Charging more for couples massage

[ginger91]

I currently do not charge extra for couples massage. The couples massage we do is the same we would do in seperate rooms, except there are two tables. We don't give a gift to the couple. I know some places that do give a gift, and that translates into chargine more for couples massage.

However, when we do a couples massage, it translates into extra work to set up the room. We move a table from the other room in the larger room and push a small table in for hot stones and a towel warmer. Then, all of that stuff must come back out. I would estimate there is about 15 minutes worth of moving stuff back and forth for two people with each couples massage.

My employee brought up the idea of charging more for a couples session, about $10 extra. The thing is, there are other places in the are that do not charge extra, and one place that knocks off $5 if someone books a couples massage.

What do you think?

Does anyone charge extra for couples? Same? Less?? Comments welcome.

 

[Ethan]

We started off charging $5 less, but then ended up charging $10 more, for the same reasons as you--the setup. It takes us plenty of time to set up the room, since we convert a one-table room into a two-table room and things must be moved around to accommodate.

We currently don't offer couples' massage anymore. I'm sure every area is different, but when we realized that only 2 of the 7 couples' massages booked in a single month actually came to fruition and the other 5 had canceled with just a few hours' notice (always after the room was already set up) or better yet no-showed altogether, we realized it just wasn't worth the time and effort, even for $10 extra.

Hopefully you have better luck than we did!

I'd say $10 extra for a setup fee is very fair. Massage is part of preventive healthcare; couples' massage is a luxury

Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[ifehearted]

We have done about 20 couples massages in the last 6 months and all of them have showed up, not even one rescheduled. Most of our couples are previous clients though. That might make a difference.

Like I said, no one else charges more for couples in my area. Maybe if we do, it will set a precident.

 

[Ana P]

Massage is part of preventive healthcare; couples' massage is a luxury

odd comment...do you do a lesser massage due to the client's proximity to their partner?

 

[Alexandra D]

no one else charges more for couples in my area.

Perhaps the places that don't charge more or even charge less have a room already set up for couples massages?

We charge more for hot stone because it entails more set-up/clean-up time. I can understand charging for your time.

Angie

 

[Pokemon Fan]

Perhaps the places that don't charge more or even charge less have a room already set up for couples massages?

Very likely, but all the more reason not to charge more.

I can understand charging for your time.

But if it takes you longer to drive to your practice than it takes your competitor, you would not charge for that, would you?

Charge what your service (often used interchangeably for "time") is worth. The client really does not care if you have to move furniture around.

 

[encynicks]

We used to charge less, starting September 1 we will be charging the same. But they also get a free hot stone treatment. It's out couples massage "package"

When I started working 4 yrs ago I rented from a tanning salon who used to offer massages. I took over their clientele and started charging the same rates. Their ind. massage rate was $60/hr and couples was... $99/hr PER COUPLE. Ouch. I went up to $110 ($55 per person) and did $99 for a few months as a special. then it went to $110 permanently.

We advertise our couples massage as a RELAXATION massage package. No NMT or super deep tissue and both therapists follow the same flow (turn ppl over at the same time etc.). We tried doing whatever people want us to do and it just doesn't work well for couples. I remember one session when the wife wanted very specific NMT on her neck and shoulder. Her and the MT just talked the entire time ("Is it referring NOW???") and the husband could not relax and I got crabby. We now ask people to book an ind. session if they need therapeutic work.

We do A TON of couples around Valentine's Day. This year on Valentine's Day Saturday alone we massaged 12 couples (between 4 therapists)

Still, in today's economy I felt that $55 was too low. And I agree with previous posters that couples massages are more work, not less. Quite often people also take longer to come in, fill out ppwrk, get dressed, undressed etc. A few times couples tried to "get romantic" afterwards which is not something I want to happen at my shop.

 

[Maddy]

Hmmm

I include some hot stones in all of my sessions anyway, so I couldn't make that an extra thing. I could always include some extra hot towels or a foot mask with a couples massage.

I hadn't thought of making couples massage relaxation based only. Thanks for the tip Anastasia.

 

[Kel]

At the spa where I work we recently finished a 2nd couples massage room.

Of course, both couples rooms are always set up as couples rooms though we sometimes only use one table for an individual massage.

We charge the same rate as if they were having the massages separately.

For the most part I don't mind doing swedish relaxation and deep tissue massages together for couples assuming the clients are willing
to give good feedback on the deep tissue if needed.

I once was asked to do a hot stone on the wife while the hubby got deep tissue next to us... I won't do that again. Hot stone is distracting enough IMO, without having a totally different service going on next to you.

For the most part though, I find there's very little talking that goes on in the couples room...
One partner will look at the other and say, "Honey this is a really great idea you had."
And then later the wife will hiss, "Honey, wake up! Stop snoring!" :

 

[Elizabeth H]

I don't see a problem in adding $10 more to the couples massage. You need to do what you are comfortable with.

If you are moving things, you should be paid for your time, since these are special accomodations for the client in your place of business.

Personally, I'd probably add $15 (that's on the entire couples massage cost; not per person) and go with some additional aromatherapy or something to give it an extra boost.

If you are worried about your competitors getting your business, then that would be a different business decision, but I figure the couples you have are coming to you, because of you.

In the hotel I do outcalls for, they have a couples room set up. So, the charge is that same as a regular massage.