Upgrading gift certificates, promo give aways

[Bree]

I need some direction here ... My rates are as follows:  1 Hr. - $60; 1-1/2 Hr. - $85; 1/2 Hr. - $35.I am offering a free 1/2 hr. with the booking of a one-hour massage.  I would charge $35 for the half hour.I have had a problem with some clients in the past saying I should only be charging $30 (that's half the price of a 1 hour) and really didn't think it was "fair."  What do you all think?

 

[SJC]

Hmmm, not fair? I charge $35 for a half hour and $50 for an hour. I must be REALLY unfair?  : I think your prices are absolutely fine.

 

[Sergio]

Its absolutely fair!  Its YOUR business and YOUR time!  I have the same price srtucture, I rounded up from exactly half of a full hour by a few bucks also. Don't worry, its deffinately common practice to do so. ugh, whiny clients - always fun.  

 

[Sebastian M]

Upgrading gift certificates, promo give aways

Fair is a relative term...you should charge what you'd like to charge...plain and simple. What you feel is fair is what you should charge. Clients who agree will buy your massage therapy time/services; clients who don't won't. Be well,Jen

 

[Tan Boon Hwee k]

Do you think clients should be told in advance what the charge will be (when they are probably thinking it will be $30, not $35)?  I am giving away free 1/2 hours when booking an hour to a local running club (for a special event).  I am printing up post cards for them with my info.  Should I put the price of the half hour on the card (which I really don't want to do), or wait until/if I hear from them?And what about office policies - do any of you post them in your office?  Do you give the client a copy at their first visit?  It's hard to address every single thing that comes up (and I seem to add it to the policies once they do!).  A welcome package with scheduling, fees and policies seems like a good idea at the client's first visit.  

 

[Elektra M]

Upgrading gift certificates, promo give aways

Why don't you rephrase your offer?I've done this recently and worded it as "schedule a half hour session for $35 and we'll upgrade to an hour for free".This has worked nicely for me, and I've avoided any confusion.

 

[AnimeFan]

Upgrading gift certificates, promo give aways

I used to charge $30 for 1/2 hr and $40 for 1 hour. Someone only mentioned once that it didn't seem right to charge $30 for 1/2 hour when I'm charging only $10 more for an hour. I told them they were right, and maybe I should start charging $60 for 1 hour. They never mentioned it again. And yes, they started getting 1-hour massages from then on (it's only $10 more! lol). Charge what you feel comfortable with, you're the one who has to live off of it.

 

[ETAK]

I charge $40 for 1/2 hour and $65 for an hour.  I justify it this way.  It takes me the same amount of time to set up, clean up and also to launder sheets for the 30 minute as it does for the 60 minute.  I'd much do all the work and get an hour's worth of "use" out of it all.  Same thing if you charge for outcalls.  Some people might charge $65 for in office and $85 for outcalls.  If they are going to massage two people, they usually give a break.  If you are giving away a free 30 minutes, then they should pay the going rate for a 30 minute massage.  You are not giving a half price massage.  You are giving a free 30 minutes when they pay for a 30 minute massage.  

 

[Nyle]

Upgrading gift certificates, promo give aways

I am offering a free 1/2 hr. with the booking of a one-hour massage.  I would charge $35 for the half hour.

Just to add to the confusion - I read this as an extra 30 minutes on a one hour massage  (ie 90 min all up) and got confused with "why are you charging them for half an hour?"

I think mamajen's rephrased offer is much less confusing

 

[Michael K]

I agree with melb...I thought it was upgrade to 1.5 hr at the hour rate. Maybe something to think about? They still get the free half hour and you ar better compensated for the time.I offer to my regular clients the choice of 50% off the 5th massage (with-in a 6mo period) or upgrade the 5th massage to 1.5 hr. It gives them the incentive to continue with a wellness program because the percieved (fiancial) value is there.I started offering the discount because I have so many clients that need/want to receive regularly but can't financially justify the expence. I like to give them the nudge.  

 

[Mitsuna]

I agree with mamajen and have to say, I love the way she thinks.  It's sooo great to get another's point of view.KneadedMassage just gave me some insight to my dilemma.  Why charge less for 1/2hr?  My theory and one that seems to change over time:  The more time you spend getting regular bodywork, the better your price.I would rather see clients on a regular basis for a 1 hour session than have a stressed out client come in once a month for a 30minute session.  So, my prices reflect my beliefs:  $35/30min, $50/1hour, and $65/90min.  Then I have pkg prices that have a 6 week expiration.  I am thinking about dropping the 30 minute massage in the near future.  Just not worth the time I invest into the session.All my policies are posted in the office, on the stationary, intro letter, intake forms and business cards.  But, one thing I have learned is that policies change and evolve just like your business.  Dont be afraid to make those changes.