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Mobile Massage

Hi all.....I am trying to start a mobile massage business, but was wondering if it's ok (or legal) to target/advertise "only females and couples". I am sort of skeptical about going into homes of people I don't know, and I thought this would at least give me a little comfort. Please let me know your thoughts.

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Comment by Sandra Cherry, LMT on August 31, 2009 at 10:13am: Hello Tina,
You have to be careful. I have been doing home visitis and chair massage for a while. I don't advertise and work by referral only. It's a big market, follow you instincts and you will be Ok. Be careful with terminology, use key words such as therapeutic massage only and I was also taught not to use "full body massage."

Comment by Kelley Coleman on August 30, 2009 at 1:19am: I've also found it best to work by referral. That way, if something does occur, you have a point of origin to start from just in case. Be safe out there. Always use your intuition. If it doesn't seem right over the phone, it's probably not a safe situation!!

Comment by Andrea Turner on August 29, 2009 at 3:13pm: Hi Tina, I had an outcall "spa party" business for several years, where an esthetician and myself would go into people's homes and offices, and do spa services for them there. Obviously, we were 2 people travelling together, and working with groups of people (at least 4), so we never had any issues. If you are really worried about safety, it's super safe.

That being said, I've also done tons of outcalls on a one to one basis, and have never had any real problems. I have gotten one or two weird phone calls over the years, and after a good conversation, they are easy to spot... I just firmly let the person know that I am not the best fit for what they are looking for. I think one of the reasons I've had few problems is that I am extremely careful about how I present myself and my business. I have a super-pro website and business cards, play up the therapeutic terminology, and avoid using keywords that can be misunderstood (I agree with Fabrizia about using the word "couples" - don't do it.) I also don't advertise in any forums that also advertise sexual services disguised as massage, like Craigslist. (As a matter of fact, if you want to know which keywords to avoid, just check out craigslist.)

I also take precautions. I carry my cell phone. I use Genbook.com (free version, yay!) to track my appointment calendar, and for every outcall, I list the address, and my husband has my login info bookmarked on his computer. If I don't show up, all he has to do is check the site to see where I went.

My advice: Build slowly among people you know, and ask those people to refer their friends.

Comment by Laurie Lioness Parizek on August 28, 2009 at 10:58am: I think it's fine to work at your own comfort level. Another suggestion if you're not already saying this, is to offer therapeutic massage or to say you are a therapeutic massage practitioner. Another is to use the word "bodywork" rather than only the word "massage" in you ads. These are subtle clues that you are not for sale, no way!!. I agree with Fabrizia a good phone interview is where you will get most of your information, and subtle clues like tone as well as content is important there. Always carry your cell phone so you can call for help if you need to. Don't let me scare you this is only a precaution but it's good to be prepared. Massage helps you to be super-intuitive so the phone interview should really help.

Comment by Melody Bellehumeur on August 27, 2009 at 9:02pm: I have always worked with in home clients but only by referral. I started with my friends and family and branched off from there. I have had pretty good success with it but was always sure to tell my fiance where I would be and what time to expect me to call when I was done. At least with referrals you know the person or persons your going to meet will probably be pretty similar to the one that referred them. Also, check with the city ordinances where the massage will be at, laws change from city to city and you want to protect yourself that way as well. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!!

Comment by Fabrizia D'Arrigo ,LMT,MMT,NMT on August 27, 2009 at 10:50am: Hi Tina, you are perfect right not to trust any one, I think you can choose your clients. Still can be missunderstud "couples". Be very specific on your inteviw by phone before meeting your clients. Good luck