A unique "back-scratching therapist" service has emerged in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. After 7 job changes and two failed startups, Zhang Xiaoqiao restarted with this innovative business model. He currently owns two stores, charging around 300 yuan (1.1 million VND) per hour, achieving monthly revenue exceeding 100,000 yuan.

After turning 30, Zhang worked in media and explored various fields but found no stability. Recalling how he always fell asleep when his father scratched his back as a child, he decided to open a business offering this service.

Zhang spent 4 months researching techniques, using friends as test subjects until his hands became calloused. With the first location proving successful, he opened a second branch.

Zhang Xiaoqiao, 32, of Shenzhen, currently earns over 100,000 yuan (388 million VND) monthly from his back-scratching and tickling service. *Photo: Weibo*

The store offers two main options: back-scratching for relaxation and improved sleep, and tickling for stress relief. An hour of back-scratching costs 300 yuan, while the tickling service is priced higher.

Among packages that include back-scratching, ear cleaning, and massage, back-scratching accounts for over 70% of revenue. The most popular package is an 80-minute high-intensity ASMR sleep aid, priced at 299 yuan.

Staff gently scratch the client's back, neck, and arms in a completely quiet environment, with minimal communication. According to Zhang, 60-70% of clients fall asleep during the experience.

The main clientele consists of office workers, with men making up about 60-70%. The stores attract residents from Shenzhen and neighboring provinces, including: Jiangxi, Hangzhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing. "I didn't expect this service to be so popular that I couldn't even book an appointment", shared a visitor from Hunan.

Having recovered initial investment costs in less than two months, Zhang's two stores are now profitable. The 32-year-old owner affirms the business model is legitimate, with employees dressed modestly.

Hoping society will soon recognize "back-scratching therapists" as a legitimate profession, Zhang plans to expand the model to many other cities.

By Minh Phuong (Source: Worldjournal, Sina, Sinchew)