000-person population density. The specific boundaries are determined on a case-by-case basis considering factors like population, traffic, proximity to retail and residential areas, and other site-specific data.
Staffing Notes
Elements Massage requires that before opening a studio, franchisees hire at least five full-time massage therapists. Additionally, they must hire either one full-time esthetician or two part-time estheticians. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and compensation, and must comply with all federal, state, and local employment laws. All employees are required to pass an internal training program to the franchisee's satisfaction before providing services. Elements Massage reserves the right to approve training content and require specific mandatory training for certain job positions, including for massage therapists and estheticians, to ensure compliance with System Standards. This also includes performing background checks for all employees as specified in the Operations Manual and ensuring all massage therapists and estheticians are properly licensed and insured if required by local jurisdiction.