Attention newbies - massage and bodywork professionals2024-03-28T14:04:46Zhttps://massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A69722&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noi don't understand why people…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-04-05:2887274:Comment:757252010-04-05T01:54:22.780ZLisahttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/Lisa53
i don't understand why people should think the massage profession should be any different than any other business or service? All chiro's don't charge the same. All pharmacy's don't sell the very same prescription for the same price. and our profession is no different. am i expected to consult with all the MTs in my area every time i need or want to change my pricing structure.<br />
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you say it confuses the public. well don't the places like massage envy do as well? you must then also consider that…
i don't understand why people should think the massage profession should be any different than any other business or service? All chiro's don't charge the same. All pharmacy's don't sell the very same prescription for the same price. and our profession is no different. am i expected to consult with all the MTs in my area every time i need or want to change my pricing structure.<br />
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you say it confuses the public. well don't the places like massage envy do as well? you must then also consider that if a massage envy moves into your area it's undercutting you. or perhaps...a more open view point....is that it just opens the field up to be able to provide massage to ALL walks of life. and NOT just those that can afford $50 or more.<br />
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my colleagues think highly of me because there is more than just the bottom dollar to them. they KNOW me and know where my heart and intentions are. again...just because someone lowers their prices doesn't mean it's a DELIBERATE attempt to undercut others in the area. sometimes it's because that's what works best for them. and as for the schooling, my school was very adamant about debunking the notion that massage will pay you high dollars. they taught us to be realistic.<br />
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i also truly believe that with more experience and education SHOULD come more money. i charge what i do because i am also very new to the field and believe i have X amount to offer. As i grow my practice and begin to take more classes to offer more services, my prices will increase. isn't that normal business practice? if we go with your mindset than MTs straight out of school should charge the same price as someone that's been practicing for 15 years and has several modalities in their toolbox. how is that fair to them?<br />
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<cite>Julia Morrow said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?page=4&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A75710&x=1#2887274Comment75702"><div>Hi! Thanks for commenting. I am surprised that you say your class mates think highly of you undercutting their prices. You say you are trying to survive. Well, isn't everyone? I still say it's disrespectful of your colleagues and the profession as a whole to undercut colleagues. It confuses the public, as they will think that low price is all that therapy is worth.<br/> <br/>
I think you misunderstood what I said about massage schools. I meant that I wonder what schools are encouraging their students to undercut each other after they graduate. I wasn't saying anything about the quality of schools.<br/>
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Maybe we'll have to just agree to disagree on a few things!<br/>
<br/>
:)<br/>
Julia<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Lisa said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?xg_source=activity&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A69710&page=4#2887274Comment75424"><div>I'm sorry Julia, but i find this mindset to be rather insulting (not you insulting me personally but the mindset behind this)<br/> <br/> It is NOT a matter of respect at all. it's a matter of survival FIRST. then it's a matter of knowing your clientele. and then it's a matter of making your practice work within your individual life scenario.<br/>
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</blockquote> I agree with Chris, it's much…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-04-05:2887274:Comment:757102010-04-05T00:52:03.136ZCheryl Heppardhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/CherylHeppard
I agree with Chris, it's much better to offer what will be perceived as a better value than price. Make it difficult to be compared apples to apples by offering more service. Follow up is extremely important, I always send clients a quick email after my sessions just to check in, or maybe share a resource we may have discussed. All natural products are in huge demand, so maybe educate them about parabens and product preservatives and why you choose to use 100% coconut oil, and maybe give them a…
