Confused! What would you do?

[old doughboy]

I have a decision to make and it's driving me up the wall...must decide between two places Situation #1- Cute, cozy little day spa in old house in central downtown location with very cool owner who really needs my help in moving her business. She has retail shop, and offers facials, massage, and nails. I've worked for her as an on call 50/50 split for a few months. However, she doesn't have a lot of clients right now, she is still building and there is a lot of competition in town . She has asked me to come and work for her for  250-300 a week even if there are no clients. (help with marketing, etc) i really like her, i just dont know how long this will last being that there are so many places around!OR Take an offer in already established hair salon/turned spa (in a part of the city with LESS spa )offering a 40-50% split, paying for some CEU's, (aveda products) i'd do my own marketing and only get paid per client.i'd be the only therapist..but the owner expects me to sign a noncompete. understandable, but i'm a bit weary of signing these since this business is always changing, it can bottom out at any time....But i feel that when you have a product line such as aveda this can help bring in your clients...anyone have any advice??

 

[mama woof]

Confused! What would you do?

IMO DO NOT go with the non-compete clause as you may be signing away your livelihood should anything unforeseen happen.As for the #1, there seems to be a lot more flexibility and could offer a number of benefits, especially you can go into some kind of business arragement/agreement where you're able to bring in more MTs in order to make it feel more 'spa-ish'. Good luck.

 

[ladyofGod]

As I read your post, I initally had some hesitations re: situation #1... but as Gaspen noted, I also want to add my two-cents by suggesting you stay away from the biz asking you to sign a non-compete.  I will say I understand why they want you to sign one, but at the same time, does it stipulate how LONG the "clause" will be in effect?  My husband used to work in radio and TV, and his contracts almost always included a non-compete clause - it's pretty standard for that industry.  But once, when he left a position before his contract had expired, they tried to hold him to the non-compete...even though he was moving almost 200 miles away and would be no where NEAR the station's area.  I.e., there was no chance he'd be working for a "competitor."  Fortunately, he was able to get out of it...but you might not be so lucky should you choose to leave that job to go somewhere else.  Again, just something to think about.I'll add one last bit of advice: If you do go on board with the business in your first scenario, make sure you sit down with the woman who's "hiring" you and be sure you're both on the same page when it comes to the marketing work you'll be helping with.  I can tell you from experience (I'm going through it right now, in fact!!) that trying to do two jobs can cause a real strain on you...and on your business relationship with your employer.  I am working as an LMT AND as the PR/Marketing Director for a local chiropractic office.  It's only been two months, but I'm already starting to think I may have to cut the PR/MKT.  I thought it would be a good chance for me to keep up my skills and proficiency in this area (in my "previous life," before becoming an LMT, I worked in Marketing and did writing, editing, and graphic design)...but it's simply become more of a burden than anything else.So if you DO agree to help with marketing, make sure your job responsibilities (and hours) are CLEARY set.Good luck!  

 

[P6590]

I agree option number 1 sounds better. Although I would want to know how it would work when you saw clients.  Would you keep the money or do a split.  It also sounds like you have room for advance ment there as well.

 

[pureinsomniac]

Confused! What would you do?

Just your description of #1 sounds like you know you might like it better.

Cute, cozy little day spa in old house in central downtown location with very cool owner who really needs my help in moving her business.

I agree with what everyone else has to say about the non-compete clause.  You never know where you will be in the future.I also agree with CBezuskoLMT about doing both jobs.  I have also done this before and it was difficult to balance both jobs.  I did enjoy the variety though, much like I get now being self-employed.  It is all about what you can handle.  But I would definetly discuss things with the owner first.  

 

[COOL FOR CATS]

Confused! What would you do?

I would say go with the one your heart is telling you to go with. I think you already know which you will be happy with in the long run :}

 

[crazy bug <3]

I think the cut cozy spa is a good choice with Breathe's compensation agreement.  This is good for the spa owner because there is incentive for you to build your business.  If you are getting $300 a week whether you have clients or not, what is your incentive to work hard?  You both win with Breathe's suggested formula.I agree with everyone else......stay away from the non-compete.

 

[Kat...tis I look closer]

Confused! What would you do?

I too would vote for sit. #1Another option to throw out there... some form of partnerhip or profit sharing?Just a thought.Kirsten

 

[Billie]

 As stated before, some states non-competes are illegal.  Contact a lawyer before signing.  For example, in Oregon they are enforced, yet in California they can't be enforced legally.    My sister worked for an Aveda spa and the only problem was they expected her to only use Aveda products and she also had to promote and sell Aveda.  Working both places part time can be interesting.  I did that at two different places and within 8 months had the clientele to open my own business, which is thriving now.  Make sure to ALWAYS have a contract so there will be no confusions later as you can imagine could happen by reading other posts on this site.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Confused! What would you do?

Some non-competes really aren't that bad. Just make sure you read it carefully and if the request isn't too bad, go ahead and sign. I just signed one for a chair massage company, it basically just says that if I do a chair gig for them, I cannot do a chair gig with that company for a year if it doesn't go through the chair massage company. That's not too much to ask, IMO. I wouldn't sign one that says I cannot work within a 100 mile radius of the building or anything, that's just rediculous, but depending on the request, it may not be so bad.

 

[bushisajerk]

Confused! What would you do?

Just remember that you are in the drivers seat. you get to choose where you'll be happiest. If you make a decision that you regret, you can change it! Go with your heart, but enter with good business sense. One BIG lesson that I have learned is to plan for the end when you enter into an agreement. Both parties know exactly how/what/etc you can both move on.Good luck!Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Juuls]

Thanks so much for all of your help..I know this site has been a help because many of you have been in this same situation. We all know that in some places the spa industry can be difficult. I have been in practice with some hell on earth people that were masked as angels. This is why I am so cautious about where i go. I've thought about working in both locations since they are on two opposite ends of town, but the woman asking me to sign the non compete feels that it is a conflict of interest for me to be employed at any other spa while working there. She has been open for a few years as a hair salon, but now that she is offering massage I'd have to get busy marketing to bring in clients for massage. The non compete is not that bad- (cant work for aveda for 1 yr afterward, take clients or talk w/ employyees afterward) its just the fact that I cannot work anywhere else. (not good when its slooow and I have bills to pay Also, my best friend (who is very new to the industry) is doing facials there and is kinda upset that I dont like the stipulations included, but we all have to do what is best.AS for the other place- this is where my heart is because it is a unique place. The owner has made it very comfortable- its 2 treatment rooms, a shop full of  fun gifts, and even a quiet little terrace for clients to sit in a swing and drink tea. She is starting to get a lot of clients thru spa finder- (highly reccomended for your business). There is a lot of potential for this place and for the other but I just like this atmosphere a so much better, its very peaceful and clients love it.