Massage Envy envy?
April 26th, 2007 • Posted by Larry Donahue • Permalink
I'm on the board of directors for the New Mexico Spa Association and at our past few conferences, Massage Envy has been mentioned or brought up. In every conversation there are basically two points of view about Massage Envy. The first relates to some level of anxiety and concern about their business model, and how that might erode already modest (if any) profits. The second relates to how Massage Envy isn't a threat, because they don't want customers who shop by price anyway, and prefer the customers who are paying for the experience.
After obtaining a massage from Massage Envy, I don't believe either position is quite right.
Let me explain.
As a vendor to spas and salons, I do my best to visit and pay for services from those spas and salons who are SpaBoom clients. I'm located in Albuquerque, and have visited quite a few of our clients located here (and there's still many more to visit). Every experience has been enjoyable, but different.
I visited Massage Envy last week, and have to say the experience was also enjoyable — who doesn't like to receive a massage — but different.
What this means is, Massage Envy has successfully created a niche for themselves, by offering low-cost, moderate-quality massage for the non-discriminating client. If a spa has a Massage Envy in its neck of the woods, and they don't have a strong, obvious differentiator, I do believe they will need to compete on price to remain competitive against Massage Envy.
You may disagree with me, but do yourself a favor: Go clandestine and pay the $39 introductory price for a massage at Massage Envy.
Then, go back to your spa. Really think about the type of clients you have, your differentiators, your quality of service, and the availability of potential clients in your region that your differentiators appeal to. Do you have a winning mix? If not, reformulate. Work harder at marketing. Provide incentives for client referrals.
Make it clear what your differentiators are. This is tough. Unlike the car business, your prospects cannot "kick the tires" of a massage. So, if your differentiator is experiential based, come up with methods that allow potential customers to experience your difference. Here's a suggestion: Have a "free massage" day, once a month or once a quarter. Or, make some PR for yourself, and invite the local police and fire departments to come in for a free massage.
Don't suffer "Massage Envy envy." Don't become anxious and give up. But… don't sit on your laurels and pretend that everything is the same, either.
Posted in Spa Marketing, Spa Business Management, General • Share • Trackback
April 26th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Larry,
You are so right on with this information, and if you were wrong then Mercedes, BMW, and other high end companies would have never been able to compete against the Toyotas of the world.
It is interesting to note however that the niche that Massage Envy has is one that caters to 60%-70% of our population, and they have that market pretty much to themselves, while the other 11,000 Day Spas in the country are competing for the smaller 30%-40% of the marketplace.
My research for the Day Spa Association shows that Folks in the lower middle incomes have a huge interest in going to Spas, but have heavy price resistance. In the 8 years I have been compiling this consumer information, the price resistance factor is becoming larger every year.
We as an industry MUST learn how to deliver services to this market if we expect to continue to grow at the rates we've enjoyed over the last 10 years or so. Compensation then becomes an even bigger question in the minds of Spa Owners as they look to expand their business.
Let me be the first to go on the record by predicting here and now that "Value Oriented Spas" are the future of our industry. That is not to say that the Luxury Spa will go away, instead I am saying that they have or soon will max out their small demographic of the population and therefore the huge opportunity that is left for everyone is growing the Value Proposition business.
Massage Envy has been a pioneer, leading the way to showing us all in the industry that money can be made. And if they can make money at $39 & $49 per massage then the rest of us should be ashamed that we have difficulty making money at $85-$95 price points.
Best Wishes & Healthy Profits
Skip Williams - Resources & Development
April 26th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I had a Massage Envy less than a block away from my old location. I went there for a massage once on a slow day, and I did not have an enjoyable massage experience. The room was cold, and the therapist did not address my needs for the massage and the fact that I said I was cold. In addition, I didn't like the sales pressure to buy one of their packages. I think they have a niche. But day spas and independent massage therapists can compete based on quality of the experience, including customer service, lack of sales pressure, and skill. Just my two cents…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Christy, if what you say is true, and your ME session was lacking because they are new and have newer MT's, then what will happen in 10 years from now? ME may be new in many areas of the US, but they have been around for 6 or 7 years in Arizona and surrounding states. Do these 7 year old ME's keep turning over MT's or do the MT's in these established ME's hold on to their MT's?
Comparing a ME with a Day Spa is comparing apples to oranges. ME is just a place to go and get a massage. They are built to maximize massage space, not for people to lounge around in a robe. When I get a massage in a day spa I enjoy a nice steam, sip a cocoa in front of the fire, get a massage, take a shower, get dressed, and then go home 2 or 3 hours later. At a ME you strip, get a massage, get dressed, and you are out the door in 50 minutes. When you do the math, dollar for dollar ME cost just about as much as a day spa and sometimes more. $39 for a 50 minute session at a ME or $60 for the trip to a day spa. Do the math.
April 26th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Christine, that is exactly my point. There isn't a comparison in terms of the "spa experience." ME is going after an entirely different demographic than the typical "day spa." As Skip pointed out above, this is a very large segment of the population. However, I believe there is always room at the top for those spas who provide outstanding customer service and innovative treatments that exceed clients' expectations, even in a highly competitive industry such as ours.
My guess is that ME has a fairly high turnover rate with its massage therapists due to the physical demands of the job. From what I've read, the attrition rate in this profession is very high in the first five years. At ME, the therapists are doing a lot of massage, and just massage. Based on this, I would think the attrition rate would be higher than average. Also, I would be interested to find out how ME compensates their massage therapists. Experienced massage therapists may leave for higher end day spas where the compensation is higher.
ME's business model is interesting. I agree with Skip that it is beneficial for the spa industry in general to look closely at how to do business more efficiently and on a more cost-effective basis. Another issue to think about is ME's balance sheet. Similar to GC sales, I would think one of the issues with this business model would be carrying the liability of unused packages. I'm not familiar enough with their business to know if they set an expiration date on packages. I'll leave that to the accountants…
Christine, I am not trying to slam ME. Their growth is strong evidence of their appeal to the average american population. Just because I had a bad personal experience at one ME, doesn't mean that the experience will be the same for everyone at every ME. Several have opened up in the Denver area over the last couple of years. If they weren't successful, they wouldn't be expanding so rapidly. And, they wouldn't be causing so much angst and heated discussion in the industry.
April 27th, 2007 at 5:31 am
My friend and I opened a spa in May of last year, both of us left very exclusive clubs in Pittsburgh to start our business. We felt our clients were being treated wrong, massages were booked one after another, the client had no chance to relax. We hired therapist that are interested in CEU's and enhancing their skills with a variety of massage techniques. As we all know massage classes are not cheap, massage is labor intensive and a labor of love, therefore therapist should be rewarded with a good pay!
I was approached by Massage Envy three years ago to buy the franchise for the Pittsburgh region, the concept sounded great until I found out the rate of pay Massage Envy gives their Therapist. Massage Envy opened a mile from us, I believe the competition is healthy. They have money for advertising which creates massage awareness.
My problem is several, on the home page of their website I believe it's insulting to other Therapist to state "why pay $80 for a massage,etc". We promote health and wellness in our clients, doctors and chiropractors are worth this money are we not? My other concern is about over working therapist that take their jobs, most have emerged from school and eager to work, places such as this take advantage of their therapist, long hours & little pay. Many great therapist have quit because of these conditions.
I agree that massage places, spas and individual therapist must find a way to differ themselves from Massage Envy but not everyone has that type of budget for advertising. To conclude I believe that if you believe in yourself and your massage is about the caring of your clients you will succeed in the end. It's a big world out there and plenty of people who have not been touched, there are plenty to go around!!!
Angel Baney
Centre Ave. Massage and Spa
April 27th, 2007 at 9:00 am
There is room in the world for both the Walmart and the Bloomingdales. I am not sure what you mean by Massage Therapists need to be rewarded with good pay. But if you are looking at this from any perspective than the consumer then you are looking at it wrong.
If Milton Friedman taught us anything it is that business is a three sided equation, there is the Owner’s or business’s side, there is the employee or labor side, and there is the consumer or customer side. When a business caters to the needs of either of the first two they are guaranteeing the eventual death of the business as well as the employment opportunity. The only side of this equation that matters is what the consumer will pay for and how much value they feel they are receiving.
In the famous words of Lee Iacocca, when Chrysler was in trouble, we have jobs for everyone at $19 an hour we have jobs for no one at $22 and hour. Meaning the marketplace dictates what we can afford and what we should offer and to go beyond the point of what the consumer will pay or desire means we will surly perish.
So I submit to you, first look at what your customer will pay and what they demand. Set your services and your prices accordingly, then and only then will you know what you can afford to pay, and then find the staff that will perform to your business’s needs and within the budget available. If that takes hiring them with less experience and doing additional training then so be it.
Further the lower price advantage that ME advertises is their competitive advantage, while it might insult you (and may be meant to), it is appropriate for them to use in order to attract their customers. You on the other hand have a different set of competitive advantages and you should be bragging about them in order to secure your market niche.
Best Wishes & Healthy Profits
Skip
April 27th, 2007 at 11:21 am
What is "massage envy"? Is this a chain of low priced spas offering massages only? I can understand the profit potential in this setup but how can that be compared with a luxury spa that offers facials, manicures and pedicures with 5 hour packages? Do you really think it is a fair comparison?
April 27th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Last week, The Purple Flower, my spa in Denver, participated in "Spa Week," which was held in about 20 different US cities. Each participating spa selected 2-3 treatments to offer for $50 each. The premise is to introduce the spa lifestyle to people who are interested but think spa treatments are too expensive for them. C&R Media, the PR firm that sponsors the event, did a national and local publicity push, providing much more media exposure for my spa than I am able to afford on my own. I was fully booked with a waiting list the week of Spa Week, so I extended my $50 specials through the end of this week. I was fully booked this week with a waiting list, as well. The point is, this event got a lot of people through my door who otherwise would not have visited due to price resistance and lack of awareness The Purple Flower exists. I am throwing it out here as an opportunity for spas concerned about the impact of the MEs of the world on their business to cater to this demographic and educate them about the benefits of regular massage and other spa treatments.
April 28th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
ME or old school it really has to do with business savvy. For the past 8 years I have watched the trends and come up with a solid business & marketing plan.
We have an ME within walking distance from our day spa. At least once a week we get new clients that have been disappointed by the experience and quality of service providers at ME. In addition, ME was scrambling to find licensed therapists in our city. Offering $100 incentives but the pay was $20 per hour and the therapists were not on call. The point being a mill is a mill. Good service providers will search for a location that respects them and realizes they are not in sales.
Our therapists kept me posted on ME's persistence in between our returning, referring clients.
Take care and no worries…
April 29th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
I have to agree with Skip and Larry; Massage Envy has a smart business model. As Skip pointed out, "Massage Envy caters to 60%-70% of our population, and they have that market pretty much to themselves, while the other 11,000 Day Spas in the country are competing for the smaller 30%-40% of the marketplace."
I don't think a comparison is important of the different types of spas; there are luxury day spas and then there's the quick, reasonably priced Massage Envy. (Oh and by the way there are Two New Franchises using the same Model as Massage Envy) Could Massage Envy be doing it better? I think we would all agree there's some room for improvement. But, most importantly I suggest looking at the business model its self. I think it is brilliant! More spa owners need to work to get a slice of the price conscious client pie.
April 30th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Who cares what other spa/massage places do. There is plenty of business to go around. People are attracted to many different types of places including yours. Just like any place, you may get the best massage ever, or you may get the worst massage ever. It's not the name of the place, it's who works there. I am proud of ME, because they have a system that works. It encourages me to have a great system that works for my business, to help my business grow and thrive. As with anything, find what makes your business different, and promote, promote, promote!
April 30th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Great discussion! I've been struggling with whether or not I should be moving my day spa's massage business to a ME business model.
I recently ran a $39.95, 1st time client 1 hr. Swedish massage ad using Google's Adword's for over 45 days. I found that received allot of click troughs but my book to look ratio was extremely low. Overall I felt that the campaign was a failure.
My main demographic are Women age 30-60 with an average household income over $75K.
I've concluded one of two possibilities: 1) Customers in my area are not price sensitive, or; 2) A Majority of ME's clientele are men who are not interested in visiting a Day Spa geared towards women.
The massage envy is located about 2 miles down the highway from me and their area's average household income is around $60K.
I'm leaning towards #1.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I love the post. It's great how one company can rattle the industry like that.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
It's been very telling to hear some people on here use the auto business metaphorically when describing the massage profession. Is that really what massage has been reduced to? Being comparable to the used car business? "Massage Envy" is dishonest and demeaning to the credibility of the massage profession. Their CEO says he created it to make massage available to the masses. How altruistic! Too bad it's misleading. He is using the business model of large corporations like "Starbucks" to maximize profits for himself and a select few and turning trained professionals into wage slaves for his empire. This is disgusting. Massage is a highly specialized business and has always thrived on being unique. Massage Envy charges less because their service is bottom of the barrel. You pay more in a nice spa because you have steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis and really great MT's who create a unique personality for each spa. Consider that and you will find that the cheap price they offer isn't really much of a value.
People may be taken by the initial allure of "cheap" services at Massage Envy but people don't usually think "cheap" when pampering themselves. According to a recent article in Forbes Magazine Massage Envy is already facing the real problems of overselling franchises. In the article I read people who have franchises in Houston are now competing with the dozen new Massage Envy's in their own area making staffing and filling their locations even more difficult. This was bound to happen. Too much growth too soon. It seems Massage Envy's greedy business planners forgot the key rule about growth, "pigs get fat but hogs get slaughtered."
The real thing for MT's to do then is to do like I have done. Have an incredible outcall business. And for spa owners just hang tight, Massage Envy's aggressive push will have a counter wave soon enough. What goes up must come down. Just ask the dot.com people.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:19 am
I am a consumer. I have been to several different types of massages, my chiropractor, the salon, at home mass massage and I could pay anywhere from 60$ to 80$ but there is no guarentee that I will get a good massage at any from any of these locations. Much less that I could afford to get one once a month. Which any therapist I have I ever seen as said I should try to get them more often. I have gone to ME and purchased a yearly package because for one I can afford it and two the therapist do not seem any different to no matter what I pay. So if you want to have a healthy competition in this industry you might want to seriously rethink your stratigies.
May 31st, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Tracy- I wish you good luck with your health. I have been in the massage business for 25 years and the thought of "healthy competition" in the massage industry is anathema to me. We in the massage business have for the most part been above the fray when it comes to debasing our integrity to follow the mass consumer model. I have seen companies like ME pop up from time to time promising cheap service and they always make a splash and then die out as soon as the novelty wears off. I am actually hearing that this is already happening to ME as they are overselling franchises and still only get the bottom of the barrel in terms of talent in our field with a very high turnover. Speaking as a massage therapist I hope you can understand that we train and work hard at what we do and one of the things that motivates people like me is to be in a business that is above such things as prioritizing profit over service. Therefore I have a difficult time seeing a company with a "WalMart-Starbucks" attitude coming into this special field and basically "dumbing down" the industry.
I have encountered many ex-employees of ME who are bitter and burned out and are speaking out against the ME model. As an advocate of my profession I take these reports seriously as I care more for my profession then I do about some guy who wants to get rich off the backs of hard working MT's. You may be happy with your experience at ME and I hope you benefit from it but watch as your favorite MT's disappear every month or so and you have yet another stranger work on you. It will get old fast. The more you experience massage the more your awareness of what a good session will be and you will want to have really good people work on you. I doubt you will find them at ME.
If you really like massage your best bet is to find a local professional that works independent of places like ME. This is always where the best in the profession exist because they don't need to split their profits with anyone else. They are out there. Contact any governing massage body for a listing in your area. You'll find that for an extra 15 or 20 bucks you'll get considerably better service and results. And don't forget, you're worth it.
As for rethinking our strategies I just say to anyone in the business, do a good job at what you do and people will come to you. ME has already peaked and are on the way down. But someone else will appear in another couple of years doing the same thing. Don't panic, just keep doing good work and do what ME could never do, keep making the massage experience special and unique for you and your clients.
June 8th, 2007 at 11:13 am
From a customer's point of view: I get massages on a regular basis - depending on my work load, travel schedule, etc., and have been doing so for years. I also work in the resort sector so I have access to spas. I can't tell you how many times I have paid $80 or more for a massage and have been disappointed. Finding a good massage therapist is right up there with finding a good hair stylist and an ob/gyn you can trust. You value them and recommend the good ones to everyone you know. The last massage I had at my own company's spa was such a huge disappointment (even though I get them for half price), I am actively seeking another location. I have resisted going to Massage Envy. However, a coworker told me about her experience there and I am going to check it out this weekend. There are times when I REALLY need a massage, but good luck getting an appointment with the massage therapist of my dreams. So maybe being able to slip into an appointment (the hours seem too good to be true) when it is convenient for me might be a good trade-off. And maybe I can try different therapists there until I find someone I like. Then I will follow that person anywhere and pay their fee. As a sales & marketing professional, the comments on this board have been extremely enlightening.
June 8th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I am an average customer, and I have been to both high end day spas, including the ones in very high end hotels such as Ritz Carlton, Four Season etc, as well as several different Massage Envy places. Honestly, just like what Tracy said, going to a spa, regardless of the price, does not guarantee you a good massage. And getting massages is not a new thing for me, i've been doing it for years, I know what a good massage feels like. I'm not saying that at message envy you will get a good masseuse for sure, that goes with every where else you go. I have no comment on their business model, but I've been to several different ME locations, and I found a couple masseuse that I really like and I try to stick with them. Everyone's need is different, I don't need to sit around in a robe to sip coffee or exotic tea, and look at all the zen stuff in the waiting room. All i need is very simple, a good, basic massage. For me to justify getting 1 or 2 every month, I need to go with the cheaper alternatives. There is no guarantee wherever you go anyways, it's the matter of finding the right masseuse!
June 9th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I certainly agree with the sentiments expressed by many posters here that going to an expensive spa does not guarantee a satisfying experience (although chances are you will find a better level of massage therapist there, I work in this business and that's just a fact) which is why I reiterate that the best massage therapists don't work for anyone but themselves. Why? They don't have to. At ME they get around 15 bucks an hour. Why would a really good massage therapist work for that? Also if you check around at forums like bodyworkonline.com and read what actual massage therapists have to say about the working environment and conditions at ME's you'll find that they don't exactly create a lot of goodwill with their own employees.
If getting a cheap massage makes people happy then check out ME. It's like the people who shop at Wal-Mart because price is an issue. But don't expect quality at an ME and look for turnover to be very high. Ethically their business model is not geared towards "quality", it's geared towards volume. If it works for you fine. But just wait until the novelty of "cheap" service wears off. Then make an effort to find and support someone that has a passion for their work, pay the extra 15 or 20 bucks and experience the difference. You'll be happier and it will be a better choice all around as supporting small business's and communities is truly what America needs right now.
But you may not even have to wait. Like the Forbes article I mentioned in an earlier post, they are already seeing their own franchisees complain about overselling the market and being unable to staff their own stores.
June 18th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Thank you Chris! As a private Practice MT, I can tell you that Spa's do hire better Therapists. You have to audition, meet and maintain the requirements of the Spa. I know of several MT's who moonlight at Spa's or decide to stay based on location and business practices. ME scouts Massage schools and almost 98% of the Therapists are graduating students who are there to make ends meet, and get some experience in a real world environment. And, you may not realize that almost every reputable Massage School requires "X" number of hours of on the job experience to graduate, (that's unpaid for the MT BTW) so ME rakes in 100%. See it for what it is and know up front that your not getting an experienced Therapist. The hope of every student is that if they are good enough, their clients will follow them.
Massage is a very physically demanding job. Passion for the work and an undeniable desire to help those people who live with chronic pain is what makes a Great Therapist. I don't see ME offering incentives to this population. ME is centered around making a profit off of Free labor (for the most part).
If your suffering and really needing relief and improvement in your condition, ME is not going to meet your needs, consistently. If you just want to experience what Massage is, in a generic way, go to ME. If you just want a day of ahhhhhhh, and it's pampering day, check out the spa. If you need/want progress and improvement in an existing condition, recovery from an injury, or a Therapist who specializes and has the gift of healing, go Private practice. If price is the issue, most, if not all Private Practice Therapist operate on a sliding scale… just ask. ME doesn't offer that.
June 24th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I am a consumer and have to get a massage on a monthly basis due to back problems. I too have paid upwards of $80 for a massage, just to walk away unsatisfied. I recently joined ME because of the price and hours of availability. While at times it may not be perfect, but it isn't a day spa. Tech Schools advertise the benefits to being a MT, and I truly appreciate your profession. I understand how it feels when someone feels better because of you. However, the down side of working in a Salon is that you are on call and sometimes have hours open with no pay coming in. What about the single mom, who paid for her training while she was working a different job and now is trying to make a career of MT. Being on call and not promised a full booking can be detrimental to some people. Places like ME offer a different option. That's all it is. An option. I love Face and Body Works, my local spa, and will continue to treat myself to a half day of treatments when I would like to.
The great thing is that people are starting to recognize the benefits of massage and there is more demand for qualified professionals. I also know that when I first started my job I wasn't perfect, as a matter of fact I'm still not. No one is and I'm glad my first class gave me the opportunity to learn and grow. We are all here, on Earth, to learn and become better people. Sounds like some of you could stand a dose of your own medicine. "GET A MASSAGE, AND CHILL OUT, MAN!" Besides, the cream always rises to the top.
June 24th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Don't kid yourself about ME going away. They are here to stay like it or not. I know the VP of marketing and they are looking into expanding into the Medical Massage area. This is very preliminary, but it is in the works. There is a big part of the medical massage market out there, that won't bill insurance directly because we can't afford to wait 2-3 years for reimbursement. ME has the financial backing to do just that. They are currently working on the PR campaign to get in to the Physician's office to get referral programs established. ME, like it or not, is going to force us, a practitioners to focus our energies and business savvy to compete. I am concerned, since 85% of my practice is working with auto accident or work comp patients. ME has the presence to go directly to insurance companies and become the preferred provider.
We need to heed this ripple in the industry and stand firm on our beliefs and services. I think the key resides in education of our referral sources and our customer base. They need to know and understand why we are different, what our expanded education is, our skill and experience level and why we are a better choice. I hate to think of ME's inexperienced therapists working on clients with soft tissue damage or post-op. They can definitely cause more harm than good. Time will tell, but remember. There are millions of people out there who are an untapped market, who have never received massage. You might be the therapist they have been looking for. I know from experience, that my regulars are looking for how I treat them as a person, that I care for them and I always have their best interest in mind. They trust me. They aren't price shoppers. Price shoppers will never be regular clients. My clientele is loyal because they know I will go above and beyond for them, I want them to experience a netter quality of life and do it without chronic pain. The one thing ME or any other company can never duplicate is YOU.
June 25th, 2007 at 2:32 am
What a great discussion, clearly a few keen minds and a few emotionally biased opinions as well. I have been a private equity investor and investment banker for about 7 years and focused heavily on the growing health/wellness market. The good news is that rising tides raise all ships and ME is growing market awareness for something the majority of people have a high affinity for.
With the CAGR of MTs going to school unless some of the altruistic spa owners have mass schedules of positions for new MTs entering the workforce, then there should be no complaining. There is an invisible hand at work and a new MT will 1) find a rare position somewhere at a high end spa 2) join Massage Envy to launch their career 3) try to go solo and either wither on client acquisition or subsidize through full/part time work elsewhere.
From a consumer vantage that 60-70% is more like 75-85% and anyone doubting the pervasive successes of a perceived luxury item/service made affordable and available to the masses should go back to grad school. It is a classic module. What I love is that ME doesn't have diverse service and product offerings (and the associated CAPEX and fixed costs accordingly). There will always be a customer segment that wants the full steam, relaxing half day at a spa. ME will never own that customer, but there are a lot fewer of those customers than there are full service Med Spas. Additionally, unless these spas truly can differentiate themselves, in reality or ostensibly then ME will gain further adoption of many existing spa clients, or at a minimum lower the frequency of visitation to med spas.
With current management at ME, the industry should view them as healthy competition. I am continually not impressed with vision or execution from ME corporate, however, with such a simple business module you don't have to be Jack Welch to turn a profit. I would worry if some private equity/MBA types start paying attention and come by out ME and really take things up a few levels, I am tempted to do it myself but I am not in the cat herding business.