I agree with Chris, it's much better to offer what will be perceived as a better value than price. Make it difficult to be compared apples to apples by offering more service. Follow up is extremely important, I always send clients a quick email after my sessions just to check in, or maybe share a resource we may have discussed. All natural products are in huge demand, so maybe educate them about parabens and product preservatives and why you choose to use 100% coconut oil, and maybe give them a sample to take with them! (<a href="http://www.CoconutOil-Online.com" target="_blank">www.CoconutOil-Online.com</a> is my favorite brand, and they sell small sample sizes that my clients LOVE). I also send a monthly newsletter with quick tips, advice, resources, etc. Be sure to stay visible and utilize social media networking sites as well. Hi! Thanks for commenting. I…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-04-05:2887274:Comment:757022010-04-05T00:13:20.664ZJulia Morrowhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/JuliaDorothyMorrow
Hi! Thanks for commenting. I am surprised that you say your class mates think highly of you undercutting their prices. You say you are trying to survive. Well, isn't everyone? I still say it's disrespectful of your colleagues and the profession as a whole to undercut colleagues. It confuses the public, as they will think that low price is all that therapy is worth.<br />
<br />
I think you misunderstood what I said about massage schools. I meant that I wonder what schools are encouraging their students to…
Hi! Thanks for commenting. I am surprised that you say your class mates think highly of you undercutting their prices. You say you are trying to survive. Well, isn't everyone? I still say it's disrespectful of your colleagues and the profession as a whole to undercut colleagues. It confuses the public, as they will think that low price is all that therapy is worth.<br />
<br />
I think you misunderstood what I said about massage schools. I meant that I wonder what schools are encouraging their students to undercut each other after they graduate. I wasn't saying anything about the quality of schools.<br />
<br />
Maybe we'll have to just agree to disagree on a few things!<br />
<br />
:)<br />
Julia<br />
<br />
<cite>Lisa said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?xg_source=activity&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A69710&page=4#2887274Comment75424"><div>I'm sorry Julia, but i find this mindset to be rather insulting (not you insulting me personally but the mindset behind this)<br/> <br/>
It is NOT a matter of respect at all. it's a matter of survival FIRST. then it's a matter of knowing your clientele. and then it's a matter of making your practice work within your individual life scenario.<br/>
<br/></div>
</blockquote> I'm sorry Julia, but i find t…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-04-02:2887274:Comment:754242010-04-02T01:32:27.926ZLisahttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/Lisa53
I'm sorry Julia, but i find this mindset to be rather insulting (not you insulting me personally but the mindset behind this)<br />
<br />
It is NOT a matter of respect at all. it's a matter of survival FIRST. then it's a matter of knowing your clientele. and then it's a matter of making your practice work within your individual life scenario.<br />
<br />
I haven't opened a spa, I'm a self employed LMT. I charge $45 for an hour and a half when the going rate is probably about $60 for an hour.<br />
<br />
A) I went to school in…
I'm sorry Julia, but i find this mindset to be rather insulting (not you insulting me personally but the mindset behind this)<br />
<br />
It is NOT a matter of respect at all. it's a matter of survival FIRST. then it's a matter of knowing your clientele. and then it's a matter of making your practice work within your individual life scenario.<br />
<br />
I haven't opened a spa, I'm a self employed LMT. I charge $45 for an hour and a half when the going rate is probably about $60 for an hour.<br />
<br />
A) I went to school in a very high rated accredited school with 720 hours.<br />
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B) My classmates think highly of me<br />
<br />
C) I'm self employed so this point is moot<br />
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D) I feel very good about my price right now. it fits MY life scenario. I have no overhead because I work out of my home. I also do it part time since I currently work a full time job while I'm building up my clientele. I get incredible joy out of knowing that I am able to offer an incredible massage at an AFFORDABLE rate. period.<br />
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i really wish people would stop feeling like there is some malintent behind a therapist who charges less then those around him/her and that it must be a direct result of his/her poor education. i'm sure there are some that are looking to just take all the business away from others. but i bet it's more likely that they are just trying to survive, offer a service to those that can't afford more or start up a practice.<br />
