Gas Prices

[MGSA]

Has anyone raised their hourly rates to coincide with the current arm and a leg prices of gas ?

 

[Kkbetch]

I was just thinking today how glad I am I never got into going to peoples homes to do massages, I work at a clinic in town.  I would consider raising my rates if I had to travel more, especially the longer this gas crunch goes on.Mary

 

[Marissalynn]

Since I work in my own office the increase doesn't really effect my expenses.  Its about a mile to my office.  Allows me to walk, bike or drive depending on the day and my mood.On the reverse:  Would you consider discounting some to your clients that make a longer drive just to see you instead of others who are closer?

 

[Foxy Lady Wanna bite ?]

I lowered my prices, but mostly because I am in a summer slump, not due to gas prices.  However, I did make a funny post card, though... it has a cartoon of a guy loitering on a corner with a sign that says, "Wife and 2 cars to feed", and on the back, I typed, "Don't let the rising cost of gas get between you and your good health!"; under that, in a bright red font, I typed, " We'll take the pressure off your wallet:  Take $10 off a one hour massage, or $15 off a 90 minute massage.  Expires: _______.".I think my clients would come in regardless if gas prices were a concern.  I might have raised my fees by $5 a massage if I did outcalls, though, but I can walk to my office from home if I needed to.

 

[priv828]

Would this be based on the driving for outcall service, or just overall yearly automobile expenses?  In either case, I would think general inflation would have a higher impact on what you charge than gas alone.  For example, suppose you drive 25 miles one-way to a client, and get 25 mpg, and gas prices rose $.50/gal - you would be spending a whopping $1 more per trip.  Jim

 

[S T]

Gas Prices

I might have raised my fees by $5 a massage if I did outcalls, though,(Quote from JimR>>>Would this be based on the driving for outcall service, or just overall yearly automobile expenses?   In either case, I would think general inflation would have a higher impact on what you charge than gas alone.

 

[Syndicate]

Gas Prices

Sorry, zen, the question was meant for the original poster, not your reply.  I should have included the quote to make it clear.

Jim

I might have raised my fees by $5 a massage if I did outcalls, though,

(Quote from JimR

>>>Would this be based on the driving for outcall service, or just overall yearly automobile expenses?  

In either case, I would think general inflation would have a higher impact on what you charge than gas alone.

 

[Desi Chef]

Since I only do house calls right now, I have thought about raising my rates but at this point, I'm having trouble finding clients who are willing to pay only $70/hour for a house call!!! (Average massage price here is about $70/hour, in office and people typically say they charge $20 more to go to a house) but when I get a call from someone who lives 30 minutes or more away from me, I tell them the price and tell them that because of the distance I will have to charge them extra for a house call because of the distance, but then say "if you have someone else that would like a massage, I can do them right after you for the same price".  That way, they're getting the regular rate and they've introduced someone else to my services!  I just paid 1.87 today for gas, it was 1.89 and just my luck, it'll be 1.75 on Wednesday or something.

 

[Harold]

No, I haven't raised prices for massage for any clients within city limits. The price around here for an hour massage is generally around $50, and the locals won't pay more than that for outcall service.  The regular gasoline price was reduced this past weekend to $1.99 per gallon, down about 10 cents.Every little bit helps.