Let's just add one more

[Leahs mommy]

My husband called me this morning to tell me about a commerical he heard on the radio. "I think it's time to get out of the massage industry", he said. Why I asked. He had heard a commerical for the National Massage Club. Just like Massage Envy, they offer low rates and of course the "monthly membership" That's four different massage companies like this in AZ that I know of. When will it end? Where will it end? The rates get lower. Is there a point were it will stop? I'm fed up. The area I live in is mostly single income families who will go somewhere for a cheaper price, and care less about the quality they get.

Just needed to vent. t019

 

[mdigitale]

ugh. :evil:

 

[alcor69_69]

amyisms,,, that is such a shame..... hopefully people with real issues will still want to have a therapist that isn't comprimised by exhaustion.
It seems to help people appreciate their therapists more after they try one of those "assembly line" massages.
Hang in there. t056

 

[Nathalie K]

Once a client has a chance to compare ME or even some big-name spas massage services to an independent massage therapist, they often kick themselves in the glutes. For ME it's a kind of over-scheduling problem and some spas have precise protocols that need to be followed with each and every massage.

I don't think "WE" have any worries in the longrun.

 

[alphabetsoup2]

ME is growing rapidly in my area, but every time they open, our business picks up. MANY people try it, then come to our business with renewed appreciation for all the little things we do to make their experiences with us exceptional!

One client told us it's like McDonald's vs a top-rated steak house... there's more of'em, but that doesn't mean they're better!

 

[Reflectives]

I wasn't saying that I was having a problem with keeping the clients I have, I work in a health club and am also a Group Fit. instructor, My schdule is 95% booked each week with my regulars, but I feel for my therapsits who are still building and clients keep wanting to know when we are running a special.

I getting sick of these "massage clubs" coming in and make promises that they just can't hold up to. I have serious Ethical issues with them.

 

[Christina]

I getting sick of these "massage clubs" coming in and make promises that they just can't hold up to. I have serious Ethical issues with them.

What promises are they making, other than absurdly cheap services?

 

[Monique]

An hour massage in their advertising, but actually only 50 min. You have no idea how many people comment that they got sorted out of 10 min. Must read the very small print.

Contracts you can't get out of.

Promise their theapists $$$ but actually is only $, because you can't count on getting tipped and not everyone is a sales person to sell their clients the monthly membership.

 

[LennyG]

An hour massage in their advertising, but actually only 50 min. You have no idea how many people comment that they got sorted out of 10 min. Must read the very small print.

Contracts you can't get out of.

If its in the fine print and in the contract, then they really aren't hiding anything from any one.

Promise their theapists $$$ but actually is only $, because you can't count on getting tipped and not everyone is a sales person to sell their clients the monthly membership.

Caveat Emptor.

Sounds like the same problem most massage school students face when they graduate. Were sold the dream of $70 per hour and independence and the reality is far from it.

 

[Fex]

A Massage Envy franchise rep told me they compete on "price and convenience" - basically that they are cheaper and can be found all over the map. That's the sum and substance of their business model. It works, and they won't be going out of business, but it also creates opportunities for the rest of us.