Massage Envy

[kittyluvrs18]

Grrr. I just found out that there will be a Massage Envy opening up in my area soon. Like 5 miles away. I am NOT excited. I just started building my business, and I have a very wobbly clientel right now, and now this. One of my regulars even told me they are advertising in our movie theater!!!!!!
I know that the regulars I have will probablly stay, and hopefully will bring me more business by referals, but I am nervous. How do you other therapists deal with working in the same area as a ME?
What services do they offer? I visited the website and it looks like Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, and pre-natal. Do they do spa services too? What are their rates? The introductory rate is 39$, and it says it varries by location, but any info is better than none. What are their package deals? I'd like to know what I am up against.
Any info would be much appreciated!

 

[Carlie]

i wouldn't worry too much about them. (of course it's easier for me to say seeing as it's not me in your situation!) keep focused on what YOU offer that they can not. or that they will not. put special touches on your business and make your clients feel that there is no where else they would want to get their massage. don't let your clients or potential clients know that you are concerned about this place moving in.

 

[HEY LIBS]

I don't have a massage envy nearby, but I would see it as a bonus! I understand from what I've heard about them that they are "get em in get em out" type of service, probably with lower quality therapists (sorry to anyone who works there! I'm generalizing! I'm sure some are top notch, but not most)

So if they're advertising...that *might* be good. They are getting the word out about massage. Someone recently posted about how they were starting to get clients from OTHER people's ads.

I once gave a massage to someone who had only had massages at ME and she was gushing about how mine was the best massage she'd ever had. Well. yeah.

So it may tap some of the client base, but I don't think you have much to worry about. It may help you business by the education factor.

 

[jdwestbrook86]

Over a year ago we had a ME open up about 6 or so blocks from us. It has had almost no impact on our business. Sure, some of our clients went and tried them out.....they came right back. One was so stressed over the high pressure sales pitch to sign a contract that she said she had to go have a drink just to calm down.

Our only concern is that they might impact our GC sales slightly due to the fact that they have great signage and people who don't know anything about massage would probably be more apt to go there.

t102

But I really don't think we've been harmed at all by them.

Angie

 

[Suzy]

my only experience is really word of mouth.

but one person i know (lives in a different city) wanted to join ME, simply for the fact that he could get REGULAR body work, at a price that he could afford to go two or three times a month.

the thing that caused him to not join was automatic deductions from the bank account, but even more than that, they have some kind of structure where clients discount massages start after the payment is deducted, and he really felt he should be able to get massages at the discount price at any point in the month.

maybe that helps some... good luck, but i bet it will be more to your benefit than against.

 

[MayDay Parade (3]

We don't have a ME in our city (Appleton) but I heard that ME in another city in WI (Hudson) is not doing that great. My understanding is that ppl try it once and don't come back.
They were going to open a ME in Appleton so I initially panicked but I am not worried anymore.

 

[Murzy]

I have a Massage Envy both 3 minutes and 10 minutes from my home. I work out of my home (table) and do outcalls (table) in addition to my chair work. It doesn't bother me in the least. I have a couple of clients whose friends went to ME and tried to convince them to join.......as my prices are about $25 more. My clients refused........they're not leaving me. Besides they told me their friends weren't real impressed with the work by the ME therapist, but just went there cause it was cheap.

Think about it, do you really want that kind of client? I don't. I wouldn't stress over it........just keep doing your good work.

 

[stevejobs]

ME makes me cringe

Thanks for the reassurance guys! I appreciate the imput!
Anyone else out there had some experience with ME they would like to share?

 

[Jim Halpert]

I wouldn't worry Premo.

If you have the ability to deliver a great massage and can actually cover the majority of the body in an hour you are already 1000 times better than the therapist I saw at ME.

I went there as a client because I make it a point to research the competition when I can afford to by experiencing a session.

I got elbows applied at a 90 degree angle into my Unwarmed medial border of the scapula and in the hour massage (if that is what you want to call it) was applied to my back, the back of my legs and one forearm...

I wouldn't worry just keep delivering great work and concentrate on your own business and you will have nothing to worry about.

 

[Umbra]

I also have a ME close to me..no big deal..it seems people try it but only go cause its cheap..but it has not affected my practice I dont think..

 

[Hayley S]

We have ME and Relax Nation here and it doesn't seem to affect the independents much. You are fine dining, my friend, and they are fast food. Some people prefer fine dining, and others fast food. There's room at the table for all!

Happy New Yaear!

 

[NoNo]

You are fine dining, my friend, and they are fast food. Some people prefer fine dining, and others fast food. There's room at the table for all!

LOL I love that analogy! thanks for makin me smile!

 

[superlisa96]

As a therapist at Massage Envy, I can tell you that most of these people are right - some therapists are top notch, but not most. The best way to compete with an ME is probably to tell the client that you're going to give them TIME.

That's the big downfall of ME. Not necessarily the 50 minute sessions (a lot of spas do that too), but the fact that if I have a session scheduled at 1:00, I could also have one at 2:00, and 3:00. That means I HAVE to stop the session at 1:50 just so I'll have time for the client to get dressed, to change the sheets on the table, wash my hands and greet my next client. So yes, offer 60 minute sessions, but also book appointments far enough apart that you have time to sit down with the client and really talk to them so that they realize you've listened to what they want and need.