Potential Clients Concerns

[R S]

I have had so many clients tell me that they have family members or friends that are interested in massage but, are concerned with having to get undressed for a massage.  Even with the client explaining to them that they can leave underwear on and they remain draped the whole time ect., they are still hesitant.My question is,  What can we include in our marketing that will persuade these individuals to get over the hurdle of getting undressed and to give massage a try?Most of my brochures explain the session in fairly good detail.. You will undress privately, you will remain fully draped except for the area that the therapist is working on ect..  Just wondering if anyone has found anything different that seems to work.

 

[beneoumbept]

Potential Clients Concerns

The first thing that hits me is why would you want to "persuade" them to do something makes them uncomfortable?That said, if I were doing a style that calls for clients to be undressed (and as you said there are lots of them), then consider niche marketing to those people. Ask people what would make them consider a massage. Some people just have issues with their bodies, others have been abused, etc.. Some of the issues are beyond the scope of practice for massage therapists. Talk to those who used to be afraid of getting undressed and see what changed their minds.My clients keep their clothes on, therefore, I could market "Don't get naked" and get those clients who do not want to get naked. Now, you just have to figure out how to compete with me! ;D

 

[farzkitty]

Friends and family members are our best allies.  The best we can hope for is their support and ability to share their experiences with those who have not experienced massage therapy.  I have found, especially in families, once one member of the family has had a massage, the others will soon follow despite their insecurity or fear of the unknown.It's then up to the MT to change the focus of the fear from unknown to known.  We need to do a medical and take time to get to know our clients and their needs and concerns. I deal with this issue seldom but when I do, I do all that is necessary to make the client feel safe and secure.Some MT's include their photo in the broshure or on a  business card  to give the unknown a face.  You might also include a photo or 2 of your office space.  I would not focus on the "undressing thing" too much.  As long as you spend some time with the client and set the tone for the experience, all can go well.

 

[Bruno R]

When I have discussed this topic with clients that had issues with getting undressed in the past, they tell me that either I was (once they met me) or a family/friend was the reason they changed their mind.  I was able to make them comfortable from the start and I soothed their insecurities.I would never want to make someone do anything that they are truly uncomfortable with.  I understand that some people would have personal reasons not to receive this type of therapy.I just feel that there are a lot of people out there that need our help and they are hesitant to help themselves.  I have been very successful with these types of clients (hesitant), but only once they have set foot into my office.  I want to get them from thinking about getting a massage to actually doing it.  I want to find a way to make them comfortable enough to decide to give massage a try before they enter my office.  Handsonlmt,I like your suggestion of adding pictures.  I have included a picture of my massage room on my brochures, but I may consider adding my picture.I agree that might help with the "unknown"Thanks to you both.    

 

[missdancerxx]

I agree 100% with masthera on this. One thing you may want to consider doing is having a chair massage event at someone's house and make sure that this person in particular attends the event.  I have noticed so  many times that when they can look at you and talk to you in person, you can make them feel comfortable enough to give it a try.  

 

[Halo]

I agree that personal recommendation from a trusted friend or family member will get some of these folks feeling a little more comfortable.  Others need to meet you in person or have a little experience in a chair that feels a little less intimate to them to start with.  There are others who will just not feel comfortable.  They would best benefit from the types of bodywork that can be done fully clothed.  Even still, some have trust and touch issues and perhaps they need a bit of therapy before venturing into bodywork.  One of my clients just yesterday was expressing to me how frustrated he is that he can't convince his wife to get a massage.  He absolutely loves it and feels wonderful benefits.  He is a fairly new client of mine, but has had massage for years from different therapists.  He is amazed at how comfortable he felt with me right off the bat.  He hoped that would convince his wife that she would also feel comfortable with me.  It didn't work.  I wanted to take the pressure off his poor wife so instead of giving him a bunch of things to try to convince her.......I told him some of the many reasons that she might be hesitant.  For those who are interested in massage, but are a bit hesitant, perhaps suggesting a 30 minute massage to start and focusing on the upper body might be less intimidating for them.  

 

[Julz]

Potential Clients Concerns

Another idea is to suggest that they start off with a fully clothed chair massage. Let them try that for a few sessions to get the idea of touch therapy.Eventually, they might warm up to the idea of something like a Reflexology session (if you practice this modality), which of course just deals with the hands, feet, and ears. They are still fully clothed (except for the feet) when you work on them.If after several sessions, they realize the positive impact that massage has on their wellbeing, maybe they can wear t-shirt and shorts, and you can provide target area massage for a half hour or so (i.e., work on legs or work on arms and neck, etc.).Some folks it takes several months to ease themselves into the total session comfortably. Others never get to that point; but any headway you can make is better than none, eh?Be well,Jen

 

[Shan]

