Marketing & bottled water: feedback please!

[mxxoxoxo]

I'm doing chair massage at a craft fair this Saturday and I am going to hand out free bottled water to those who get a massage. I was initially thinking of putting a label with my business name and contact info on each bottle and then I thought maybe I would do that but add something like: Relax! Recycle! Return this empty bottle and recieve $5.00 off your next service.

What do you think? As a client would it be annoying to have to try and keep track of an emply bottle just to get a discount? I like the idea in general, but I think it might be a turn off for some people. Of course, I could keep the idea, drop the bottle return part, and just say "mention this offer" for the discount and just have a little recycle sign at the bottom of my sticker.

As a potential client, would you have a preference?

Thanks!

 

[Fred A]

I much prefer the second idea. I don't think I would hold on to a bottle to redeem a discount, and I would probably be annoyed that that was a requirement. Unless your label was a peel-off that could be kept and used when ever. Of course, cost has to be figured into that.

 

[Pleccy]

I may or may not be annoyed by keeping the bottle.
Depends on my intention of getting the massage.

If I were someone who had thought about massage for a while, but just never got one and was excited to try, I would probably not mind. I would also probably book and appointment shortly after.

If I had massages before, but was not a regular client of anyone, I may find it a little annoying.

It would be great if you could do a peel off label, but mentioning the offer should work ok for everyone.

 

[mixermatt2002]

let me first say thumbs up to thinking creatively. i'm not sure i'd keep the bottle for a discount either but i really like to idea of adding a special to the bottle and also having it state something about recyling. maybe you could just mention a special on the label and at the bottom state "please recyle me". good luck in whatever you decide.

you know, sitting here thinking about your idea. i wonder if you could use the sticky, gummy stuff they use to adhere different things to paper and other products. you know those little round dabs of gluey sticky stuff? i wonder if they'd stick to the bottle? maybe you could give that a try. i think they're pretty inexpensive and can be purchased at craft stores or maybe even target or the dollar store. hmmmm.......maybe something to try.

 

[ha-ha]

marketing and bottled water feedback please

I like the idea of the discount with the water. I would put a eforum.xxx sale type of eforum.xxx that is easier to keep in your purse but of course if they book but can't find the eforum.xxx, you would still honor that special, right? They make lots of cute scrapbook or just regular gift eforum.xxxs that can hang very nicely on the bottle.

 

[mr.answerman]

lovely day,

that's a good idea too. a nice eforum.xxx hanging from the bottle that they can slip into their purse/pocket! there are some really cute items you could use.

 

[Joey .]

I was at a massage tonight and the lady gave me a bottle of water with her business name on it at the end. I appreciate the water, but I don't think I am going to walk around with a bottle that says (her name Massage Therapy). Just not something as a guy I want to be walking around with or feel comfortable with. So it will go in the trash probably. She also gave me my coupon back and said I could give it to a new client if I knew anyone - she is new to the area. The coupon thing was OK, but the water bottle....I don't know.

 

[farnoush]

I don't think I am going to walk around with a bottle that says (her name Massage Therapy). Just not something as a guy I want to be walking around with or feel comfortable with.

Why are you ashamed of getting a massage? If it were a good massage you should be telling everyone about it. Apparently you are ashamed of recycling too. t017 Most of your posts, Ace, leave me wondering.



Jess, I think it is a great idea. Know that % of return will be minimal at best. I think you might be better off to offer to book an appt Today for Just $____.

Good luck! mk

 

[raypay2003]

I think the bottle with the name on it is a good idea, great marketing and if someone really needs a bottle maybe they will take it as their water bottle to the gym. Do you know how many people will see this? I think it's great!!

~Jennifer McColley

 

[Animal Craze]

t017 Most of your posts, Ace, leave me wondering.
Good luck! mk

Hey, me too Mick! :roll:
I'm not sure whether it has to do with him not completely reading all posts before replying ... or whether it's just because he's not really a Massage Therapist and thus does not Truly Understand the issues that we face or the things we deal with.

Jess, I sort of think the peel off label or eforum.xxx they could easily remove and put in their wallet for their next visit would be a great idea. I doubt people are going to carry that water bottle with them more than the rest of the day. *shrug* Always encourage them to recycle things properly... you don't want some emtpy water bottle with your name on it, blowing down the street... or adding to the waste stream. (Headed to the landfill. What can I say... I worked for a garbage company before becoming a MT. LOL)

A promotional plastic sport bottle with your company name/logo on it might be a more practical thing as far as truly advertising and expecting that bottle to "go about town" with them. If that's truly what you're looking for.
Such promotional items I am sure are available through your local printers, or by a search of the net.

