Health Expo

[Pompal 09.]

I have a health expo coming up in my area and jumped at the idea of getting a booth.
Now I'm not so sure what I should do at the trade show? Offer free massages and hand out information about what I do?
Has anyone been in a trade show before? What did you do? What do you suggest? I'm trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. My massage is geared towards prenatal women if that helps any.
Thank you!

 

[Larkin]

I haven't done any trade shows, but I have done a few health fairs.

I would suggest offering a seated massage. Even if you don't have a chair you can still do this if you have a chair that can be straddled, a table, and a pillow (some type of disposable covers). The postition is still appropriate for any who is pregnant.

In past threads it has also been suggested that you have a friend with you to help. If you aren't busy have them get massaged and that way you can keep attention on yourself. If it is a large event - balloons or something eyecatching to also bring attention to you.

I would also make up a display about you - your business - what you offer - costs, etc. Have brochures - business cards - raffel if you like - something for mailing list (or combine the raffel with your mailing list).

HTH! Good luck!

 

[James L]

you may want to check the corporate/chair forum. there are alot of great threads on there.

 

[Mommyhood is good]

Thank you both! Do you suggest that these be done free of charge? I don't think it would be right to charge, but I could be wrong.

 

[Lovelyn]

Thank you both! Do you suggest that these be done free of charge? I don't think it would be right to charge, but I could be wrong.

When doing the health fairs I did a quick 5 min. chair massage and it was at no charge. But I had no costs to pay associated with the fair.

 

[LD50]

Not Charging

I don't think it's right to charge for a 10-15 minute massage at an expo because it's loud, not the most relaxing atmosphere, etc.
Why do you think I should charge for it?
If so how much?
Have you had success doing it that way in the past?

 

[Angelhil]

IMO - You should charge something especially if you have costs you have to pay to be there. Recoup them.

Charging for 5-10 min. massage is not that much - I don't think anyone would be against it.

 

[tropical bubble]

Charging

I'm so torn.
I really don't know what to do.
I see the point both sides make for charging or not charging. It is costing quite a bit to be there. I was going to demo Thai Yoga Massage and since not too many people are familiar with it do you think they will actually pay for it?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Charging

I'm so torn.
I really don't know what to do.
I see the point both sides make for charging or not charging. It is costing quite a bit to be there. I was going to demo Thai Yoga Massage and since not too many people are familiar with it do you think they will actually pay for it?

I've discovered that I do much better when I charge. I do best when I charge full rate!! If you give your work away, attenders will believe your work has no value. They may take your info, but they will wait around until you give it away again, rather than booking appointments they have to pay for. If you want others to value your work, YOU must value your work.

Now, this is just my experience. Others have been very successful with the "give to get" plan, but I and others I know have tried it and it just goes nowhere fast. Maybe it is regional!

edited to add: Thai yoga is FASCINATING to watch, and I cannot imagine you having trouble getting people to pay to try it. One "trick" I have used with chair massage in event settings like that is to give away the FIRST massage, only. People like to SEE what I am doing, but as soon as they see it, they want to experience it. Nobody is going to be let down because of the non-relaxing environment. They know they are at an expo - they don't expect privacy, peacefulness and total relaxation. They want to know what is out there. You could put on QUITE the show and have lots of people paying to be a "demo body".

 

[Ninja]

Charging

I'm so torn.
I really don't know what to do.
I see the point both sides make for charging or not charging. It is costing quite a bit to be there. I was going to demo Thai Yoga Massage and since not too many people are familiar with it do you think they will actually pay for it?

What about as a compromise having a health expo half price special? This way you will have the possibility of recouping at least some if not all of your expenses and those receiving the massage will feel like they are getting a good deal, but at the same time will also appreciate the fact that your work has value.

One thing I have done before at health expos with some success is have a drawing for a free 1 hour session. What has happened a lot of times is that I end up getting a nice tip from the person who wins the free massage and then they end up booking more appointments at my regular rate.

 

[udaya k]

I've discovered that I do much better when I charge. I do best when I charge full rate!! If you give your work away, attenders will believe your work has no value. They may take your info, but they will wait around until you give it away again, rather than booking appointments they have to pay for. If you want others to value your work, YOU must value your work.

t045

 

[Randy B]

Good Advice

Good advice from all! Thank you so much for your expertise!

 

[vulcan]

Good Advice

Good advice from all! Thank you so much for your expertise!

Good luck with the Health Expo! Let us know how is turns out for you.