I have a client who wrote me a lovely testimonial. She was referred by her sister because she suffered from Anxiety attacks and was having trouble adjusting to her new meds.My client has since told me she sat in the car trying to talk herself into coming in. Finally worked up the courage and walked in and upon meeting me and following me upstairs to the treatment room her concerns drifted away. (I did tell her that she could undress to her comfort level as I could adapt my work... and also I told her that if at any time she was uncomfortable with me working in a certain area to let me know immediately.) An hour later I couldn't get her off the table... she just wanted to stay! LOLI was one of those who was nervous about taking my clothes off the first time as well. My first MT, Sheila told me during my first session, "It's all skin. Some people have more of it, some less, but it's just skin." Her very "matter of fact" and "casual" attitude helped me to be more at ease with her. A few sessions later I was standing behind her while she checked me out when not even consciously I reached out and started massaging her shoulders... She said, "What do you do for a living again?" I told her I ran the computer in my family's business. And she said to me, "Girl, with hands like that, you are wasted on a computer! You should be a massage therapist!"And the rest, as they say, is history!  

 

[dnn_brttn]

I'm dying for the day when I have an office large enough to afford me a monthy/bi-weekly "What to expect from my first massage" open house.I will either narrate or demonstrate a mini(timewise) fullbody massage.  I think the flipover, glutes, abs concern most newbies.(Think back to your concerns(if you had them) during class when a new thing was introduced).I will have reading material and a freebie(stressball...wamassageplanet.netottle etc) to pass out.I think these mini demonstrations will be great opportunities to introduce massage to the "untouched".Now the only time I had an extremely anxious person (outcall "surprise" gift from a friend) we had the friend stay.  She kept her underpants on.  By the end of the massage she felt fine.I'm interested to read more replies on how to handle this.  

 

[Bruno R]

Potential Clients Concerns

One of my clients just yesterday was expressing to me how frustrated he is that he can't convince his wife to get a massage.   

When and if you find that it is the undressing issue with his wife perhaps you could offer her a free half hour clothed massage.  Upon meeting you and seeing your space( I am only assuming she hasn't) she might feel more at ease.

RObyn

 

[??Sophie??]

Thanks much for the advice Nybor, but the issue is that she doesn't want to be touched by strangers.  As I get to know this client a little better, we may be able to find a way that she might come in and give something a try.....clothed session, Reflexology...who knows.  

 

[Deke]

Potential Clients Concerns

Thanks much for the advice Nybor, but the issue is that she doesn't want to be touched by strangers.  As I get to know this client a little better, we may be able to find a way that she might come in and give something a try.....clothed session, Reflexology...who knows.  

we all need to be reminded that some people are not into being touched by strangers.  just think what our workloads would be if everyone wanted a massage!  

on the other hand, i applaud you for trying.

 

[lovejudy76]

Great replys everyone!Maestra, that is a great story!  Your therapist could feel your potential.I also agree that a casual attitude helps too.    Robyn,I love that idea for a "What to Expect" open house.  I have found that I received business from open houses from those who were hesitant before.  Never thought about an open house just for that market.Terab,A chair massage party is a good way to introduce people to massage.  I have had a few questions about doing a "girls night", but no one has done it yet.Thanks All!      

 

[Pastor Art (((SFECU)))]

My question is,  What can we include in our marketing that will persuade these individuals to get over the hurdle of getting undressed and to give massage a try?

One other thought, which I have done twice, I think... I have had family members ask if they could sit in on the massage and "watch" to see what it is like.Honestly,  it felt a bit strange the first time, but it seemed to have calmed the family member who was interested in receiving massage in the future, just for them know what would happen.  If all parties are open to it, this may be another way to get someone to feel a bit more "safe".

 

[xoPink]

I've had wives of men I massaged in the room with us.  I think it made US feel safer!  Seems like TexasGal has a good idea.

 

[bubblegirl]

A client from my office had me come to her home with my massage chair to work on her aunt and her mother fully clothed.  Both were terrified of being undressed in front of someone.  The aunt was from out of state, and her doctor back home had written her a perscription for massage that she was afraid to use.  Being able to sit in the chair for a while and learn about the benefits of massage and have caring hands on her was enough to convince her to take advaneforum.xxxe of the massage perscription when she got home.Didn't work out so well with the mom though.  She said she enjoyed the massage, but couldn't sit through all 30 minutes of it.  It seemed like just when she'd start to relax, she'd suddenly lift her head and start talking about how she had to get ready for her appointment that wasn't for another two hours.  Her daughter says Mom feels guilty when people do things for her.I always tell potential clients, "Most of my clients undress down to their underware, but it ok to undress to your comfort level.  If you're uncomfortable taking it off, we'll work with it.  Anything I'm not working on will be covered with a sheet and blanket."  I've only ever had two clients leave their shirts on.  I still see bras every now and then, and I always ask if I can unhook it when I'm working on their back.  I re-hook it before they turn over.Katykangaroo