how do you do package deals?

[Ray E]

I had a new client ask me yesterday if I offer package deals and since I know some of you out there do, I was wondering how you do it.  Do you give them something to turn in each time, or use a punchcard, or what?  Do you put a time limit on them?I have no idea where to start.  ???THANX!  

 

[tanja3703]

I don't do package deals, but I do maintenace plans.  It is a verbal agreement between me and the client.  A contract felt too strict.  I have never had a problem.I have seen the punch cards for the massages, but I don't really like them.  Personally it seems too "retail store" for me.  I expect to use them at stores like Bass or Hanes, but not for massage.  No offense to anyone who does use them.   As for a package (again I know nothing by experience), could you make a policy that states something about usage?  Say it is buy 5 get the 6th free or buy 6 for $.  Could you limit the minimum usage to one per month?  That way the package would need to be renewed in 6 months.  They could come as often as they want, but at least once a month.Hope this helps.

 

[Month]

how do you do package deals?

i only do maintenace plans too. i charge 65.00 first visit if they keep up a massage once a month. i knock 10 dollars off those maintance visits. i have this one guy he buys 2 massages a week i give his a great deal 45.00 each visit..

 

[Pat G]

So when you say you do a maintenance plan, do you just mean that you give them a discount if they come at least once per month?My husband didn't like the punchcard idea either...said it reminded him of a video store I was just trying to figure out how I would keep track of it all.I'd be interested in how you do your maintenance plans, Masthera....if you wouldn't mind sharing.  

 

[Hermes]

how do you do package deals?

There is a new computer program that will be on the market in a few months that will keep track of package visits and money for you. It is flexible enough so that you can offer your clients many options as far as what treatments are in the package and also offer them discount prices for buying the package.If you are interested, you can check it out at http://www.massage-suite.com

 

[Annettest]

We keep a card on all of our package buyers and date and mark off each massage.  It's just a lined 8"x10" piece of card stock with space for client information at the top and columns for Date, massage #, amount paid, and the length of massage received.  We write in the number of massages when they pay for the package and fill in the dates as they go along.It's great for when those clients disappear for a while too - then we can send them reminders, or call them to see why they haven't been in.They don't have a time limit, but we've only had one that hasn't redeemed her last massage in over a year - and she knows it's available because she calls every now and then to make sure we haven't filed her away.We give clients a $5 discount on each massage if they buy them as a package.  So for 6 one-hour massages, they save $30.My package clients are the most reliable ones.  They're never late, they pay up front, and they keep coming back package after package.Best of luck with your great new opportunity!Katykangaroo

 

[sara g]

I offer packages.  If they buy 5, they save $5 per massage.  If they buy 10, they save $10 per massage.  I don't really push the package thing because I like being paid at the time of service. If I sold lots of packages and gift certificates, then I think there might be times I'd feel like I was working for nothing.  I'm beginning to change my thinking on that though.  I do have clients who come regularly for a bit and then slack off.  I think that if they were prepaid, they would continue to come in.I'm not so sure how the maintenance plan would really work.  Seems like a lot to keep track of.  If someone comes for 2 months, they get the discounted rate, then they miss a month, I'm sure they'd have an excuse and expect the discount on their next visit anyway.  I would rather reward them at the end.  Let's say if they come for 6 months at least once a month, then they'll get something.  I don't know if it would be a free massage, 50% discount or what.  Haven't figured out the dollars on that.  I would just be sure not to make it quite as attractive as the pre-pay, but yet reward them in some way for being regular.  

 

[elwa35]

I offer a six-pack....buy 5 and get the 6th free.  Every client who purchases a package is a regular so I see them either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.  When they book an appointment I always include a little notation next to their name which indicates which how many massages they've used including the present one( 1/6, 4/6, etc.)  That way I know how many massages are left for them.  When they come in for their 5th massage I always remind them that they have one more left in their package so they can plan to renew the next time they come in.  Not a high tech way to track but it works for me.JD

 

[Geo]

how do you do package deals?

