Another question re taster sessions

[nibinaearr]

I did an indulgence evening at a local school yesterday. It's the second one that I've done in a couple of months, as well as some others elsewhere.

Now the schools locally, all seem to be following the same format (or trying to). We, as therapists are told to charge £5 for 20 minutes, which means we get £15 per hour. We also pay £15 for the pitch, which means that. If we are booked up for the three and a half hours, we are able to make £35 for the whole evening which isn't very much for three and a half hours of massage/reflexology or whatever with no breaks.

There were many stalls there selling jewellery, clothes and whatever and of course, there is no restriction on how much money they can make (just for standing behind a table).

Of course, I know the whole point is to get some regular customers, and I always give away loads of leaflets and get lots of interest on the night, but very little, if any, follow up. Many people are just there to get a cheap massage and would never dream of paying full wack (cynical I know, but we saw the same sort of people when I was training at college).

I've spent the best part of this week printing off lots of leaftlets, posters, etc., making creams and lotions, etc just for the one evening. On top of that, making sure all my towels are laundered before and afterwards, has put my washing machine and tumble dryer under considerable strain.

Which brings me to my next point. I seemed to be the only therapist there last night who used a new towel (plus couch roll) for each client. None of the other therapists did and I doubt whether anyone receiving a treatment would even notice, but I just couldn't bear to use a used towel on a client, even for a short treatment. What does everyone else do?

I did voice my concerns to the organiser, but obviously don't want to come over as a whinger to someone who might be or her friends might be a potential client. And, of course, it was my choice, whether or not to go to this event.

Lesley

 

[RanRanDoom]

Hi Lesley, I did a similar one giving spiritual healing treatments at a play school last winter and was told to charge £5 and my treatments were of 20 minutes duration. Basically I walked away making hardly any money and I worked continuously for 3-4 hours. What concerned me is that the women were quite prepared to spend money on cosmetics and soaps, yet weren't that interested in having a treatment themselves.. I also gave leaflets but had no-one ring me up.

I will never do another one of these again, I think it outrageous that they ask us to charge so little, and we're working non-stop. I am not prepared to charge such a ridiculous amount for what I do, and find it incredible that those organising the event don't realise what they are doing by charging the client just £5. I believe it de-values what we do and confirms my suspicions that people pamper themselves by buying perfumes, make up and creams, yet don't think to treat themselves to some pure relaxation.

You are also very correct that they will pay £5 but wouldn't dream of spending that money on a treatments. They are more prepared to treat themselves on the outside, but not on the inside.

I do a similar event for charity once a year but I don't mind doing that one because I believe in the charity, but I won't do anymore, and as I hardly get any clients ringing me up afterwards, I've decided that is not the way forward for me.

Love and light
Rosi x