Hourly vs. Commission??

[Chris H]

Hello everyone. I was just wondering how many people work hourly or for commission.

I'm starting Massage school soon, and have been looking into the possible job opportunities that are out there. Most of them (salon, spa, ect.) pay commission. But I'm just worried that not a lot of them have enough clients to actually make something off of it.

Then I've seen some places (med spa's, chiro's, ect.) that pay hourly.


I was just wondering which one most of you do.

I'm not looking for a specific amount any of you make, I'm just wondering which one potentially has more clients and which one will I have more work at?? I don't want to be sitting around all day working commission, and not having any clients.


Oh and anyone from the Atlanta, GA region, any information you have would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance!!

Laura

 

[shouldatakenlaw]

Hi Peach,

I too am from the south.... Louisiana.. so maybe my income here would be somewhat close to what you may make. Currently, I own my own spa, and I work a part-time overnight job. In my spa, I make $60/hr for a basic swedish massage... but you've got to consider, I take in all the costs for sheets, lotions, rent, utilities, marketing, the list goes on and on. So when it comes down to it, depending upon expenses, I profit somewhat close to 50 or 60%.

I also worked at a women's fitness center when I was first licensed. All I had to do there was show up, massage, and clean up. They footed all the bills, cleaned the laundry, and booked for me.... I took 60% commission there (which is a VERY unlikely rate)

So, there are ups and downs.... I made good money working in the fitness center, but I aspired to own my own business. Is it what I want it to be? No, not yet... but I am sticking with it, and slowly but surely I'm coming right along with my clientele. I average about 10-12 clients a week right now, plus I work 30 hours at my part time job.

I hope this helps.

Happy posting.

 

[asian-hater >=)]

Thank you so much for that information. I was just worried about places hiring for a commission %age. But everywhere I've seen claimed to have many clients.

But thank you again for the information!!

Laura

 

[Wes]

I work for a company that pays a fixed rate depending on the length of the session. The place I'm at does about 300 massages/week, so I'm usually pretty busy and can count on a reasonable level of income. Of course, there are always extra hours available if I want to pick up some shifts for other therapists or during peak times.

I have never cared much what % I am getting paid, as the business has plenty of overhead besides what they pay me and it's a very good situation overall. The owner is an MT and the whole environment is therapist-friendly with a clear focus on doing the right thing for every client, not just what is the most profitable.

There are other places that have offered to pay more, but they simply don't compare... they talk about money and compensation, with little concern for professionalism, service quality, or addressing MT concerns constructively.

When job-hunting, consider what you want your clients to experience, and then see if you can find a place that will let you work that way. Money is not all... unless you choose to make it so.

 

[crazy candy]

Thank you JasonE. That was really helpful.