helpful heart vs $$$

[Nan Hawthorne]

Can anyone give me advise regarding setting your prices.  I have researched 10 surrounding day spas and massage therapist in my area.  The going price for a one hour massage is $70 and $90 or $100 for a 90 minutes massage.  I want to be priced affordable but yet I don't want to cut myself either.  In business what is more important?  I will be contract work so  a portion of it will go to whom I work for.  I have recently been hired as massage therapist for womens hospital- until me they did not have massage therapy there.  How do I set my prices?   Please help. Thank you.

 

[Pineapple Shortcake]

helpful heart vs $$$

Okay...when I first started out, I was told by my instructor(s) that it couldn't hurt to start out in the mid-stream of prices. It made sense for me to do that and then after a few years (of experience) under my belt, I raised my rates a little because I felt I was justified after that length of time in the business. You should only go up in pricing over the years, and not down. This is because you acquire more education/experience and deserve to charge more for your (expanded) services.Be well,Jen

 

[Ally]

I agree with Jen.  Stay competitive, but start off in the middle since you will be the first therapist there.  You will be able to gauge a response once things get rolling and then in the future be able to raise your rates.

I want to be priced affordable but yet I don't want to cut myself either.

 Keep in mind that what is not affordable for one person is for another.  I have always had trouble with this.You need to be compensated for your time, education and hard work.

 

[confusedlady.]

Thank you for the advice.  That really helps.