Mobile Massage

[Kalaz]

What should I be aware of when going to my first client's home as a mobile massage therapist? I have a private practice in another location and I am trying to build a business in another location and have advertised as a mobile massage therapist.

I am a little nervous about doing this - my first "client" contacted me and I am going to meet him this weekend to arrange a convenient time for me to go to his home for the massage.

Thanks for your anticipated input.

 

[MangleZauSa]

bring table, lube, linen, music.
follow good safety rules.
make sure you can see the clock if you don't bring one.
don't allow client to lollygag about. some folks don't think that you actually have another appointment afterwards.
go in, set up, go wash in the restroom, do the massage, wash again, pack up and go.
pass out your card, menu, website.
smile no matter what happens.
turn your cell to vibrate.
i strongly reccommend a table cart.

ps. happy trails

 

[jennifer L]

Hi Healer

Is this client a new client, or are you familiar with them?

If this client is someone you don't know or trust, my personal strong suggestion is to have them come see you at your office first, if possible. Typically-thought-of dangers aside (assault, etc), you're venturing into an unknown environment where which you don't have the upper hand. There are other situations we never think could happen. Somewhere on this board I told the story of my friend who went to a lady's house, could never get enough pressure on her, she ended the massage, and paid him HALF of what the normal fee was. So there are some kooks out there, even if the problems aren't sex-centered, like we commonly think of.

But, that aside, there are lots of things you should consider when doing outcalls. Traffic, parking, first-or-second-story, enough space (what clients think is enough space and what you actually need may be 2 totally different things!), smoking (if you're allergic or don't want the odor on your person or your equipment/supplies), safety concerns (all kinds), barking dogs, needy children, breakable items, too much light (or too little light), the extra carrying, wear and tear on your vehicle, gas expenses, etc.

Please do consider the sheer amount of extra TIME that outcalls take. Don't schedule multiple outcalls in one day until you've done a few and you know how much time they take. I know that to get practically anywhere in my metro takes anywhere from 20-35 mins, and that's NOT in traffic. For every hour I spend massaging someone, it takes 2-2.5 hrs out of my schedule, and that's 2 to 2.5 hours that I can't see clients back-to-back in my home. So PLEASE compensate yourself for this. Massage Therapy is healthcare. Massage Therapy in a client's home (mobility conditions notwithstanding) is a LUXURY. Don't sell yourself short. Those who value the extra service and convenience will pay for it, and those who won't, shouldn't get it, IMO.

Let someone know where you're going. Someone mentioned that she MapQuest each address, prints it out, and leaves it for her husband. Others call home or a friend to check in both before and after the massage. Never underestimate the possibilities.

That said, outcalls can be a lot of fun, ks they can offer a new environment every time. Many ppl enjoy them. Many others find them a pain in the neck. They can be very profitable, too. It's all about playing it smart, valuing your services appropriately, and giving an awesome service.

Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[Zubayr]

Thanks for the replies.

My gut is telling me not to go, for all the hassle involved, not to mention the possible unpleasant situation I could be entering.

This is someone I have never met - I don't know him from Adam. I am trying to expand my business in this area and I don't have office space, and I don't want to work out of my home either.

I contacted a friend of mine who knows an MT with an office in the location I am trying to build a business in. I think I want to contact her or someone else with an office to see if I could use their space as needed, and pay a perceneforum.xxxe or something. I don't want to get into renting yet since I have no clients.

I think I would have no problem going to a regular client's home, once I felt comfortable with them, but this for me is a scary situation so I am not going to see this person at his home. Hopefully I can find something soon.

Thanks for "hearing it" - somehow it makes it all more real!

Thanks again.

 

[NotInsaneINC]

I NEVER see clients on an outcall basis unless I have already treated them in my home studio. Call me paranoid, but there are too many things that can go wrong and a lot of money to be left behind if you should have to run for your life.... I am talking about the table and equipment you may have had the chance to set up....

When I get asked about outcalls I tell them the first visit is ALWAYS at my location. Then if I feel comfortable enough, I tell them I am available for outcalls billed at a slightly higher rate, of course.

Most of the time clients have no problem. Those that do are calling from quite a distance away and I really don't want to travel that far anyway.

As everyone here states, GO WITH YOUR GUT! Your life and safety are worth WAY more than the price of an outcall....no matter how slow your practice may be at the time......

 

[hockeyking_21]

some people aren't built to do housecalls.
but if you can't, you can't.
don't beat yourself up for it.

i see people all the time that i've never met. i'm in a tourist community.
if i didn't go and do these calls, i'd be broke and i'd have no business.

 

[DukeofDixie]

mush -

I admire the fact that you can do outcalls with no problem - I guess you have to feel confident that you can handle any situation, plus the physical part of setting up, breaking down, driving, etc.

I have been making phone calls to therapists and spas in the area explaining that I'd like to rent space on an as-needed basis, and so far the response has been good. There is a possibility that I may "fill in" for mt's on vacation or when they get busy. A good thing.

Thanks for helping me sort things out.

 

[Georgina.]

Once I'm licensed, I'm planning on going based on personal referrals only in terms of outcalls.. start working on my friends and such and branch out from there.

Awesome tips, guys!! Jyoti - I hadn't even thought of the smoking issue. I don't mind if people smoke, but a closed area with cigarette smoke for me is an asthma attack waitin to happen... and I wouldn't want smoke to permeate my equipment. ooo.

Healer, best o' luck in your endeavors. go w/yo' gut!

 

[irishscott99]

there was a time i wouldn't do housecalls.
i was robbed at gunpoint by two men with masks.
it had nothing to do with massage.
i was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
and right after that, i got a new masage job in a day spa in ft. lauderdale. they asked me if i was interested in house-call work.
nah, i'll pass. thanks anyway, i said.

it took 6 months for me to go out again.

you gotta do what you gotta do.... for your own sanity.

 

[AutumnWynd777]

Hi y'all

A referral-only basis is often MUCH safer than doing outcalls for those you don't know at all. While it's not a guarantee, it very much lowers your chances of having a bad experience.

But, I just wanted to add...about my friend who got "duped" on the kooky lady with the pressure issues...she WAS actually a referral from another (good!) client of his! That's what shocked me the most about his experience. It does go to show that you never can be too careful! I used to offer outcalls on a "either I'm familiar with you already OR you're a referral from I'm familiar with" basis, but I changed that policy--now EVERYONE has to see me at my studio first

Best of luck to y'all with the outcalls They CAN be really fun!
Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[Pompal 09.]

IF and when you do take the housecall....make a cell phone call IN FRONT of your client. Even if you only call your voice,mail....call and let someone know(with them listening) where you are, and that you are expected to be done at such and such time.
That way, the client knows that someone else knows where you are.

Robyn

 

[Midnight Rider]

Really good tip, Robyn!

 

[F. Ken Angry]

PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR GUT IF IT TELLING YOU NOT TO GO ON THIS PARTICULAR OUTCALL!!! Your instinct will stand you in good stead an keep you out of situations that are potentially dangerous for a multitude of reasons.

The many other suggestions in this thread are just fantastic and wonderful. Good luck with your new venture.
J

 

[Ladyhawke]

Really good tip, Robyn!

Thanks but cannot take the credit for that one.....

Robyn