June 25th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I am a MT and I work at ME. I graduated in November of 2006 and have been with ME for 6 weeks. I can tell you first hand that people of all walks of life come there. People in ever economic and ethnic back ground. The come there because they either feel bad due to body aches and pain or they are stress out and want to be made to feel better. No matter where anyone goes they may have both good and bad experience depending on the therapist that is neither a ME or Spa issue that is life in general. I think the original writer Larry Donahue is dead on and on the right track. Spas better pay attention and act accordingly.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:31 am
Actually for anyone paying attention here's the truth about the number of graduates coming out of massage schools. "Chris" you might want to take note since you base your speculations on such figures and accuracy is important. Every year, ABMP conducts an enrollment survey of massage therapy programs in the States. The results of the last survey were published and communicated to schools last month. After several years of growth in terms of total enrollment, there has been a drop in the past two years - that is, a drop in the *total* number of students enrolling in massage therapy. I do not recall the exact numbers but I believe it was between 7% and 12% since 2004.
From the time of the previous survey to the last one, 52 massage therapy programs (out of 1,300 or so, if I recall correctly) were no longer in existence.
To me this would indicate that the tide has risen and is now receding somewhat. Most of those who went to massage schools were probably expecting a better paying gig than ME offers. That was always the allure for so long, great gig, great pay. Not so much anymore with places like ME around. The decline is predicted to continue with some long established schools like The Massage School of Santa Monica closing it's main campus this year and barely getting by on a trickle of students in it's Valley Glen campus. If you're into reading tea leaves these spell a shift in the business that a few years ago would have been difficult to predict.
And as far a ME "launching" anybody's career I'd have to say that there is no evidence that has ever happened or ever will. Those who work there most likely didn't "launch" a career in the first place and so they settled for working there with beginners that didn't know any better. BTW- ME's tight non competition contract would actually make leaving there and "launching" a career difficult if not impossible to do legally.
And again I will reiterate the focus of the recent Forbes article that said that ME franchisees were complaining about overselling the market and having difficulty staffing their stores and getting people in the door because they were competing with the 12 other ME's nearby. So much for their marketing "geniuses."
Don't believe the hype, check the facts and deal with the reality.
July 13th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Chris K, you're very upset about all this. Perhaps you need a massage.
I'm actually wondering where you get your "facts" from. A lot of it seems like your speculation more than facts.
I work at one of your dreaded Massage Envy's… ooh… scary.
You said "And as far a ME 'launching' anybody's career I'd have to say that there is no evidence that has ever happened or ever will. Those who work there most likely didn't "launch" a career in the first place and so they settled for working there with beginners that didn't know any better."
Pretty insulting to the therapists that work at Massage Envy, don't you think? Considering they're the largest employer of Massage Therapists in the country, that's a lot of people you're trash talking about.
Plenty of therapists have gotten their start here. Where else can you work full time doing massage when you're right out of school? Where else can you be busy on a Monday afternoon or a Tuesday morning? Spas which are so highly touted on this board are mainly busy Saturday and Sunday. A single Massage Envy can do 80 massages on a Wednesday. Some really great therapists have "day jobs" that they also love and they come here on a Thursday after work for three hours.
Some really great therapists became great therapists after getting to hone their craft on the repeat clientele that Massage Envy provides their therapists. I can give you their names and numbers if you want to contact me, you can call them yourself.
And in terms of the ABMP research you "cited"… if you read the article, you'd see that the ABMP doesn't think that the decline in students enrolling is negative. "It would not be surprising to see a further reduction in the number of massage training programs during the next few years. The landscape has become more competitive. Those with quality instruction, passion for the field, and effective student recruitment and support are more likely to thrive.”
Additionally, there is still a continuing growth of consumer demand for massage.
Finally, the Forbes article focus isn't about how ME is having trouble getting people in the door. It's about growing so quickly and having a high consumer demand that it's hard to keep up with the growth. Read it. You'll see that ME is offering health insurance to therapists. Direct Deposit. 401K plans. Continuing Education. Paid time off. Tell me which spas you've worked at that offered all of those.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Doreen–It's clearly you that is upset, you are being condescending, that's always a dead giveaway. If you read the Forbes article you will see that the Houston couple mentioned were relating their experience of having too much competition from other ME's within their own area. These aren't "growing pains," this is overkill and they're feeling the pinch. The rest of the article stated growing pains in general but I cited that part to make a point and I did. no needs to obfuscate.
I don't think ME's are "scary", I just think they are worth critiquing. If you're happy there why be so defensive about. Clearly plenty are not happy and that's worth considering.
Please tell me how someone "builds" a clientele working for someone else? Contractually you cannot "steal" their clients. And if you are stating that people get "experience" there then you are making my point for me that they are usually fresh out of school. Thank you for verifying that.
Have you checked out their "health insurance" package? Check it out and get back to me. You might actually find it less enticing than it sounds. Direct deposit? Big deal. How hard is it to deposit your own paycheck. 401k plans for full time only. Continuing education, every MT should do it and some states require it. Paid time off for full time only which comprises only a portion of their staff.
Unlike you I am not impressed with the numbers of MT's they employ or the hours they work. That means very little, massage is about quality.
And since you asked, I have never had to work for a spa or anyone else for that matter. I have been self employed in Hollywood for over 20 years and done over 25,000 sessions. For the record I make $150.00 to $200.00 per session. My personal experience informs the rationale for my point of view.
While I respect your choice to work there I don't mean to personally insult you or anyone. But the fact of the matter is, no high end MT would work for 15 bucks an hour. They should never have to.
I wish you much success.
July 17th, 2007 at 10:32 am
p.s.–The numbers of students are declining as are the number of schools and that's a fact supported by the report, no speculation involved. Anyone can speculate as to why that is though and I have my opinion. I believe it is because a job that used to promise 60 to 80 bucks an hour upon graduation now promises less than half of that. Young MT's starting out can thank places like ME for that. Lower pay expectations will more than likely translate into fewer people seeking out the profession. How can anyone argue with that?
Also, as to the matter of people who have been unable to "launch" a successful independent career in massage who wind up working there, doesn't logic dictate that if someone is successful on their own and making 80 to 100 dollars an hour that they wouldn't seek employment in a place making 1/4th of that? This is not speculation it is common sense. So I stand by my earlier statement that ME's are comprised by individuals either fresh out of training (which Doreen backed up) and those who have perhaps been unsuccessful in building their own private practice. This in in way implies that they aren't competent, just a statement of fact as to their professional status.
August 1st, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Well this company has sure stirred an uproar! I currently work at a ME and enjoy it greatly. You have to look at the whole picture. You have to love the place you work the environment . You also cannot judge every clinic the same . They are all owned independently. My owners offer additional insurance, and are great people. I also would like to say we have people working here who have been in the massage industry for over 10 years so no they are not all fresh out of school. I work as a manager and also a therapist. I will admit I was sketchy at first but it helps make a health benefit available to people who cannot afford the foofoo frills attached to a spa price.
August 4th, 2007 at 2:26 am
That's nice Shera, you sound happy there and I think that's great.
I hardly think there is an "uproar," more like a discussion as to the merits of such a business model. My question is why would someone who has been in the massage business for over 10 years take a job at a place where they weren't making a lot of money? Just to be altruistic for the benefit of the community? Then why not do it for free?
If they were really good could they not have built a successful practice on their own charging the same as ME prices or more but getting to keep all of the profits? I just don't understand the initiative behind surrendering free will so that others may profit more from your labor than yourself. It just doesn't make any sense. Unless of course they were in fact unable to build a successful practice on their own and felt that ME was the best they could do. I'm fine with that. There is a place for everyone out there. ME aggressively scouts massage schools so they do hire a lot of people fresh out of school. Nothing wrong with that. I'm just not convinced that startng there translates into a successful independent career regardless of what others may say about that. I'm sure it happens but I bet it's exception to the norm.
And as far as offering a health benefits to people that can't afford expensive spas I say why not seek out independent MT's who charge the same as ME's? They are out there. I'd much rather support an independent MT than a retail chain. In case you haven't noticed there are now copycat ME's popping up undercutting even ME's prices. it was boudn to happen. When it's all about price guess who loses out in the end? The MT's who keep getting less and less for their services. I now see places offering massages for 35 dollars and paying MT's 10 bucks an hour. Everyone cool with that? You can thank places like ME for standardizing the lowballing of rates.
August 20th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I don't like Massage Envy. I've worked for them for over two years. It pays some bills while building my own practice and learning what not to do. When you only make $15 per massage it makes your LMTs not like massage. People are buying these franchises when they know nothing about massage therapy. As for the owner of the location I work for, and I quote, "Massage is better than ice cream, Hell, massage is better than sex!" This right after he lectured us for about an hour on keeping all conversations appropriate. His business philosophy is, "Pay people enough to just get by." Massage Envy also has been getting bad press for LMTs crossing major boundaries. Massage Envy is the devil of the massage industry. They have been called names such as Slave Envy, etc. I don't understand why you would put one of the 7 deadly sins in the same title as the most beautiful thing in the world. Massage. Shame on them.
August 24th, 2007 at 10:15 am
A very interesting discussion. Since when should massage therapists consider themselves "above the fray" when it comes to marketing, competition, etc.? If you want to compare us to another industry (and not the car industry), take attorneys–there are those at the top who charge $1000's for an hour, then there are the ambulance chasers. Massage therapists also run the gamut. Not knowing Massage Envy, I wouldn't know where to place them on the continuum, but surely they are above those massage parlors who trade in sex, even hiring LMTs to do this work. Economic reality can be harsh. Secondly, many individuals aren't suited (by personality or financial need) to working independently, so even though an LMT is experienced, she may prefer to align herself with a franchise. Ideally, our clients should be able to afford competent therapists at a fai, not inflated price and if ME or other locations can offer this, than great!
August 24th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Hi Y'all,
I am a LMT for 15 yrs. I am licensed in FL, LA & work in Minnesota. I had formulated a Massage Franchise business plan 8 yrs ago. Everyone told me I was nuts. WELL… I wish I had gone through with my plan because I see ME's popping up all over the place and I'm sure the only one making big bucks is the CEO. I wish it were me. Of course, my plan was more for the benefit of the therapists that would work for me. Retirement Plan, Health Benefits, Continuing Education, etc. OH WELL!
Back on topic. I have had long conversations with my local ME owner and he seems very disillusioned. He complained about corporate not helping out and also about keeping staff. Also, who says ME is cheap?!? OK, your first massage is $39 but they hound you to tip at least $10. So now you are paying $49 for a 50 min. massage. AND, if you become a member, the rate is $49 plus your $10 tip. That's how ME gets away with paying their therapists only $15 per massage.
I bet Justin could tell us that he was told that he would make $25 per massage. That's what my local ME owner tells all his new hires. What a racket.
Hey, anyone out there want to partner up with me and start a new Massage Franchise? Massage Envy has opened the door for us guys. CHEERS!
August 25th, 2007 at 7:05 am
I am a therapist at a Massage Envy in Florida. The concept is good. I believe that everyone should experience the benefits of massage. However, from a therapist perspective the pay is horrible. At my clinic you are lucky to get 5 clients a day. The sad thing is that you don't get paid if you don't have a client for that hour. For example, if you work a seven hour day, and you only have 3 clients for that day, you only get paid for those 3 clients plus your tips. So, you spend 4 hours sitting around and you don't get paid. On Wednesday, I didn't have a client until the end of my day. I asked the clinic administrator if I could leave and she replied no! So I had to stay for six hours doing nothing. So I wasted 6 hours of my day! If you are a therapist and are thinking about working for a Massage Envy, please give it a lot of thought! If they tell you that you get $7.50 when you are not working then that is a lie!
August 25th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Lola iam sorry to hear you dont get the 7.50 at your clinic but at my clinic you do. Also I do understand how therapists would want to make more money elsewhere , cause you can alone , or possibley others spas. Some people like the convienance of having taxes taken out health benifits, ect.. depending on your owner it will be a good place or horrible as it is for some of you . I work manager duties as well as massage and enjoy it. And our clinic will soon be offereing CEUS I think it all depends on the whole picture , and for some its not a fit
August 25th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
After seeing all this chatter about Massage Envy being a threat to the upscale spas, it appears no one has noticed the appearance of a new and fast growing franchise called Massage Heights. It's based out of San Antonio, TX and it appears to be copying but improving ME's business model. Entrepreneur magazine has given this franchise very high marks comparable to that of ME. I would be very much interested interested in investing in the new Massage Heights franchsie because it appears cheaper than ME but I'm a little weary of it because I can't find much information on it, except for the company's website and Entrepreneur.com. So can anyone tell me anything they know about Massage Heights? Any advice is appreciated!
August 27th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
I would be wary. Massage Envy has capitalized on the glut of massage therapists who were pursuing massage as a career when it was advertised as a much more lucrative job. Now with Massage Envy lowering the pay expectations attendance in schools is down and schools are actually closing or scaling down. My guess is that in near future there will be a much smaller pool of MT's to chose from, Massage Envy franchisees are already complaining about this happening. If you can't staff your stores you won't be able to service your clientele.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Can anyone tell me anything about Massage Heights? All I know about MH is its website at www.massageheights.com and www.entrepreneur.com but nowhere else. It appears to be a good franchise opportunity that can compete with ME but there doesn't seem to be much info about MH since it's so new. Any info will be appreciated!
Wayne
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Hey. Herm in Minnesota. Interested in starting a Massage Excellence franchise? We would match the ME first time $39 intro and $49/hr massage rate. However, every subsequent massage would be $49, NOT the $39 like ME. I am betting it wouldn't make a difference to our customers because they would not be experiencing the turnover ME has and receiving massage from a therapist is paid a professiona rate ($25/hr) that reflects their experience. Tips would be appreciated, but not expected.
September 20th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Anyone think Mr. Skip Wilson owns stock in Massage Envy? Sounds like a paid lobbyist to me. I can't believe Massage Envy has done so well but as they say, some businesses just take on a life of their own regardless of bad customer service, poorly trained staff and owners who thought it would be "neat-o" to own their own business. I've been to Massage Envy on more than one occasion. My mistake believing that maybe it was just an isolated bad experience. My first massage was by a man who was down-right creepy and didn't listen to anything I said. My second massage I requested someone new and it went from bad to worse. Why bother giving the details but the word traumatized comes to mind. To top it off I got pressure from the staff every time I walked in the door and when I had to cancel my "membership agreement" (note to the wise, read the fine, fine print) I was out $150 dollars because it stated I had to take all pre-paid massages before I cancelled. I'm still trying to figure out that one. Since you have to give 30 days notice and within that 30 days they will charge your credit card again. How exactly do you take the massage the day you cancel when your card will be charged in a week? On the same day I was in, another woman walked out right behind me and was upset over the very same thing. She was furious and stormed out. Their business model, will catch up with them. At best they will need to make some changes before it affects their bottom line. Regardless of who's payroll Mr. Skip Wilson is on, these are the facts as I know them. Let's see if this gets posted. The truth rarely does.
October 16th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I thought this might be interesting to this continuing discussion. I'm a customer. I like massages. I'm a simple 35-year-old guy with a good career at an engineering firm in CA. Here are some of my preferences that lead to becoming a ME member:
These are just my preferences — I know there is also the Mercedes-level spa person with the means to pay high prices for more customization and/or specialization. But as estimated on this blog, that's the smaller proportion of people. I'm glad to be affluent enough to live in one of the most expensive areas of the nation and still afford a luxury like massages — many people can't.
My only advice to this group is to resist trying to find the one-answer business strategy that fits all (or even 5). I seriously doubt a ME 50 miles north of here would be as successful as the one I go to — too many cultural, economic, transportation, and demographic differences.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:58 am
I find this a very interesting discussion. I am a ME customer. I've been getting massages for over 15 years. I've received them in Chiropractor offices, independent locations, individuals and high end spas. No matter where you go or how much you spend there is always the chance of receiving a bad massage.
Frankly I don't need all the extras that come with the high end spa, and I've had more BAD experiences in this arena then any other. These types of spas are for a special day (or hours) and the therapists very rarely see the same customer twice. I go to a wonderful place for my facials & eyelash tint every 6 weeks. I've tried to use them for massage, but none of the therapists were any good, period.
The independent locations have such a high turnover that once I found someone I liked they eventually couldn't afford to continue and I was never able to get a straight answer as to where they went in order to follow.
Since I try to get massages every couple of weeks the ME concept was perfect for me. Massages for the masses. They are open when allot of other places are closed. (Sunday and Monday and any Holiday seem to be the normal closed days for spas and independents). I can normally call a few days ahead of time or even the day of and get in for a massage.
I've also spoken to the therapists. Full time is 20-25 hours a week. They typically see 4 to 6 customers a day. They can set their own schedule, receive 401k's, health benefits and continuing education. Most of them are recent grads, and appreciate the opportunity to get started right away. But several have been therapists for years and since they know the local market or attempted businesses themselves, and understand the model.
I don't think in anyway that ME is degrading for the therapist or consumer. The business model is popular for a reason. Maybe spas need to look internally at their business models and see why they don't garner such a large market share. Anyway I look at it, I refuse to pay 75, 80 or 150 dollars for a massage, just for the ambiance when I get the level of service I expect for 49 per month, in a nice, clean relaxing environment.
November 4th, 2007 at 8:43 am
If a client wants to pay for a cheap massage, let them. Eventually they’ll learn that “you get what you pay for.” Don’t compare yourself to a hamburger joint of you’re a steakhouse. The steakhouses have waiting lines.
Also, its time for the “new therapist” and their massage school teachers to learn how to read employment contracts. Shame on them for signing such debilitating non-compete contracts. If they took the time to research a little more they wouldn’t be in the position their in. It's time EVERYONE took responsibility for their own actions and quit blaming others.
November 9th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
As a massage center owner I am always interested in knowing all about any competition. I have researched the "Massage Envy" experience and follow the trend of the franchise openings and its success. Without question the Massage Envy locations are offering an inferior product to my facility or practically any other privately owned massage center.. The staff at a Massage Envy is always going to of the lowest skill level for an MT and the turn over rate will ensure that the consumer will always be getting what they pay for: a sub par massage. Sometimes this may be enough it seems because the franchises are making it long term in their locations. To get their best price you sign a contract and your credit card is charged monthly for a year. Your massage last only 45-50 minutes. For a few dollars more you can get full hour massages by highly skilled well compensated Certified Massage Therapists at Balance Therapeutic Massage in Virginia Beach.
November 11th, 2007 at 6:34 am
What I love about blogs such as this? If you look at the page rank of ME, it was unrated about 6 months ago. Now it is a 5, which means it receives high ranking on the search engines. Why is it ranked so high? BECAUSE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT THEM! and all these blogs lead back to their name and website. Anyone who understands anything at all about Internet Marketing knows that blogs, articles, etc., all lead to greater website optimization and everyone talking about THEM You should be talking about yourselves, your sites, your services, your personal blogs, and worrying about how you can best serve your clients so as to get RETURN business and not have to worry so much about what other massage entities are doing, or not doing for their clients. FOCUS on your client and improving your service and your appointment book will be full, as is ours. No disrespect intended, but lets talk about what WE do best and leave ME to pay for their own advertising!
November 11th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Hi, Tim!
Good point about page rank. The more people talk about an organization or website, the more "popular" they become and therefore page rank increases. This blog, in particular, allows folks to include their web address, which helps increase their own page ranks as they post comments.
I looked at your website, www.akossage.com, and wanted to ask you why you weren't a SpaBoom customer yet??!?
You might want to ask your web developer to reduce your image sizes to their correct size, which will dramatically increase your page load times! Just a thought…
Larry.
November 18th, 2007 at 12:05 am
I'm a newly graduated CMT who is struggling to get started because I was always more about the holistic side of things but when it came to the business end felt lost. You all have given me some major food for thought here. I live in NJ and they just announced that they were going to open an ME in our local area. I had heard some things about ME while I was still in school and to me personally it sounded like the Supercuts versions of a massage clinic, sort of "thank you, please drive thru… NEXT!" So I was skeptical. Then just recently I had been toying with the idea that maybe I was wrong and could give it a chance. However, now that I've heard a bit more I'm leaning toward my original position to work elsewhere, because for one thing it doesn't sound like it's in line with how I feel about massage in general. For instance, I chose to go to a smaller private school than one of the larger student 'mills' in our area or one of the technical/business schools because I felt I wanted a more serious, personal, and individualized education and that is also how I envision I would like my practice to be.
I think the concept of ME sounds cool in a way in that it is great that it opens up massage to more people, sort of spreading the word on a great way to help with one's wellness to people who might not have tried it, and makes it somewhat affordable to people who would otherwise consider it too much of a "luxury" (since when is wellness a luxury anyway?).
BUT…
I have heard a lot of things that I feel from what I've learned that would translate badly to the client, and let's face it that it's already sometimes a difficult business to be in due to the lack of seriousness many people take it for and also the seedy ends of the business.
Also I don't like the sound of most of the things I've heard about it, such as working full shifts with no pay, low pay, being lied to, etc. Another example: I looked at the ad on their website in they advertise "flexible schedules" being available, but in a posting for one of the jobs I found elsewhere, it says "must be able to work a flexible schedule." Those are two different things. I especially don't like the fact that they are saying that you need to be able to do "consecutive 50-min. massages". Where is the time for appropriate cleanup, set up, and not to mention a possible break between clients? That sounds like a recipe for poor and rushed service and therapists to get burnout and injury. And I could see why there is turnover, because that sounds like a very discouraging environment. I'm sure that there could be ME locations that actually do well for their employees, but how would a person know until AFTER they worked there for some time? Also, I know that business requires marketing, but from the sound of it there's a lot of sales work to get customers (they don't even call them clients?) to buy the packages. If I had wanted to be in sales, that is what I would have gone to school for and not to be a bodywork practitioner.
Thanks but no thanks for now for me. I'll figure out another way to work.
November 20th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I find this blog to be very interesting. I'm off to ME tonight for my first appointment. I'm very excited about it. While I don't expect it to be a super relaxing, allow me to linger in a super plush robe and enjoy teas for hours experience, I do expect a decent massage done by a competent professional.
What draws me to ME is the price point. Plain and simple. I've always been looking a way to make massage a regular part of my life, and this seems like it will be it. In the past, I’ve gone to massage schools for the price and been happy, but the hours don’t work well for me. To let you know my demographic, I'm a 25 year old married woman and together, my husband and I bring home 120,000 per year, with me bringing home $50K. Our combined hourly income before taxes is $60 per hour. I'm sorry, I respect massage therapists very much and I can just imagine how hard the job is, but I cannot justify spending more an hour than what both my husband and I earn on a regular basis. I have a hard time spending $1.40 per minute for anything regardless of how it makes me feel. As a luxury or as an occasional treat, yes, but regularly? No. I’ve looked into the prices for day spas near my home in Phoenix and they run about $85 an hour. My hour long massage at ME tonight will cost me $40.
The second reason I chose ME is the time limit and hours. My normal day runs about 12-15 hours. I wake up at 6 am to work out or an hour, work an 8 hour day (with an hour lunch break is 9 hours), spend an hour commuting and generally try to hit yoga 3 times a week for an hour and a half. I don’t have the time to spend hours at a salon. Get me in, make me feel better, get me out. I don’t want to linger, I’d rather be at home relaxing with my husband.
In case you were wondering, yes, I do go to SuperCuts or Great Clips. They cut my hair at a reasonable price in a reasonable amount of time. Is it super fabulous? No, but it gets the job done. I also go to Linda’s Nails just down the street (you know, the quickie place in the strip mall). For $35 I get a decent spa pedicure with a flower on my toe and soft feet. I went to a day salon, spent twice the time and $60 bucks and didn’t get a better experience. The shop was quieter, that’s about it.
High end salon owners shouldn’t be concerned, there will always be a place for luxury in the world and there will always be people willing to spend the money. However, ME fills a void in the market for people like me who don’t want the high end, I’m willing to pay less for the lower end experience. As for the “evilness” of the corporation, I frankly don’t care –- I shop at Wal-Mart and probably wear sweatshop clothes. If you don’t want to work there, you don’t have to, but obviously people do. Do I necessarily want to see the same therapist regularly? Maybe, but its not high on the priority list. If I get a different person, maybe my next massage will be better, if it’s worse, I probably won’t have that therapist again. If its really fabulous, I can request the same therapist as long as they work there (and if they’re really good, maybe I’ll follow them wherever they go).
So there you go, that is my opinion, as a consumer, of ME. Granted, I am just one voice, but given the overwhelming success of Wal-Mart and Great Clips in this country, I’m clearly not alone.
