I’m currently practicing massage at a fitness center with employee hourly rate status, based on a 50/50 fee split with the owner. Every time we run a special, the discounted price gets passed on to me with a reduction of my hourly rate, which is a number of months out of the year that I’m earning less. And many clients will only book during sales, because now they’ve been conditioned.

Now, the owner has been approached by a member who’d like a monthly massage, to be deducted from her account automatically, at a discounted rate, and the owner wants to crunch the numbers. While I’d appreciate the increased volume of regular clients who’d take advantage of the offer, I’m certain the owner will want to pass on the discount to me once again. Full service at less than full service payment.

I have the use of the room. I pay for my supplies, do my own laundry, marketing, booking, record keeping, etc. Seems to me that I’m doing a lot, while she’s collecting money for use of the room, and administrative support that’s not extended to me.

I love my client base and don’t want to leave, but I’m growing resentful that I’m offering full service and all that goes with it on my end at a cost to both my finances and attitude.

Do other industries expect employees to earn less when they offer sale prices to customers, or is it just us? Anybody have any thoughts or real information to share?