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<cite>Julia Morrow said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?page=4&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A75405&x=1#2887274Comment75405"><div>I agree with you. When I was in school, we were told what the going rate was for outcalls, and to not hurt our colleagues out there by charging less. It's a matter of respect for colleagues and for the profession. I wouldn't imagine a new dentist, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc etc charging rock-bottom rates just because they are new and want business. The profession (whatever profession) has it's standard rates for that locale.<br/> A couple of years ago a woman opened a spa in my town charging only $45/massage! (The going rate around here is $80-$100 for outcalls and over $100 for spas). I couldn't believe the nerve and wondered A) where she went to school, B) what her classmates must think of her, C) how little she must be paying her LMTs, D) how on earth any self-respecting LMT would find her low pay acceptable!!</div>
</blockquote> I agree with you. When I was…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-04-01:2887274:Comment:754052010-04-01T22:43:55.173ZJulia Morrowhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/JuliaDorothyMorrow
I agree with you. When I was in school, we were told what the going rate was for outcalls, and to not hurt our colleagues out there by charging less. It's a matter of respect for colleagues and for the profession. I wouldn't imagine a new dentist, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc etc charging rock-bottom rates just because they are new and want business. The profession (whatever profession) has it's standard rates for that locale.<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago a woman opened a spa in my town…
I agree with you. When I was in school, we were told what the going rate was for outcalls, and to not hurt our colleagues out there by charging less. It's a matter of respect for colleagues and for the profession. I wouldn't imagine a new dentist, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc etc charging rock-bottom rates just because they are new and want business. The profession (whatever profession) has it's standard rates for that locale.<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago a woman opened a spa in my town charging only $45/massage! (The going rate around here is $80-$100 for outcalls and over $100 for spas). I couldn't believe the nerve and wondered A) where she went to school, B) what her classmates must think of her, C) how little she must be paying her LMTs, D) how on earth any self-respecting LMT would find her low pay acceptable!! Emma, it comes down to how we…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-03-30:2887274:Comment:749182010-03-30T11:22:29.208ZEllen Stetsonhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/EllenStetson
Emma, it comes down to how well you understand your market, and you are consequently thriving, rather than surviving. Well chosen!<br />
<br />
<cite>Emma F. Clites said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?x=1&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A69710&page=3#2887274Comment72049"><div>Ok, I'm responding to this even though I am not a newbie by any means - I graduated from massage school in 1995 - I live in a rural area where there is no massage envy. I…</div>
</blockquote>
Emma, it comes down to how well you understand your market, and you are consequently thriving, rather than surviving. Well chosen!<br />
<br />
<cite>Emma F. Clites said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?x=1&id=2887274%3ATopic%3A69710&page=3#2887274Comment72049"><div>Ok, I'm responding to this even though I am not a newbie by any means - I graduated from massage school in 1995 - I live in a rural area where there is no massage envy. I incorporated my business last year as Aches Away Massage Therapy Inc. . My clientele base is from an area that as sufferred major layoffs, and still continues to. My clientele is also people in chronic pain usually from illness and injury. My original plan was to focus on caregivers of hospice patients, but found that I couldn't draw from just there. I have 4 offices and make house calls (the 4 offices are spread through the county, but I only pay per use - couldn't afford that much rent) I am one of the most sought after therapists in my area (where a massage school as existed for about 8 years) I charge $50 /hr , and will work with folks who have financial difficulties - I'll put it simply - an empty table makes no money! The people that come to me are in pain, and I help them to be able to come back more often in order to make progress. Maybe I'll be the next massage envy, who knows. My point is that sometimes it comes down to survival.<br/><br/><cite>Choice Kinchen said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies#2887274Comment69754"><div>Kris, great points. I do much of the same thing. The water bottle is something I will have to look into.