can you help with my "refer 1..get 1" promotion?

[john e]

I was thinking of giving my clients extra minutes for each referal, but am questioning what your policy is. Do you wait until AFTER the new referal has seen you?(before you honor it) I'm thinking this way you can eliminate those that may try to take advaneforum.xxxe by just having Jo Shmo call to schedule so they will get their x-tra min., but joe Shmo never shows up, and you have already given your 1st client their x-tra time. )sorry so confusing)

Any other ideas about referals for discount or extra time??? (I worked with a gal that gives 1hr free with EVERY referal. Another gives one free for every 3)

 

[Costin]

I would say to send out a coupon after the referred client has come for their appointment. Or make the time available after the referred client comes for the appointment.

I would let them save them up or use them individually.

Do you want them to be able to redeem them for GC's?
I don't know that I would.

As others have said, it depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want to get a fast clientel, the more generous your rewards the more motivated (hopefully) your clients will be to refer more than they already would.
If you are just looking to reward your clients, but keep a good income, I would limit the rewards.

 

[peter 1]

Polorolo,

I would be careful about "giving it away." When I first started, I read about a promotion where you gave a free 30 minute massage, pay $20 to upgrade to a full hour (or something similar). I was careful how I distributed the coupons and I did give them an expiration date. Boy was I busy giving $20 massages! And I decided NEVER again.

I did get new clients and those clients have sent me referrals, but the number of new clients that I got on my own via networking and word of mouth was about the same as with the coupon.

I don't advertise. I rely on word of mouth only. My practice is growing at the rate I want it to.

As an unrelated aside...
I just updated my cards since I have changed locations and emptied all my old cards out of my wallet. Sure enough, I am chatting with someone I hadn't seen in a long time and when she found out I was an MT she said she had been looking for someone to see on a regular basis. Of course I had no cards, so I took down her email address and sent her a link to my website. Lesson learned for me: When I am open to inviting new clients in, they find me. I don't know how it works, but it does!

So...
If I chose to offer a referral discount I would...

One free session for every five clients referred.
Free session coupon sent after five clients have paid.
Pick a time frame and stick to it! For instance, five clients in 3 months or whatever you think is reasonable. Perhaps five clients in one year.

The more I do this work, the more clear I am on "giving it away." I do hospice work and volunteer my services, but when I am working, I want to be paid. I do have a friends and family discount for the people who supported me while I was in school.

Just some random thoughts to think about.

Be Well!
LaLoba

 

[Pompal 09.]

When clients refer a new client to me, I always send them a thank you card with a coupon for a mini facial or pedi-spa treatment with their next massage. I only send this to them after the referred client came in for a paid session. (If I had a $ for everytime a client says, "I told my friend about you and, she is suppost to call you for an appointment, I'd be loaded!) I used to give monetary discounts, but I am trying to stay away from that. This only costs me a little extra time.

 

[rubblyjubbly]

Thanks for the great insite! I currently do chair at wellness events, but they are few and far between. I have 1 outcall, but that seems to be coming to an end since it is for an injury and she is getting better. I'm trying to do more outcalls (by refer only for safety) and possibly find a spot at my house because a friend down the street is an estitician at her home that could refer down to me. (just need to find a play for all these toys!)
What are your rates? (if it's not rude asking) What do you charge family? Friends? (since this may be a big part of your clientel)

 

[Gray Wanderer]

I've been mulling this over myself. How do I reward family and friends without giving it away.

I've decided on a couple of policies. Family - sisters, parents, nieces, nephews - 50% discount at my house. No deliveries. They bring the sheets.

Friends.... I still haven't decided on that one. Maybe $10 off and they provide the sheets?

 

[myportraitdrawing]

can you help with my "refer 1..get 1" promotio

I was thinking of giving my clients extra minutes for each referal, but am questioning what your policy is. Do you wait until AFTER the new referal has seen you?(before you honor it) I'm thinking this way you can eliminate those that may try to take advaneforum.xxxe by just having Jo Shmo call to schedule so they will get their x-tra min., but joe Shmo never shows up, and you have already given your 1st client their x-tra time. )sorry so confusing)

Any other ideas about referals for discount or extra time??? (I worked with a gal that gives 1hr free with EVERY referal. Another gives one free for every 3)

Hi,

I definitely would wait until after the new client comes in to give out any rewards.

It doesn't matter whether you give free upgrades, appointment discounts, or a small gift. You need to handle the referrals in a basic step by step method.

Here's an article on basic referral strategy that I wrote a while ago: http://www.helpyourpractice.com/massage_therapy_referrals.html

Best of luck,

Michael Humphreys

 

[IamTheBest]

I give $10 off to the referring client in the form of a pre printed card. They can use one, two or any amount up to the amount for a free massage.
The cards are not used for GC's. I have not had anyone ask....perhaps I should revise my policy sheet for clarity.

Robyn