New and looking to practice!

[Blushblondeyyc]

I'm looking to build my personal (ie not at a spa/salon) clientele - is this something that would be of interest at all? I work fulltime in a different career but am looking to do this casually on the side and I assume most businesses would require more hours than I can fulfill.

Has anyone gone to a private/independent masseur before? Why would you or why would you steer clear? What services are you looking for in particular and what price points? What is currently lacking in the market?

I have to note, in my research of the different spas - I do NOT fit the mold; I am in my late 20's, caucasian, blonde, curvy, etc. Most businesses seem to be catered to opposite.

Any insight is helpful!

 

[Albertaman]

Here are some quick points to mull over, and if interested can provide more information in the future.

- plan it as if you were setting up as a long term source of recurring income, as opposed to a get rich quick scheme;
- build clientele slowly, so you actually know what your personal limits are, in services and time availability;
- decide if you want mass market clients, or if you like clients of a specific type. Personal care businesses work best when you actually enjoy time spent with your clients, not just receiving the funds;
- honestly assess your massage skills, and advertise accordingly. Lots of poor masseuses marketing themselves as experts. Mostly they have no returning clients, so all the effort is in bringing in first time clients;
- create a space that is truly relaxing. No disturbances, cell phones ringing, texting etc during sessions;
- manage your appointments in advance, re-confirm same morning, and de-list clients who are no shows; ok, once in a while, honest problems do arise;
- book time for yourself between appointments;
- no cats;
- if you can provide a super clean shower area, perfect;
- otherwise, at least get a towel steamer, so clients can get a proper wipe down before and after;
- nice smelling, clean space for massage with adequate hangers to hang up clothes; Clean spaces, clean linen, clean towels, healthy-fresh masseuse draws clean and healthy clients over time;
- calm lighting, calm music, no rush experience;
- provide great massages, pay attention to each client, especially non verbal cues;
- on the subject of extras, you've got to know yourself first. For a low volume masseuse you can determine this on the basis of individual chemistry, as if each client were a unique friend, with no formal menus; the problem is that there are too many idiots today who don't follow the YMMV rule and post unnecessary information, and ruin it for themselves and others.... can discuss this further if you wish;
- the subject of seeking business licenses versus doing it quietly with low volume is another subject requiring more discussion;
- repeating clients, especially the ones that you truly enjoy is the ultimate sign of success in this business .

I could go on and on ... on this subject, but hope these pointers are helpful.

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bullet]

[QUOTE="Siennasunshine, post: 1229332, member: 73570"

Has anyone gone to a private/independent masseur before? Why would you or why would you steer clear? What services are you looking for in particular and what price points? What is currently lacking in the market?

I have to note, in my research of the different spas - I do NOT fit the mold; I am in my late 20's, caucasian, blonde, curvy, etc. Most businesses seem to be catered to opposite.

Any insight is helpful![/QUOTE]


just my 2 cents
I prefer the private/independent masseur. So I would definitely do NOT Stay Clear . Mainly because of the quiet environment.
" I am in my late 20's, Caucasian, blonde, curvy, etc. Nothing wrong with that for me anyway . .
My No 1 priority and I will keep returning. It mist be a GOOD MASSAGE

 

[Deep tissue]

Great advice albertaman, I might also suggest that siennasunshine read the many posts here, reviewers often express what worked well for them and what made them move on to others. You don't even need to read between the lines.

I would also suggest you consider if you want to be reviewed or not, if not tell your clients ..please do not review me, most will respect that. If you want reviews then tell them that...we will do one.

I wish you the best in your endeavour, perhaps we will meet one day and never know it.

Best wishes

 

[Blushblondeyyc]

Here are some quick points to mull over, and if interested can provide more information in the future.

- plan it as if you were setting up as a long term source of recurring income, as opposed to a get rich quick scheme;
- build clientele slowly, so you actually know what your personal limits are, in services and time availability;
- decide if you want mass market clients, or if you like clients of a specific type. Personal care businesses work best when you actually enjoy time spent with your clients, not just receiving the funds;
- honestly assess your massage skills, and advertise accordingly. Lots of poor masseuses marketing themselves as experts. Mostly they have no returning clients, so all the effort is in bringing in first time clients;
- create a space that is truly relaxing. No disturbances, cell phones ringing, texting etc during sessions;
- manage your appointments in advance, re-confirm same morning, and de-list clients who are no shows; ok, once in a while, honest problems do arise;
- book time for yourself between appointments;
- no cats;
- if you can provide a super clean shower area, perfect;
- otherwise, at least get a towel steamer, so clients can get a proper wipe down before and after;
- nice smelling, clean space for massage with adequate hangers to hang up clothes; Clean spaces, clean linen, clean towels, healthy-fresh masseuse draws clean and healthy clients over time;
- calm lighting, calm music, no rush experience;
- provide great massages, pay attention to each client, especially non verbal cues;
- on the subject of extras, you've got to know yourself first. For a low volume masseuse you can determine this on the basis of individual chemistry, as if each client were a unique friend, with no formal menus; the problem is that there are too many idiots today who don't follow the YMMV rule and post unnecessary information, and ruin it for themselves and others.... can discuss this further if you wish;
- the subject of seeking business licenses versus doing it quietly with low volume is another subject requiring more discussion;
- repeating clients, especially the ones that you truly enjoy is the ultimate sign of success in this business .

I could go on and on ... on this subject, but hope these pointers are helpful.

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you! So helpful.

 

[Blushblondeyyc]

Great advice albertaman, I might also suggest that siennasunshine read the many posts here, reviewers often express what worked well for them and what made them move on to others. You don't even need to read between the lines.

I would also suggest you consider if you want to be reviewed or not, if not tell your clients ..please do not review me, most will respect that. If you want reviews then tell them that...we will do one.

I wish you the best in your endeavour, perhaps we will meet one day and never know it.

Best wishes

Great tips, thank you.

 

[Blushblondeyyc]

[QUOTE="Siennasunshine, post: 1229332, member: 73570"

Has anyone gone to a private/independent masseur before? Why would you or why would you steer clear? What services are you looking for in particular and what price points? What is currently lacking in the market?

I have to note, in my research of the different spas - I do NOT fit the mold; I am in my late 20's, caucasian, blonde, curvy, etc. Most businesses seem to be catered to opposite.

Any insight is helpful!

just my 2 cents
I prefer the private/independent masseur. So I would definitely do NOT Stay Clear . Mainly because of the quiet environment.
" I am in my late 20's, Caucasian, blonde, curvy, etc. Nothing wrong with that for me anyway . .
My No 1 priority and I will keep returning. It mist be a GOOD MASSAGE[/QUOTE]
Thank you! What in your opinion, takes a mediocre massage to a Good/Great one?