November 21st, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Interesting that you write a "review" of a place before you have even had your first appointment there. You aren't really interested in massage as much as you are about being thrifty. Nothing wrong with that. Lowering expectations with price keeps some people happy. At least you know that you're worth it. For the record Wal-Mart has been having some problems lately, look it up if you don't believe me and I for one have never even heard of Great Clips.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I recently experienced my first massage at ME and was quite pleased. After my arrival I was escorted to a more quiet room with soft lighting, a small waterfall, fresh lemon water or hot tea, cookies, mints, and comfortable seating. The ambiance was quite relaxing until other clientele came in and started talking loudly on the cell phone {{sigh}}. The massage therapist had been recommended by a friend and I was extremely pleased with her skills. I will request her as often as she is available, and I tipped her $15. This was my first visit to a "Great Clips or Wal-Mart" type massage location and I will return. Like others who have written before me, I am pressed for time and don't always need the total frills when my ultimate goal is to relieve the pain and tension. Isn't this the goal of massage therapy to help the client? It troubles me, yes, that so many therapists have had such bad experiences with their ME employers. But, are those who are unhappy just more vocal than those who are happy? Anyway, bottom line, this time I had a great experience. In the past I've paid lots of money at spas in different parts of the country to have massages where therapists chanted, chatted, and literally drove me crazy while I was supposed to be relaxing. Perhaps not all MEs do it wrong.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:00 pm
You could get just as good a massage, probably even better, for about the same price from any local independent. But whatever works for you. Out here where I am people still think ME is a joke. They aren't really doing too well out here. People here support the people who work for themselves more. That's a good thing too. They deserve it to be paid for their talents and build up their practices. Let the rest of the people, those who can't pull that off, work for ME.
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Anyone have any comments to make on the other massage franchises out there such as Massage Heights, Hand & Stone or Elements? They seem to offer the same discount massages but perhaps they've improved on other things.
December 4th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Wow, this has been one of the most interesting blogs that I've read in a while! I am a graduate of The Atlanta School of Massage (Class of ’94) and studied Clinical Sports Massage under Benny Vaughn and Whitney Lowe. So, I know a good massage when I feel one.
I am a client at ME–Camp Creek near the airport (if you’re ever in the area you owe it to yourself to stop in for a session). Like one of the previous posters stated: “Not all MEs are created equally.” The owner at this location was blessed enough to hire experience therapists, as well as the “cream of the crop” from some of the local massage schools.
Personally, I get massage on a weekly basis and could not afford to do so without a business model such as ME. I have NEVER gotten a bad massage at any of the Atlanta area MEs (and, I’ve visited Camp Creek, Windy Hill, Buckhead and Sandy Springs). Perhaps I’ve been luck enough to get therapists that have a passion for the work -– and don’t do it just for the money. That’s not to say that others haven’t, but I know my body well enough and am able to communicate my needs to the therapists and they have been met. I for one do not have to hang out at a luxury spa for hours on end when (as a ME member) I can get a 90-minute session (only $18 for the upgrade) for $57! A 90-minute session means the therapist can give me a more intensive session (addressing my issues) without having to “turnover the room” so quickly. Good massage at a great price!
As a therapist, my philosophy is to touch as many people as possible. I actually would rather perform five massages at $40 each than one massage at $200. Why? It allows me to affect more people… which is the reason I got into massage in the first place. Does that mean that I don’t feel that I’m “worth $100 an hour?” No, it just means that the best I catering to a group of people that cannot afford the ridiculously high fees charged by Chris Kincade. It would be very interesting to know if his clients are able to receive his services on a weekly basis… Not everyone in the country makes the $100/200 an hour made by people in LA’s film industry. I actually lived in LA for a short people of time and got excellent massage at a facility in Culver City called THE MASSAGE GARAGE. They catered to a lot of employees from SONY studios that could afford to pay upward to $150 a session, but visited this facility as well because they “got good bodywork” at a great price.
I must acknowledge that I didn’t realize the therapists salaries were so low, but did find out that everything they need to perform their jobs are provided from product to sheets to clients. Is this a viable model for everyone? No! However, that no reason to slam the entire ME organization. Some owners are actually former therapists who feel that they can make a difference by introducing massage to a segment of the population that would have otherwise not experienced it. I feel that this is an opportunity to educate the masses about the benefits of bodywork. Besides, not all ME owners are created equally.
Blessings
December 11th, 2007 at 6:27 am
I am a firm believer in the health benefits of massage.
I work in the mortgage industry which has been extra stressful lately. I am considering purchasing several gift cards from ME to use as thank you's and tokens of appreciation for my support staff. I have offices in different areas of CA. Massage Envy's multiple locations makes this a convenient possibility. Also, very easy to accomplish. I could do the entire process from my computer and email the gift certificates. Many of our employee's would not treat themselves to a massage. I visited a ME once and had a lovely massage. I have not returned because I was so turned off by the over the top sales pressure. Still I consider giving the gift. For $50 budget, it's a great gift.
On a recent trip to Mexico, we stayed at The Tides (previously Villa del Sol) in Zihuatenejo. Their spa was under reconstruction and they had quasi-converted guest suites for treatment rooms. Their prices were the same as if the full spa was available with limited availability. We opted for the beach side palapa therapists for a fraction of the cost down the shoreline. The treatment was excellent. It did not require an appointment. We found it so reasonable and enjoyable that we went daily. We were able to leave tips equal to the cost of the massage and still at half the cost of the spa. I have to believe the concept for ME was founded on a vacation somewhere. The massage in my opinion is always all about the therapist. I have had lousy massages in lovely places and vice versa.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Dearest ASM — You honestly come off like a paid shill for ME, all the same talking points. If you had actually bothered to read anything I wrote you would know that my main argument is that there are independent contractors that offer great service and profit more from their labor than the well meaning but underpaid and overworked MT's at ME. My argument is as an advocate for them which you obviously are not. If you really "cared" so much about others as you portend you might recognize this instead you merely imply how cheap labor suits your personal needs. This seems hypocritical to say the least but thanks for making that so clear.
As for singling me out I hope this forum will allow me the courtesy of responding to this rude, grammatically flawed and ridiculous remark — "No, it just means that the best I catering to a group of people that cannot afford the ridiculously high fees charged by Chris Kincade." You come off as incredibly naive here. I have news for you, I am far from the most expensive out here. Do your homework. I have a sliding scale that allows me to work on people from all walks of life and my wealthy clients balance that out. Everybody's happy. And as one who teaches internationally (I just got back from Italy two weeks ago and head off to Paris in February) I think my modest fees are reasonable, so it seems does my large and loyal client base. If you really did ever live here in Los Angeles I don't have to tell you that the cost of living here is extremely high. Weeklies? I have people I have seen every week for 20 years so spare me the moralizing. This is about ME. You may indeed be well meaning but make your argument without personalizing it as it just exposes the poverty of your position.
December 15th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Dear ASM — For the record all of my sessions are two hours long. Sorry I wasn't more clear about this in the post where I stated my rates. That said, where I live people charge that for an hour of outcall and I generally get paid more with tips etc. People like to be generous. So like I said, I'm hardly the most expensive.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Its important that everyone here understand the amount of manual labor that goes into a massage session. Especially if a client requests a "deep tissue" type therapy. At 15$ per hour (tip amounts vary and are not guaranteed) a therapist must work at least 6-7 hours per day. The best way I can explain it is like this… grab a persons arm and squeeze it as tight as you can, now… hold it just like that for an hour straight… take a fifteen minute break… now hold it again for two hours straight… repeat. I bet you'd all be crying like babies after half an hour.
The point is, you cannot sustain this type of working condition long enough to stay healthy AND to earn a decent salary at ME. The owners of the franchises can sustain their bloated profits though, no doubt. The labor is exploitative in its basic intent.
December 21st, 2007 at 12:47 pm
I am a member of ME, I'm also a massage therapist with my own clients. It's true that you just strip, sometimes get a good therapist, (pretty much hit or miss). Most of the therapist admit that they're overworked and underpaid. How in the world can you offer a good massage when you have a 10 min break in a breakroom that has absoluately no comfort, and work back to back like that for 8 hours and they only get $15hr plus tips. The turnover is tremedous. God forbide if you have to go to the bathroom during a session. They offer no robes to walk down the hall to the restroom. I had to take the sheet off the treatment table and wrap it around myself toga style and hope they're wasn't anyone out in the hall. The also offer no blanket and if the room is cold, you just choke it up and freeze while your trying to relax. Also no aromatherapy, can't pick your choice of music. You definately get what you pay for. Any if you add up dollar for dollar it's really more expensive than just going to a day spa.
December 22nd, 2007 at 1:53 am
I'm a consumer of massage services and I just got a massage for the first time at a Massage Envy tonight. So I was Googling for more information on Massage Envy and found this message board.
Wow - Here are my comments as a consumer.
I was very impressed with my massage at Massage Envy tonight, and if the working conditions mentioned by Barbara are true, I hope ME will improve them for their staff asap. ME definitely is offering tremendous value to the consumer, and if you are lucky as I was tonight, I received great quality massage services. I am very pleased.
My masseur was terrific, professional, had "magical" healing hands, was very pleasant, and asked me all the typical questions beforehand. Also, ME does not charge extra for deep tissue vs medium or light strength massages.
As a consumer I can afford any price and I have gone to the best from five star resorts, to private masseuses who come to your home. I was at the Wynn and Caesars last weekend in Las Vegas and enjoyed having a massage and other spa services at their world class spas.
I live in Newport Beach, CA where high end spa services are everywhere. But, I'm so stunned at how great my massage was at Massage Envy, and I'm a very picky person. I even bring my own massage oils when I feel like it.
The Massage Envy is about 15 minutes away, and I am definitely going to tell friends about this gem!
At the insanely reasonable prices that Massage Envy is charging, I can see why the reception area was packed (but quiet) when I walked in tonight. I can't believe this salon has been open since 2002 and I missed it all this time!
There are a few other massage salons that we have discovered that have popped up in the past couple of years. One is also reasonably priced and is operated by well trained masseuses from Japan, China and Thailand. These men and women are CA state licensed in massage therapy, as well as highly trained in their traditional methods of healing. They are by far much better than most of the ones at the "fancy" day spas in Newport Beach that give you a cup of herbal tea and a bathrobe. Who cares about that when you really want a great massage.
By the way, at Massage Envy tonight I was escorted down a very nice carpeted and dimly lit hallway into a well appointed massage room. The massage table was very comfortable and heated, very nice.
I just can't believe my experience tonight, so I've been on the phone with friends in CA and NY tonight to tell them to keep an eye out for a Massage Envy in their communities.
Yes, the price is unbelievable, but I think this company has it figured out for long term. You can request and book future appointments with your favorite masseuse, and when I asked tonight, they said I could bring my own special massage oils if I wanted to, plus they offer aromatherapy oils as well.
The front office must be trained, since they all spoke in soft voices and were extremely pleasant and professional to deal with.
ME makes it so downright reasonable and pleasant, that you can go every week or even more frequently without thinking twice for some of us spoiled princesses from Newport Beach who employ personal trainers and just have to get a massage more frequently (haha!).
Its the Costco mentality. Costco makes buying so easy and reasonable, you go into a Costco to buy $10 paper towels or steaks, and you feel like you are stealing the stuff because the prices are so low, but then you end up walking out with $500 worth of stuff! And you keep going back to Costco - and buy again!
I'm sorry that massage places like Massage Envy must be shaking up the "old school." But yes, it is making massage more affordable for the masses, and I think this will increase the market share for everyone.
The "old school" massage salons must freshen up and compete and definitely should stop sneering and whining at the new upstart - I really do think they will grab market share from all sectors of the population, not just the mid-end. They will be able to snare the high end clients as well just through word of mouth.
The high end massage and day spas in Newport Beach are no dummies however, they are very competitive, they are smart operators. They have us on email lists and constantly send us enticing services, often with a special promotion that's too hard to turn down.
They also serve as a catalyst to bring us together into social groups to share the latest information on health and beauty. They no longer just focus on offering massage and spa services, but include healthy, stress reducing lifestyle services. Very much like the "healthy lifestyle" massage services that Massage Envy promotes.
In Newport Beach I know which masseuse specializes in what, so word of mouth gets out if you are good.
We will go where the quality is, and price - that is the cherry on top. I don't know anyone who will pass up that combination.
So far, my first experience tonight at Massage Envy was an A for Quality and an A for Price!
December 24th, 2007 at 1:19 am
Susan — For the record, there is no state licensing for massage in California. It's really easy to get a license in Newport Beach.
December 24th, 2007 at 4:45 am
Ok, I have actually WORKED at a business similar to ME. It is a new chain originating in Colorado, called Elements. They operate in the same manner as ME. Yes, the prices are a good deal for the consumer, but what about what it does to the therapists? No one seems to understand the intense physical work involved in giving a massage. You are lying there RELAXING your muscles, while we, the therapists are flexing most of ours. In a set-up such as ME or Elements, where massages are scheduled back to back, as many as 7 a day, that is like going to the gym and working out almost nonstop for what constitutes a full workday for most. The pay is an average of $15 per massage plus the tip, which is lower than what one would receive in a traditional spa, probably because the client is in the mindset of PAY LESS PAY LESS PAY LESS. I could do a massage in my home or a clients home for ONE hour and far exceed what my income for an 8 hour work day at Elements was. Granted, I was making great money, but I was working my body to death for it. The particular studio that I worked at was poorly constructed in that the walls were insufficiently insulated to block sound from the reception area, hallway, and other massage rooms. This was both distracting and unsettling for the client and the therapist. We had piped in music, which was often NOT relaxing or comforting, and after a long day, almost nauseating. Our break room consisted of TWO hard chairs and a folding card table… VERY RELAXING! There was one bathroom, expected to accommodate up to six clients and six therapists, the receptionist and manager at any given time. If we had a cancellation, we were expected to remain there, just in case there was a walk-in, but yet we were not paid for the down time. Often, clients would complain about services in a variety of areas (as do consumers of most any product), but even though the fault of the complaint may lie with the environment itself, rather than the quality of the service, the complaint was filed in the employees file and held against THEM for future evaluations. The old saying, "the customer is always right," was strongly believed in, so far that it was defective. I understand people's desires to get as good a deal as possible these days when purchasing anything. I would be the same way. BUT… do you really want to spend your money and support the massage mills? Please take the time to think about how hard your therapist worked to get through massage therapy school, obtain their license, etc, and how hard he/she works every single day (many work not only their 50 hour weeks at ME or Elements, but also doing massages at home or clients homes), how they too have families that because of the insane demands on their bodies by their job at ME/Elements, they are unable to function once they walk through their own front door. I know I for one was lucky to just get to the shower and then fall out on the sofa for the rest of the night!!! By purchasing services from these places you are condoning their practices of abusing therapists who only want to work at their chosen profession and make a decent living, not suffer burnout before having been out of school for even a year. Please, think about it!!!
December 24th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Sandy — I hear you and many others do as well. Unfortunately, there are many who only see how getting a massage on the cheap benefits only them. These are the same people that couldn't care less that slave labor in Indonesia makes clothes for them or that what mounts to indentured servitude provides products they can consume cheaply. It's a sense of entitlement issue. But people like you need to keep speaking out to raise awareness. This will all come around. Massage school attendance is down and there will be less and less people enticed to enter the field given the conditions (less money for the practitioner and poor working conditions) that places like ME and Elements provide. My best advice is to go after good private clients. Places like ME can never compete with those who do outcall. Bear in mind that a lot of the positive reviews written here sound like they were scripted by MR PR people because they most likely were. The truth is out there.
December 24th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Macalla, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said many of these posts were done by ME PR people. They sound so brainwashed, just like the manager at the Elements where I was employed. So horribly hypocritical, but do whatever or be whomever it took to dupe the clients and crack the whip on the therapists. Oddly enough, many of the private clients I have now, I met while working at Elements. Many asked me (and granted I was hesitant to respond for fear of entrapment and repercussions by Elements) if I WOULD provide outcall services to their homes, for both them and various family members. Also, I was fortunate enough to meet someone whose therapies business contracts with Medicaid to provide therapeutic massage for individuals with special needs. It's nothing full-time, but the few hours a week I do that kind of work is so VERY rewarding. Also, for anyone out there NOT wanting to go the spa route, check out local resorts, and pass out flyers at the upper scale hotels and extended stay facilities. These places are safer in that they have on property security with whom you can check in with at the front desk before going to a clients room. They will (or have with me in most instances) come by as designated times, knock on the door, identify themselves, etc., and the front desk will call to check on you as well. If that total stranger lying there naked on your massage table has ANY ill thoughts, they will be quickly banished once he/she knows that so many people know exactly where you are and who you are with. Plus, the rate for outcalls to hotels is WONDERFUL!!! I've done a few late evening ones, after some local event has ended, and received upwards of $200 for a 90 minute deep tissue massage. That was barely equal to 12 one hour massages at Elements! Plus I have several clients who come to my home regularly for massages, and receive $80-$100 for a one hour massage from them. They are much more relaxed in a home type atmosphere where they don't feel your next client nipping at their heels while they are being rushed…
December 26th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Hi Guys,
It is funny I came across this web site since I am looking into opening a ME myself. As I understand, in general the customers are happy and other local spas and its owners are upset with ME popping up all over the place.
I have numerous friends who work for luxe spas and make just as much if not less than ME offers to LMTs. Yes, the service is more expensive, but like with any business — by the time the owner is done paying for rent, heat, insurance, supplies, etc the LMTs is getting not much more than $20, plus they have to deal with VERY picky clients who expect the world from a $90 massage.
I look at it this way: for every product there is a customer. Do you go to an upscale salon and get a $50 pedicure? I do, I like the experience, I actually enjoy being able to talk to my nail tech, build relationship, etc. But what about thousands of other women who go to the "Lee's Nails" of the world and get both manicure and pedicure for mere $22 with NO appointment and NO waiting? There are a TON of these around each and every town. Why do people go there? Price and Convenience. Do they get the atmosphere — NO, conversation — NO, a pretty girl offering them coffee, tea, wine — NO. Do they get their nails and toes done in one hour with no waiting, barely any appointments and for close to nothing? Yes. Why aren't you talking about these 'poor' nail techs who work for probably MUCH less than ME offers to their therapists? Nail techs also go to school, also work hard, etc, etc.
As I said, for every product there is a right consumer.
My great friend who is a very successful real estate agent has a saying: if your house is not selling for 425K, would it sell for $1? If the answer is YES it means that the true price of your house is somewhere between $1 and $425,000 — now is the key to find out exactly what that price is.
In my opinion ME figured out what THAT price is, that's why they are so successful.
Good luck to all.
December 27th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Dear Julie,
Since I looked at the franchises and decided that was not for me, here is some info you may not have considered in your search. From the business-franchisee side of things here is another way to look at things.
I looked at territory size. Seems they are working on around 50,000 people in a territory (subject to change???). That means that here in Saint Petersburg, FL they could have 5 (not to mention the surrounding towns). Now pop in another half dozen franchises in different companies and now how good does that base seem? Same target market. Those in earlier with annual contracts in place are in a much better position to be there in the long run. Whatever company you go to, build your business base fast with contracts because you will have lots of competition for your target market. It is only exclusive with the company you are in. And even then on the bordering territories will the locations within the territory be close enough to draw from you?
While figures vary, approximately 22% of the population has experienced a massage. Which means about 11,000 in your market area (of course you will be market to new people also). If 70% are in your level of service price range… then you have 7,700 in the main target market… add 6 more chains and now your market share shrinks substantially. And you have all the independents also. What advantages does the company have in getting, and keeping, a larger share of the market? Know your competition and potential competition if you want to have the business for the long run.
To all the therapists reading this, review each of these sites. There are lots of ideas on promoting your business that can be picked up. They spent lots developing their models.
When I look at a franchise I also search the net for problems with it. And you find things like this blog.
And there are lots more companies wanting to franchise…
And then there are the day spa franchises that are starting… each with massage. There is a Massage Envy for sale in California that claims gross income of $1,000,000 and is for sale for $650,000. Would be nice to know why they are selling www.healthclubforsale.com.
The chains may actually be doing the professional massage therapist a service in the long run. By getting more people to experience the benefits of massage. When people then want or need a better massage you are there to give it. With less competition on the mid and high end to a more massage educated base.
On the other hand if the chains follow the H&R Block approach and they use up their target market they will expand into the higher end market with a more professional/ specialized higher cost and paying to the therapist service. They are expanding into the business market and planning the medical massage side of things. The future sure will see lots of change.
I got into massage from the energy healing side of things and also have practiced as CPA and CFP. I look at things from the business side. Know what you want to do, find the best way to do it, find your target market and promote from every direction you can find.
And… I'm politically incorrect to.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I believe I am within the target demographic many of the spa owners have mentioned: 29 y/old, married, female, professional with a household income of over $500K/year. I go to the spa at least once/month for facials and often add massage, wraps, or other treatments. And I drive a BMW (not a Toyota) and shop at Bloomingdales (not WalMart). Still, my husband and I both joined massage envy last month, signing up for a one year subscription.
Here's why we did it:
In short, Massage Envy gets the job done. It allows me to enjoy the benefits of massage at least once/month and to save money doing it. And for that reason, I think it is a misnomer to compare it to WalMart. It is not like WalMart at all - I wouldn't go to WalMart because the products are inferior, not because the ambiance is. A more apt comparison is to Marshall's or TJ Maxx, and in that case, I believe you should all be concerned because many people from your "target market" will shop at those stores if they know they are getting the exact same product at 1/4 the price.
That's not to say I'm over traditional spas all together. I'm not. I still get monthly facials at a traditional spa because that's where my facialist is. I still vacation at spa resorts. But am I going to become a regular at a place that charges me three times as much for a massage when I can get the same thing at Massage Envy? Absolutely not. I like the spa but I'm not an idiot.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I'm a student, expecting to graduate from the Ohio College of Massotherapy in 1 week. I've been in an 18 month program and have not worked during that time. I chose to make a career change on my 41st birthday, from computer training to massage therapy. I'm not a business minded person. I truly like helping others and this has been a field I've always been interested in.
However, I do better working for others. I don't have a mind for book keeping and filing and taxes and accounting… I never have! So working at a set wage for a company who is doing all the stuff I don't want to be bothered with is actually a benefit to me. At least for now. Once I get elbow deep into the field, I may change my mind.
One thing I have found a distaste for is now money hungry some in this industry seem to be! I'm not that way. I want to be paid a fair wage, work hard for that pay, not be taken advantage of by an employer OR a client. The person paying $40 deserves the same quality of care from me as the person paying more. I have a problem with MT's charging ghastly amounts of money! I have a problem with clients who think ghastly amounts of money entitles them to treat an MT like a slave. I don't have a problem with a company paying me a fair wage, offering me benefits and charging their clients a fair price.
If an MT is charging ghastly amounts of money, or a business is charging ghastly amounts of money, perhaps they are not providing the service for the reason you think they are. Just a thought.
January 15th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Kathy– Once you have done massage for a while, and I hope you are able to, you come back and tell me if $15.00 to $20.00 an hour is a "fair wage" for the type of work you studied 18 months for. To me that's a "ghastly" amount of money for energetic healing work, "ghastly" in a whole different way than you intend.
As for "money hungry," that would describe the corporate mentality of Massage Envy to a tee.
January 15th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I think there are some good points to be made here, but many of you are missing a key demographic that ME attracts - men.
As a man, and a customer of ME (and may I add, a household making roughly $190K/year), ME offers something that the more expensive spas in the Atlanta area don't offer — a decent massage without all the snootiness and $20 tip expectations that come with the $80 massage at other places.
While my experience at ME has thus far been about 50-50, it's pretty much on par with my experience at the other places, and since I don't have time to sit around all day in front of the fire sipping cocoa or wine, ME fits my schedule and price point.
So, ME isn't JUST meeting the needs of the lower middle income desperately trying to live the good life.
January 16th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I just finished a school break vacation in South Florida and had two massage experiences, one at Massage Envy in Davie and the other at Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale. I had a less than moderate massage at Massage Envy, and had a spectacular spa experience and massage from a very experienced therapist at the Marriott Harbor Beach. For twenty dollars more, I spent the entire day at a spa resort with full access to the ocean. The therapist at Massage Envy complained about the fifteen dollars she was making for each session. She was very, very inexperienced. If you are looking for fluff and saving twenty bucks, Massage Envy is your Wal-Mart of choice.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hi I am a student trying to become a RMT. I have read some of your blogs and I was just wondering if any one could tell me if it would be beneficial for someone like me to work for a place like ME to get experience or would I be better of staying away. I came across there web page and it sound's appealing but I'm not sure this is a whole new experience for me and my family and I really don't want to screw it up. I will take any help I can get.
Thanks, David
January 24th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
No matter what your opinion is, business is thriving for Massage Envy. Not everyone wants a in/out massage and others don't want a spa experience. Thank God we live in America ~ the right to choose which type of massage we want!
