The salon I worked at was recently closed.

[Joe N]

And I have the list of my clients.
Should I call or write them and offer my services now outside the salon?
What are the rules?
Should I reduce the price for a massage now?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tracy]

Depends on your agreement with the salon. Did you sign anything when you started working there?

If you didn't, or the contract doesn't specify that the clients belong to the salon rather than you, then it sounds like you can call them and offer.

Lowering your prices depends as well. You don't have to automatically lower your price. You might choose to raise it. You might choose to give previous salon customers a discount on your usual prices, for a limited time or not.

Will you be giving different service (better or worse) in your private sessions? Maybe your treatment room isn't as luxe as those at the salon... maybe it's better. Maybe you are giving 60 minutes of table time plus intake, versus a 50 minute massage mill at the salon... maybe not. Consider all these factors.

 

[Jay John]

Thank you !
The salon issued the list of my clients and gave it away to me, so I think it's OK now to call people.

As for the pricing - you mentioned the moments I even didn't think of...
If I lower my prices it'll give me the advaneforum.xxxe as the salon prices were quite high.
Anyway you made me stop and think about that. Thank yoo.

 

[Starkissed]

Thank you !
The salon issued the list of my clients and gave it away to me, so I think it's OK now to call people.

As for the pricing - you mentioned the moments I even didn't think of...
If I lower my prices it'll give me the advaneforum.xxxe as the salon prices were quite high.
Anyway you made me stop and think about that. Thank yoo.

Yes, if they gave you the list, it is fine! With the salon being closed, I don't think they could exactly enforce a non-compete claus, anyway - you can't compete with non-existent!

Post cards would probably be better than a call, because it puts your contact info in their hand rather than just in their minds. You can include information such as your location and rates, so they know for sure they are interested. Or you could put together a brochure with tons of information, and mail that out to them.

 

[lostblackjackqueen]

deleted

 

[Zaccode]

Were you going to have a different office? Work out of your home? Do out calls?? Dont lower the price too much, you dont want to under cut yourself.[/quote]
That's very true - about not undercutting myself as a professional.
And it's true that I cannot compete with NON-existing business.
But I alway want to give some kind of favor to the people who come to see me.
I think the idea of offering some promotions and coupons could work.
Thank you very much for your answers.

 

[crazzy_nascar_chick]

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[DrCorrosion]

I will!
I'm quite new in Massage Therapy, as I've been working for a year and a half.
And I felt very good at the salon (non-existent now), so right now I'm a little taken aback about what to do next
I hope it'll work out.

 

[beastt.. :P]

I'm curious, why did it close?

 

[skywise012000]

I'm curious, why did it close?

Nobody knows exactly!
We can only guess - though it's been quite a successful business- the owner couldn't keep up with the business demands.

 

[JustJules]

Are you going to work in a massage office now or from home?

I agree about thinking hard about setting prices. Not to under sell but also so you aren't forced to raise rates to soon.

I went from one business where I was cheap to a massage practice that was on the high end for this area. I lost many clients but gained new ones. I offered the clients 2 or 3 (I forget.... its been a few years) massages at $10 off so they could come to the new office and get comfy there.

BUT if you aren't raising your price, I don't know if I would offer discounts. They know your work, they like you, they will come.

 

[Matthew. Aka_ No LiMitz]

All things being equal, I wouldn't reduce your rate. These clients, presuming they are your regulars, already know and like your work and are accustomed to paying the salon's high price for it.

If you really feel like giving them a discount, I would offer maybe $10 off of their first session in your new location IF used by a specific date - end of 1st or 2nd month in new location. That will give them an incentive to get back on your table sooner rather than later and help you fill your schedule right away.

 

[Catwomen]

All things being equal, I wouldn't reduce your rate. These clients, presuming they are your regulars, already know and like your work and are accustomed to paying the salon's high price for it.

If you really feel like giving them a discount, I would offer maybe $10 off of their first session in your new location IF used by a specific date - end of 1st or 2nd month in new location. That will give them an incentive to get back on your table sooner rather than later and help you fill your schedule right away.

:iagree:

I'd do the postcards on Vista Print or something and get them off ASAP so as to keep your name fresh in their memory!