 

[Ronda]

but of course if they book but can't find the eforum.xxx, you would still honor that special, right?

We have coupons that we send out and we require our clients to bring them in a give them to us before we'll give them the discount. If they've lost it we can't honor it. We always state on the coupons they the MUST be presented at the time of purchase, no exceptions. We've had some scams come to light and we just won't give on this policy.....anyway.....

I thought the bottle idea was great. I like the idea that they have to bring in the bottle for $5 off. They may not be able to put a bottle of water in their wallets but if they're gonna schedule a massage they'll hold onto the bottle. I'd probably set mine by the phone so I'd remember to call and schedule an appt. If not, those people are gonna do whatever with the bottle anyway. I don't think it would be a turn off. At least if they bring the bottle back in you can be sure it's going to be recycled!

I really like the eforum.xxx idea too!

Very creative,
Steph!

 

[Downtide]

I don't think I am going to walk around with a bottle that says (her name Massage Therapy). Just not something as a guy I want to be walking around with or feel comfortable with.

Why are you ashamed of getting a massage? If it were a good massage you should be telling everyone about it. Apparently you are ashamed of recycling too. t017 Most of your posts, Ace, leave me wondering.



Jess, I think it is a great idea. Know that % of return will be minimal at best. I think you might be better off to offer to book an appt Today for Just $____.

Good luck! mk

First of all, it wasn't a plastic bottle of water, it was like an actual thermos of water...so I didn't not recycle. Give me some credit. I haven't even thrown it away yet.

I started getting massages because of physical problems and digestive problems I have had for over six years. It was something I thought I would never consider, but here I am. I wouldn't say I'm ashamed, but to me, getting a massage is about getting away from people I know to relax in a place that is much different that anything else in my life. I don't want to really see people I know there. To me, being responsible for marketing things to other people is stressful in itself. Furthermore, I go to a Christian Bible church...and while I am sure many people have no problem with massage, I am also SURE there are many who aren't familiar with it and think bad things when it is brought up. Actually, I know there are some who think this, which is why I pretty much keep quiet about it. These are probably the same people who think drinking in moderation is wrong and won't send their kids out on Halloween...mostly the older people in the church, probably.

Finally, to many massage is still seen as a "female" pampering thing. Meaning, guys don't go to salons or get massages. To my Dad, he would never see it as therapeutic but only as pampering that was a waste of money...especially with him being a Vietnam Vet. Plus, he would equate massage with salons, and some other guys are like this too.

 

[smokeyarmadillo]

t017 Most of your posts, Ace, leave me wondering.
Good luck! mk

Hey, me too Mick! :roll:
I'm not sure whether it has to do with him not completely reading all posts before replying ... or whether it's just because he's not really a Massage Therapist and thus does not Truly Understand the issues that we face or the things we deal with.

Actually, the fact that I am NOT a massage therapist should provide more benefit and insight to you and is why you should listen. Water bottles may sound great to you because you are all therapists and obviously it helps gain a client base and make more money. Nothing wrong with that. But as a client, I am telling you that this may make some clients a little uncomfortable...some don't like marketing to other people or even feeling the need to. And some have relatives and friends who massage is simply pampering and a waste of money, and don't understand the therapeutic effects.

 

[me40]

Massage did get a bad name back in the 80's but clients can help reverse the rumor of bad things that happened back then...massage is so much more professional now, you know that since you are going. Share this with others...word of mouth is very important, that is one of the best ways to build a clientelle...if you try something you don't like or something upsets you of course everyone within shouting distance will knoe about it. People need to focus more on the good things, when they find something they enjoy let others know so they can enjoy it too. Like a massage, some pwople you overlook may need the "healing touch"

~Jennifer McColleyLMT

 

[Sherry]

Finally, to many massage is still seen as a "female" pampering thing. Meaning, guys don't go to salons or get massages. To my Dad, he would never see it as therapeutic but only as pampering that was a waste of money...especially with him being a Vietnam Vet. Plus, he would equate massage with salons, and some other guys are like this too.

Sorry for getting off topic here but I just wanted to say that I think your feelings are valid and many people share your feelings. But I wonder if and how these feelings might be hindering your healing. If you feel that massage is something you should keep quiet about are you opening your mind and body to heal through massage?

Steph!