January 24th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Wow! Look at all the passion and insight here…
I have owned a franchise much like ME and have been a member at ME. The sales are great at the ME my husband and I belong too! The sales at the franchise I owned were also great even in it's infancy stage. I can't comment on the franchise that we owned directly but I can say one thing…
You need to work in your clinic daily or be in constant contact in order to be successful! Just like any business franchise or otherwise be prepared to work for every dollar and never let up.
You can make any of these concepts successful even if the best spa in the world is located right next door. These concepts are here to stay especially in this economy where people are more stressed than ever! It is never about price alone… it is about the people you employ and the service that you give. There are enough clients for both the high end spa and the ME's of the world. Sometimes you feel like a steak and sometimes a hamburger can be just as filling if not more so…
January 24th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Thriving? From what I've read it's already peaked and the novelty is over. The owner doesn't care, he's already cashed in. The people stuck with franchises that can't turn a hefty profit will get stuck with the tab.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Macalla,
how do you know this? where do you get your information from? I am looking into purchasing ME and would like to know all the pros and cons before I actually sign on the dotted line.
Thanks!!!
January 27th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I am a customer with Massage Envy.. I have been to three massage evny places. It is ironic how different they are The best one is Massage in West University. There is a person named Brian who gives the best massages I have ever had including ones where I have paid $60.00 to $70.00 an hour. The staff is very professional and customer serivce oriented. The Galleria one is great too.
The River Oaks Massage Envy is awful. I have had the worst problems with the therapist refusing to giving me the type of massages I asked for, therapist wanting to talk to me instead of massaging me telling me their problems and ripping me off on time. When I have complained the staff says they will have the manager call me back which the manager never does. I think the manager trains her staff to say in a very empathic voice say that they are sorry and the manager will call back while the manager knows he or she will not.
The irony is I have been told that all three of these Massage Envys are owned by the same owner. It seems like the owner weeds out all the awful therapist, desk workers and managers and puts them in the River Oaks location.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
The business model of massage envy may be a good idea, but if you begin to speak to employees and therapist who work or have worked there, you will begin to uncover a whole different set of ideals! THEY PAY & TREAT THEIR THERAPIST CRAPPY and there is something left to be sid for their customer service! Wait till you sign the contract on the dotted line!
I like the concept because I too cannot afford to pay the exhuburant prices charged at the spas (especially here in S. Florida), but the therapist work like fatory workers and can do as many as 6-8 massages a day and make only $150 - $200! That's insanity and totally taking advantage of newly graduating students! Not to mention they make them sign a 3yr agreement to not take any customers! Well what happens to the customers who want to stick with the therapist that helped their decision to sign up and their therapist QUIT, LIKE ALL THE GOOD THERAPIST DO? The what for the customer…oh…just choose someone else. No big deal! But is is a big deal and that's the problem I have. They treat massage like you are getting your car washed!
The front desk reception is rude and probaly because they never know who's going to be fired or quit today! Everybody is always on edge because of meeting quotas and trying to signup memeberships. There is nothing healing, theraputic or honest about this company at all!
January 30th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I think it's time to quickly interject about the comments to this blog. We at SpaBoom want to maintain transparency and an open spirit of dialog and debate, and therefore have allowed almost all submitted comments (that weren't obviously spam or egregiously hostile vitriol) to appear.
We request, however, that comments refrain from gossip and unsubstantiated, subjective attacks. In other words, please talk about YOUR observations and experiences, not what "what you heard." If you read about something, provide a reference to the material. Instead of using subjective phrases like "crappy," consider simply stating the facts, such as, "it's X, versus the industry standard Y," and let the reader come to the conclusion on whether something is "crappy."
In short, we ask that you please:
Thank you. Larry.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 am
Interesting discussion. I, too, am a consumer. I was introduced to massage at a very high-end day spa in San Antonio. I would also purchase packages for my wife, mother, and mother-in-law as gifts. The service was great, but I feel there was also a sales side happening too. For those who are "purist" on these posts, would you perform what you do for FREE? A true purist would. If health of the customer is the goal and you feel it is meaningful, give the products and services away that you currently sell in the spas. I continue to get massages at high-end spas, twice a year, to go along with the three per month that I get a t Massage Envy.
The labor force for providing massages is not shrinking. However, I do not believe that the high-end spas can or will hire every massage therapist that is licensed and certified. The only way for a massage therapist to get better is to work at it, so how do you propose to get all of the qualified therapists a chance to improve their services? If you are posting because you believe the MT's are being abused and misused, will you allow all of the therapists who are qualified to work in your spa any time they want and split some of the profits with them?
Lastly, I did not see a used car comparison in the post until someone mentioned it by misunderstanding an analogy. The make, model, and manufacturer of a vehicle does not determine who buys it, new or not. Wal-mart or Macy's name is not what determines who buys merchandise. The customers' desires at the time of purchase along with the value proposition they are willing to convey is the determining factor. It makes no sense to say to a person with a Yugo, "You should buy a BMW because it is a better car." If getting from one place to the next is the determining factor, the better car is the one that does it for the best value. Best value to one person is not the same as for another person. So, preferences will always be different and purchases will always be different. Otherwise, we will never have more than one manufacturer, store, or massage provider.
I recently moved from San Antonio to Raleigh. I was able to transfer my Massage Envy membership and I have visited a location and tried two different MT's. I tip well when the service is great (same at high-end spas) and typical when the service is not so great. In both instances at both types of places, I let it be known to the MT and the management which type of service I received. In the case of not-so-good service, I anticipate that the management will take steps to rectify the problems. In the case of great service, my tipping generally assures great service next time.
To the high-end owners and the franchise owners, never forget the customer's prerogative to say "No" to anything that you offer. But also remember, the answer is always "No" if you do not ask. Customers will say "No" when they want to. That generally ends the discussion. If it does not, it ends the patronage.
Larry, I enjoy what you are providing. Keep it up.
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I just happen to stumble on this blog site while I was doing my homework about ME. I'm glad to see so many different views on one company. I'm in the process of owning a ME. My business partner Krysta has a sister that works in a ME in Texas. She said that owning a ME would be perfect for me. She knows that Krysta and I want to give new therapists a chance to get their feet wet in the massage industry. When Krysta and I were fresh out of massage school (2004) we started working for a person who had grand ideas about a big spa. That's where "every therapist wants to work" lol. We worked with her for almost in a year. What we got was a year of of learning what we DIDN'T want. The owner of the place we started working at never built the spa that was talked about. The greed set in when Krysta and I working out butts off selling gift certificates and doing massages. The money started coming in for the owner and Krysta and I hardly saw any of until after the $800 a month rent for 2 very small rooms were paid first . On the off chance that we didn't bring in enough money to cover rent, it came out of our pocket. We got tired of getting abused there and we decided to start over and do it our way. We found an office space that was 900 sq.ft. and only $400 a month. We build the office from the ground up. We learned to drywall,paint, tile,and decorate. It was a lot of hard work for 3 months but it is truly a labor of love. We marked ourselves the way we wanted to, gave a lot of free massages, joined the chamber of Commerce and did a lot of volunteer work with the soldiers here at Air Force Base and the National Guard Education Center here in town. Our business has grown by word of mouth to the point that I had to stop advertising for a while.
We love what we do. It's a heartfelt passion and joy of ours. There is no greater satisfaction than having someone give you a hug and say, "Thank you for making me feel better I really needed it." Everything else in the world just doesn't seem to matter for a little bit. We want to open a ME so we can give new students a chance to get started on the right foot and not get disenchanted with something so wonderful because someone is taking advantage of a "newbie." I agree that new students don't have the experience but they have to start somewhere. Krysta and I have high expectations about the quality of the massage. Perhaps too high so I've been told. Nobody has a perfect day everyday. Time is the only way you can get experience. We will be looking for students that have the heartfelt passion for what it is and just not how much money they can make. The passion OR lack there of shows in the quality. You can't lie about it. The clients pick up on it. We also believe that incentives, a great working environment and quality equipment to get them started will motivate a therapist. The owners make a lot of money after the first year. There's no reason in the world why an owner can't show their appreciation to loyal employee that works hard by maybe giving a gift card for dinner or something. Massage Envies are independently owned so each one is going to be different. I know that we will have a lot of trial and error. Every new business has that. Bottom line? We want to have a clinic that is friendly and inviting to the consumer that would be intimidated by big spas and prices and have the consumer discover that the employees are happy to be there too.
February 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
So interesting how Massage Envy is bashed for low prices. Then Massage Envy is bashed for being money hungry. Hmmm. Which is it? From a business standpoint, if they are so successful and expanding so rapidly, clearly there is a market niche they are filling. More people need massage than currently get them; and those that do get them should get massages more frequently!
I received a terrific massage from a Massage Envy in Phoenix (while traveling). The LMT had graduated in June and I received the massage in November, so she had less than 6 months experience. But it was one of the best massages of my life.
About a month before, I received a massage from Bella Sante, a high, high end spa near me. The LMT was nice enough, but surely did not give a very good massage. I actually felt ripped off.
In retrospect the high end spa was double the money, half as good. I'd join a Massage Envy if one opens near me.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Larry: Thanks for providing a forum that allows for a balanced (albeit competing) perspective. Trust me, after having spent some time on other forums it's refreshing to see actual intelligent conversation rather than someone just advancing an agenda (which usually just rips on ME). I'm a clinic owner (3) and would add this to the mix: There are 375+ ME clinics open. ME employs over 10,000 therapists across the country. Not all therapists are going to give a great massage but most will. Most clinics are owned by business people who like (love) massage but are not therapists. The massage clinic business is very different from many other businesses and, therefore, more than a few clinic owners make mistakes when opening and running their new business. The company is young, however, and I believe that most of us are still learning and will become better at what we do. We are not out to run therapists in private practice out of business. We don't compete at that level and it wouldn't work anyway. We don't really compete with the high end spas - they are usually in either a resort setting or provide services other than massage. We're pretty much in a category unto itself. In that category price of service is a determining factor and professionalism is a must but convenience more than anything is a driving force for this market segment.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I would agree with Gary about the idea that ME is a category unto itself and that ME is not out to run off private practices and fluffy spas. Actually, having my own private practice is what inspired me to pursue the idea of owning a ME. I have several clients that would actually benefit more from having access to a ME here in Little Rock just because of the business hours that they have. I know that they would go there because they trust me. I have a few diehard clients that have supported me 100% on this idea since I asked their opinion on it although I did have to promise that I would keep my office and work on them privately. I don't feel threatened at all by having a corporate clinic around. What I do in my little office is different from what ME does, it really is comparing apples to oranges.
February 18th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Wow, what a great blog. I agree with almost all of the comments. I am a Massage Envy clinic owner, and a massage therapist myself. I am in my clinic almost daily and do everything from massage, to cleaning the break room. I do believe that the owner makes the clinic. Having a hands on owner definitely shows. By no means am I saying our location is perfect, but I am proud of what we have built. I am proud of my therapists (I have most of my initial staff I started with almost a year ago, with a few gone because of moving, etc.). I receive compliments daily on what wonderful therapists we have. My turnover is very low, but we add therapist regularly since we are getting busier and busier. All clinics are run differently. I let my therapist dictate how much massage they can do and stick to it. I have a deep respect for what they do. I interview potential therapists myself and have the therapist provide me (or a trusted lead therapist) with a session to evaluate their skills. I've had therapists fresh out of school that were amazing that I have hired on the spot, and therapists with tons of experience that I did not hire. Currently, we have a well balance staff with some therapists with less than one year under their belt, and just as many seasoned therapists. Both types of therapist are regularly requested. Our therapists get bonuses when they are requested and receive tips that most feel are generous. One therapist recently told me that she couldn't be happier. She is booked according to how she likes to work, almost exclusively with requests (so she can get to know her clients needs) and with bonuses and tips makes more than she would in private practice. I also offer continuing education, which I pay for and my therapist love it (and in turn the clients love the therapists with more "tools in their toolbox").
Maybe this isn't the case with all locations, as I can only speak for mine. I think in the discussion of pay, we should keep in mind that the clinic owner spends thousands of dollars per month on advertising. The thousands more on rent, linens, lotions, utilities, insurance, uniforms, and front desk staffing. When computing all of this, the therapist actually makes more than the clinic per session (which I feel is just great!), and without all that overhead and scheduling, etc., the therapist can concentrate on starting their practice with us. Like I said before, some of my therapist are fully requested all day with repeat clients. For the newer additions, it's just a matter of time. Yes, our starting pay is less that the big time spas, but we are also charging much less. I am more concerned about the spas that pay therapists a bit more, but charge $65-$120 per massage session, making the split much more unfair.
We are not a spa, but are spa-like. We respect our clients, and fit perfectly in to the busy lifestyle. We also are more comfortable to the male clientele, and those who have allergies to smells as we do not offer aromatherapy. We have a couples room which is thoroughly enjoyed, and pneumatic tables and are completely ADA approved, and wheelchair accessible. My favorite story is one of a woman who had never received a massage before. She had been given a gift certificate, and booked an appointment. She was set up with a therapist that specialized in her needs (chronic migraines). (I should add that our front desk staff has a very good understanding of all of our therapist's work so that the client and therapist is set up for a successful session.). Long story short, she is now a Wellness Program Member. She visited us once a week for a while and set up her appointments in advance with the same therapist. As the migraines subsided, she went to twice a month and now does once or twice a month sessions (she still sees the same therapist, but has a back up, in case she is out that day). She told me in passing in the hall last week how grateful she was that she found us, and how it has changed her life. She would have never been able to afford regular massage without us, and that's what it's all about.
We have clients from age 5 to age 95 right now, and are happy that our vision to provide quality massage at a reasonable price to the community has been a success.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:41 am
The MTs at ME are, for the most part, unlike many posters I read above. Most do not rely on ME for their sole income, some have their own offices, others may work at chiropractors, an expensive day spa etc. But when you ask them why would they work at ME you get 2 basic responses:
This is probably the smartest move a MT can make, ME cannot overwork the therapist unless they agree, MTs are allowed to choose what days they work, hours, and even when they would like to schedule their own breaks. Even just working 1-2 days a week at ME, you get many opportunities to spread word about your own business, pass out cards, network, teach reiki classes whatever. And they get clients brought in by ME's advertising- very smart move. And speaking from experience, most consumers who go to ME want therapy, be it from injuries or stress etc. Consumers don't go to get a feel good massage, they need to be helped/fixed/worked on by someone who cares, not by someone full of themselves and looking to empty their wallets. Indeed there are exceptions and ME does hire people right after natl's and certification, but think about it, if you're willing to subject yourself to lower pay to give the general public something you believe they need, doesn't that make you a bigger person? For christs sake massage is about caring for people, and clients can tell don't look at the hourly rate ME pays, look at the tips clients give. A client might shell out more in tips then they did for the price at ME–that's how you know you've done a good job, not by what you charge, but by what you're worth.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
ME Worker — I find so many disingenuous statements in your post where do I start… How can one possibly build up a client base when a non-competition clause is required that would prevent an MT from having access to any client they meet at an ME? Do you really think that ME supports the idea of "spreading the word" about your talents by passing out cards promoting your own work and "networking?" That's ridiculous. They would never support that. Ask any of the owners here. Ask Gray Neher. "Subjecting yourself to lower pay" to give people what they need (talk about full of oneself) is something you can do without an ME right? Why not cut out the middle man and offer cheap massage on your own? If you are so into just "helping" people why charge anyone anything at all? And why put down those that do try to make a living? This is a capitalistic society, the very definition of which is you do charge what you're worth. There is no crime in that. The future for good MT's is to stay independent and run your own show. Do outcall. No spa or ME can touch you and the money and freedom are great. The best MT's I've ever known work this way and always have. They don't need to work for anyone else.
February 28th, 2008 at 10:05 am
"Help maintain professionalism and cleanliness of therapy rooms and common areas." This is part of the requirements for employment with Massage Envy in Houston. Excuse me, but if I wanted to be a maid, I sure wouldn't have spent $5k plus and a year or more of my life obtaining a license to massage. It's bad enough that I would be receiving an hourly (only for the hours I massage mind you, NOT the ones where I'm cleaning up somebody else's mess in the facility… because THOSE hours are FREE!!!) equal to less than the lucky guy parking BMW's at the Hilton. I'm sorry, I know most of you only look at the benefits to the customer, i.e. low prices, convenience, etc. But sweat shops offer customer benefits of the same level too… do we approve of THOSE??? I'd hope not. Basically, that is what places like ME and Elements are like. And the MTs are the poor third world country slaves. With the volume of customers these places get, I don't see why they cant be more generous to the ones doing the work. Their rates are not THAT much lower than the traditional spa… $65 vs $75, whereas at a "spa" setting, there is a 60/40 split in most cases. Plus, the customer receives a higher profile service and is therefore in the mindset of compensating their therapist accordingly. And as stated in the previous posting by Macalla, ALL therapists are required to sign a contract in which they agree NOT to solicit customers for themselves outside of ME via passing out business cards or any other contact method. So no, it's doubtful that this is an avenue for anyone to "build up" their own clientele for their future. Besides, YOU try doing 6-7 massages a day, back to back. See just how much strength and energy YOU have to do anything other than go home and die! 6 x $15 (what ME pays you per massage) = $90 + $48 (average tips) = $138 (what YOU make)… 6 x $65 = $390 - $90 = $300 (what ME made off you that day)… 6 x $65 = $390 + $120(tips) = $510 (what you could've made doing the same work at home on your own) OR 2 x $65 = $130 + $40 (tips) = $170 (what you could've made in just TWO hours on your own instead of breaking your back for 6 or more hours with ME)! Isn't math a WONDERFUL tool???
February 29th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Macalla: Okay, since you bring it up and want ME worker to ask me about this I'll answer. I have a number of therapists that came to me from private practice. Some of them keep THEIR clients and see them NOT at my clinic. I have no problem with that. I do require that they not try to steal MY clients should they choose to leave my clinic just as I don't ask them to bring THEIR clients into MY clinic. I blows me away to see therapists post here blasting ME. If you don't want to work there then don't work there. Geez, how complicated is that?
March 1st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Oh, by the way. When a therapist starts at my clinic they tell me how many appointments in a row and total for their shift they can see. We will book them up to the levels they tell me they want to work - not beyond. Work my therapists to death? I don't think so.
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Gray, I apologize for getting your name wrong, I bet you get called Gary all the time.
Macalla, I'm not sure that I could follow your math skills at all. LOL, I guess that's why I'm not an accountant and you should have been. I understand though what you're saying. However, when you factor in the cost of insurance, CEUs, supplies, advertising, rent, utilities you're pretty much making the same amount or less and having all the headaches. I know this because I have a private practice. I love my office and my clients and what I do, but it was a LOT of trial and expensive error. I can't massage forever and I need to have a plan B to fall back on. I want to give new students a chance to learn the business and support their careers without out them getting discouraged. No one is making them work there and they can quit at anytime. As far as hours go. They would call the shots as far as how many people they can work on. It's in my best interest to keep them healthy and not overworked. Overworking an employee would be cutting off my nose to spite my face now wouldn't it? As far as cleaning? I would think that a therapist would want to be neat and clean to keep the ambiance pleasing to their client's comfort not to mention picking up and cleaning up after yourself is just plain common and professional courtesy.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:46 am
Gray Neher — You seem put out that I was asking you to give "ME Worker" a little reality check regarding using ME as a place to "build their own business" by "handing out cards." No one was asking about the hypothetical you brought up, about a person in private practice keeping their own clients. Totally different issue. But actually the very point ME worker was bringing up as a big "plus!!" is indeed not allowed nor should it be.
I personally have no problem with anyone wanting to work there. I am grateful that I don't have to. But let's at least keep the arguments reality based.
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Shari — You have me mixed up with "Sandy Jenkins" regarding accounting. But I will speak from my own experience that there is no way someone working for someone else will make as much as someone working on their own. Especially someone working for an ME where the pay is very low. It's another disingenuous comparison. The overhead and initial start up cost in running a private practice is very small. You don't need to be an accountant to know that. If people want to work at an ME they need to know that they will not be making much money. It's their choice. I have no problem with that but let's just be honest about it. Not everyone can cut it in private practice but you will find that the best ones do and don't wind up working for an ME. Personally I'd rather support those people and I encourage others to do so as well.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Macalla, I'm sorry, you're right, I did get you mixed up with Sandy Jenkins,that s what I get for scrolling to fast. I reread the math again and it does make sense but its still a lot of work to keep up on. To do 6 hour long massages 5 or six days a week is crazy to begin with. I'll do 5 in one day maybe 1 day a week but average 3 to 4. I also do massages backstage for a concert venue here and the shift are from 3 to 9 p.m. THAT is a lot of rubbing so I try not to book any appointments the night before or the day after so I can rest anyway. I absolutely support independent therapists too. There's more freedom to do what you want to do, but I can't do it forever so I figured to stay in the biz I need to have something a lot bigger and have people work for me who aren't sure what they want to do yet…
March 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I am a Massage Envy customer/member. From a customer perspective I could not more pleased. I am a 50 year old heterosexual male; I have a demanding job, and of late, a demanding home life. I use my every other week massage as a chance to relax, disconnect, and take care of the sore mussels I have after working out at my age. Massage envy works for me because I get generally get an appointment in the evenings and with 3 clinics within driving distance from my home I generally only need to give them a day or two of notice. I don’t want the full spa treatment just the massage. I am uncomfortable with all of the rituals and pretension of most day spas.
Although some of the therapists have been better then others I have been pleased with every massage I have gotten. I had a therapist who was fantastic (she fixed a problem with my hamstring that I had for years) but she left after a couple of months. I am trying out a couple of others and am having a hard time picking between the two (I may alternate) because they are both good. After reading this blog I am defiantly going to increase how much I tip.
The Massage Envy concept works for people like me. You should not be threatened by them because people like me would not be getting a massage on a regular basis were it not for places like Massage Envy. Like someone mentioned earlier they may be expanding the market instead of stealing any ones customers so relax. I also feel the working conditions and compensation will sort themselves out over time. If they have trouble getting good therapists their business will die. They will need to adjust what they pay and how they operate in order survive.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
V.C. — Nice thoughtful post. How could one not respect your commitment to take better care of yourself. It is good to get massaged. (and kudos on becoming a better tipper!)
See the thing is, getting worked on is something you could always have done anytime in your life before this franchise ever arrived. There have always been places around that do good work. You just weren't looking for them then. Since you are into massage now and can tell when someone is good why not seek someone in your community that is really good and works for themselves? That gal that fixed your hamstring and you thought was really good? She left for whatever reasons and now she can not work on you anymore because of a contractual obligation with the franchise. There goes your free will and the connection with this professional that you trusted. Really exceptional consistent body work is so much better when building a relationship with people that really get to know you.
But again I respect that you like this concept and that it works for you. My thoughts are if you're going to the effort to get worked on why not get the best you can? Or at least better. In many cases it really doesn't cost that much more. Find someone amazing that is not going to disappear. It's like choosing to support a corporation or an artist. Because all of the really great body workers I've known are healing artists and true artists damage their souls in a corporation.
I wish you good health always.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Hmmm… Macalla, I would have to agree with you about encouraging V.C. to find a therapist that he can be close to. I have several clients like that that . One of the the other reasons I want to open a ME is that massage is SO wonderful. Here in Little Rock massage is popular but let's face it… we're in the heart of the Bible belt and massage therapists in general are struggling with that. It is coming around and that's a fantastic thing. I think that if a ME was opened here it would be a commercial thing as opposed to a private office. Massage is intimidating to the general public. If it's a "New Store" in a mall or shopping center then it must not be one of "Those" places. It more safe and in public so there's no social stigmatism. I'm originally from Los Angeles so I grew up with it but OMG NOT here, LOL… It's a slow process. I just want to turn people on to it. After they figure out what it is and educate them, then they can make a decision about exploring other avenues.
March 7th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Macella,
Thanks for the response. Truth is I don't know how to go about finding so "someone else". I don't have any friends who go to someone, I don't want to go to a day or hotel spa, and I don't feel confident picking someone out of the yellow pages or on the web. Is there a group our referral service that I could go to? The beauty of ME is if you find someone you don't like you have not put a lot of work into it and you have not spent a lot. I live in the Phoenix area.
Thanks,
V.C.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I used to be a front desk/sales person at the first ME in Albuquerque. The owner is a loon, she could really care less about the clients, the image of the company, or the therapists. I worked there from the start, and quit after commission was taken from my check without consent.
