How much?

[CaptainFreon]

I was asked by a teacher I know about coming in and doing 10 min massages on the teachers at her school. She asked about price and I was'nt really sure what to tell her. I told her that I would get back to her. I was thinking $5 a person sounded pretty good. What do you guys think?

 

[momma merri]

I'd say $10 minimum for 10 minutes. Do you have a massage chair or one of those table topper things?

 

[Chloe J]

I agree $10 for 10 minutes.

 

[Dr. Tabas]

Well i have a chair i might be able to use from the salon that i work at but this is going to be just on my own. i'll have to ask if i can use it. I'll take my table if im not able to. but im sure they wont have a problem with me using it cuz im hoping it'll bring in some new business...god knows i need it! As for the price thing $10 does sound good. I have a tendency to sell myself short and not ask for what i actually deserve. But thanks for the imput.

 

[funny girl]

Well i have a chair i might be able to use from the salon that i work at but this is going to be just on my own. i'll have to ask if i can use it. I'll take my table if im not able to. but im sure they wont have a problem with me using it cuz im hoping it'll bring in some new business...god knows i need it! As for the price thing $10 does sound good. I have a tendency to sell myself short and not ask for what i actually deserve. But thanks for the imput.

What is the going rate for a chair massage in your area? After finding that out, realize that you are going to them....extra convenience is worth something, too. Just don't undercharge the going rate, or they perception will be that you are no good. Sales are okay if there is a good chance of high volume and you are in a *sale* atmosphere, but even then you want to make it clear this is a sale, and make clear what the usual rate is.

 

[TillieDillie]

I am really getting away from the $1.00 per minute thing. I guess its just became really clear to me lately that its just as much work to haul around a chair as a table. The last few jobs I have done have been quoted at $85.00 per hour when company paid and I held my breath on the other end of the phone the first time but they didn't even flinch. Go for $12.00 for 10 minutes. Bet you will get it no questions asked. Unless you happen to be in an area where prices are considerably lower. You have to look at what you are missing in your office if you are not there. And they don't need to know that you are not super swamped busy even if you are not. Because you will be eventually and you will feel resentful that you priced yourself to low if they call you back again and again at a low ball rate. (ok thats my inner stuff coming out!) Best of Luck

 

[WOAH its me!]

I've done this at my kids school and charged $1 per minute. The teachers were very happy to pay this price and wanted to book me for future dates. I bet if you charged more like seattlesunshine said - they would still be very happy with it.

Laura

 

[Old Folkie]

The last few jobs I have done have been quoted at $85.00 per hour when company paid and I held my breath on the other end of the phone the first time but they didn't even flinch. Go for $12.00 for 10 minutes. Bet you will get it no questions asked.

You would be amazed at how often individuals think something is way too expensive and Businesses think they are getting a deal.

Back when I wore a suit, the consulting firm I worked for

* Had a WEEKLY budget for snacks and sodas of $600 (less than 80 emps)
* Brought in catered lunch for everyone every Friday
* Took all employees and family (or Sig. O for the singles) to a 5 star resort for a 2 night retreat and gave a $150 recreation credit per adult

We are trying to work out a monthly visit to each of their 15 offices nationwide. One of the obstacles is that 3 of the offices currently have monthly visits at $1 per minute! Talk about missing the mark on pricing!

 

[BING]

well im not in a really high priced area of PA. Lets just say that daily we have horse and buggys drive past our salon haha. It seems as if our area if a little behind on the times and doesn't really realize the benefit of massage on a monthly basis or massage in general. I'll probly end up charging the $1 a min which will be a big help to me considering its been a really slow month at the salon. Thanks for all your help

 

[LilMissRainbow]

Lets just say that daily we have horse and buggys drive past our salon...

Off the topic, but a thread you may be interested in:
Amish Community



And a few comments you may also be interested in from Need advice on working out of home:

Hello fellow MTs!

I, for one, would like to encourage MTs (especially those who live in smaller towns) to give the home clinic a try. I have done so since I graduated and am thrilled with the results!

I live 30 minutes from Penn State University where there is a multitude of massage therapists! I boldly decided to "bloom where I was planted" and establish a home massage therapy business. It "took off" almost immediately. So many people were so relieved to find someone in their own "neck of the woods" instead of driving into town and fighting campus/football game traffic.

My clients love the homey environment (yes, we do intakes and afterward chats in my living room) and I am able to schedule so that clients rarely see other clients. I do have a lovely massage room and a client bathroom right across the hall which were simple to set up. (Other bedroom doors are closed.)

I have never had a complaint -- in fact, they often say they prefer the more private environment vs a waiting room and note that I never seem rushed. There is also a large population of Amish in my area (who are enthusastic advocates for massage!) and they really appreciate the fact that it is close to home, private, and that they can tie up their horses (and buggies!) to a hitching post.

Word quickly gets around in a small community -- and neighbors can easily stroll up for their sessions and enjoy nature on the way back (versus fighting traffic.) I would not trade it for anything!

I am working full-time in this situation, pay no rent, set my own schedule and simply stroll from my home office to my living room to receive clients as they come. I have never had any pushing of professional boundaries -- and, believe me, they all consider me a professional!

I will say that I went into this with a very confident attitude and determination! And I did everything possible to promote my services. It worked! Just to encourage others in similar situations . . .

Just my :2cents: from a different viewpoint!

Have a great week!

Sherry

Hey, Blissfulbalance . . . sorry about the problems you've been having especially with clients referred by the chiros . . . : as far as your home clinic.

I do have a couple of suggestions for what they are worth! First of all, your home situation sounds like a wonderful set-up for massage! From time to time I have had a few potential clients say, "You mean you work out of your home?" (sounding slightly dubious.) I reply that I have done so for years and have many faithful clients. I then add that they can come for a "Free consultation" taking 15-20 minutes and then decide if they want to stay for the 60 minute or 90 minute massage. This has never failed me!

When they arrive, we go over the health forms and discuss any problems they are having. They get to see my home, the environment and meet me personally. I have never had anyone leave with just the "free consultation." And most of them have become regular clients -- certainly worth a 15 minute -- or even 30 minute -- "free consultation." (By the way, this also works for those who have never had a massage or are slightly nervous about the prospect. Once that personal contact is made they are ready to try it!)

The other thing to think about is how many new clients you will need to afford the rental for your new space. Will those clients from the chiro make up for that? Or might you instead stay where you are and do a bit more promotion in other areas like local hair salons and other establishments?

One of my greatest forms of promotion is referrals from other clients. You obviously already have some satisfied clients coming to your home who ARE very comfortable there. I'm sure some of you might be aghast at this -- but I tell all my loyal clients that for everyone they refer (meaning those who do pay for the actual massage -- not a free consultation!) -- they will receive their next massage at half price.

It has worked wonders -- I now have entire families (and even neighborhoods in my area) who come regularly for massage. It is also the reason I have developed such a strong Amish clientele.

Again, just my :2cents:! Hope some of these suggestions might help!

Best to all! Sherry