 

[mother_amethyst]

Finally, to many massage is still seen as a "female" pampering thing. Meaning, guys don't go to salons or get massages. To my Dad, he would never see it as therapeutic but only as pampering that was a waste of money...especially with him being a Vietnam Vet. Plus, he would equate massage with salons, and some other guys are like this too.

Sorry for getting off topic here but I just wanted to say that I think your feelings are valid and many people share your feelings. But I wonder if and how these feelings might be hindering your healing. If you feel that massage is something you should keep quiet about are you opening your mind and body to heal through massage?

Steph!

Fair point, Steph. I took me awhile to adjust to massage. I went to a chiropractor where they basically moved me among four different massage therapists. Once I got on a regular schedule and found a particular therapist I was more comfortable with, I relaxed a little more and definitely benefited from it. They schedule me with her all the time and now massage is like a drug...if I don't have one every couple weeks I feel like I am going through withdrawal! The fact that the therapist would work on hamstrings/arm problems during softball season if necessary was a HUGE benefit...I had my best hitting season in years! So much more flexible than before. It is true that I am not comfortable sharing my massage experience with a lot of other people around me, but it's not something I dwell on and I don't think it takes away from my relaxation during a massage.

 

[Heidelzbth]

Kinda long...enjoy.

Ah, now I remember what I forgot. I just got an email from our friend EricBrown, BodyWorkBiz. Tip 50E, #3 of 8...Use Water Bottles to Market Your Specials. Submitted by someone in Canada for use in his new program of 260 tips to success.
Use Water Bottles To Market Your Specials

"After each massage, I give the client a bottle of water to encourage rehydration and detoxification after the treatment. I buy them in bulk and they cost about 18 cents a bottle. Since most of these bottles are sold for 1-2 dollars in stores, they feel like they're getting a really great gift for free! Plus I make them breathe so much during their massage, they are always really thirsty afterwards.

I decided to use these bottles of water to market my current special or offer of the month. I would print my own labels and tape or glue them over the water label. Patients would always excitedly look at what I was featuring that month. I found this worked much better than hanging signs in my room or keeping brochures around hoping they would pick them up.

The other benefit is that people seem to keep the bottles around a while and refill them. So they're actually carrying around advertising for my services. I have had many new patients come in with these labels that friends have peeled off for them to use. (So it's important to include some contact info on them as well as your message.)

Since they receive the bottle after their massage, it encourages them to rebook with the special in mind. It's a great way to get patients to try new services and products that they might not otherwise try. Also, it lets them know of the large scope of my services that I offer in case they run into somebody else that might be interested in trying something new. It's easy to read a short label, when brochures might just be skimmed or skipped altogether. I still offer brochures as well, though.

As for results, my rebooking increased from 50% to 90%, and the add-ons for special treatments increased immensely. Because there is a time limit on the offers, I also found people would rebook sooner, every 2-3 weeks instead of once a month."

Attribution: Johanna Armstrong, RMT
Calgary, Alberta

 

[mum_2_be]

Update: What I ended up doing with the bottles

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and support. I ended up attaching a sticky label over the label on the bottled water that I preprinted with my business name, contact info and an offer for $5.00 of a future visit. Then I put "reduce reuse recycle relax" at the bottom of the sticker. I handed them out to everyone I worked on. Everyone seemed happy and/or surprised at the "gift". One of my chair clients was an MT, and she was surprised I was giving them out to everyone, even the people who had 5 minute sessions. I figure, marketing is marketing, everyone gets one. Only time will tell if the idea brings me business, but at this point, I would do it again.

 

[Dave Rogers]

But as a client, I am telling you that this may make some clients a little uncomfortable...some don't like marketing to other people or even feeling the need to. And some have relatives and friends who massage is simply pampering and a waste of money, and don't understand the therapeutic effects.

I have a simple solution to this water bottle dilemma, the client could just say, "No thank you." :roll:

 

[Sierra]

But as a client, I am telling you that this may make some clients a little uncomfortable...some don't like marketing to other people or even feeling the need to. And some have relatives and friends who massage is simply pampering and a waste of money, and don't understand the therapeutic effects.

I have a simple solution to this water bottle dilemma, the client could just say, "No thank you." :roll:

The bottle was full of water and I had just had a massage, so I would have felt awkward not taking it. That being said, after I had had a massage with this new person, about 4 or 5 days later I got a postcard saying thanks for being a client and hope to see you again. I thought that was pretty classy and I will probably go back. I prefer that over the water bottle.