Anyone else in the Portland/Vancouver area slow?

[xxAbbyxxJeffro]

So far in my short career I've never had a slow moment, not even in the winter. I'm down to 3 massages day from my usual 6. I used to book 3-6 weeks in advance. Now I have appointments open every day. I know my quality isn't suffering, from client feedback.

The obvious economy forces are at play, because clients are laid off or can't afford even co-pays. Despite reminder calls, many are so stressed they just forget. Also the chiropractor I work with is out on 2 months maternity leave. Her replacement is not nearly as good so clients are going elsewhere for the massage/adjustment combo.

I'm just considering my options...go out for more business or wait & see. I also have facial & nail licenses. I have no problems getting clients with effort but have a tendency to spread myself too thin, especially with so many services to offer. People prefer me for facials & nails because of the deep, thorough massage I can do! Just earlier this year I cut way back on the facials to do more massage because I enjoy it more. But I let that get out of control and don't want to do that again, it hurts!

Anyone else going through something similar?

 

[esa8025]

Anyone else in the Portland/Vancouver area slow?

so clients are going elsewhere for the massage/adjustment combo.

Works for me! You say that like it's a bad thing. lol

Seriously, I hope things pick up for you. I have heard that things are weird out there in some places.

 

[Bone Idle]

Anyone else in the Portland/Vancouver area slow?

so clients are going elsewhere for the massage/adjustment combo.

Works for me! You say that like it's a bad thing. lol

Seriously, I hope things pick up for you. I have heard that things are weird out there in some places.

Nice to meet you keyboard-to-keyboard, the nebulous 'elsewhere' stealing my clients!

Another market factor just hit me today. A major health insurance company is now requiring prescriptions for massage. 90% of my clients don't see any other health care practitioners besides me and the chiro, who is out on maternity leave.

Guess it will be more facials, huh?!

 

[Mat G]

Anyone else in the Portland/Vancouver area slow?

Our Portland hotels are one of the few cities showing an increase over 08 volume.