<<< Back to ISPA Academy
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.1 | Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy of Spa
Philosophy is often considered a foundation upon which people build their knowledge and belief structures. The Greek word for philosophy translates to “love of wisdom.” It is appropriate then, that this text begins its exploration of spa by delving beyond the business models and types of treatments to take a close look at the wisdom and “why” of spa philosophy encompasses the deeper meaning and sacred significance of spa.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.2 | Defining Spa
Defining Spa
Most of the world begins its definition of spa with water. Without water, most say, there is no spa. The original spas—mineral springs and hot springs—have been a part of relaxation and healing in many cultures for millennia. Towns with hot springs grew into popular destinations for holiday retreats.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.3 | Variations of Spa
Variations of Spa
There are many approaches to spa throughout the world and each spa provides services according to its own unique vision and mission. As the number of spa locations increased dramatically during the 1990s and into this century, classifications became necessary to categorize the array of spa experiences being offered in the market.
Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction | Chapter 1.4 | Spa-Goers
Spa-Goers
When spa-goers talk about spa, the language they use includes such words as:
- Stress-free
- Get-away
- Fun
- Pampering
- Serene
- Calming
- Tranquility
- Peaceful
- Nurturing
- Holistic
These images and associations create exceedingly high expectations among guests for their visits to spas. They expect from spas deep gratification, or something close to it. Their high expectations derive, in part, from the way the word “spa” stands in their minds as a symbolic promise of unusually meaningful and pleasurable life experiences.
Retail Management for Spas
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 4.2 | Basic Retail Management
Two key concepts are fundamental to all retail management: turnover and stock-to-sales ratio.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 4.3 | Advanced Retail Management
Basic retail management concepts can help spa retail professionals improve their inventory management methodology by implementing the basic techniques of min and max order levels and keeping the stock-to-sales ratios within industry standards. This will certainly improve their retail effectiveness but it does have limitations in terms of how precisely it can hold the operation to its retail plan.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 4.4 | Manual Recordkeeping
An important step in monitoring the retail plan requires posting to the planning format each month’s actual sales, markdowns, and other activity.
Retail Management for Spas | Chapter 4.5 | Shrinkage
Simply stated, shrinkage is the difference between the inventory the spa has on hand and what it should have on hand. In the retail industry, an estimated 1.54 per cent of annual sales losses are due to inventory shrinkage. According to the 2004 National Retail Security Survey, specialty apparel is the category with the highest shrinkage, at 2.93 percent, while department stores run around 1.51 percent. But where is the merchandise going? Losses break down as follows: 47 percent internal/employee theft, 34 percent shoplifting, 14 percent paperwork errors, and 5 percent vendor fraud.
Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas
A uniform system of financial reporting establishes standardized formats and account classifications to guide individuals in the preparation and presentation of financial statements. The recommendations set forth in this uniform system are based on a consensus of spa industry financial executives, public accounting authorities, consulting specialists, and a leading academy expert, and are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.
Financial Management for Spas
This text is intended to provide spa beginners and veterans alike with a better understanding of financial management. Our hope is that you will learn to embrace the accounting process and to understand that, while accounting is in many ways a science, there is also an art to financial management. In the end, you will be able to appreciate the beauty in numbers.
Spa Operations Manual
The customizable manual includes comprehensive materials for spa job descriptions, new hire checklists, standard departmental information, specific departmental procedures, staff training, common spa treatments, reference guide templates and more.