I'm not so sure how the maintenance plan would really work.  Seems like a lot to keep track of.  If someone comes for 2 months, they get the discounted rate, then they miss a month, I'm sure they'd have an excuse and expect the discount on their next visit anyway.

They work quite well.  There really is not that much to keep track of either.

If I have a client miss an appointment for an uncontrolable reason (death in family, illness, ect.) the discount stays in effect.  If they miss an appointment due to something they had control over (forgot, lost track of time) they will be charged full price for that visit and will have to come in again on their regular schedule to receive the discount.  I explain it all in the beginning and they have to agree to it.  It is just like any other policy.  Also, as Katykangaroo8 points out, these clients are usually the reliable ones.  

Knead-u,

I offer two plans:

If the client comes 1x a month they receive $5 off
If the client comes 2x or more a month they receive $10 off.

They commit to maintaining their appointments and I give them the discount each time.  

I make a notation on their card and in the computer about being on a maintenance plan.  The regular visits basically keep track of themselves.  I was using a colored index card to track the visits, but found that to be unnecessary.  I also offer these plans to my prenatal clients.

Both maintenance plans and packages accomplish basically the same thing.  They give your loyal clients a discount and you gain the regular business.  I would do what you find suits you best.

 

[awm_2266]

WOW, all these great ideas!!  Now I just have to figure out what would work best for me.  Katy, thanks for the idea of using cards to keep track - it's so simple, I don't know why I didn't think of it myself! I just started working at this salon about a month ago and I've been running an intro special which is $10 off.  A client this week sort of indicated that she'd be interested in a package deal if she could get it at the discounted price, which is what got me thinking about it in the first place.  If I did 6 for the price of 5, it would work out to be the discounted price - but I also really like the maintenance plan idea.  It's a good incentive for people to continue to take care of themselves instead of only coming in when something's broke.   Thanks everyone....it's so nice to have people you can bounce ideas off of!   ;D

 

[Pompal 09.]

Mine goes - Prepay for a package of 5 full hour sessions - get $5 off each massage Prepay for a package of 10 full hr. and get $10 off each one. THey pay in full at time of purchase, then each time I see them I mark the date and number of session (#3/10) on the front of their file. آ  Marking it right on their file is supereasy - their contact info is right there and you already have your file out when you see them to review before you start their massage. آ No expiration date.The package plans got pretty popular - so between gift certificates and pkgs. it really did feel like I was working for free. آ It sucks so bad to work hard and have a full appointment book آ all week and only have enough for a teeny tiny deposit for the bank by the end of the week. آ I dont offer them anymore -except to my regulars who come every week or month religiously.My lesson learned - Control how many packages I have outstanding - give the clients who come in like clock work the break - not just anyone!  That way I can count on a certain cycle of payments and cash flow. Dori

 

[Mark H]

I love doing the package deals.  I, however refer to my pks as a series of 3.  I offer a series of 3 massages that are paid for at the first appt and the client has 6 weeks to schedule and complete  the next 2 appts.  The client can choose how they will use their next appts or I can suggest a schedule based on my treatment notes.   What generally occurs is they make the following appts 2wks apart.  Few will go 3 wks between appts and even fewer will go once a week.Prices:3 one hr/ $140.  savings is $103 ninety/  $175.  savings is $20If a client misses the 6wk expiration, he/she pays $10/$20 depending on pkg for an extention.  

 

[Pompal 09.]

how do you do package deals?

Thats a great way to do it!

 

[Keith]

I offer two different types of package deals.  One is a prepaid package of 6 one hour massage sessions.  The purchaser has a full year in which to use the sessions.  Also, the purchaser may use them for themselves exclusively or share them with friends and family.  This is ideal for the client who wishes to come every 3-4 weeks or whose schedule is such they cannot commit to weekly visits.My second is a maintenance plan which consists of four consecutive weeks (basically a month) which they receive a one hour session each week.  The client pays a substantial up front fee to become a member of the plan and a "co-payment" for each session.I like the second plan because it requires the client to commit to regular weekly sessions and instead of receiving all of the money in advance (making it appear psychologically that I am working for free) I still receive a payment for each session.  These two packages are my best sellers.