Pricing

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by amy jo aylward on August 7, 2010 at 9:36am

Hi Angela --

I am a recent grad of massage school with the intention of working with seniors. I have already marketed myself to one local independent/assisted living community (where my mom happens to be a resident) by approaching the administration (with cover letter and resume) and offering my services to their residents.

I had a difficult decision to make regarding "pricing" as I know how much the monthly rent is ($2000 to $6000 -- depending on how much care an individual requires), and these seniors come from an era of "watching their pennies" and have a difficult time spending their precious dollars on what many may regard as a frivolous "pleasure." But, I also felt that the massage profession deserves the respect, and compensation, of a fair fee.

So, to answer your first question -- yes, include a price sheet. This demographic is both curious about massage and cautious with their spending, and I have found they want to know right up front whether or not it will fit into their budget.

I actually performed a "massage demo" for a group of about 25 seniors (at said community) to show them what massage is all about, tell them what it could do for them, and explain my services. I offered a coupon for "Get Your 1st Massage Free" (one body part, their choice). Five of the residents signed up for their "freebie" immediately after my presentation, another 3 did so in the following week. Of those, 2 have made appointments for a massage where they will actually pay for the service. (A third resident was already a regular client.)

My pricing: I felt that seniors (who are conservative with money) would be more likely to give it a try if given a "discount." My regular prices are $1 per minute, with this community receiving a 25% discount ($0.75 per minute). I am charging "by the minute" so they can choose the length of a session that fits their budget (10 minute minimum). That brings the cost of a half-hour session to $22. And since many of these massages will occur in wheelchairs or beds, I don't have the laundry expenses, etc.

I am going to stay with this pricing for the time being, but may look at lowering my prices if I feel more residents would participate. I should also tell you that I am not in this to "make money," nor am I looking for full-time work. My life situation allows me to offer massage to seniors for THEIR benefit, not for MY income. But again, I feel that the massage profession is worthy of a reasonable fee.

Please do let me know what fees you have decided on, and what kind of response you've had.

AJAylward

Permalink Reply by Angela Huffhines on September 1, 2010 at 10:59am

AJ

This is great advice.
I, like you, am not in this to "make money". I work at a day spa on a regular basis, but the senior population is something I feel "called" to serve. My price sheet was $10 for hand& foot massage, and $40 for a 30 minute massage. This facility is 20 miles away and I'm trying to compensate for some travel time.
The residents, I was told, were concerned about paying the rent when I was out there to massage the staff, which I understand. I think when I go out there again, I will offer a freebie like you did and try to go in the middle of the month. If they get to know me and see what it's all about, and most important, to know it's not just about pampering, but a healthy way to live, they will come around to get more frequent massages.

So, that's how it's going so far and as you can tell, I'm still figuring it all out. I mentioned to the marketing director of this place that maybe she could offer a free massage to all the new residents that move in as part of the welcoming "package". She liked this idea.

Thanks again for your input. I really appreciate it! I will post later and let you know how it all works out.

Angela



amy jo aylward said:

Hi Angela --

I am a recent grad of massage school with the intention of working with seniors. I have already marketed myself to one local independent/assisted living community (where my mom happens to be a resident) by approaching the administration (with cover letter and resume) and offering my services to their residents.

I had a difficult decision to make regarding "pricing" as I know how much the monthly rent is ($2000 to $6000 -- depending on how much care an individual requires), and these seniors come from an era of "watching their pennies" and have a difficult time spending their precious dollars on what many may regard as a frivolous "pleasure." But, I also felt that the massage profession deserves the respect, and compensation, of a fair fee.

So, to answer your first question -- yes, include a price sheet. This demographic is both curious about massage and cautious with their spending, and I have found they want to know right up front whether or not it will fit into their budget.

I actually performed a "massage demo" for a group of about 25 seniors (at said community) to show them what massage is all about, tell them what it could do for them, and explain my services. I offered a coupon for "Get Your 1st Massage Free" (one body part, their choice). Five of the residents signed up for their "freebie" immediately after my presentation, another 3 did so in the following week. Of those, 2 have made appointments for a massage where they will actually pay for the service. (A third resident was already a regular client.)

My pricing: I felt that seniors (who are conservative with money) would be more likely to give it a try if given a "discount." My regular prices are $1 per minute, with this community receiving a 25% discount ($0.75 per minute). I am charging "by the minute" so they can choose the length of a session that fits their budget (10 minute minimum). That brings the cost of a half-hour session to $22. And since many of these massages will occur in wheelchairs or beds, I don't have the laundry expenses, etc.

I am going to stay with this pricing for the time being, but may look at lowering my prices if I feel more residents would participate. I should also tell you that I am not in this to "make money," nor am I looking for full-time work. My life situation allows me to offer massage to seniors for THEIR benefit, not for MY income. But again, I feel that the massage profession is worthy of a reasonable fee.

Please do let me know what fees you have decided on, and what kind of response you've had.

AJAylward