<br/><br/>All I can say Lisa.....and you know I like you....is that, at least for me, charging "affordable" came back to bite me in the a$$. People that want affordable massage can go to places like Massage Envy. I found out early (when I charged less) that my clients then had no problem bolting if they found someone who was cheaper. There are plenty of clients out there who will come in once every 2 weeks even if your rates are higher than what you think you can charge.....if they value your work. I know you work on mountain bike cyclists. I am a cyclist. I have no problem turning my money over to a bike store to get the latest gadget for my bike. I think that you cyclist clients would still come to you if your rates were upped a little. It's easy to come down on rates, but is much more difficult to raise rates.<br/><br/>I am in the position....because of my lupus and scleroderma.....that I can't work forever. I charge what I do to get the most bang for my work. I am of a limited resource, time and energy. I choose to go after the higher end clients (table or chair) so that I might stretch my career out as long as possible.<br/><br/>If this thread has run before, so be it. It's running again. I think ideas like what Kris offered can never be looked at enough. Too many therapists today, imo, don't get enough business training or don't make the effort to learn more about the biz side of massage.</div>
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</blockquote> Hi Daniel. I have 2 suggestio…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-03-24:2887274:Comment:738202010-03-24T04:58:55.742ZLisahttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/Lisa53
Hi Daniel. I have 2 suggestions for your post.<br />
<br />
1...you may want to create a separate thread for this and label Equine Massage Costs so as to draw the attention of those more qualified to have an opinion. I think your question will get lost in a thread that is somewhat cooling off and also not directly related to the information you're looking for.<br />
<br />
2...i would also suggest in reference to the clients that can't afford the going rate but helped you during your schooling, why not offer a special…
Hi Daniel. I have 2 suggestions for your post.<br />
<br />
1...you may want to create a separate thread for this and label Equine Massage Costs so as to draw the attention of those more qualified to have an opinion. I think your question will get lost in a thread that is somewhat cooling off and also not directly related to the information you're looking for.<br />
<br />
2...i would also suggest in reference to the clients that can't afford the going rate but helped you during your schooling, why not offer a special price for them that IS affordable. i can't think off the top of my head but find some special rate "name" for it and only offer it to those clients that you want to give back to.<br />
<br />
<cite>Daniel Stroup said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies?page=3&commentId=2887274%3AComment%3A73638&x=1#2887274Comment73638"><div>This is a good place to address this question.<br/> Having recently graduated from an equine massage program, which had some pretty high standards. The problem I am running into, is the horsepeople who supported me in earning my certification can not afford the rates that I will need to be charging in the area. Their support was immensely helpful and without it couldnt be in business.<br/>
The horsepeople who can afford it, expect high rates or think you must not be well qualified, if you don't charge enough.<br/>
Another issue is, I am not really sure what existing equine massage therapists are actually charging. What I'm getting in feedback, (anecdotal information) the well to do barns are charging in the neighborhood of $125, yet the average price in the region is $75.<br/>
Having never been in business before, I'm having difficulty figuring out what would be appropriate and fair to everyone.<br/>
Basically, I expect to set a basic massage price for individual horses. Then as appears to be "common practice" in the area, is to offer a discount to barns, based on number of clients and frequency of visits to each barn. However, this complicates things because the various barns also have different expectations, different riding disciplines, and the like.<br/>
When comparing other types of services provided to various barns, this disparity in pricing seems to be an issue as well.<br/>
Any advice in working out a price schedule, or discovering what other therapists are actually charging for the service, would be greatly appreciated.</div>
</blockquote> This is a good place to addre…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-03-23:2887274:Comment:736382010-03-23T15:21:50.929ZDaniel Strouphttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/DanielStroup
This is a good place to address this question.<br />
Having recently graduated from an equine massage program, which had some pretty high standards. The problem I am running into, is the horsepeople who supported me in earning my certification can not afford the rates that I will need to be charging in the area. Their support was immensely helpful and without it couldnt be in business.<br />
The horsepeople who can afford it, expect high rates or think you must not be well qualified, if you don't charge…
This is a good place to address this question.<br />
