Commissions

[KLJ08]

Hi all!  I just graduated from a 600 hour program last month  ;D and after a search for employers, I was hired at an upscale day spa here in MI (southeastern, royal oak) area, and it seems like a great place to work, however.....it is a 75/25 split, with me only getting 25% commission on any services, and their basic 60 minute Swedish massage is $80, which means I'll only get $20 of that.  That seems a bit on the low side, and I've heard from another company that this particular spa likes to hire people right out of school because they know that they'll work for less $$$.  I am also working part-time (very part-time) for a company that does outcalls and home visits, and also has a clinic, and they are paying $40/hour for the outcalls/home and after I've got the NCTMB title, it goes up to $50.  Also, I am supposed to start working on clients at the spa tomorrow but was told that I need more training, as my "flow" isn't "flowing" enough.  I am in desperate need of money right now, so I think I'm going to have to stay at the spa until I get back on my feet and the other place has some more work available.  Does anyone have any suggestions???

 

[Robert]

Sorry all, but another thing I'd like to add....at this spa, it states in their employee manual that their employees cannot work outside of the spa, i.e., if I wanted to keep my own clients, or market to get new ones, that's a no-no.... Is that even fair?   I have a few clients now who I charge $50-60 for a home visit (they're friends) who don't want to spend $80 at the spa....the more I think about it, the more I don't want to work there!!!  I've been out of school a month and am already at a crossroad!!!  What's that all about???

 

[Gumdrops &Lolipops]

Have you checked around with other spas Kentucky currently doesn't require a license, and my town is fairly large, there are probably around 30+ places to get a massage here.  I work at a little spa downtown, and the split is 50/50.  I do have some training, but they will hire people off the street and pay them the 50/50 split!  I would advise you to call other places.

 

[Jeff B]

The splits are going to be different all over the place.  Every spa has a different protocol on how they pay therapists.  The question is based on their flow of business, how much money will you actually make and is that enough for you for what you think your services are worth?  As for seeing private clients, how would they know.  If you don't tell them and see people privately that you've cultivated yourself, what's to stop you.  Many places do require that you sign a no-compete, but here as well, how would they know.  It's really based on the dollars and what you think your massage is worth.  If they are going to give you the twenty dollars plus a tip on that of let's say 12.00 (15%), that's 32.00 per massage.  Will you be doing at least 4 in a shift is $128.00 for the day.  You'll end up somewhere over $30,000/year plus what you make on your own.  Remember, they book the appointments, they pay for supplies, laundry, etc., you just have to show up and do the work.   I think that's the way to look at it, right out of school.  Will you make more on your own?  Are they offering any perks, discounts, health benefits, an hourly if you're not booked?  Maybe you can negotiate something more instead of just saying no from the get-go.  To focus on the fact that you think the split is too low, is like cutting your nose off to spite your face in some regards.  You have to exhaust all other avenues before making this decision.  Good luck in what you decide.  Joe E.  

 

[Harry P]

Well guess what?  I just got a message from the owner of the spa, who I massaged today, and apparently, I need to "practice practice practice" more, so they don't want me working there right now.  It's rather insulting, especially since no one else has ever complained about my massages....oh well, life has a way of working these things out!  

 

[the chubbster]

I would have been offended with her initial offer of 75/25 split.  I'm glad you're not going to be working there!

 

[Bad Ash]

I was insulted, but at the time, they're the only ones that called, so I had no choice, but in life, there are always choices!!!  I was thinking about making a bunch of 'appointments' for massages, but felt that would be a bit juvenile on my part  

 

[Mister Kai]

Commissions

rtamm,Don't retaliate. Just think of it as a well-timed blessing. Read over your previous posts & remember how doubtful & you felt & how unfair the splits seemed. Somehow, you got the opportunity to look at another avenue. try not to see it as a negative.I do have to say that $20 per therapy plus tips isn't bad for a start right out of school. Going into business for yourself right off the bat takes alot of guts, patience, and money saved (!) to get you through the lean 'building period'. It's well worth it if you're an absolute self-motivator. I figured (based on my yearly averages after doing my taxes a few months ago) that as a sole proprietor I make about $30 an hour, even though I charge $40-$95 per treatment, depending on the service , etc. Alot of time is absorbed in marketing, bookwork & laundry, etc. I love it, but you have to "pay" yourself for those hours too. So, you see, in a way.... to start off with busy days, making the wage that spa was to pay you isn't that bad a start.I agree with Joe about "who's to know?"Good luck with finding a new (and more rosy!) position. Let us know how you're doing out there, and congrats on your graduation & all!Jill/Sagetherapist