massage and bodywork professionals

a community of practitioners

I don't know what to do.  I am working at a day spa that I absollutely LOVe.  The room is VERY small and priced at $395.  I am currently paying half of that (long story). I got a message from the owner a couple weeks ago that the spa was closing or being sold.  I wanted to buy it.  Was going to buy it.  Owner would not sell to me (not sure why).  So out of fear of it closing down, I found an office space in the same general location for the same price.  This is about four times the size of the room for $395.  I've been there two days.  I get word that there is a new owner who wants all of us to stay.  No word on if I would have to pay $395 or if I can keep my rent the same as what it is.  In a perfect world, I'd stay at the spa at my current price.  If that is offered to me, then what?  I just signed a month to month agreement for this huge room.  Would it be wrong of me to leave so soon if I decided to do that?  I'm so confused.  I feel sick over the whole thing.  Then, I have clients tomorrow.  Do I take them to my new room or the old room? 

Views: 204

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Hi Misty,

Tough decision! It wouldn't be wrong to leave as you are month to month. I'd first iron out the details of your contract with the new spa owner; wouldn't want to pay twice myself and would let that make the decision. I'd see my clients as planned at the new room until details are worked out.

You'll figure it out; take your time at this point. Your clients will understand.
I agree with the other postings - see your clients at the new room you have rented for the present time. Speak to the new owner of the spa and see what kind of a deal they are willing to offer. Make sure you have everything very clear and get a written contract that confirms all the agreements you have made, including the price, before moving back. You have a nice room to work in right now so there is no panic - you will be able to treat your client and carry on business while you are considering your decision.
I think if you re-read what you posted you will see your answer. If you love the spa and the new owner indeed wants you back then go back. If you stay at the new place you are starting over. So the question is do you want that road that will come with relocating or do you want the familiarity and the comfort of your old position. I think you know that answer though.
Hi Misty,
I usually go with my gut and usually correct with 99% of my decisions Peace
Misty, I had a similar situation happen about 12 years ago. I was working in this beautiful Victorian Salon upstairs on a sublet. I wanted to rent the whole upstairs (they wouldn't go for it) Client base grew and then the owners wanted me to work for them on an hourly. Out the door I went with my clients to a smaller but nice location. Client base grew. Owner sold the building, rent was doubled! What to do? I shut down because I was so aghast at the whole years events it just didn't make sense.
I get the feeling, and I could be wrong here, the salon you LOVE the owners don't love you perhaps a bit jealous? If that may even be the case then stay at your new and larger local. If not I don't think it would be wrong of you to leave the new place so soon. If you had a lease....but you don't so no hard feelings all's fair in love and business. Feel out your clients, new room old room. Whats the difference they are there for you.
Windup on my story....The next step for me was if I couldn't own the building I was never going to rent from anyone else again. So I started my own Mobile Spa and bought a truck instead. Best of luck, Bridget
Hi, everyone. Just thought I'd follow up and let you know what I decided. I thought really long and hard on this and the overall deciding factor was the cost. It cost me the same amount to be in an 8X11 room in the spa as it was a 225 sq foot room literally two buildings down. I went with my own office space. At first I freaked out a bit and had some horrible second thoughts but once I began to make the room my own, I am really liking it. I am adding to my service menu, which I couldn't do in the spa and my appointment book hasn't really slowed down at all. I have great frontage exposure and full street access during street fairs and events. (The town in which I'm at is a historical part of town and is closed down several times a year for special events and fairs). I love that spa and will miss it but am glad I made this choice as I really think I can grow my business here very well. I still have a sore spot in my heart when I see the new owner doing stuff because it should have been my spa. So, since I can't have that one, I'll make my own :) Thanks for the advice everyone!!

Misty
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Thanks for the update; good luck Misty.

Misty Van Staaveren said:
Hi, everyone. Just thought I'd follow up and let you know what I decided. I thought really long and hard on this and the overall deciding factor was the cost. It cost me the same amount to be in an 8X11 room in the spa as it was a 225 sq foot room literally two buildings down. I went with my own office space. At first I freaked out a bit and had some horrible second thoughts but once I began to make the room my own, I am really liking it. I am adding to my service menu, which I couldn't do in the spa and my appointment book hasn't really slowed down at all. I have great frontage exposure and full street access during street fairs and events. (The town in which I'm at is a historical part of town and is closed down several times a year for special events and fairs). I love that spa and will miss it but am glad I made this choice as I really think I can grow my business here very well. I still have a sore spot in my heart when I see the new owner doing stuff because it should have been my spa. So, since I can't have that one, I'll make my own :) Thanks for the advice everyone!!

Misty
Since you've already signed an agreement. I think you should hold to it especially since you're not sure what the agreement is at the old space. Lucky that it's a month to month agreement, so you'd only lose one months rent So unless you can get some definite agreement from the old place, I'd stick to the new plan. You haven't heard from the new owners and so far it is only here say,can you still take clients there without any agreement They should understand that you needed to do something fast and that you will consider coming back if a deal can be reached. That's what I'd do anyway
Good Luck !
Kenji

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by ABMP.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service