Fees for home visits

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on January 22, 2010 at 5:34pm

Personally, I charge nearly double my hourly rate. If I count the time loading, driving, unloading, setting up, then reversing the process after the massage, it usually adds on close to another 2 hours. That's time that I could be working on another client, so I charge for it. I also add on another $15 for winter services, as I live in a ski town and a) the amount of snow we get makes outcalls a royal PITA, and b) that's when the high-end tourists come in with lots of excess cash.

I also kick up my rates slightly for group massages; if I need to find another therapist or two to help, I charge for my time. All that being said, I do give a discount for three or more massages at the same location.

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on January 22, 2010 at 8:37pm

I was told by my mentor to add $25.00 to my normal fees. So that is what I do.

Permalink Reply by Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin on January 26, 2010 at 10:30am

Hi Florence!

I only perform 'outcall' massage, so my fees are a bit higher.

As Erica mentioned, this can be a time consuming process.

Is this something you are looking to do on a regular basis?

K

Permalink Reply by Florence Renault on January 27, 2010 at 9:44am

I don't think so, at this point, Kris. I had a request and I'm considering it but I wasn't sure how to price it. It really is time consuming when you consider travel time, set up and break down - and then resetting your office space. (not to mention the labor of all that!) Thanks to all for your input. Very helpful.

Kris Kelley said:

Hi Florence!

I only perform 'outcall' massage, so my fees are a bit higher.

As Erica mentioned, this can be a time consuming process.

Is this something you are looking to do on a regular basis?

K

Permalink Reply by Yolanda Lee Mobley on January 27, 2010 at 12:13pm

One side of it is: what are others in your area charging for the same service? Call someone up who does outcall and get yourself a massage. A Q&A w/ that person could prove very valuable.

Another side is: If you've not been doing outcalls in your area, try the preparation, travel, and set up a few times. Even if you don't have a client scheduled, you can just set up in a different location than where you normally work, like in your home if you work in an office (or a friend's house), just to see what it feels like. That may help you to see what you value your time at.

My plan in massage school was to do 100% outcall. I soon realized that in Philadelphia, we don't usually have ranch style homes where everything is on one floor. So I carry my table, supplies, music etc up 15-20 stairs simply to get to the front door. Double that number if I need to go to a 2nd floor bedroom or if it's a duplex/triplex. It's doable, but you should evaluate what's involved and charge accordingly.

I choose to charge the same rate as a therapeutic massage at the spas near me. ($85)
You can charge a fixed amount; or a variable amount where you add mileage; or give discounts for folks who have their own table (my favorite); or only do outcall chair massage...there are lots of ways to consider doing outcall.

Permalink Reply by Florence Renault on January 27, 2010 at 1:28pm

That's really helpful, Yolanda. You have some great ideas to consider. Thank you!

Yolanda Lee Mobley said:

One side of it is: what are others in your area charging for the same service? Call someone up who does outcall and get yourself a massage. A Q&A w/ that person could prove very valuable.

Another side is: If you've not been doing outcalls in your area, try the preparation, travel, and set up a few times. Even if you don't have a client scheduled, you can just set up in a different location than where you normally work, like in your home if you work in an office (or a friend's house), just to see what it feels like. That may help you to see what you value your time at.

My plan in massage school was to do 100% outcall. I soon realized that in Philadelphia, we don't usually have ranch style homes where everything is on one floor. So I carry my table, supplies, music etc up 15-20 stairs simply to get to the front door. Double that number if I need to go to a 2nd floor bedroom or if it's a duplex/triplex. It's doable, but you should evaluate what's involved and charge accordingly.

I choose to charge the same rate as a therapeutic massage at the spas near me. ($85)
You can charge a fixed amount; or a variable amount where you add mileage; or give discounts for folks who have their own table (my favorite); or only do outcall chair massage...there are lots of ways to consider doing outcall.