However, for the purpose of this blog, I want to add that I think the idea behind ME is great!!! I think the company itself is great. Stacy, who opened the first ME here in Albuquerque, does not follow any of the rules of the company. That is why many people have a horrible experience. The sales staff are urged to hard sell, (which corporate policy is against), therapists cannot choose their own schedules and are over worked and many times upset by the time they leave for the day. Stacy is more worried about making the most money, that she has completely lost the idea behind ME. On weekends when she was in town we were forced to cold call people who had been to the clinic and had not signed up for a membership. I suggest that you go to a clinic owned by someone else, you will get the right experience.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
To Macalla, the independent, good for you to be able to market yourself, pay your bills (rent, linens, insurance, just for start…). Unfortunately they don't always teach therapists those things in Massage School. As a matter of a fact the therapist we employed, new and experienced, did like that we offered a safe environment to work and took care of all the costs down to the lotion and were never taught how to market themselves or to have a business plan. It is what it is… you should applaud these clinics not insult them. They are adding awareness to the industry for more than one therapist could ever do which will probably actually benefit independents out there such as yourself.
To Holly, you are absolutely right, just because someone made an investment to own a clinic ME or other does not make them the best operators however before you judge walk a mile in their shoes, there may be a reason for the cold calls and hard sales pitch, corporate gets 4% royalties or more Stacy may need the money to make payroll and keep employees employed such as yourself.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Katharine — An independent MT has a low overhead. Linens, lotion etc. just don't really cost all that much and you don't need an MA in business to figure that out. Marketing yourself is not very hard to do. Word of mouth for a single MT usually works just fine. If you're good you'll work. That's one reason why it's such a great business for people to get into in the first place. As for the "awareness" that ME brings the profession I think that's part of the problem as the rap on them as you can see is not entirely positive. Plus their efforts to "mass market" undercut the amount of money the MT gets for their work. No one should ever let anyone profit more from their labor than themselves.
March 14th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Marcella, I agree 100% with you concerning an LMT working independently. There are many free marketing tools, with word of mouth being the main and most effective one. Like you said, if you are good AND willing, you WILL work. I tried the whole spa thing myself and although I made a decent amount, I worked many long hard hours for it. Now I work from from my home doing in-calls and outcalls. I do VERY well, and my overhead (cost of lotion, oils, and laundry) is equal to maybe what I make doing ONE massage. I worked 13 hours in one week recently and made a total of $1100. Now if Id still been at the spa, I would have had to work close to three times as many hours, not to mention the time wasted sitting and waiting between clients, as well as the commute there and back. This way, I work WHEN I want, am home for my children, and my time is my own. The accounting is simple, there are free tax programs online to guide anyone through that process, overhead is low, deductions are huge (home office, mileage, etc)… I LOVE IT!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Trisha — THANK YOU for speaking out! This is also how I work as well as many others. People, especially promising MT's need to see the big picture here. To obfuscate the reality of being an independent MT and somehow make it seem like working for an ME is the more desirable of the two options is very misleading. I've been doing massage since the mid 80's and in my opinion there would be nothing desirable about working at an ME or anyplace like that. It seems like the last resort for those who want to do massage for a living. That said if people like working there and people like going there I have no problem with that. Let's just keep the reality about it honest and not let the sales pitches from owners and ME public relations people blur the truth. They understandably want to make money of off MT's. A good MT can be really free and have no one make a penny from his/her efforts but themselves. That is one thing that has always been so appealing about this profession and I'd really hate to see some corporate mindset obscure this choice. This is why I encourage people to seek out the good independent MT's. You will be amazed at how much better value that choice really can be.
March 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I work at a Massage Envy in Charlotte & was hired as a "Clinic Administrator." It's funny once I started working all I have done is massage and no one except the owner knew I had been hired as anything other than a therapist. The slick marketing of working for "25 to 35 dollars an hour," what BS. You don't know how much people are going to tip — basically you do make $15.00 an hour and then what ever tip they want to leave you. IT'S A TOTAL RIPOFF!!! IF YOU ARE A THERAPIST–STAY AWAY!!! And no you don't only do Swedish — most people have had & paid for massages before — they know they are getting a great deal so they want deep tissue for their 49.00 massage. You work your ass off for a measly 15.00 an hour. RUN FAST AWAY!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I am a massage therapist at one of the ME's in Colorado. I have been a MT for almost two years and this is a career change for me.
For me Massage Envy is a good fit at this stage in my massage career. I am an introvert and burnt out from many years of an extrovert in my former career and activities. I hate answering the phone. I hate marketing. I just want to massage.
So for now I put in my three days a week at ME and do between 16 - 19 massages there. So far I average between $26-27 (including tips) per hour massage. In addition to that I do have a website for mobile massage and do anywhere from 1 to 5 a month at $100+ per outcall session.
Perhaps down the line I will get more drive to put more effort into my own practice, but right now it's just not for me. I would prefer to work somewhere that pays more than ME, but there don't seem to be many jobs out there that have higher pay, have enough clients for the therapist, AND don't require the therapist to get out there and market themselves. I have been interviewing recently & discovered that there are other places that pay lower like at Chiro's. Other places will pay you 50%, but you are required to market yourself. Then there are the places that want you to be on call.
Overall I am satisfied at ME. I will keep looking elsewhere, but in the meantime I might as well enjoy where I am at. I have some great co-workers & clients. Usually when there are low tips other clients will tip more and it averages out.
I also remind myself that if I was not a massage therapist I would be a client at Massage Envy. Heck, I may even become one after I move on. I just will make sure to always tip well.
March 19th, 2008 at 1:42 am
Just a quick update on the possibilities of income for the independent therapist. Another GREAT week here for me and it's only Tuesday! I didn't work at all Sunday or Monday (took a little road trip with my kids because I COULD). Put in a total of five hours of actual work today and made $480. I have another $600+ in appointments scheduled between now and Saturday evening. That's another seven hours probably. Total of twelve hours work equalling $1080. Not too shabby if you ask me. As for marketing… all of my clients come from two sources: one is an online site (free), the other is a local bed and breakfast (free). All I supply are myself, my skills, lotion, sheets, a table, and a friendly and outgoing yet professional personality. It's out there people. You just have to be willing to put YOURSELF out there.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that there isn't a place for the spas and even places like ME. I know that the majority of my incall clients are men. They are less inhibited about going to a strangers home for a massage. (But they have told their female friends about me, and assured them of my professionalism and that I am safe for all. Again, a free marketing tool.) Still, women do tend to prefer the ambiance of a spa setting and such. It's all a matter of taste for most. And for all the female therapists, DON'T fear the male clients if you work at home or do outcalls. Yes, some are a bit flirty, but I find that that is generally a cover up for their own nervousness. Once they become familiar and comfortable with you, it's like having an old friend visiting regularly. And that is something they appreciate as much or more than you do. Just be yourself, BELIEVE in yourself, and don't be afraid to reach out for whatever it is you want to achieve in your professional life (which will of course trickle down into your personal life because you will be more secure both financially and emotionally) GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Trisha: Private Practice is a very good option for those who want to control their own situation. More power to those that do. For those that don't or for those that just want to work part time in this profession Massage Envy is a very good option. I have full time therapists that make $30 - $40K. Part time therapists make proportionally less. There are over 375 clinics open across the country and yes, with that many there are bound to be problems but overall I would say that for most of the 15,000+ therapists that work at Massage Envy the experience is gratifying.
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Trisha,
Are you taking out expenses, and income taxes on this income that you are telling us about? Just wondering.
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
And do you have a permit and license to work in your home (not sure what state, city you are in)? Is your neighborhood zoned commercial? These are all things most therapists find are hardships. Especially the bookkeeping and taxes. If you're not a good planner/saver, those taxes at the end of the year can get you.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Gina,
Yes, I am deducting expenses, which are few. The advantage of working at home is that you are paying those expenses anyhow, but this way, when tax time rolls around, you can deduct a percentage of them. Such as rent, utilities, insurance, internet service (if you advertise on the internet, which I do), phone, transportation expenses, laundry costs, etc. So they are not actual extra expenses out of your income. They DO decrease the amount of taxable income you do have though. I do not operate under a business title, just my own name. Therefore, even if I were in a commercially zoned area, I do not need a permit. As for the OMG I have to pay self employment taxes, well, in the majority of cases, you will anyhow. Most spas and places like ME hire therapists as contract laborers. Meaning… you ARE self employed basically. And as I stated before, the accounting/tax reporting process should not be that big of a deal for anyone. Just keep all of your receipts from supply purchases, rent, utilities, etc. Basically ANYTHING remotely related to the operations of your profession. If it turns out that you don't need them, throw them away. Better to have too much information retained than not enough. THere are many online tax programs that will guide you through everything step by step, asking you about things you probably wouldn't think about on your own. Its VERY simple. Most are free or a basic charge of $35 or so. If that's still too scary for some, go ahead and take EVERYTHING to some place like H&R Block. Since it is unlikely you will be getting a refund (unless maybe you're a single parent with with qualifications for Earned Income credits and multiple deductions), you will only be charged a minimal flat rate fee. I know paying a lot of taxes is scary, but you do want to report all of your income. Not just for legal reasons, but your future social security benefits will be based on reported income. The more you make now, the more you will get then. Also, heres another suggestion for those with minor children. You can pay them to do things such as laundry, sweeping, etc and deduct that expense as well. They can earn up to a certain amount annually (I'm not sure what that amount is right now), without having to pay taxes themselves. Do this in place of their allowance maybe? It will get you a tax deduction while teaching them some work ethics/responsibility and the value of money earned.
Again, I'm not slamming ME or any establishment, just providing some knowledge for those interested. Thanks!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
OK… here is what I experienced both as a massage therapist performing private practice for 12 yrs… and as an experiment, working at a Newly opened ME clinic two year ago… for one year entire year. First a little background about myself… I began massage as a second career. Massage therapy blossomed for me! I built up a steady clientele, and did house calls for the entire time. I never worked for a spa, or God forbid, for a chiro. My training was at a local natural health college learning the basics about massage, and my continuing ed. has been almost exclusively in the area of trigger point therapy and neuromuscular therapy with Paul St. John. I also have training and certification as a fitness trainer.
I came to work at the mentioned massage envy first and more so as a curiosity. As I mentioned… I never worked for a spa or a chiro… never had the need. I was making at the time, working for myself, somewhere in the range of $600-800 weekly during slow season, and $1500-1700 during high season. I think my best week ever was right around $2000. However… if I was to average the entire year, I was making right around probably $1300-1500 a week… somewhere around 60-70k for the year. Not easy money though… my hours were irregular, I drove ALOT to and from appointments and really busted my butt to build up my clientele by providing great service and being available to my clients… I payed my dues big time!
So… one summer came around at it was slow as heck for me. I decided to supplement my income by finding work at a spa. Well, just so happens a ME was opening up close to me. It was the first in the region. So I applied, interviewed, and was hired. My pay was $19 per session, plus a $5 bonus fro clients that signed up as members after my massage, plus gratuity (I actually negotiated my starting pay because they were offering $15 per session. With my experience I felt I was more valuable to them so I countered with $22… we settled at $19. I am not a greedy person and felt it was probably the best they could do since they were just opening up the business. Just for comparisons sake… my fee for house calls was anywhere from $65-$85 per session… and my sessions ALWAYS exceeded 60 min… usually they were around 90 min (minus set up time).
The very first day the ME clinic opened the door, they had three therapists working. Myself and two female therapists. I had four appointments that day. It was relaxing, a nice environment, and friendly owners, coworkers, and clients!
Fast forward one year… The pace picked up incredibly at the ME! We were now doing 80 massages on a Saturday, about 50 Mon–Thurs. Friday's about 70 and Sunday's about 60. I was performing about 80 massages in a two week period, working there full time (I transitioned full time to ME) and working about 45 hrs a week. I was doing anywhere between 5-9 massages per shift 5-6 days a week (Saturday being the "marathon" day)! A massage session would consist of 50 minutes "hands on" for the hour session and 80 minutes "hands on" for a 90 minute session.
Sounds like a lot of work? Well it was! But I totally enjoyed it! There was a great sense of family at that massage envy clinic… from the owners all the way to the front desk staff! It was a totally enjoyable experience for me! I built up a steady clientele , always having my appointment book filled with requests. Now let me make it clear… there is no way I could have continued at the pace I was going indefinitely. The wear and tear would have been too much on my body. If I would have continued doing massages there I would have cycled my schedule smartly. Performing a few months of intense work followed by cutting my work load by one third.
Now to my pay. I was making, after taxes being withheld, around $1600 biweekly (this does not include CASH tips which were substantial; this figure is only commissions plus gratuity on credit cards). When I added the cash tips to this figure I was making about $2200 biweekly… $1000-$1200 a week… after taxes. Not Bad! Yes… ok… I worked hard… but I'm not a lazy person and I love to work and be appreciated for the therapy I perform. Therapist retention was very high… I do not recall anyone leaving the year I worked there… a few were let go because of not showing up to work repeatedly.
So when you compare… I was making about the same amount of money working at Massage Envy as doing my private practice… and totally enjoying the experience! Was it more physical work than my private practice? Well yes, but as I explained, if I would have continued there,I would have cycled my work schedule. Oh… by the way… working my privates, I had a lot of expense in terms of Gasoline… I would drive quite a bit… mind you… this is before the price of gas went up as it has! Two years ago a gallon of gas was maybe $1.35? Now I pay $3.30 a gallon! I would have to deduct my expense of gas from the income I was generating with my privates,or pass on the cost to my clients… very few of them could have afforded to pay me $100 per session per week… my clientele would have dropped or my income would have been cut considerably… so add that to the formula!
So what am I doing now? Well… I opened my own ME clinic and it's going fantastic! I have 26 therapists working with me. I offer comprehensive health insurance to all my employees, am understanding with my therapists needs as well as schedules, and provide a great working environment for them. I provide fruits and snacks in the break room if they are in a rush to eat something,and have an open door policy in regards to anything which may be bothering them. I am fair minded and expect the same from all the great people I work with! The therapists have varying experiences… from newbies to veterans. The schedules are flexible and I adjust to my therapists needs as much as possible providing breaks where ever requested in order to maintain good moral and ensure for the welfare of the therapists (and may I make an important note. Just because a therapist has been practicing for many years, this alone does not make a good therapists. A good therapists is born a good therapists and refines his or her skills with learning , education, and of course hands on practice. I think its funny when people equate skill, with years of practice… it is not always so).
At our clinic, clients NEEDS are addressed. And I can assure you… very very few clients have left our clinic dissatisfied. We ALL strive for excellence in service and client attention!
Is the business succeeding??? Definitely! But it not doing so because I am focused on the almighty $$$… no… it's succeeding because I am focusing on my therapists, the front staff sales associates, and the clients needs! We work as a team… all of us!
I would welcome any comments!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Oh by the way… the therapists that work with me make an average of $32 per session… which is for 50 min. hands on. I have hired therapists who worked at "high end" spas and they were making about the same per session. And I'd like to make clear once again, at our Massage Envy clinic, I provide for comprehensive health insurance and as far as working conditions, they are excellent! Breaks are provided as needed by the therapists, a break room which is ample and comfortable is provided with snacks to get in a pinch… or just because one wants a piece of fruit… I cannot speak for all Massage Envy clinics. Each one is individually owned and operated. I can only speak for our clinic… and our clinic is a great place for therapists to work!
March 26th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Trisha: Just so you'll know: therapists at Massage Envy are employees not contract labor.
March 27th, 2008 at 6:36 am
That's correct. They are not contract labor, therefore taxes are withheld.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Lou: What a great story you told. Yes, private practice is a good alternative to working in a clinic but as your story shows there are trade-offs. Higher pay vs. lower pay. High expense vs. no expense. Fluctuating schedules vs consistent schedules. It all depends on what you what as a therapist. Massage Envy will never compete with the therapist in private practice. However, not every therapist wants to put up with the rigors of private practice.
Your contention that the success of the business is predicated upon focusing on the therapists is a good one. Business is all about the bottom line but it's the therapists that generate every dime of it. It sounds like your clinic is special market - mine are main market but either way I agree clinic owners should do everything they can reasonably do for the therapists.
p.s. My therapists like the fruit and granola bars in the break room as well.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Has anyone heard of Hand and Stone? I'm a private investor considering this service segment. Here's my take after reading a lion share of postings here: For a good business to be sustainable you need (1) to hear the customer and respond to the market, (2) treat your employees well, especially when their labor directly affects the quality of service and (3) pay attention to the bottom line. All these need to be in balance. I believe that this is a growing service segment in the US and abroad and taking a niche product into a cost differentiation for mass appeal is a typical proven text book play. While ME may not be playing fair according to many, the whole industry will benefit by their awareness and demand pull. Watch for more competition in this segment and who will remain standing in 5 years.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:14 am
It's true private practice doesn't work for everybody but for those it does it cannot be replaced by a job at any of these low cost spas. My overhead is very low and my client base is very generous. I typically work about 20 hours a week (leaves me time to pursue other things I like to do. Part of the beauty of doing this job in the first place) and make on average $2,000 a week. Just stating this so that others will know what is possible. I could not imagine working a 40 hour week of massage and only making about 30K a year as one employer here stated. It's a good way to burn out and stay broke.
I would not change my situation for the world. I don't know any successful independents that would.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am
I recently had a business meeting at a high end hotel with a spa. I had a morning off so I decided to take advantage of that time by getting a massage at the spa. Being a ME member and having read this blog I was wondering what the differences were. The cost of my 50 minute massage including tip and package discount was $120.
The differences were the locker room robe and slippers, better lotion during the massage (it tingled!), and the use of hot towels during the massage. They had a shower in the locker room that must be the same one they use in heaven it was so wonderful. The massage itself was also wonderful but I did not feel it was materially different then the ones I have received from ME. The extras I got at the spa were nice and I will probably do it again if given the opportunity, but on a regular bases I would prefer keeping the extra $50 in my pocket (assuming a $20 tip) and doing away with some of the extras.
I realize this is a forum for those in the business and not for customers but I thought it would be valuable for you to know that from a customers perspective ME is a viable option. My advice is that you should focus your efforts on differentiating yourselves in order to justify the price premium that you charge and not try and demonize ME. In my view ME clinics serve an under-served part of the market and will probably be very successful.
p.s.
If it wasn’t for ME I would have not taken advantage of the massage services at the spa so, as some have commented, it may be expanding the market for traditional therapists as well.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Gray Neher: One of the things I did not agree on when I attended ME franchisee training was the idea that what we are providing is a "product." Massage Envy corporate tries to box massage neatly as a product. Massage is far from that… it's a service, not a product. To view it as a product demeans the heart and soul of massage and the core of a good massage therapist. Massage therapists generally are nurturing people… what they do… and I am speaking of a good therapist…comes from the heart. To refer to him or her as a purveyor of a "product" is incorrect and shows a lack of understanding of massage therapists.
At my clinic, I view the therapists as an invaluable asset. They put their best intention in every session they perform… I know this because of the wonderful feedback I get back from the clients that come to see them. I value their effort, and realize that if they were not appreciated they would not perform the excellent therapy they are capable of. They are the core essence of this business. And if the therapists is not genuinely appreciated and valued the business will not succeed.
I hope that ME owners can understand this and apply it to the running of their clinic and make ME clinics a place where therapists are valued and appreciated.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Macalla: If you read my first entry I was working about 45 hrs a week but clearing about $1200 a week… this translates to about $62,000 a year net. If you make $2000 weekly that's fantastic. (p.s. Gross or net?)… but it's not the norm. I live in South Florida, am an excellent massage therapist having invested a lot of time and resources into expanding my knowledge and application on soft tissue therapy… I would make with my private practice during high season about $2000 and during low season anywhere between $600-$800… so my income would drop substantially.
I think if you are doing well with your practice… keep at it! It sounds like you must be a very good therapists as well.
I wrote about the income scenario because I wanted to point out that when I worked that year at massage envy, the work I performed compensated monetarily. At the clinic I own, the therapists that work with me are making similar numbers… But yes, undeniably, one has to perform more sessions than in a private practice such as the one I had and the one you have… but in my case, when I added my overhead… which were basically transported related costs, and not to mention the many many miles, in frustrating traffic, I had to travel to see just one client… doing the extra sessions was worthwhile.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Dang… Lou, I wanna work for you!
I've been in the massage business 6 years now, with varying rates of pay (and varying rates of lunacy in my employers), and for the last year and a half I've worked at the local ME. I have tried on three different occasions to get away — I've tried three other businesses trying to find somewhere else to work, and none of the three had enough clients for me to make what I was making at ME.
I HATE ME. Let me make that abundantly clear. I hate my manager, who absolutely refuses to deal directly with any of the therapists, doesn't make requested schedule changes even with abundant notice (I've heard the assistant managers talking about having to change someone's schedule the DAY BEFORE because the manager just couldn't be bothered to get around to it!), and is blatantly discriminatory towards the female therapists (though yes, she is female herself), I hate the incredibly low pay, I hate the extremely minimal lengths the manager and/or owner go to to make sure the clinic is clean and well-stocked (there have been many many occasions on which we have not had soap for DAYS, and we have also been short on lubricants and sheets as well), and I hate being forced to wear white, which never, ever looks clean when you work with lubricants all day.
However, I have never been able to make outcalls work for me (and yes, I have tried), and it seems all the other places that offer massage in the area are slowly being driven under by ME. So… I stay. I'm investigating a different ME — a half-hour farther, but reputedly better toward their employees, but that's my very last hope. I'm really truly hoping that it's this particular ME that sucks, but from my experience… no, it's not just the people fresh out of school who work there. Sometimes, it's the excellent therapists that can't get hired anywhere else because there simply isn't enough work for us all, and haven't figured out how to do the private client route. We have an inordinate number of fantastic therapists, and the story is always the same — private practice isn't working, and there's nowhere else to go. This is where we go to die.
I can't wait to go back to school and find something else to pay the bills. Maybe I'll keep doing massage for people I know, because I do love it, but ME is killing me.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
RM: Unfortunately your story is probably not unique… not only in reference to M.E. but in reference to many massage facilities which do not treat their therapists with consideration.
It's a pity that the owner of your clinic does not know what the situation is… or worse yet, that he/she knows but does not care. I truly feel you should attempt to contact someone who can address your concerns if they are not being acted upon by the owner. Do you know who your regional developer is? Try to contact him/her. Express clearly what is going on at your clinic and your concerns. You have a right to have your concerns addressed. If you wish to remail anonymous, do so… but make clear what's going on.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Driven under? How sad is that? Where is the diversity? This is what many of us have seen coming and it's a shame.
Wow. I am speechless. Thank you for your courageous honesty.
You people reading this must know that for someone like me who has been doing this work for decades this is the first time I have ever heard such an utterly bleak assessment of the profession's ills as described in this post.
That's what people used to say when they went to massage school! Imagine that!!!
It will be interesting to see if massage schools keep churning out MT's in light of the limited opportunities now available to them. It does sound to some of us that ME is squeezing the joy out of a career in massage though. I read what I read and this assessment seems unavoidable.
That said, Lou sounds like a great boss.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Well, it seems to me that the bottom line here is that it is hard to run a business whether it be a ME clinic (don't I know) or a private practice. And, yes, there will be clinics with management that value the therapist and others not so much. Private practice can be very rewarding but it is just as hard as running a clinic, club or spa — it takes a lot of work unrelated to hands on the back on the table. But it's a trade off — if you don't want to put up with all the negatives of employment then by all means go for it. If, however, you don't want all the brain damage from the self-employed end of the equation find some therapists who like working at ME (yes, they're out there) and check out that clinic. At my clinic a therapist who wants to earn, say, $36K/yr needs to average 24 one hour appointments per week. That certainly is doable and not what anyone I know would consider "full time."
April 5th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Gray Neher- Based on my experience I disagree with several of your points regarding private practice (although I can agree with your overall sentiments somewhat.) In an effort to clear up any obfuscation regarding that let me state that:
a) It is not hard to "run" a private practice. Some folks may have trouble in a start up but once you are off it's as easy as can be. Unlike a business which has employees, an overhead to consider and such to consider.
b) I have never experienced the "brain damage" part of being self employed and think this is a disingenuous statement. For many of us it couldn't be easier. Since you have never run a private massage practice you may not know this and think that there is more difficulty involved than there actually is. It also behooves you to keep putting forth this point of view as a way to entice potential employees. But as Trish and I have pointed out, based on our personal experience it just isn't true, at least not as an absolute.
Plus speaking as a long time professional who knows what it takes to have longevity in a career in body work, doing 24 people in one week is excessive and the burn out rate would be accelerated. At 36k it is hardly worth it since you will be making just enough to get by and not be able to get ahead. Of course when that person burns out or leaves you just replace him/her with someone else, at least while you can. My guess is that the available talent pool will be less in the coming years due to places like ME that have "lowered" the bar in terms of the overall attractiveness of a career in massage. How can anyone read all that has been said here and elsewhere and not be of that opinion?
