Who has participated in retreats?

[moonlight smile xxx]

I've been approached to participate in several womens retreats for 2008 and 2009, providing massage. The retreats are held in a lodge up north. They are women only, limited to 20 guests. The guests arrive Friday night, and check out at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The location is an hour away from my home.
There is a schedule of activities, and I have no idea where I'd be providing massage within the timeframe... we are in the early, early planning seforum.xxxes.

I really have no idea how I would charge for this. The host said her clients would pay her, then she would pay me. A flat rate for the weekend? Per massage?

I'm quite a newbie at the retreat thing. If anybody has done this, and would like to share some knowledge with me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

TIA!

 

[manpriest]

I haven't done this, but given your description, I recommend a flat rate. That's a long drive; you want to be sure you make enough $ to be worth your while. Don't be afraid to charge high.

 

[~Animal Hugger~]

I personally don't think the drive is that long, compared to how long many people commute (15-45 min or more) daily. I would charge a flat travel fee that you think is fair for your gas, car maintenance and travel time. Then charge per person, and as Bliss said, don't be afraid to charge high. Retreats tend to bring well-off people. And also decide on a minimum. If you will be staying there all weekend, or traveling each day, both will be expensive. You also may want to decide on a maximum. Do you really want to massage 20 people within 2 days?

I was once approached for a retreat type thing where they said "In the past we have paid $50 an hour for this type of thing." I told them firm my price was $65 an hour and they went elsehwere, which I was actually glad for. They were very wishy washy about how many clients I would have and kinda wanted me on their terms. I'd rather stay at home and have a few of my regular clients and be relaxed.

Fact is, it's totally your ball game. They are approaching you, so they want you. You decide what you want to make. If it were me, I'd base it on what I could make if I stayed home and make sure I made more than that for travelling.

Good luck!

 

[ShaneTalbert.com]

I have worked a similar style retreat... time, lodge location, and open work schedule. The retreat was co-ed, and most of what I did was chair work. With some "extra" floor Shiatsu sessions. I received a flat rate for the weekend, with expenses. They also provided for my room, and meals.
This was about 1.5hrs from home, so they paid .15/km... basicly coverd fuel cost. The Friday work was minimal, Saturday was busy, and Sunday morning was minimal. The flat rate was and overall bargin for the organizers and guests. The big gain for me was about 5 new repeat clients.
Make sure that everything in regards to your obligations, and theirs is in writing.
PM me if you want more details.

Darren

 

[ms.prissy]

One word of caution: "Her clients would pay her, then she would pay me." You might want to consider setting your full price (I wouldn't break it out into travel/session/etc, I'd just set a price), and collect it at an agreed-upon date, not necessarily waiting for all her clients to pay her first. This way, collecting your fee is your responsibility, and her collecting her fee is hers.

It does sound like a good opportunity and maybe a lot of fun!