special rates for special cases?

[Johnson]

Where to start......I have a new client who has many health problems including, but not limited to:  fibromyalgia, lyme disease, chronic muscular-skeletal problems, adrenal exhaustion, TMJ, chronic fatigue, and ringing in her head/ears.  She really wants to get on a schedule but finances are a problem.  I really want to help her out and am willing to work something out with her.  I'm just not sure how far I'm willing to go.Does anyone ever work with a client on a discounted basis due to financial stress?  And if so, how do you determine what is a reasonable rate?Thanks!Jen

 

[Fingertoes]

I have a client with FM, TMJ, hip pain, constant headaches.  Since she is a steady repeat client, she buys a pkg of 8 30 min massages, and saves 20%.   Her finances are limited, too, so this works.  I think it depends on how you connect with the person, whether you will resent being short the money, how hard you work on the person.  I don't work hard on Nancy, and I have a great rapport with her.  Mick

 

[Naughty Baby]

Just a thought:  I work with a FMS and rheumatoid arthritis client who is a teacher.  She really needs weekly massage but can only afford it monthly.  We have a bartering system where she tutors my 8 yr old for 2 hours a week in exchange for 1 1/2 hour massage session weekly.  This has worked out beautifully.  Could you explore a bartering arrangement with this client?  I trade massage for optometry services, hair cuts, pedicures, and merchandise from a local outlet store.  

 

[Mohammad Javad Fadaee]

I have a few clients that I give a discounted rate to.  I usually will not take off more than $10 off a session, and ask them to agree to come at least once a month, so that they don't wait 3 months and still think that they get the discounted rate.  Hope that makes sense and helps.

 

[ChicJellyfishmisfits]

I have one I discount if she prepays for at least 3 at a time.  Car accident victim and after 2 years of seeing different chiros, docs, and PTs and still lived in constant pain.  She was scheduled for surgery on both knees and back.  In a few sessions they cancelled all the surgeries and pain meds.  Now that she is pain free, she sees me for routine maintenance care and sends me referrals.  

 

[jaiwithsoni]

I also offer a package deal that comes out to $10 off per hour massage ($5 off per 1/2 hour).  If I have a client that is struggling particularly hard financially, I'll offer my "package rate" to them on an indiviual massage basis.One thing I've noticed with clients that come with a myriad of health issues and financial limitations is that they cancel or no-show a lot, and they tend to have plenty of excuses.  I'm a sucker for hardship cases because I've always struggled with finances, but usually I end up losing more money than I would've gained by having them as a client because they don't respect my time.I hate to generalize, and I realize that everyone isn't that way, but now that whole situation sends up red flags about compromising my prices.Katykangaroo

 

[Chad_1_1]

special rates for special cases?

Mamajen, I would like to suggest you check out the posts on the sliding scale thread of the business and marketing section.  It might give you some more thoughts on the matter.

Sliding Scale
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=959

 

[Ham and Cucumber]

Thanks all,I think I'll probably offer her a discount on a preset number of sessions and if she doesn't hold up her end of the bargain it becomes null.  I, too, have had people who really "need" massage play me then end up cancelling or not showing up which irritates me to no end.I'd love to barter but this particular client really has nothing to give in exchange.  

 

[IWillWaterBoardScottWhite]

I don't do special discounts for people.  I did once, got burned, never again.  Now I have package discounts where clients can buy 3, 5 or 10 sessions at a discounted rate when they pay for them up front.  All the sessions are booked at the time of purchase and if they no-show, the session is forfeited.  This gives them a discount to make frequent sessions earlier and keeps me from feeling taken advaneforum.xxxe of...

 

[Alan G]

special rates for special cases?

I work with a chiropractic office that has a strong Christian background. Maybe it's coincidence , but they have a few hardship cases that have brought in many a new client . I am coming closer to believing the give to get lifestyle. Doing good and trusting that your charity for the financially stressed will bring in positivity to your practice has done well for me. Bartering services works for me too. I am selective in this but the feeling I get when I can help somone is far greater. I hope this does not sound too preachy..just putting in my .02

 

[Brainiest]

C-bear - I like your give-to-get attitude!  I'd be interested in hearing how you are "selective" in determining who to barter with?This is a topic that I have recently been struggling with.  I am waiting for my MT license, so am unable to charge just yet.  I have been doing freebies to keep in practice.  Last week I had a new client who told me that she had 5 previous massages to ease the "tension" between her shoulderblades.   She is a teacher, her husband is in school, she can't afford massage regularly.  Meanwhile she is suffering daily with muscle pain due to forward head posturing/rounded shoulders/cervical hypolordosis (she had xrays a few years back).  After the massage, I talked with her about Neuromuscular Therapy - She came back 2 days later for a full postural analysis and an NMT treatment on her pecs.  She had noticeable pain reduction when she got off the table.  She cried with relief.  If she had not recieved the initial free massage, she may never have known that there are alternatives to living in pain.  I know she will not be able to continue treatments with me at the prices I plan to begin charging in a couple of weeks.  But she sssooo needs the work!  ???I, too, would appreciate hearing from those who have had experience with bartering and sliding rates.Thanks!