Handling phone calls

[Bookworm]

How do you handle phone calls from potential customers? I just got a call and the gentleman asked what kind of massage I did, deep tissue, etc. And I said that I primarily do deep tissue, I also do hot stone massage and general relaxation, and then he asked me if I did full body massage, and I said "well yes, I do the back, neck, arms, legs..." and he said "well then that's not full body...I'm looking for a legit place and everywhere I've called they aren't legit" and I said "no, I'm as legit as they come". He said he'd call back next week (I don't have anything until next week).

My question though...how do you answer these kinds of questions and how do you tell people that you are not doing any "extras" without coming right out and saying that? I want people to know that if they come to see me, they are just getting a massage, but I don't want to have to say right off the bat "this is a non-sexual, legitimate place of business", but maybe I'll have to?

 

[Pompal 09.]

:iagree:

 

[Pompal 09.]

Handling phone calls

My question though...how do you answer these kinds of questions and how do you tell people that you are not doing any "extras" without coming right out and saying that? I want people to know that if they come to see me, they are just getting a massage, but I don't want to have to say right off the bat "this is a non-sexual, legitimate place of business", but maybe I'll have to?

Like Pete says, the minute they say something like "that's not full body" you ask what they mean by full body, if you can cope with the answer, it's just that soemtimes you might feel more iccky about the conversation when they go into details.
I think once your gut goes "watch this one" the quickest way is to just come out with something like "this is a non-sexual therapeutic massage clinic staffed by health care providers", it doesn't matter if it is a home office with you as the sole therapist or if it is a 10 room wellness centre. It's difficult to keep up with what "code" words are used by more than a massage businesses - "legit" might be one now, just put it in your words so you know what you are saying, don't use their language. Most male callers will be aware of the common perception that a massage is really more than a massage and won't be offended. If they just ring up and don't bother with any quizzing about draping/full body/other dubious topics there is no need to come out with the "this is a ....." speech. Most females think of massage as pampering and you don't need the speech for them.

I always think it's hilarious when you say you've nothing available for a week or 2 weeks or 3 weeks or whatever, they say they will call back then, I think to myself "no, you'll get an appointment then if you book now, not that my schedule will stay clear after that date to be able to fit you in straight away".

And of course if they are nice and up front about "do you do sensual/tantric massage" you just have to say "sorry, we don't do that here, and we can't recommend anyone for that type of service. Good bye".

 

[FinalusTestarios]

I agree with the others. I would ask the callers to clarify, then tell them what you do or do not do.

Once I had a person call on a weekend pretty late. I said I wasn't available and he asked if I knew anyone that would be. I said "for a massage?" it could have been taken as "who would want a massage this late?" or "is that what you really want?" and the caller said, "well actually I'm looking for some company" so then it was out in the open and I could deal with it. I asked him why he called an MT if he wanted company, I suggested to call an escort service, but I did not know of any in my town to refer him to.

Another time I got a call from a person wanting to get a GC for her daughter. She wanted to know about my body treatments and it took several questions from me to understand that she thought I was a spa and she could buy her daughter a full day of treatments, which is not what I am or what I offer. So we cleared that up and she did not buy a GC from me since I didn't offer what she was looking for.

Either way, just ask questions until you understand what they want, then you can deal with it.

 

[hamsmeseRop]

otoh, i've had many a businessman, who is seriously looking for a legit massage in his travels from city to city, who ended up with a non-professionals because he is not savvy to local laws or shady advertisements. sometimes they're not using the right terms, or come off as overly cautious. to these guys, a sensual/sexual massage is not what he wants.

the best bet is try to be direct and non-judgemental if you're not sure where he is coming from. i definitely would have asked this guy what a 'full-body' meant to him.