For the long term private practitioner it isn't about "volume" it's about quality. Quality of life, of work and of health. These are key in a career in massage. These are important factors in considering a career that will last. In my opinion it is much easier to gauge these factors when working for yourself.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Also let's not forget that the 36K amount of "income " you are reporting is not what ME actually "pays" their employees. According to your figures that would amount to about $28.00 pre massage. You actually pay them much less per massage than that am I correct? A high percentage of that calculation is based on "assumed tips" from clients. Tips are great but are never a guaranteed income and it is sad that a worker become dependent upon them instead of counting on their employment itself to make ends meet. I have heard from many that tips at ME are kind of all over the place and are often not very impressive. I think it is a flawed system that ME employers count on clients to make up their therapists pay based on tipping. Kind of makes MT's on par with waiters these days doesn't it?
April 6th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
WOW! I work as a manager at a ME in the Chicago area. My owners provide PAID CEUs for the therapists, free snacks, me and my CA and the ACA change the therapists schedule to their needs and wants. We have some therapists that have been therapists for 20 years not always fresh out of school. We have over 1000 members in my clinic alone. So we must be doing something right. We also don't pay any of out therapist 15 an hour we start off at 17 and up from there on experience. And yes, some make 20 an hour plus tips and our regular clients tip typically 15 for an hour. We pay 5 dollars for each member they make from giving a massage, as well as 2 dollars for an appointment that was a requested therapist for you. Yes, working for yourself is nice, but doesn't happen for everyone. Is there bad clinics out there who don't give breaks as much, pay less? Hell yeah there are, as well as there are bad high end spas and bad privates. I have had many clients say that they won't go back to a Marriott or other spa because our massage was better. At my clinic, many of us front desk staff and managers have also gone to school and are licensed and certified massage therapists. We know the taxing demands and pay attention to breaks. And if you have a good owner, yes you can get 15 or 30 min breaks between sessions. We have a large number of MT that work for us that left spas and or have privates, but yet still work for us as well. One therapist works weekends and he said, "I love the family feel of working here and being able to reach and heal even more people then I would have by myself." Doesn't sound like he hates ME.
Oh, a side note me the ACA and CA have given our cell numbers to almost all employees to call us if ever they want to talk to us and we are not there in the clinic, which is rarely the case. But if it's after hours and they have a concern they can always call us.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Shera — Nice that you are happy where you work. My problem with what you have to say is that nothing you offer as a "perk" is anything that is really special. Paid CEU's? Big deal. 20 bucks plus tips? Awful pay for an MT. I certainly wouldn't be bragging about it.
The majority of what I have been able to read about ME (other than what owners have to say) has been decidedly negative in terms of what a career in massage could be. As a teacher of massage this concerns me.
In a post a few sections up this page an MT named "R.M." states and I quote:
"and it seems all the other places that offer massage in the area are slowly being driven under by ME"
Is this okay with everyone? You like having fewer choices in the market place? Is ME to be the standard bearer for body work in this country the way Wal-Mart is for mass consumerism? Does anybody see the big picture here? ME is compromising a wonderful profession in the grand tradition of American greed and avarice. Everything it offers existed before at some level, (still does in many cities.) There was more diversity and MT's weren't thought of as "lucky" to get 20 bucks an hour for their work. Watch the numbers of people entering the profession decline accordingly.
While I am happy for people that like working there I hope everyone knows that ME does not represent the best in the business in any way except mass marketing. I will always encourage people to seek a talented professional that is working to support themselves rather than a large corporate structure that is dumbing down a great profession.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Some posters to this forum seem to think that ME pays the therapist and so they fixate on the $15 (to start) wage and (choose to) ignore the $28 actual. While ME is where the paycheck comes from ultimately it is the client that pays the therapist. Whether it is in the form of a wage, a commission, a bonus or a tip all the cash comes from the same source: the client. Some here don't think the gratuity should be considered part of compensation but it's a reasonable expectation in this and many other professions. It's part of the deal — always has been and at my clinics it averages $10/hr session. As far as $36K being barely enough to get by on as has been posted here — I'd like to hear from other therapists who think that. As far as my comments being "disingenuous" because I'm not a therapist and have never been in private practice. Well, it's true — I'm not and I haven't. But guess what? I have a number of therapists that are, did and aren't anymore. That's where it came from. You see everyone is different. If you don't want to work at Massage Envy then don't. If you want to maintain a private practice then do. How hard is that?
April 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Macalla — As a "teacher" of massage, and I am assuming you "teach" at a massage school… YOU are one, if not, THE biggest problem in the massage industry! You and your schools create false expectations to your students telling them they all can earn $70 an hour doing massage therapy… You and your "schools" create this FALSE EXPECTATION in order to get more students enrolled in your massage programs with poorly qualified teachers!
Then when we graduate all we can get is a crappy job with some chiropractor that devalues massage therapy! I went to massage school, payed a lot of money to get half-ass training, and then went out to seek the $70 an hour job you all promise! And guess what! It doesn't exist!!!
Instead of bashing this ME place… why don't you create REAL TRUTHFUL expectations for your student!!!
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hey big deal! $20 or $30 bucks an hour seems pretty darn good to me for doing massage! I am finishing up my LMT program. The job I now have bites! I work for UPS (preloading) I work like a dog, waking up at 3AM to load a bunch of trucks with dirty, grimy boxes and I get payed $15/hr! Doing massage for $30 bucks an hour in a clean room sounds DAMN GOOD TO ME!
Hell, my LMT program is less than one year in length! A physical therapist, with a four year degree, spending a lot more time and energy in studying than I am, is only going to get $40 thousand a year to start (maybe)! You do the math! Massage Envy sounds pretty damn good to me as a starting place!
April 9th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Jamie — You assume too much and as a result your vitriol is misdirected. I have never told any of my students what to expect pay wise from a career in massage so you can stop screaming at me. But let me put this into perspective for you, at one time that was not an unrealistic amount of pay for an MT. This is what drew so many to the profession to begin with. Many still make that and more. It's a fact. They just work for themselves.
ronny — Best of luck to you in your new career. I hope you do well. Your expectations are perhaps more realistic so I doubt you will have the resentments of the previous poster.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Grey Neher –
All things being relative Grey why not ask the massage therapists that used to get about 60K a year for the same amount work how they feel about that. And that's your top pay right? I wonder how many even make that. My guess is a very small percentage. And if you live where I live making 36K will means you're broke.
If you have been reading this or any other forum regarding ME you'd know that's merely one facet of the discussion. I think it's good for prospective MT's to know that there are still other lucrative avenues besides ME that might be more advantageous to their making a career in massage.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Nope… I think making $20 or $30 a massage is pretty good to begin with. I already met with a ME clinic and the manager said he'll interview me and maybe I can get a job there when I finish school!
From what I have been reading on this blog and some others, it seems to me there are a lot of lazy butt massage therapists out there who want to get payed like doctors for learning how to do massage!
If I get a job at the ME , I'll work there and get some good experience. I'm not going to stay there forever, but it's a really good place to start, and I'll stay there for a while. The place was clean, and the people working there seemed pretty nice.
I think some of these massage therapists out there are cry babies! Work a year at my job loading trucks with filthy boxes and a manager that yells at you if your not busting your butt like a slave! And thats for $15 bucks an hour!
Seems to me some of these massage therapists are cry babies! I want to get ahead and work hard! Maybe someday I'll open my own spa or massage place! There are just a bunch of spoiled cry babies out there!
Thats my opinion!
April 10th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
What's sad Macalla is you say having your employer pay for your CEUs is nothing of a perk, what world do you live in… when you can find a class that costs anything less then at least very least 60 dollars for one class, please do share, but I have yet to see one so having that paid for when you need so many hours every 2 years is a perk in most peoples book. And as for 20 an hour plus tip is good when you are saying they only make 15 an hour and when you consider the gas and expenses of sheets, cream, etc on your own. So I don't know what world of money growing on trees you live in…
April 11th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am reading today for the first time about ME. My husband and I own 2 Chiropractic/Massage offices in Iowa. I guess I am running an office very similar to ME only not on that big of a scale. We changed our business model about 2 years ago when we really looked at what consumers in our town wanted, but none of the other Chiros/LMT's were offering. Don't compete - just serve the people currently NOT using others services because of cost. You would not believe how busy we are. I have therapist working for me - no I am not a therapist. I am the business person. I can say with over 6 years of employing therapist. Some days have been good - some have not.
The key is to making it very beneficial to the LMT’s. I charge $45 per hour for a massage. I pay them based on each massage. $25-$28 per hour (plus they get tips) based on how long they have worked for me. I have offered to the therapists to just pay rent for the room and they can pay for their own advertising. They have all said NO! They don’t want the responsibility. They are simply looking for a part-time job—with no stress
I LOVE the concept of ME. I would never pay for a franchise. I am certainly too cheap for that. I used to joke with my account at the end of each year "my massage office is a non-profit organization". Although I still don't make a lot of money - it is better as I lowered the rates and more people are able to afford it.
Kathy
April 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Hey Ronnie — Here I wish you well and you go off calling anyone that has an issue with ME a "crybaby" (3 times for emphasis, classy buddy!) for discussing a career in a business you are only just now only learning about. Making 20 or 30 bucks a massage isn't bad to start out ronnie, let's see if you actually make that much. There are plenty of forums where people just like you started working at ME and got pretty disillusioned pretty fast. Hope your experience is different. And no I am not interested in loading filthy boxes (talk about crybabies) just to qualify your horrible experience on your job. That was your journey, not mine so spare me the whining.
And by the way, if you know of any "doctors" being paid as little as the highest paid MT's let me know okay? I've certainly never heard of anyone that does that have you?
Shera — I live in the same world you do. I think if ask many MT's if they'd rather get paid more money or have someone pick up the tab for a few CEU's (which are a business expense write off anyway) you'd find they live in my world where that stuff is a nominal having l perk like "snacks" in the employees room (hey granola bars cost money too right)!
Let me educate you a little about the cost of gas and sheets etc. You charge accordingly. That's how it's done.
It's a new world out there in the massage business. I want everyone to know that I do not begrudge any of you any of your choices or options. That said I have only offered an opinion based on my 25 years in the business as an advocate for MT's. Please know that I have been civil in my discourse (as many here respectfully have been, I thank you).
For the record, ME does not affect people like me. It never will. I do know however that the attitude in the profession is changing and it does concern me for the health of the profession. In all my years in this business never have I come across a business that caused so much mixed emotions in people who are MT's. Never has a massage business had such negative press. That is worthy of discussion. You newly minted MT's who are all excited about your work please continue to be so. It's a great career. I just think there is a better way than signing onto ME. That is my opinion. No need to feel so threatened by it. You are certainly no threat to me and I wish you all the best.
Let's see how many of you are still in the business in 25 years and not burned out and broke. Maybe then you'll realize I had some points that you might have wanted to consider.
As for being paid what you are worth remember this, argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Yea, it goes back to what I was saying before. I think alot of massage therapists are a bunch of spoiled babies who want to make alot of money doing little work!
If you want to make money you have to work hard. The people I have met in massage school, alot of them, are just lazy people who think they are going to make $60 gees a year working 20 hrs a week.
My plan is to get a position at the ME and then get more experience, become a better therapists and then open up my own place in the future.
Massage envy, at least the one over here close to me, looks like a good place to work. I even talked to some of the therapists and they said they like working there.
And again, I am not training to be a doctor. $30 bucks an hour is pretty good to start doing the thing I like to do, massaging people and making them feel good!
All these complaining therapists make me laugh! Like I said before, get a job like the one I have now, loading dirty,heavy boxes in trucks for $15 bucks an hour, with a mean boss, and tell me if you think doing massage in a nice place, with AC,and relaxing music for $30 an hour sound like a raw deal! HELL NO!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Ronny– You might want to do this for a year or so before passing judgement on others. It would give you some much needed credibility on the issue because right now you only sound like a guy who wants to stop moving dirty boxes and not a true body worker. That's cool, $30.00 an hour may be your limit if you even make that. In order to be successful at this you need the heart of a healer. You may or may not have it but based on your repeated attacks on others I'd say you have a way to go.
Best of luck though. Come back when and if you have been able to do this professionally for a few years.
April 16th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Healers shmealers… LMT's aren't healers! Did Jesus, who was history's biggest healer bicker and complain because they did not pay him $75 a session??? LOL
Massage therapists manipulate tissue… period! If this brings about a positive physiological effect on the person being manipulated it's because of biology… not some supernatural effect! Wow… if you teach your students that they are GOD you are nuts!!!
Your attitude is extremely condescending and arrogant… I bet you are a liberal elitist! LOL
April 16th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Macalla: I think you are just a disgruntled Massage Envy employee. You probably got fired at a Massage Envy clinic and are now spewing negative comments left and right. You come across as so righteous and all knowing… as if you know what's right for everybody, and putting down everyone who write a positve comment about ME.
Yes, I truly think you got fired from a ME clinic and this is your childish way of "getting back."
Give us all a break and get off your high horse!
April 16th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hey now, everyone… I have a VERY easygoing attitude when it comes to moderating blog comments so far, don't you think? Keep the discussion moving forward, and I'll keep my easygoingness.
Thank you.
April 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Ok
April 19th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Isn't it great that we all enjoy massage!? At the same time, we all have such different views, likes and dislikes about individuals or Companies who offer this service. From an Independent Contractor working out of their home to your corner Day Spa, or Massage Envy Franchises appearing in every State to Four-Star Hotels and Red Door salons in the same States.
Would be employees and customers alike have a choice in this matter and they do choose. In my humble opinion the world of massage is large enough for everyone. If a service type fails its because of choice — people's choice. Businesses rise and fall every day. Some have remained for decades with minor tweaks to stay alive. Change is good! I loved vinyl albums but my iPod is revolutionary.
Massage itself is mostly unchanged. Hands on the body in a trained way is still very basic. The setting massage occurs in and the price point is what's different. I've had more massage in my life than the average person. I'm certainly no expert, but Massage Envy has a great concept. I saw Massage Envy for a year before trying it. What could you possibly get for $39? That's what I thought. I bought several Gift Certificates for friends and they loved it. I finally tried it myself. $39 is a cheap experiment! It was absolutely terrific. I got a 90-minute session for $57. My therapist chose Massage Envy because the chiropractor couldn't keep her busy enough. Therapists at Massage Envy can work as much or as little as they chose. They don't do anything but massage, no laundry, cleaning, marketing, administrative work — just what they love to do — Massage!
I was a sceptic at first, but I'm a believer now. This is a value option with convenient hours and the massage was as good as my last $85 day spa experience. Massage Envy is the Southwest Airlines of massage — It's a winning combination in my opinion and we will see more business models just like it in the future. Thumbs up for Massage Envy!
April 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Francis:
My point exactly. I don't see anyone posting here who advocates the demise of private practice or contract work at a chiro's office or session work at an upscale resort spa (or even what's wrong with any of them). In my opinion it's all good; the more the merrier. There's just something about Massage Envy, however, that evokes a need from some bloggers to berate and begrudge those of us involved in the country's largest provider of massage services. Anonymity, I guess, since the only critiques are of the known quantity.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Hello there, I am a current employee of ME. I feel that this is a great place to work. It would be great to make the tons of money that so many therapist make, but i feel that ME offers a great deal for the consumer and the client. The pricing alone is great and the majority of the therapist are great. Being a therapist myself, I know it is hard work and my hard work is rewarded by the amount of request I get. I have only been in the field for a couple of years and I have a lot to learn, but I know my massage is a great massage and very comparable to almost any salon or spa massage. I feel that spas and salons overcharge and that the quality of massages are "foo foo" massages. I also feel its not your price on a massage that dictates the quality, its your intent and quality that should dictate your prices.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hi All — My name is tony, and I work at a Massage Envy clinic too. I have been there for almost one year. It's been a great experience for me to work there. I have a few privates I see and I also work at a high-end spa. I work part time at the Massage Envy when I am busy with my privates and during high season at the spa. But when things slow down for me at the spa I pick up more hours at the Massage Envy. They are always busy so they are really easy to schedule me more hours.
I like the concept of Massage Envy too. We get regular people to work on. People just like myself who have stress in their lives and need to de-stress but cannot afford the high-end spa all the time or having someone do a house call to them. It's a really good concept!
And yes, I have to do a couple of more massages to equal what I do with one private. But you know what? I am touching peoples lives. And to me that's worth a lot more than $20 more an hour!
I have been reading some of the entries in this blog and I really feel some people are sour on Massage Envy because the are… envious. LOL!
I like working there, I like my clients there, and it helps me pay my bills
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
As a massage therapist and former ME employee (as a therapist and ACA)… one thing that I've found out is that a ME clinic is only "as great as its owner." Unfortunately, most owners are not therapists and have no apathy or connection with working therapists. They look at massage as a commodity — like any other product. However, as a therapist you have to know that when a person allows you to enter their energy field it's no longer a commodity, but you're also selling emotions, i.e. trust, confidence, etc. I would propose before purchasing a membership from a ME facility to meet the owner and find out his or her thoughts and ideals regarding massage (particularly why they purchased the franchise!).
Blessings, pat
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I would like to send out my understanding to pat who wrote that a ME is only as good as its owner. I agree, but that also goes for any Day Spa or Massage Clinic. The good thing is that the owner of the ME at which I work was a therapist and an instructor of massage. She is compassionate and caring and understands what it takes to be a great therapist. She encourages us to further our education and gets frequent massages from us to let us know where our strengths and weaknesses are. It would be great if all owners were this way instead of the business aspect of it all. So thank you Pat for your comment.
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I echo the previous two sentiments strongly! The owner sets the tone of the clinic most definitely! If you had read my first couple of entries into this forum, I am a therapists and an owner of a ME clinic. I can't overstate how important it is for the owner of a M.E. clinic, or as it was stated previously, any facility that offers massage therapy, how important and relevant it is for the owner to have a grasp on the psyche of a good therapist.
I restate again… Massage is not a PRODUCT, it is a SERVICE that is being provided! To equate massages with an assembly line of massage is so wrong!
At the clinic I own and operate the therapists I have working with me are good, caring people who put their best intent into every session. I know the physical demands of massage therapy. For that reason I bend over backwards to accommodate the schedule to the therapists needs.
That being said, it is a two way street between myself and the therapists that work with me. I have high standards and expectations for professionalism and ethics which I expect the people who work with me to meet. I respect and like the therapists I have employed!
My wish is that there were more therapists who owned massage facilities and Massage Envy clinics; conscientious owners who really value their employees and know more about the essence of massage therapy and the people who practice this art.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Best blog I have seen to date! Having owned a spa since 1983 and having tried literally every aspect of pay (self employed, per hour/percentage & a combo of these two, rent etc)… I find this discussion very interesting.
I think the Massage Envy is an interesting model, however I can attest that most Massage therapists can only do about 3 massages a day and then they are done! Over the 20+ years of doing this I have only had about 4 or 5 therapists who would do around 4-6 massages a day. In relation to pay… I must say that I was surprised to read that Spa Envy is finding staff at $15 hr of which I understand is higher w/ tips.
Based on my experience, most of these massage therapists working for Massage Envy will not last long due to the demands on their body… I have had several massage therapists over the years come crying to me when they would have to do more than 3 massages a day w/ ample time in between there massage 15-30 minutes… unlike today where the next massage happens literally one after another.
PAY FOR HOURS WORKED??? I think in CA this could be illegal… it is my understanding that if you keep a massage therapists… i.e. your employee at the "ready", you would have to compensate them for their time regardless if they are giving a massage or not??? Any comments on this?
April 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I do have a comment for DocRNe: I do agree that we should get paid for the time we are there but it is not illegal in california. Massage laws are not as heavily regulated like other states. this would be a great place to get to in the future. I also agree that a lot of therapist cannot do more than 3 a day but for me that is an excuse. Money is money and hard work is not always rewarded. I was raised to work hard and do my best. I can easily do 6 massages a day and still be able to work 5 days a week. With the exception of certain ailments some therapist have that prevent them from working, there should be no reason why they cant either. Yes I agree that massage is hard on the body, but with proper education they can learn to work smarter, and build up stamina. If you find that your therapist can only do 3 day then maybe you need to look at other therapist who are willing to do more. I do not want to sound arrogant but this is our job and you should not be in it if your not able to work hard at it.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:24 am
DocRN: Massage Envy typically pays commission (for service) or wage (for time) whichever is higher over a given period of time - either a day, a week or a pay period.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
In my clinic pay is every two weeks and it is, as stated, which ever is the higher sum of the two, hourly wage or session rate. The therapists however end up being payed the session rate which at my clinic is $17 per one hour session (fifty minutes hands on). The average my therapists are earning per session is between $30-$40 per one hour session. This figure includes gratuity which averages $13 per one hour session and possible $5 bonuses.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
Money, money, and more money. Massage Envy has sold out the entire company to a multinational group in India. The ME founder said the economic slow down really hurt ME stores because the clientele is mostly middle class with less disposable income now.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I am a client of ME and do not fit any of the stereotypes people assume go there. Rather, I am an experienced high-end "spa-goer," and a hard-working professional who makes plenty of money and has disposable income. My ME is in an upper class neighborhood; everyone I know who goes there has been happy. Not all of us need a fancy robe, juice and a banana while we wait for our service. What we need with our massage is a warm table, tasteful soft music, soft lighting, someone to give us water and consistency. Along with that, I get a wonderful therapeutic massage from a masseuse who is very talented, intelligent, well-trained, concerned, and dedicated. And if you can get all that for $39, who wouldn't take advantage of the offer and availability?
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
My wife and I are massage therapists in Santiago Chile. The professional massage trade in Chile is new and nothing compared to the development that massage has seen in recent years in US. I'd say we about 20 years behind. But there is some growing demand. Anyway, we started a small business 5 years ago with two other therapists and have grown to three locations and 22 therapists. BUT, we have worked out butts off and have had a hard to time to create the right model that works right and makes money as it should. Therefore we have been fascinated by the talk of Massage Envy. I have heard mostly complaints but today I was very inspired by the postings by Lou, from March 26 and her sharing her experience. We also have tried to always keep a family spirit, good relations with our therapists (my wife and I among them), and also to take care of our customers with the highest quality service and attention possible. But again, we are struggling with our business model, which simply isn't profitable enough. We are NOT looking to get rich. We just want to survive with 3 kids in school and a very middle class standard of living, in a South American country. We also want to stay in business of course for our own sake but also for the therapists that work for us. We currently have 6 therapists who have worked with us for over 4 years, two of them who have finished their university studies working for us.
We take care of our people. They are all contracted and with paid vacations. Sometimes I feel they are better off than we are, with all the stress and problems we have. And constant tight cash flow doesn't make the whole scenario any easier.
Anyway, I would be very grateful to hear from anyone especially Lou) about the following points as we want to learn from what seems to be a successful model:
Any other related info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Jose Cantela
May 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I work at a Massage Envy in California. We may not make what the average Therapist makes, but the clients that do grace our establishment our loyal. We have a large number of repeat customers. We offer customized massages to fit the needs of our clients and we are all quite efficient in every type of massage available.
Spas are over-priced and not everyone can afford them and that is where we come in to help not just the rich but all in need.
We've been opened a year now and we average 80-100 massages a day most of the percentage are members. We are opened 7 days a week. We are not hurting for work. We are booked back to back but the clients get 100% of our attention in each massage.
May 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hi Mary:
Thank you kindly for your reply. Sounds like your location is doing very good. Here are some other other questions if you could help.
Thanks again.
Jose
May 30th, 2008 at 7:39 am
I can say that I took a chance working there as an experienced therapist. It was close to home and they offered benefits and an hourly wage. Well there was NO hourly wage ever paid, the benefits never came through- i worked there a year and the for the amount of work that i put in as a deep tissue therapist- there was no pay off. You were completely dispensable, no matter how high your request therapist rate was and the pay was crappy. They don't like to give out raises in a timely fashion- so your six month may come at 8 or 9 months. They put up bonus ways to make money, the therapists would do it and then it would just quietly disappear with no compensation. I was completely turned off and disgusted by the treatment of our owner. Our manager was great but she's stuck having to do the bidding of a cold, ruthless, cheap owner.
No spa has to worry about massage envy taking their clients because there will never be a long term therapist at a massage envy that's worth a damn- their turn over rate is huge because it is a totally disappointing experience as a therapist. I encourage therapists to find better employment because there is no reason to work for a large corporation that doesn't provide the benefits that should go with such low pay. It's sad when you work in the health care field and you don't even get sick days or health care.
