Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

[Pompal 09.]

Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

I have to agree with both JLW & Squash Blsm. As a practitioner with 20 years in the biz, I feel I'm worth more than many practitioners who don't have my experience or range of techniques, or those who only provide the "fluff & buff" style of massage.

The only other practical solution I could suggest for those who wish to charge different rates for various services is this: Keep the menu short & sweet,
by offering perhaps up to 3 versions of what you do. Break down the caeforum.xxxories so that you have beauty treatments - (if that's part of your training & something you like to offer seperately).

Basic Relaxation options (Swedish, etc.) of perhaps 1/2 hour, 45 to 50 minutes up to 1 hour sessions, would each have their own rate based on time alone. Then for your more deep tissue/therapeutic work you can offer it in sessions from 1 hour, to 75 to 90 minutes up to 2 hours for what I call extended sessions, at a higher rate. Extras like Hot Stone are definitely going to require more setup & cleanup afterward & should be charged as an such.

The simpler, less confusing menu keeps it easier for most folks to understand. The time differences alone will allow folks to easily grasp why the prices are different from one session to another. But it's not all that different when you walk into a resturant, or a salon where you are offered different items to choose from - your "add on" treatments should cost a little extra, just like ordering up a side of bacon, extra coffee, etc.

 

[Scarlette Starr]

Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

I am a room renter in a chiro's office.

I don't have any difference in rates for relaxation vs. deep tissue. I even do some hot stone in all my massages and don't charge extra for that. I love hot stones so I just tell poeple it part of my massage and I would charge the same even if I didn't include hot stones. I do sell packages and that brings my rate down.

 

[Meg]

Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

I know I posted above, back when I wasn't charging different rates for different work, but after several years of doing it the way I posted, I have changed.

I no longer do massage as my primary focus, but I still do it as an ancillary endeavor.
My client approach used to be: schedule the time, however much you want, and then tell me how you want to use it.

That sounds wonderful and simple, but I have since found that clients want to relax AND have some more pressing problems worked out, and I found myself up against the clock too many times, feeling that some aspect got short-changed, whether it was the stress-relief (i.e. my ability to address the whole body adequately), or the pain management aspect. I had also acquired some new tools that help me with the pain management side, but might disrupt the relaxation side. So I had to divide the 2 once again...

My new approach is this: decide which is your main goal for today's visit - pain management or stress relief? If it's stress relief, how long a session would you like?
If it's pain management, I get to use lots of things in my arsenal - I have tiger balm, a vibrating percussor, a cold laser machine, hot packs, cold packs, etc. I work until the body response plateaus, usually about 20-30 mins. I charge $35 during regular hours in the office and $40 after. We work the area (the area actually causing the problem, not just chasing the pain itself).
If it's stress relief, it works like your usual massage, and I charge $45 / $70 / $105 for 30 / 60 / 90 min.

I like pain management better. It's easier on me because I'm also using other tools, and not so much of my own body. The client/patient stays clothed except for the area being worked. I also like it because it's more interactive, not just float away for an hour in silence (I'm more conversational and educational than nurturing - I like to nurture too, but not in silence).
I also view pain management as more of a necessity, whereas I've come to view the relaxation as more of a luxury compared to pain management. Not that I'm dogging stress relief work - I'm not! Hehe trust me But I guess I'm more goal-oriented - I guess I'd rather hear the encouraging, "that ruled! I can move my wrist now!" or even better yet, "I'm going to CANCEL that carpal tunnel surgery!! And choose a new doc - my old doc obviously didn't know what the hell he was doing" (LOL - loved her) instead of "that was nice..." and not much more - hehe maybe they're in a daze and that's a good thing, but selfishly speaking it's just not quite as fulfilling to me. I'm more interactive than dreamy these days

LOL I hope that made sense! Oh my, looking back over it, it probably didn't

 

[clontarf1002]

Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

We had a similar problem. I noticed Most people did not want to just relax, and others could not handle 60 minutes of deep work. So we created "The Combo" - the best of both worlds. Part deep tissue on the areas you need it, relaxation for the rest. We charge $60 for Swedish, $70 for Deep, and $65 for the Combo. We ask a few questions when they first call or come in to determine what they are looking for, confirm with them what we are going to do and what it will cost, and go from there. It has eliminated the confusion for the client! (And the therapist feels more appropriately compensated)

 

[Evehr]

Rate differences - relaxation vs. deep tissue

I am finding as I am adding more education to my massage tool belt I am needing to charge more for "Speciality Services" to be able to fund my education