Posted by DebKen
on 4/21/2012, 7:09 pm, in reply to "Wax Queen "
You could say to your client-with a smile-I know you feel better now! Course he might never return! I'm licensed 9 mos. and have been a massage therapist for 13 years. I had a lady fart nearly every week for 4 years, about as soon as I'd work on her glutes, I'd jump every darn time! I worked out of my house, the massage room was so quiet and I'd get so engrossed in the work. It's just a normal body function, some can control it, some can't, some could but don't. I’m definitely embarrassed when I can’t hold it back, or it sneaks up, but I hated to even hear one thru a closed bathroom door. I've had hundreds of massages’ but don't think I ever had one on the table, unfortunately I have while giving one! I just quietly say excuse me and quietly carry on praying they didn’t hear. At least my client’s didn’t change the aroma in the room! She didn’t tip either. The old way --way back when—if you owned the bus., it was considered poor taste to tip (staff only was tipped)-sadly many still cling and apparently pass it on, some even ask if they can tip because I own it business (I rent space in a 51 Rm location)
Lose clients-you will. People don't like change, no matter what you change. We are creatures of habit. No better time, I think, if there was issues with your new policy changes. Get it all out of the way. Just out of curiosity-What kind of changes did you make? From what to what/
Positioning-first take care of yourself then client. It is spoken all the time in emergency situations, this is no different. You have to protect your livelihood (body) - using good body mechanics can make a huge difference in the way you feel at the end of the day let alone years down the road. I would even suggest investing in a body mechanics class, or a video-clients really don’t care about your comfort-if your not in business in a few years because of catering to them and their embarrassment or what ever so be it, I have only performed maybe 20 female Bik/Braz, even in school they’d say so and so did this. I say this is what is comfortable for me. I hope to be able to save for an electric lift table, changing table every time I turn around isn’t going to happen, and I know I’m bending over too much, during waxing.
I think I want to specialize in men’s waxing, from what I have heard in my area, a lot refuse to do the privates. I just need the first one to get my feet wet! I put word out today as there is a female barber and she has a lot of clients who wax. Do a few for free. I just know I will be good in time, just want it yesterday....
Charge tipping, I’d ask would you like to add a gratuity to the charge” I’m charging on the cheap with my cell phone imputing all the numbers, giving them the sub total and letting them fill in total, on an old fashion charge slip, some add, some don’t. The salon sells Gift Certificate, as I do-many clients using them don’t tip. Some people figure their pricing with the grat. in mind, then if they don’t get anything, they still get what they wanted in total. In my mind “a grat, shoulder never be expected, however we do expect them, it show extra appreciation. I take of those that take of me. Those are the ones I do little extras for.
I have had so many "how much" calls-and trying to smile whether on the phone or not, I begin asking what’s the reason for seeking massage, who referred me, are skills important, education, hours of massage practice ( 5,000, 8,000-is pretty impressive, 5 years sounds great but actually doesn’t mean a whole lot, etc. if it still comes to price I say the school’s the cheapest place, then the “retail shops” so I confess on my not so professional days I've said I'm not cheap and never even quote my price! Side-stepping over the issue does not always work-but it helps to get them thinking. Offer a “try me” discount, then the following are _____
I've lived in SA, TX for 7 years and 2 Retail massage places have opened-less than 1/4 mile from me (been there for 51/2 years since they opened). Competition can be a good thing, but, is it really your competition? I know, massage -wise - I’m pretty darn good” and they tell me all the time, since I was in school, keep in mind you usually get what you pay for. Look for the people who can afford to pay for excellence, when you give yourself a raise, give current client a month’s notice, (they might need to seek out someone else), new ones get to give you your raise immediately.
Sorry, it’s so lengthy, hope it gives you.
Debbie Kenney, LMT, LE
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