May 31st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Interesting discussion! If this business model becomes more popular, and it sounds like it is, maybe the therapists should unionize. The owners have their agenda, and rightfully so, and it is up to the therapists to stand up for themselves and not be taken advantage of (if that is indeed the case). I can't think of a way to outsource massage, after all.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 am
[…] all this said, Massage Envy is Friend. But, for all that they are friend for, they are also my foe. Not only to me but to all […]
June 4th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Great discussion. I am concerned about ME not for myself, but for new therapists. I know several therapists who upon getting their license went to work for ME. They never did massage again. Total burnout, frustration from poor pay, and in order to meet their bonus' they had to work so many hours that they developed serious physical issues. I see a place for ME for people who need experience, but the demands seem too much. I have a very busy practice, but I make sure not to burn myself out. Does ME care about the therapists? I wonder. What good is it to have a business model that doesn't care and nourish its' employees. Maybe there will always be a place for such a business, but I think there is plenty of room for independent people like myself. There are several new ME's in my area and my business hasn't been affected at all. As a therapist, all I can worry about and focus on is performing to my best abilities. That has served me well so far. As for unionizing? I think the massage industry is a long way from being able to do that. There isn't enough standardization for that. My opinion.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Massage Envy is one of the best, if not the best, massage salons I have been too. There is no doubt the prices, massages, employees, and the environment are on the upper-scale portion the massage business.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:45 am
As someone in the business world who frequently gets massages (1-3 per month) I became a member of massage envy last year. My membership expires this fall, but I don't know if I will renew it. Wherever I go, it is hit or miss with getting a good massage. When I travel to fancy resorts, I pay extra for a "deep tissue" or "myofascial" massage, yet I get something more in line with a swedish massage, wasting my time and money because it has no therapeutic benefit for me. My pain is deep, mostly soft tissue and I need someone who UNDERSTANDS pain to massage me. Just rubbing my back isn't going to help. So I have found a massage therapist that is great, and she happens to be at ME. For me it is all about the quality of the massage. I don't have any formal training in massage but have a table at home and give my boyfriend a massage at least once a week. I can ALWAYS find where his trouble spots are, sometimes even before he can, and I have a gift to be able to relieve his pain. I want someone who can do that for me.
One thing I HATE about Massage Envy is when you come in for your appointment they ask you at the beginning if you want to pay for gratuity then. In my thought process, gratuity is based upon the quality of the massage, so I politely explain to them that I base my gratuity on the quality, and don't want to be asked again to pay BEFORE. Do you know anyone who pays tips to their waitress at a restaurant before they get their meal? I don't like that model. At all.
On another note, the most relief I have found from my chronic pain is with a Rolfer. I do have musculo-skeletal issues and really need deep work. I try to see her once a month, but she is expensive ($160 per session) so I rotate that with massages.
June 21st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I ran across this blog by accident. I was a CA in one state for 18 months and took a position as CA when I moved to another area. I would like to confirm that the clinic is only as good as the owner and that is true of all franchises and private businesses as well. Please remember that like all businesses, this one is evolving as it grows. Many of the negative comments I read have certainly been true in the past. Owners, managers and corporate have all been in a learning curve. That said, there will always been some owners and managers who do not understand the professional needs of massage therapists and who push their front desk staff into hard sales tactics. That is unfortunate because the larger majority are on the other end of the spectrum, particularly in the last couple of years. The recent all clinic conference put a hugh emphasis on "taking care of our therapists". In less than two years I have seen a growing trend to give benefits, provide CE opportunities, individual training and create more income for the therapists. By the way, I am not sure who made the comment but I don't know of any businesses that provide benefits for part time employees so I feel that ME is in line with the mainstream on this. As for the pay, keep in mind that it is scaled to the price of the massage. In the 4th month of business in my current clinic, I did all the numbers and my therapists were averaging $28-$29 per massage hour including bonus's and credit card tips. They shared with me that they were bringing in as much in cash tips each and generally a bit more. So that would bring the hour up to over $30. When I factored in hours of "down time" they were averaging $20-21 per hour. We pay $8 an hour as a base against commission. The way that works is that in any two week pay period, if the $8 hourly (plus any tips and bonus made)is more than the commission, they are paid the hourly guarantee. The first month will generally have that happening but business usually increases quickly and puts the therapists in the higher commission position. It's a safety net. I understand that talented therapists can make more money in their own business and I am sure I am not alone in encouraging my therapists to do the best they can for themselves and support their ambitions and long range plans. Keep in mind, not all therapists are geared to market and promote themselves, however we can teach them how to build a clientele if they decide to go out on their own. Keep in mind that there is a broad range in any profession where income is concerned. We do provide a niche and I would encourage a therapist who has had a negative experience in a clinic to possibly give a different clinic a shot. They may find a world of difference. Attitude is everything. Sorry to be so long winded but I wanted to share that I believe this company is evolving into a positive experience for both employees and guests.
In the meantime, I can give them flexible hours to pursue their outside business and a way to make a decent living while they are doing so. To put it in perspective, look at the time and money it takes to get into other professions. Take a two year programs like nursing, dental hygienist, physical therapist assistant etc. Nursing depends on the area of the country for salaries. Typically dental hygienists are at about $30 an hour and typically do not receive benefits. PTAs make between $30 and $40 an hour and do the same therapy as a PT. What they don't do is evaluations. These are all skilled professions requiring as much or more education as massage therapy. All are valuable health care professions. As for client experience, it is true that you can get great or terrible massages in any facility regardless of the price. ME Clinics that are having mixed results are probably not providing on-going training for their therapists and are not taking time to find out what the client needs when booking them. My staff, like many question the guest over the phone to find out what they need and book them with the therapist best suited for them. I personally get about a 90% success rate by having my staff take the extra time to do this. We also have therapist surveys that are filled out, which is wonderful encouragement when positive and if we get a negative we do our best to re-schedule the client with a better fit and discuss the problem with the therapist. If their is a need for therapist improvement we provide personal training attention. In both clinics I have managed, we have had 50% or more experienced therapists. That said, I have had some super stars right out of school who were fabulous therapists. Many went on to bigger and better things, many stayed for quite awhile. Retention has been generally good in both places.
June 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Apologies, apparently I lost the middle part of this long dissertation and the end ended up in the middle so I am sorry for the confusion but I would be glad to answer any questions from anyone.
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
I need to make a correction. PTAs make between $30-45K a year based on a 40 hour week. At the high end that would be about $21 an hour. School costs about $12,000 and since it is 9-5 5 days a week, they usually have to borrow living money as well. I know massage therapists face a similar situation. I also realize that therapists do not work 40 hours a week (or shouldn't due to physical stress) so in our region we consider full time for therapists at 20-25 scheduled hours a week. Benefits are for full time and are paid by the employer. Once out of the red, paid sick/personal days and paid holidays will be added. In the meantime, no one ever has or will be denied time off for any reason. All requests are granted at our clinic and it is my understanding that this is the policy of the other clinics in our area as well. As I said, I have seen ME evolving and it appears that will continue and I would just ask that be taken into consideration before all are condemned. As the saying goes, the money will follow. For the record, that is up for national discussion and I believe it will go that way.
One of my best therapists came from a private spa that paid the same and treated her so badly that she quit. It was an issue over her schedule needs regarding her child care. They charged her $500 for not staying for a contracted year. She paid it. Bad attitudes come from all walks. She is a great gal and a very talented therapist and as soon as I can give her a raise I will. In the meantime, I will accommodate her schedule, knowing stuff happens when you have small kids and put her on benefits immediately. By the way, my experience has been that therapists come from two areas. Yes, out of school (and I have had some very talented ones)and the others who have been in the profession for a long time and are tired of running their own business or want to use their skills part time. It a good mix because the experienced ones do mentor the new therapists. Bottom line is that ME is raising the awareness to the health benefits of massage to the masses. I believe with the way the attitude is evolving that the money will follow. Even benefits were unheard of when this started. It's not perfect but it is progressing in the right direction.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
I have only been working for ME for 3 months now. I LOVE the people I work with. But the truth is this: ME does NOT care one bit about their employees. All they see is money. MT's get paid $15 an hour plus tips. Many clients do not tip and I have seen many posts of consumers saying they shouldn't tip. So sad that people don't want to help those that go home aching every night because they spent all their energy on making these clients feel better.
A lot of y'all have said it's a "bottom of the barrel" service. You're right it is. Not because there are no added amenities. But because after awhile of this ABUSE, the employees decide NOT to give their best… can you blame them? Sub-standard work for sub-standard pay. For me, ME is ONLY a stepping stone for me to make better than the average persons income… long enough for me to get a car and find a job at a better spa and eventually open my own spa.
On that note, thank you to those of you sharing knowledge on how to compete with sub-standard ME. Y'all have given me great ideas for my future spa!!! One good thing about ME: when you work there you find a lot of the "how to NOT run your spa" rules. LOL
Good luck to all of you!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Also add this about abuse… they book you back to back (i.e. 1:00 appt, then a 2:00 appt, then a 3:00 appt, etc). And hey if your first appt is 15 mins late… guess what? "Go ahead and give them the full time." Which makes you late for EVERY massage after that… making the MT look bad.
Tip for spa owners… give your employees 15-30 mins between massages and dock time for people running late.
July 6th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I am a massage client, not a therapist. I have enjoyed massages for many years from various places… I even had my massage therapist in the room when my daughter was born!
I recently visited ME in FL for the first time. My massage therapist was fabulous. Not just good, but great. The price was right. The atmosphere was wonderful. (Better than some doctor's offices.) Quiet, warm beds, very clean, very comfortable. I joined on the spot for three reasons:
I did not feel it was a hard sell. The front desk employees are great!
I also took my mother-in-law and she had a great massage so I booked her a second appointment (she was visiting). She was not impressed with the second massage therapist, so they gave her a half price massage to compensate.
All in all, I had a great experience. However, I am concerned about the comments from former employees. I was hoping it was a good place for therapists to work, but now it sounds like that might not be the case. If the employees are not happy, then the experience will suffer. I try to tip decently ($15 on a one hour massage). I'd like to know if that sounds right to the employees who have worked there. I want to make sure my therapist is happy too!
July 7th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Ellen, yes $15 to $20 is a great tip and very much appreciated if you feel that the therapist has done their job well and you leave feeling great. If you have built a relationship with a favorite therapist the sessions will get easier because they will learn what you expect when you come in. As far as the unhappy employees at MEs, there is always going to be drama going on with someone somewhere. As mentioned in prior blogs, a lot of it has to do with how the OWNER is working it. When I get my clinic established my two priorities will be how the employees are treated and their work conditions, and how happy the clients are when they leave. I know there has been great concern about the clinic's "Bottom line in profits" But lets face it, you can't have a positive bottom line if your services suck, plain and simple. My theory is, take care of the people making you money and be grateful everyday for them and it will work out in the end for everybody. I would think that if unhappy therapists can't get their problems resolved by talking to their boss then they should take it to the owner. If I had unhappy people working for me I would want to know about it right away, again, that's where my paycheck is coming from. It's a circle that needs to be balanced. It should be that way with any company not just ME.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Oh, and on a side note… I hate that I can't edit what I write before I submit. The way this is set up, I'm losing about a third of what I write into the side of the margin so I can't see what I'm writing. Is everybody having this problem?
July 10th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Ellen: Here's something to consider relative to your comments. You will find anonymous posters on any blog on any subject. Because posts seldom can be verified they may or may not be true. I have seen posts to ME blogs by (presumably) therapists who never worked at ME but just don't like the idea. Sure, there have been therapists who have had a bad experience at a clinic (just like there are owners who have had a bad experience with a therapist) but the fact is that there are over 8,000 therapists working for ME around the country right now. If you really want to know what therapists think — go talk to them face to face.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Gray: Your point about anonymous posters also pertains to you. The turn around for therapists at ME is pathetic. Go to the ME website and look at the "Therapists Wanted" page. They need therapists badly. It is not because the are busy, but because, the ME owners treat the therapists like s**t and they leave after only a few months on the job. The retention rate for a therapist at a ME "store" is six months. The majority of ME owners know squat about massage therapy and the needs of the client and therapist. Massage Envy is nothing but FLUFF. As a former Davie, Florida ME therapist, I can tell you the ownership has changed hands three times in the past two years and ME corporate has flooded the area with ten new stores in ten square miles. All of the owners and future owners in the Davie area are trying to get out of contracts. The Massage Envys in South Florida remind me of Chuckie Cheese outlets for adults. Richard Trebor @ mailinator.net
July 19th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I joined the ME here in Kingwood, Tx, just outside of Houston. In the past I have paid as much as $250 for massages at fine hotels all across the USA. I enjoy my experience at the ME here just as much, and now, even more. Why? I can afford to go more often. With the membership, it is easier to remember. As a customer, my local ME knows me, they know my perferred MT. In the event that I do travel, I can utilize the ME in that market. Communication between the ME's has been excellent, and without hassle. My perferred MT may be getting the $15 from ME, but I would imagine that she is doing much better with the tips, most likely closer to $20 a session then not. That is not too bad. Also, the MT has become a friend. She is familar with me, and I am comfortable with her. This comfort level is a major step towards the perfect massage.
What more can I ask? Some of you want to compare this industry to cars. Well, ok. I drive a Mercedes. I am just as happy and comfortable with ME as I am with my car. At the same time, I have had more then my fair share of less then desirable experiences at various local providers all acros the USA. ME gives me a standard of service that I deserve. The facility is always very clean, the temp is nice. The music is perfect, the lighting is comfortable, and The MT provides excellent service.
July 20th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I got a massage at the massage envy in South Florida… great experience!!! When I came in the receptionists welcomed me and I filled out this form. It was time for my massage and the therapist came out right on time. She was friendly, I followed her to the room and she asked me if I had any injuries or things I would like payed attention to during the massage. It was all very very professional!
The massage was great!!! I went back to the lobby and they explained the program they offer and I became a member! Now I get massages every week!!!
Also, everyone was really happy there and seemed to really like their work! It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend massage envy very very highly!!!
July 20th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
As a massage therapist at ME, I agree with the fact that the owners don't care about their employees. Because of this there is a high turn-over. Like Richard said the average therapist lasts only 6 months. The main issue that I have with ME is the fact that deep-tissue is the same price as a swedish-relaxation massage. This pisses me off! So, the majority of the clients at my clinic ask for deep-tissue! So on an average day at my clinic, 75% of your massages will be deep-tissue. And most days you get 4 deep-tissue appointments in a row. And if you don't do deep-tissue chances are you wont get many appointments. I also have a problem with ME advertising new modalities without the proper training.
July 20th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I have read the previous posts with great interest. I am considering making my first appointment at a Massage Envy location. While I respect the views of the traditional spa owners and therapists, my experiences in Columbus, Ohio have been mediocre, at best. These have been at the high end locations in my city. The spas are clearly geared toward women, the quality has been spotty, and I really don't have an interest in a fireplace and warm tea. I just want a good massage. I have the means to pay the premium fee — I haven't found any correlation between the price and quality, though. Although my coming session at ME may leave me wanting, it certainly can't be any worse than some spa experiences where I've left feeling exploited. It's as if the spa felt that just going there was worth the cost.
August 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hey Ronnie, after reading this enlightened post of yours I have to say that you are PERFECT for Massage Envy! Just what they are looking for!
Good luck with your career as an MT at ME! Hopefully they won't ask you to do any silly "healing work."
August 18th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Well, I've been to the perfect experienced MT who worked from her home, had decades of experience, used the best lotions… everything about the experience was perfect…
Problem was she was nearly impossible to get an appointment with on short notice.
Today, I was feeling like crap because my back and shoulders were so sore. Hopped on over to a ME for the first time and I've feeling a lot better now…
For me, it isn't about price… it is about the convenience/time.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I am a member at ME for the convenience and the price. I like a massage once a week. Can't beat the $39 price even if it is mediocre. However, I also regularly treat myself to high-end massages. I just can't afford the upwards of $70 massages on a weekly basis. If I could, I'd go high-end (assuming I could get an appointment) every week. And for the convenience, ME is open until 10 p.m. during the week. My favorite high-ends are only open until 5 at the latest. I won't stop getting both. ME makes it easy to relax with a no frills basic massage on a weekly basis.
August 31st, 2008 at 5:16 am
As a consumer, I had the introductory experience at ME WITH my original MT who has been in practice herself several years, trying to make some extra $. She was able to have some clients follow her, I think.
I'm seriously considering an ME membership, though, b/c my original MT works on Fridays and Sundays. I can't always afford to take a Friday off to go see her. And b/c I have a disability and depend on public transit, it's IMPOSSIBLE for me to see her on a Sunday.
ME location is closer to home, easier for me to get to, and hours are much more convenient.
Didn't see much on the posts about ME and tips. Does anyone know: are MTs at ME allowed to keep tips to themselves? I like to tip my MT, but want to make sure it goes to MT and not ME.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Kerry… The therapists at ME keep ALL of the tips that they earn. Tips are a significant part of their income. If you pay a tip in cash, it goes in their pocket. If you pay with a credit card then their tips will be taxed and added as income on their regular paycheck. If the therapists are not getting all their tips then their is an internal problem and it needs to be addressed.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 am
I'm a massage therapist for ME in Missouri. I love my job and have been there nearly two years. We are NOT over worked, in fact we set our own schedules and needed breaks. Non of us are there under any unusual conditions. No high turn over rates. Yes, we get our tips cash and credit. It is customary to tip your therapist on the non member rates. If we were unhappy about the commissions we wouldn't be there. Most therapists get into the business of health and wellness with a sense of freedom to practice… sorry to hear complaints that other clinics therapists aren't happy… one word… LEAVE… as for unhappy clients/members… read your contracts carefully… our sales associates pride themselves in educating the client about such things, answering all your questions with no pressure. We're not healers, we can't cure anything, diagnose, etc… we can only help ease the symptoms of what brought you to us in the first place… we are highly trained, licensed and the majority of us Nationally certified and are big on educating our clients. We pride ourselves in the atmosphere that we work in (thanks to our creative, tasteful owner) and our clients love our "quiet room" never rushed to leave, welcome to relax as long as they like with wonderful refreshments. Our therapists bring different talents to the table and our sales associates are great pairing the needs of the client with the right therapist. As far as always hiring, it is ideal that all our treatment rooms be filled with a working therapist… example… I work 5-10pm Tue-Fri… my room should be utilized during the day hours to meet the needs of our clients. We want the public to be able to call that day and get in. We are very popular and most of us booked weeks in advanced as our clients prefer to book their next appointment prior to leaving the clinic… it is very disappointing to the client if they can't get in when calling, that is why we are always looking for therapists who will pick up on these on call situations… too many clients not enough therapists… we are very much in demand. Any therapist knows our job is not one to work 40 hours a week, we work around our families schedules as well. My personal opinion on the turn over rate is based on what I see when a therapist takes on way too much and develops repetitive stress injuries. It can be very addictive helping others feel better and we feel at the time we can do just that until it catches up with us and are bodies say "you can't" It happens from time to time, especially new hires right out of school, needing the money… let's face it we all need the money, you just have to pace yourselves. My clinic doesn't hire just any therapist with a license to practice, if you can get past the initial interview for a practical and deliver what we are looking for in a therapist… only then are you in! I hope my comments have helped to clear up any misconceptions about what we do at Massage Envy.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I'm a massage client, and discovered this blog quite by accident. I'm fortunate to have been to some of the finest spas in the world, and I treat myself to massage and other holistic treatments every month. 4 months ago I was curious about the introductory massage price and when I couldn't schedule a convenient time w/my therapist of 6 years (after calling her facility 3x!), I called ME and booked right away. The gal answering the phone consulted w/me, didn't just schedule an appointment, and recommended therapists I might like. So far, I've had 4 different therapists there, because all their specialties are unique and I want to experience them all! From reflexology to sports massage to craniosacral — why shouldn't I indulge my body w/various treatments for their low monthly rate? My income level is in the top 5% of the US population, however I've learned that it doesn't matter what you pay — there's great inexpensive services and poor to mediocre outrageously expensive services. For now, I prefer to go 1-2x/month for an inexpensive treatment, and have found the massages rank 6-8 on a scale of 1-10; I can say the same about 2 recent massages at world-class spas I went to while traveling, which were certainly not worth the money! I think the therapists on this blog who are complaining should go elsewhere, as I think any disgruntled employee should. And I applaud those who are happy and content sharing their healings w/the maximum number and types of people. Have a great day!
September 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
The last post I made to this blog was on March 17, 2008. At that time I was an employee for ME. As it turns out I did not stay very long. In the end I am glad I had the experience at ME. I learned some things about my limits when it comes to how many massages I can do in a day. 4 or 5 is about right for me, verses the 6 to 7 that I did at ME.
In the end I also wanted to earn more per massage. Now I don't have to "depend" on tips like I did at ME. I make enough with my massage rate at the place I am at now, where a tip is simply extra. I don't have to do as many massages each week and my body is thanking me for that change.
If I ever had to, I would go back to ME. It's not where I would want to stay, but it was a place to work doing massage, which I love. Yes, I want to earn more than $16 per massage plus tips, but sometimes based on where you live,the demand for massage, and the number of MT's in your area, one may just have to suck it up and work for a place like ME.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hi everyone, I just left ME where I received a massage this evening. I do not work there and am not a therapist. I am a CUSTOMER. ME opened here in Nashville, TN about a year ago and I have been for about 5 massages since then. I have NEVER actually received an HOUR LONG massage. I am still perplexed as to how a company can offer a one hour massage and then give 45 minute massages. I finally asked the people at the front desk what the deal was and they said that because their massages are booked back-to-back each hour that they need time for the client to get dressed and to clean the room, which is perfectly understandable and I am not blaming the therapists.
I have been going to a spa here in Nashville for years (Illusions) and they charge $60 for a REAL one-hour massage. At ME, $49 for a 45 minute massage is actually MORE than a REAL day spa (which has other services such as a steam room, relaxation room, etc.). ME is such a scam when you really think about it. At Illusions, the therapists get 1/2 of the cost plus tips so they usually do pretty well.
Just some insight from a customer. I won't be going back to ME and I am going to get out of my contract.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Would love some REAL answers regarding massage therapy as a business. I've been to every type of Massage "Spa" and have lately found myself wondering as the above customers what is REAL and what is NOT. Please shed some light on the following topics from a therapist perspective and business model if possible.
Sincerely, PC
October 4th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I am an employee of ME and have been working there for about 10 months now. When people call ME the Wal-Mart of massage they do so with good reason. Most of the therapists are over worked and over stressed. Generally, full time for a therapist is about 25 hours of massage a week. (It differs with each person, but that's the average…) Doing that amount of massage at a ME clinic at $16 an hour will net you about $1600 a month. Tips generally negate the taxes we pay on that $16 dollars so that really is about what I walk away with each month. For a licensed professional that is absolutely absurd! I applied at my clinic straight out of school with the intention of getting a lot of experience and moving right along. So yes, the therapist turnover right is extremely high at these types of places because there is no incentive to stay there long term. It shouldn't cost a fortune for people to take care of themselves like they ought, but it shouldn't cost a therapist their career in repetitive use injuries just to make ends meet. I think I've had enough of it. I love my coworkers and the skills they have are an endless source of amazement to me; if people have had bad experiences at clinics like the one I work at it's most likely because the employees are disenfranchised and disheartened.
And to reply to PC above me: Full time = about 25 hours a week… all of your other questions can only be answered by each individual therapist… some have amazing stamina and some are reckless about their bodies and some would prefer to keep the number of massages they do low… each person's abilities and limits are different.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I went to ME for a massage this evening and suffice it to say I was not happy. It's definitely a massage "mill" and the therapists who say that it is for people who have no discrimination are about right.
I don't blame my therapist. It was at the end of the day (around 7pm) and he was clearly exhausted. His movements were choppy and sluggish. He also smelled strongly of either cigarettes or a very cheap cologne; I couldn't tell which. When I'm getting a bad massage I often want to say something, and I have this internal monologue about how I want to bring it up, but I seldom actually say anything just because of politeness. Also, you're laying there naked, it takes a lot of courage to just say, when you're totally naked and someone is trying to relax you, "let's just stop, I'm not enjoying this." I kept having to remind him not to rub so hard, although his communication was good… he kept asking me if I was comfortable, I was NOT but I just couldn't say anything. His draping technique was also pretty poor and there were times when I just got this bad vibe, not like he was a letch but that he just didn't care about his work at all. It's just a bad experience when a massage is bad, and having a male therapist who's sloppy in his draping to the point of nearly exposing you or touching you by accident someplace WRONG makes it about a hundred times worse.
Plus, my therapist had just said goodbye to another customer and I just went in right afterward. He hadn't even had any time to rest and I'm sure massages are hard work! Once he got around to massaging my back it became clear that the guy had a lot of skill — he was just plain worn out. The result was a very sloppy massage and one seriously freaked out customer.
