I am a Licensed Massage Therapist -- having trouble generting clientel -- does it have to do with economy ?

Question

Have been a caregiver 24 years-- got out of that because it is a very demanding "thankless" dead end job. My people skills are not problem and I dont think my method of generating clientel is either -- I think it is simply because of state of economy and people think this is a "luxury" when in reality it is therapeutic -- helps circulation, relieves issues in tissues, relaxes receiver, and promotes general well being -- but would appreciate and concider inputs of others

Answer 1

Things like massage 'therapy' are luxuries, and when people are faced with rising prices for fuel and food...paying somebody to rub them seems frivolous.

It may be location location location as somebody else said.

Personally, I find people who go get regular massages are a bit vain and self indulgent.  Ironically, I've never actually had one even though I do get occasional back spasms.  For me I just don't like strangers invading my personal space or touching me.  I don't even like to get my hair cut because they insist on washing my hair and giving me a scalp massage.  It just makes me tense...lol.

(P.S  I hope you had somebody else check the spelling for your business sign)

Answer 2

money is tight right now and folks are just spending on basic necessities, like food and gas and rent. The rest they forego.

why do you think companies like mervyn's, sharper image, line n things, levitz funiture had filed bankruptcy? even major airline companies are on the verge of going bankrupt. unless the housing mortgage is solved, the economy will not get any better. cash is king right now, and folks are just hoding on to their wallets.

Answer 3

I am not a massage therapist, but I have a friend who is. I think you're partially right as to why you are having trouble generating clientele. People do view massage as a luxury (or worse). What they don't realize is that there are different types of massage for different conditions/reasons. Unfortunately, at $50 per one hour session it can get a little pricey. Even a $25 half hour session is $25 I can be putting into my gas tank. On the other hand, I NEED my massage therapist! LOL So, I tend to wait until things get unbearable to seek treatment. I think that if insurance companies would recognize massage therapy as legitimate treatment and preventive maintenance (wellness) that more people would turn to it as opposed to a doctor who can only prescribe drugs to mask pain. That being said, maybe you could hand out fliers that briefly educate people on the benefits of massage therapy and offer a FREE chair massage or $5 off a one hour session and $2 off a half hour session or something like that.

Answer 4

the economy right now is very weak

with  the price of gas and groceries and everything else goin up, people are tryin to save money and as a result businesses receive less business and lose money because people dont want to "waste" their money on anything otehr than the essentials.

its kinda like accupuncturists and chiropractors, they lose a lot of business because the state of recession the economy is in

Answer 5

Okay I work in a factory and my freind and I both need massages to function in our jobs but we dont make very much money either.We both go to massage therapist but you really have to be cheap and offer something for everyone.My freind pays 30 dollars for 40 minutes .I have a lady who gives a massage for 35$ for 30 minutes.Sometimes what would be great is a 20 dollar massage coupon.Give them a bargain or else try this for 20 dollars just do neck shoulders back and hands for 20 minutes. Also offer a 20 $ facial massage with a mud mask.These are the types of things poor girls are looking for to pamper themselves and people like us could tide you over until the couples massages or the hour long massages come along.Beleive me build it advertise and they will come but you need to have something for poor people too.Single girls still buy gobs of makeup and get their hair done .I would rather not buy eyeliner and get a massage.

Answer 6

location location location

Answer 7

Go into one of the chiropractors offices and get a job and build your client there.

Answer 8

It is more about your beliefs about yourself and money.  I am a massage therapist and I am busier than ever.  People are stressed out and need massage.  You have to educate people and inform them of the benefits of massage.  All I use is a website to market by business.  It is also how you talk about yourself and promote yourself.  Most massage therapists don't want to do that because they think it is too salesey.  The reality is you have to promote yourself to be successful.