Having recently graduated from an equine massage program, which had some pretty high standards. The problem I am running into, is the horsepeople who supported me in earning my certification can not afford the rates that I will need to be charging in the area. Their support was immensely helpful and without it couldnt be in business.<br />
The horsepeople who can afford it, expect high rates or think you must not be well qualified, if you don't charge enough.<br />
Another issue is, I am not really sure what existing equine massage therapists are actually charging. What I'm getting in feedback, (anecdotal information) the well to do barns are charging in the neighborhood of $125, yet the average price in the region is $75.<br />
Having never been in business before, I'm having difficulty figuring out what would be appropriate and fair to everyone.<br />
Basically, I expect to set a basic massage price for individual horses. Then as appears to be "common practice" in the area, is to offer a discount to barns, based on number of clients and frequency of visits to each barn. However, this complicates things because the various barns also have different expectations, different riding disciplines, and the like.<br />
When comparing other types of services provided to various barns, this disparity in pricing seems to be an issue as well.<br />
Any advice in working out a price schedule, or discovering what other therapists are actually charging for the service, would be greatly appreciated. Ok, I'm responding to this ev…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-03-14:2887274:Comment:720492010-03-14T13:30:19.465ZEmma F. Cliteshttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/EmmaFClites
Ok, I'm responding to this even though I am not a newbie by any means - I graduated from massage school in 1995 - I live in a rural area where there is no massage envy. I incorporated my business last year as Aches Away Massage Therapy Inc. . My clientele base is from an area that as sufferred major layoffs, and still continues to. My clientele is also people in chronic pain usually from illness and injury. My original plan was to focus on caregivers of hospice patients, but found that I…
Ok, I'm responding to this even though I am not a newbie by any means - I graduated from massage school in 1995 - I live in a rural area where there is no massage envy. I incorporated my business last year as Aches Away Massage Therapy Inc. . My clientele base is from an area that as sufferred major layoffs, and still continues to. My clientele is also people in chronic pain usually from illness and injury. My original plan was to focus on caregivers of hospice patients, but found that I couldn't draw from just there. I have 4 offices and make house calls (the 4 offices are spread through the county, but I only pay per use - couldn't afford that much rent) I am one of the most sought after therapists in my area (where a massage school as existed for about 8 years) I charge $50 /hr , and will work with folks who have financial difficulties - I'll put it simply - an empty table makes no money! The people that come to me are in pain, and I help them to be able to come back more often in order to make progress. Maybe I'll be the next massage envy, who knows. My point is that sometimes it comes down to survival.<br />
<br />
<cite>Choice Kinchen said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.massageprofessionals.com/forum/topics/attention-newbies#2887274Comment69754"><div>Kris, great points. I do much of the same thing. The water bottle is something I will have to look into.<br/><br/>All I can say Lisa.....and you know I like you....is that, at least for me, charging "affordable" came back to bite me in the a$$. People that want affordable massage can go to places like Massage Envy. I found out early (when I charged less) that my clients then had no problem bolting if they found someone who was cheaper. There are plenty of clients out there who will come in once every 2 weeks even if your rates are higher than what you think you can charge.....if they value your work. I know you work on mountain bike cyclists. I am a cyclist. I have no problem turning my money over to a bike store to get the latest gadget for my bike. I think that you cyclist clients would still come to you if your rates were upped a little. It's easy to come down on rates, but is much more difficult to raise rates.<br/><br/>I am in the position....because of my lupus and scleroderma.....that I can't work forever. I charge what I do to get the most bang for my work. I am of a limited resource, time and energy. I choose to go after the higher end clients (table or chair) so that I might stretch my career out as long as possible.<br/><br/>If this thread has run before, so be it. It's running again. I think ideas like what Kris offered can never be looked at enough. Too many therapists today, imo, don't get enough business training or don't make the effort to learn more about the biz side of massage.</div>
</blockquote> Very valid point. That is tru…tag:massageprofessionals.com,2010-03-13:2887274:Comment:718532010-03-13T03:20:38.195ZJosephine K Rowleyhttps://massageprofessionals.com/profile/JosephineKRowley
Very valid point. That is true of any business professional.
Very valid point. That is true of any business professional.