Discounted Rates for special groups

[Cameron aka Ashley]

I've been brainstorming again.Right now I offer a discounted "associates" rate ($15 off) to the property manager and the beauty professionals where I work, which they seem to really appreciate.  I'm considering extending it to others who probably couldn't afford a regular massage otherwise.Does anyone offer (or have you in the past) discounted rates for any of the following groups of people?  How has that worked out for you?- senior citizens- teachers- volunteer firefighters & EMT's- police officers- other massage therapists- other groups?Also, as a massage therapist, would you be more inclined to visit a therapist who offered a "professional courtesy" type discount to you?If I don't go with an everyday discount for the groups I end up choosing, I may instead do an "occupation of the month" discount.  Anybody tried this?

 

[alllllly]

I have offered a discount for seniors, but a couple of bad eggs have prevented me from ever doing it again.  Every time one fellow came in, he'd try to dicker me down sometime either during or right after the massage.  He once wanted me to give him a 90 minute massage for $35 (my regular price is $90)!  He thought if he eliminated the back and I just worked on his legs and feet for 90 minutes, that would be less work for me  :  :.  I had to inform him how much HARDER it was on my hands to do foot massage, and if I were doing an hour and a half of anything, I'd much prefer the back, since I could use fists, forearms, elbows, and an open hand, rather that contant finger pressure.  It was emotionally exausting, not to mention unneccessary, to play this game with him, since this man has a good cool million just sitting around, and no financial problems preventing him from paying even my regular price.

 

[KIWI TEE]

Michelle, I think it's great that you want to generate business to your practice but in your post you say you're considering extending a discount to those who probably couldn't afford it.  I wouldn't put myself in anyone's wallet if I were you.  You never know what anyone can or can't afford.  There are plenty of things I can't afford but I get them if and when I really want them.  Your client's can afford your services as well.  In the past, I would selectively recommend to certain clients to buy retail products at the end of our sessions because I thought they could easily afford them.  I was surprised to see who actually bought products once I started making the suggestion to all clients.  I got out of their wallets, assuming what they could or could not afford, and my sales went right up!I think the idea of a reward month for certain professions like firefighters and police is great but be sure to contact your local paper in advance of the special and see if you can get some free editorial advertising.  Good luck and enjoy, Joe E.

 

[Animal Lover For Life!]

I like the idea of offering a discount to professionals.  I have been doing massage for two years and still building my practice, so I am always looking for new ideas.September would be a good month for teachers.  I thought I would send a letter to the schools this next week and go in and talk to the office personnel as a follow up.  (I live in small community, only 4 schools).  I will offer !0.00 off to the teachers and office personnel for the whole month.  That way if you get them in a couple times at that price, maybe you'll get them hooked!I think you sometimes have to give a little to get a little, especially if you live in an area with two massage schools.  Lots of competion...you have to get them in the door.I like your idea about offering a discount to a specific group each month.  I don't know that I would want to offer the discount month in and month out to several specific groups of people.  It's kind of like do you want to make 50.00 an hour or 35.00.  

 

[satine]

I thought offering discounts was a good idea, and even tried it, along with offering free massage to firefighters and police.  Unfortunately, this has never turned out to be a good idea.  Often times the "discounted" individuals were not truly appreciative of what I had tried to do for them.  Late showings, no-shows, complaining, etc. seemed to be more of the norm with these folks, so I just don't do it anymore.  The fire and police never even showed up.  And that was after three months of offers.And, well, what I have found with massage is that it is better to have people pay for the service or go to someone else (who charges less as their professional regular fee).  I now keep information on places who are less expensive and offer this to the clients who are looking for a more cost-effective means for their pocketbook.  I have even had people decide to pay me what I ask, after offering them the less expensive referral they were asking about.  Something to consider is that while you are humping to make ends meet, the people who are coming to you for massage, probably are driving a nicer car than you and live in a nicer place than you.  What I suggest to anyone who wants to offer discounts: See what kind of vehicle you drive (and why), then see what your customers are driving.  After doing this, then and only then, decide if you should offer discounts.  It is a good way to make a realistic decision for your practice.Just a few thoughts.  

 

[vballchicka204]

How 'bout offering discounts to other massage therapists?  Who needs the work more than us!  

 

[Zamarus]

I like berkanas thought.  Other massage therapists would probably really like it!It would be a good way to give a little back to the community.  And you wouldn't have to worry about feeling like you had to "trade" with them.  I like trading, but at the same time, someone usually seems to get the short end of the stick on that one eventually.Here is another thought.  You could offer an extra 10 mins. on a session as a perk for the people you are wanting to give a discount to.  ie - "teacher week - if you are a teacher you'll get a 10 min. bonus on any area you choose".  Maybe something like that.  This way it doesn't crowd your schedule and you are still doing something nice?Here's another idea:  Consider donating your services to one of the Parkinson's groups in town.  These people need extra care and don't have a lot of monetary programs backing them, so they would probably really appreciate it.  You may even be able to locate an M.D. to do a study with regarding the benefits and how massage affects these individuals.  Try a local neurologist who writes papers and does research on a regular basis.  I am sure there are a few in Houston who do this sort of thing.