Even after I reported this to the woman at the front desk, she STILL pushed me to commit to the membership! I told her, "I was a little weirded out," and she just kept going. I am never going back there.
I don't doubt that some customers get lucky with ME, probably the ones who come in earlier in the day, but as one of ME's selling points is that they're open late, I'd say this is a moot point for their business model. The adage is true, you get what you pay for. If you want a luxurious spa massage go to a luxury spa and pay the price. If you want one for cheap, ask a loved one and swap out. You are likely to be embarrassed by this ghetto establishment if you are used to better.
October 9th, 2008 at 8:04 am
PC, the answers to your question will depend on the therapist.
Here's mine:
What is full-time vs. part-time for a therapist? For me 15 to 20 hours of massage is full-time. Less than 15 for me is part-time.
How many hours, deep tissue can you do in a day without injury and with keeping with a business model? If I correctly use my body I can do about 4 hours of deep tissue a day. It's not just about pressure, but knowing how to get to the deeper muscles. When it does come to utilizing pressure I use my forearms and elbows almost everywhere. I will use a tool of some kind when it's not wise to use my elbow.
How much time is needed for "down-time" between appointments? Stay healthy and do a quality massage. At ME there is no down time as you only have less than 10 minutes after finishing that last massage and beginning the next. That includes the time both clients take to change and get on/off the table and the time it takes you to change the sheets, wash your hands and take care of your own needs. Now that I am away from ME I don't mind doing a back to back appointment, but then after that I like a small 30 min. break before doing the 3rd session.
How many days can be worked per week? 4 or 5?
October 10th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I hate Massage Envy, their customer service is non existent. I received one massage that went well. Then I scheduled another massage at a different location because of the facilities. I wanted to get a couples massage with my husband and not all locations has a couples room. We show up for our appt. and after checking in they inform us that the room is not available. They give us an extra 30 min for our inconvenience. Fine. So we schedule for the next day. The next day we get a call that the appt is canceled b/c the therapist called in sick.
I rescheduled at another location in person for a couples massage. Because of my hassle with the other location I make sure that the receptionist is clear that I want a couples massage. She even calls me later in the day to confirm I have a couples room. We show up for the massage, and what happens? No couples room available and we get separate massages b/c at that point I was upset and clearly I would never be able to get the couples room.
So after all of this I try to get my money back b/c of the poor customer service. No luck. I am so pissed that I don’t want to go anymore. Now months have passed. I was told that if I don’t use it, the massages roll over and I can use them later. I call and I’m no longer a member and can not use the massages that have been paid for up front. I HATE MASSAGE ENVY.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I haven't read every comment posted but have read enough to realize that some comments are more emotional than realistic. Some posters are not looking at the big picture. To me the bottom line is that there are huge numbers of people out there who are interested in getting a massage but can not afford it. It is insulting to read elitist comments that basically inform me that if I cant afford a massage then I don't deserve a massage. Maybe that's not the intention of the comments but one could easily read it that way. If you are still reading this and not laughing then maybe I have misunderstood the tone of comments made. I have never had a massage but would like to to. The elitist out there can snicker at me to their hearts content,but I would like to point out that without a lower cost alternative someone like me will never get a massage. Why should this matter to anyone else?
This should matter to the new therapist just starting out because:
This should matter to higher end spas because:
to give the high quality massage your customers expect.
Please get off your high horse and look at the facts. Lower end spas will eventually result in more customers for all involved. If your business is suffering from the introduction of cheaper alternatives then you should look at how you do business, not whine about people who are topoor to afford your higher end product. Do you really feel only wealthy people deserve a massage? Doesn't that sound like discrimination?
As for the comparison between cars and massages I see a lot more Chevies than Porsches. I get the feeling that some of you out there believe the Chevies don't deserve to use the road if they can't afford the Porsche.
Many posters are breaking down the massage business to the nuts and bolts. Forget about arguing over cold rooms or the lack of room to sprawl out or where to put your tiaras. Poor people like me aren't out to take away your pleasures,but simply enjoy a no frills massage. How can this threaten your way of life? Isn't there room for all of us?
Please excuse my grammar and spelling. My stupidity is most likely why I'm poor. And thank you for reading my scattered opinions.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I live in Minnesota and want to start up a Massage Envy franchise. My reasons are number one, unlike Houston, I think there is room for growth in the Twin Cities. Number 2, I like to employ people. I am not doing society much good by being a bee worker, but if I can provide jobs for people even better. Number 3, I do like the business. I have had good experiences at the ME by my house. They always ask me if my massage was good, and if not I can give my feedback right there. Like anything, you tip the person because it is good etiquette. When you eat and your meal is $100, you tip $20. That doesn't mean the service was any better at a $20 meal place, it is just the right thing to do.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I have been an employee of ME for 3 years. I was a full time therapist up until 3 months ago when I was promoted into management. What you must remember is that ME is franchised. Each clinic is has its own personality. The owners of the clinic where I work truly care about their employees. They are concerned about morale and retention as these have a direct relationship with quality of service. Our clinic has about 35 therapists. About half of them have been there for 2 years or more (we have only been open for 3 years). Yes we see clients back to back, but none of our therapists consider themselves over worked. We created every therapists' schedule around their own physical capabilities and make changes as needed. Our therapists love what they do! No one wants them tired, burned out or injured! We are a family and we take care of each other. As for the pay….many of our therapists have come to ME from those so called high end spas because they do not get enough clients to be able to earn a living. Our compensation is fair, and therapists love that they are always busy.
As for the "pressured selling" that I have seen mentioned, we do not pressure membership sales. Massage sells itself! Those that understand the true benefit of massage can see the value of what ME has to offer.
I agree with those that have realized that just because a massage may cost more does not mean it is of better quality. Expensive spas hire from the same massage therapist pool that ME does. Yes we do have therapists that are recent graduates, but we also have therapist that have been in the field for 10+ years. And remember, it's not only the number of years of experience that your therapist has, but also the passion for the work. You can teach massage techniques to anyone, but only some will have the therapeutic touch.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
ME seems to be the Starbucks (when it was still new) of the massage/spa business. Having been a massage therapist myself for 10+ years (but not now practicing) and having had numerous massages, I can tell you that my visit to several ME's in two different states has yielded my respect and admiration for their business. I was treated, as many of you noted in your posts, as I would have been at any other high end spa. The massages I received varied from "awesome" to "average". When asked if the massage was worth it, I would resoundingly say "Yes!"
I agree that ME has found a certain niche for clients who do want a "no frills massage" and who are busy and need to relax, albeit in a "quick in-and-out" way. The price is right and the people are nice. ME deserves the success they are acheiving.
And when I have the time and money and really want to indulge myself and be pampered with all the amenities, I will go to the high end spa. But, as you know, most people can't eat at Spago's on a regular basis, especially in this economy. But once in a while, it is a real treat!
The moral: There is room for every massage business!
October 27th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I just canceled my membership at Massage Envy today. While a member, I had some excellent massages, and some that didn't deliver what I asked for. The difference was definitely in the therapist. Some were good, some were weak.
As a customer, I appreciated the price, and that I could afford one every month, or more. Unfortunately at a Day Spa, the prices are out of my league, especially for regular visits. So, while I would like them, they don't fit in the budget at present. It's also nice to have a package, which guarentees a service each month. Perhaps that is a good idea for day spas to incorporate, although the prices might be higher. It kept me coming back, even if I wouldn't have on my own.
As a note, Massage Envy, also posts a suggested minimum tip, which is higher than 20% of a full priced massage - which I found fairly obnoxious. And they raised that "suggested" tip from $12 an hour, to $15 an hour a while back. It seems that they compensate for the lowered price of the massage by pressuring (and I did feel pressured, even for the bad massages) the customer to leave a higher than normal tip. (For the good ones, I was happy to pay it.) But my point is, part of the low price, from the consumers end, is an allusion with this pressured and high priced tipping.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I believe the fault lies within the franchise for allowing business men and women to operate massage clinics. I worked at an ME in Illinois and had a horrible experience. The owner, manager and appointment setters were not massage therapists and, as a result, there was a constant and overwhelming disconnect. I saw the owner in the back room twice in my five months of full time employ, and the only time I saw the manager was when she came back to get a client a cup of water. The manager was able to fire his therapists when they became injured or when he got tired of them standing up for their rights (such as having clean cream tubes or wanting to be paid for canceled appointments). In essence, he got to run his clinic like a massage factory and use his therapists until he decided they were no longer useful to him. The whole situation was so appalling that, after I was fired for having the audacity to get injured, I seriously considered leaving the field. After three months of thought, I have decided to choose more wisely when I am ready to once more work for someone else as a therapist. And when the first words out of the mouth of the owner are "I assume you need some sort of qualifications, right?" I will simply run the other way.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am
While confessing I did not read this ENTIRE thread, I will say I did not see in what I did read a very important point about this whole price argument from the massage therapist’s standpoint.
My starting point is that I entered massage therapy as a profession, not an avocation. While I acknowledge it is more than “just a job”, it is less than a religious calling. I do it because I am good at it, it makes my heart sing and it keeps me in food and shelter. If it stopped doing that last thing, however, I would turn my back on the other two. My friends and family alone could keep me in all the heartwarming, life-affirming massages I would ever need to give away in a lifetime.
As a working therapist (now with 15 years in practice) I have, roughly speaking, twenty hands-on hours a week in me. More than that on a steady basis and I am simply waiting for either my body or my mind to give out. I acknowledge that the number may be different for other therapists, but I would expect general agreement on my assertion that there is a limit to the “economies of scale” that I can impose on my work as an individual therapist. Assuming an unlimited supply of clients, does (maximum-number-of-hours-I-can work-in-a-week) X (dollars-per-hour) = income-I-can-live-on?
A spa can hire multiple therapists to keep its fixed cost (a massage room) producing. As a practicing therapist, I cannot hire ‘independent contractor hands’ to work an additional twenty hours of my week. My argument here is that, as a profession, there is a floor of compensation under which we are committing to the idea that massage therapists are temporary employees. They leave the room at the moment that their bodies give out or economic necessity drives them out of a $15-plus-gratuity environment and into a different field of employment or better-paying-room environment.
So we can argue all we like about what is good for a potential client base that cannot afford our services, but the galling truth of capitalism is that somebody has to pay something to keep the enterprise going. Consider the idea that our skills are so important that we should partner with a company where EVERYBODY works for free; spa owners, massage therapists, front desk clerks, janitors and launderers. We will get suppliers to give us tables, linens, and oils. We can then openly and freely share the gift of massage with ANYONE that needs it free of charge. Laudable, perhaps, but as the massage therapist I am wondering where in this model I get to eat and sleep.
Getting paid $15 plus gratuity is just the slow (rather than instant) starvation version of the above model. I can’t (and I don’t believe our profession as a whole can) live on this wage unless we a) externalize the therapists living costs to a third party (spouse, parent, second job, trust fund) or b) acknowledge that the system works only as long as the therapists in it are considered expendable. They go elsewhere to make enough money to live on and the $15-plus-gratuity business hires the next expendable therapist.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Excellent post Tony! You state in very clear terms the conditions that make the work we do a success. Like you I don't apologize for being successful in my work. Like you I work about 20 hours a week of hands on body work. I am established and well paid for my efforts and it affords me the luxury of balancing my life so that I can continue to do this for the 25 years I have been at it. For the record I never needed a place like ME to achieve, sounds like you didn't either.
ME is capitalizing on the "expendable" therapist. It won't be long before the schools start seeing less people entering the profession thanks to places like this.
October 31st, 2008 at 8:12 am
ME opened recently nearby (in NJ) and advertised a low-priced massage. When I called to make an appointment, the girls was friendly, but when I showed up, it was the coldest place I've ever been to. The girl at the desk wasn't friendly, and the woman that did my massage wasn't so friendly. The massage itself was good, but I didn't get that warm & fuzzy feeling I'm used to when getting a massage. Certainly not a feeling that made me want to go back. No one ever mentioned coming back or becoming a member. Nothing - just a goodbye. I've been in marketing for 20 years, and what Russ Winhusen said is very true. There are people that buy Chevy and people that buy BMW. People shop at Wal-Mart, at Kohl's, and at Nordstrom. The end consumer will decide what works. The only thing that surprises me is that people feel there's a need to purchase a franchise in order to open a massage salon. For the advertising? You could do quite a bit of advertising with the money you paid for the franchise.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
I am contemplating opening a ME. Not being a MT I have certainly learned much from reading post on this site. It is imperative that in order to successfully run this business, long term, you need content, happy employees. Some of the owners that have posted seem to "get it". It is a people oriented business and your MT are the ones that meet with the customer on a daily basis. They not only have to be proficient at performing message but they have to have good people skills. They had better be treated properly by the manager and owner of the business. You can bet your bottom dollar if that is not the case they will not put their best foot forward while performing their job. Of course that will result in less tips and disgruntled employees. It will be of upmost importance to me to have content employees who are willing to communicate with me when things are not to their liking. A certain amount of flexibility in schedules and other benefits would seem to be in order.
The big question I have as a potential owner, can this business model make a profit in a recessionary environment. How's business holding up?
I would like to hear from other owners as to what their thoughts are regarding treatment of their MT and the business model in general.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Has anyone heard of Michelle Lea Massage Therapy? I'm thinking about buying into that franchise because I heard they were owned by a massage therapist and they treat their therapists right. I like the idea that their not an "assembly line" studio or spa. Just curious if anyone's heard of them.
Thanks!
November 7th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I didn't have the time to read all of the responses to this post, but I thought I should add my two cents. I am a massage client. I have been to many massage therapists in my life in many different settings. I am currently a ME member. Here is why: After reading all of the Therapist Bios, I selected several to try. I then chose two that gave massages that I enjoyed, benefited from, and had hours that suited me. I now know that I can call and get a reasonably priced massage when it is convenient for me. Even last minute, when one of my favorites isn't available, I can get, at worst, a good massage at my convenience. I do feel that they keep the rooms cold, but the tables are heated, and I always warm up quickly once my massage begins. The therapists that I work with regularly are sensitive to my needs. I do go for massage for relaxation at times, but most of my massage needs are injury/sports/health related. I do believe that they will probably not stay at ME forever, but because of the sheer number of therapists available, I am confident I will find someone to replace them. From the perspective of a new therapist just coming out of school, I would think that ME would be a great place to start. The pay might not be great, but whose pay is great when you are just out of school? The benefits would be getting the opportunity to practice your technique on a lot of people and maybe start to build some relationships with people that could possibly become clients in the future; all while having a salary to get you started. On a final note someone earlier mentioned the idea that men would prefer this setting to a spa. I have to agree, I have notice many more men at ME than I have ever noticed at any spa. Even my boss who as resisted massage for years finally gave in when he was introduced to ME.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I find it amusing that other therapists are complain about how much ME therapists get paid and call it slave labor. I don't see chains shackling anyone to the massage tables. Its America and its simple. If you don't feel you are getting paid enough to do something, don't do it. If someone told me that they would pay me $1/hr to pick up garbage, do you think I would run out and do it for a living complaining about it being slave labor? No. I would just not do it. If therapists do it, its by their own choice and they make this choice for their own reasons.
Bottom line, if you don't like it, don't do it. No one is twisting anyone's arm to do anything.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I respectfully disagree. If you see a company whose business plan alters the de facto pay structure that has been in place for many years suddenly making it more difficult for an MT to learn a livable wage unless they overwork themselves then I think it is one's duty to speak if only as an advocate for the profession.
But you are correct, if people want to undervalue their worth there is no real way to stop them, except perhaps with information.
The reality though is that real talent will continue to be rewarded regardless of what ME does.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I have worked for Massage Envy for a few years now. Yes, they have something going for them with the low prices and the everyone needs massage thing, BUT, working there is one of the hardest jobs I've had as a therapist. Overbooked, under payed, and being forced to work injured are just a few of the things I've seen or experienced my-self. Yes, they are bringing massage awareness to the general population, but at what cost? All the therapists worth their weight know better than to work at Massage Envy. It is just not worth it! They find jobs elsewhere. However, in the city I live in Massage Therapists are a dime a dozen. And finding a good paying job here is nearly impossible. This is how I see it. Making a decent living at Massage Envy is an impossible joke unless you are super-man and do 8 massage a day, 5 days a week. Burnout here we come! To a therapist, Massage Envy is good for one thing. Get your experience (part time only), and get out! If you are a seasoned experienced therapist, there are better places to work, even if you have to go it alone.
As a traveling therapist, I can charge approximately the same rates and make two times what I get payed at Massage Envy and not hurt my body in the mean time!
Massage Envy even makes the therapists sign a do not compete. This means that if you take YOUR clients elsewhere, they can take you to court for compensation.
Not the best place to work.
December 7th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Wow. I only read through some of these comments, and I can't honestly believe some of the things I hear from other massage therapists.
I am appalled to be called bottom of the barrel. That is low, especially since there is no way of actually getting a chance to receive work from every single therapist that is employed by ME.
But, I live in kentucky. Here the massage industry has become popular within the last 5 to 10 years, and really only in the two 'cities' of the state. In the rural areas, trying to get started in this profession means having serious capital and the ability to go into the red for many years before actually making profits.
The truth is, for the past year, after hitting obstacle after obstacle from my school not doing their job with sending paperwork where it needed to go… once I finally got my license, I found that for me to actually practice, I was having to pay out of my pocket. I don't mind to pay to work in this industry to get practice and experience, but after paying so much for school, being unemployed for 9 months because of the economy and living in a seriously rural area, I'm close to being sued by my student loan company.
The fact is we as therapists have to get a start somewhere. If your institution taught you well and you have clear boundaries, then ME cannot take advantage of you. The ME I work at is the best place I have ever worked in my life. I am aloud to choose what days i work, I'm aloud to choose how long of a break I have between clients. All I am asked to do is come in and work. I don't have the capital to start my own place. I don't like the idea of a spa because, #1 every therapist i have met that has worked for any of our local spas has complained that they are seriously restricted on what they can do in any given session, and #2 most people in my area consider spas to be only for the elite and I like to work with the working people. Kentucky has a great deal of poverty, and while the ME i work for is located in an area that has more money than most of Kentucky, it is only a bus ride away for thousands of individuals.
So I get the opportunity to not be stressed with the lack of business skills. I am getting the chance to concentrate solely on gaining experience and build my skills as a therapist. Yes, I see multiple levels of quality from the individuals I work with. Some have been working for 2 to 10 years, others are right out of school. I have had nothing but support from all my professional peers in my work place since I started.
The way I see it, ME fills a specific niche. It is not a spa, so it cannot be compared to a spa. It is a massage clinic, it doesn't offer the same things a spa does. It may be hard to believe, but a lot of that stuff can be a turn off for a huge part of the population. I have never once felt any interest to go near a spa. It's not really who I am, I don't have a problem with them nor do I belittle the therapists that work at them… it's just not me and so I understand the clientele that feel the same way. It is not a private practice, so it can't compare to the private practice. A therapist working for themselves often offers special touches and a completely different atmosphere unique to itself, which draws in the people that are looking for that.
What ME envy does, at least in my area, offers a very low introductory rate, which brings in many prospective clients who never would have otherwise tried massage. For Kentucky, this is HUGE. And most importantly, the membership rate is low enough to make long term therapy affordable for the everyday folk in my neck of the woods. I can't tell you how many people I know who would love to get regular massage but simply can't afford it. ME gives me and my clients the chance to experience long term therapy with each other, something I really look forward to as I grow in this profession. I want to specialize with geriatrics, and this location is easy to get to, and affordable for that age group.
I can't speak for the other areas. I can only speak for my own. What I am seeing are 3 massage schools located in one city that are flooding the market. We are in a profession where the majority of therapists fail in the first year. After experiencing the trials and tribulations of the first 11 months trying to get started, I am very grateful for that fact that ME has come to my area. yes, i don't get paid a whole bunch of money, but #1 i didn't get into this business to become rich, I got in it because I am good and channeling healing energy and felt the call to use my skills with the public, and #2 I'm a young professional with only about 300 hours of experience with the public, who would expect to be paid the same as a therapist who has been working for years and has a lot of CEUs and hours upon hours of experience under their belt.
I personally feel that most people I meet in this field aren't really made for this field. I think that is the fault of the institutions that don't give the full truth about all areas of this field when they scout for prospective students. As I said, the market has been flooded in my area, and spreading out in the state is extremely difficult, to really work full time, you have to be located in one of the two big cities… otherwise you have to have the capital on hand to start up and the will power to build clientele in areas that are very old fashioned and skeptical of massage. Those areas are suited for more experienced therapists, and that's they whole reason I'm at ME now… to get that experience for when I move out of the city for good.
Maybe I'm just lucky and the people running the ME I work at are rare. But as I said, I'm encouraged to be myself here. I'm allowed to choose how many clients I work with a day and how much i work, and how much time I have between clients. I am never pressured to go past my stamina. I have watched as other therapists have been asked to go home if they injure themselves, while my classmates at much better paying jobs are completely destroying their bodies and working full days with serious injuries. As i said, if you have clear boundaries and stick to them, maybe your employer will pay attention, and if you are a good therapist, that should come naturally anyway.
So please, other therapists, be careful with your words. Calling new therapists the bottom of the barrel is not fair, you were new once too and had to get your practice somehow. And for some of us, this is a blessing in so many ways. You don't have to agree, but you don't have to be so negative either… that is not what this profession is about!
December 7th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
You know, after posting that, i went back and read so much that just still makes me reel.
Maybe it's because I come from Appalachia and am used to being poor. I was thrilled to sit at a desk for 8.5 hours a day (and driving an hour each way just to get to work) after 9 months of unemployment for only $8.25 an hour because that job, even with a college degree AND a professional license, was the highest pay I have ever been paid until ME.
Maybe it's because I despise TV and therefore don't need cable. Maybe it's because I utilize the library for the internet and use it in moderation. Maybe because, after living on a farm completely off the grid for the past year, I learned to utilize my local farmers for food rather than paying all that extra money for the fancy packaging and fuel costs found in grocery stores. I buy 'recycled' clothes from the goodwill, and turn heads when I go out on the town. The only 'luxury' i really allow myself is to drive, because i love to see the beautiful countryside of kentucky and my family and friends are spread all over this state.
Or maybe it's because I live in Kentucky where the cost of living is lower than average. Very lower than average because most of the state is living in poverty, and it's all due to the fact that we have important resources and are exploited for those resources. I've survived being unemployed for the past year by raising goats and poultry in a small farm house instead of paying rent. So i fed myself by walking out into the barn most days.
But to read so much about money and this profession makes me ill. Truly makes me ill. I do this work because I found peace in my heart and know for peace to spread in the world, it has to be cultivated in the hearts of others. This is the best way I have found for that to happen, as getting a soul in a no thrills, safe environment gets them away from all the stimulus that keeps them from finding a bit of peace. The touch therapy, whether it is 'fluff and buff' or medically oriented, is touch therapy nonetheless… and for a society that has compartmentalized itself behind computer screens and numbed itself with drugs, prescription or not… i feel touch therapy is necessary for all individuals and want to see as many possible at least get to experience it.
For me, each session is a highly spiritual experience. My clients don't know that, and I don't disclose that information to anyone I work with, but if they pay attention, they will see it. I consider myself to be an energy worker who choses to do that energy work through touch therapy because of the needs of the majority of people. we are spirits having a human experience after all, IMOIMO, so the needs of the human body, not just the energetic body, need to be met. Before each session I express gratitude for the opportunity to be touching someone's life, I ask for only the purest energy to come through me into the person i am working with. After each session my first words are words of gratitude to the person on the table, and I always bless the water I give to each person with love and peace. It may be a little woo-woo for most of you out there, but i think it is my gratitude for my job that makes me a good therapist. Because I truly do not believe I am making the changes in the soul on the table, I am just supporting them as they choose to make their changes. To watch the sparkle in a persons eyes after only an hour, to see the light bulb come on, to see an overly stressed person leave calm and peaceful… watching those changes is amazing to me and that's why I do this.
Because of my belief that I am a good channel of that healing energy, which to me is very sacred energy, I also believe that a price can never be placed on it. I don't think it should be delegated to the elite, i believe it is abundant and should be freely available for all souls on the planet. If i wasn't in debt from a bad marriage, I'd be running around KY doing this for free or for a meal afterwards with all the hill folk. I feel as though when I go into a session with gratitude, understanding that I'm just apart of the process and not expecting anything in return, the universe supports me well.
And my job consists of me working with people in a way that opens the door to a better quality of life for them; the people i work with have never failed to show me respect, gratitude and appreciation; i listen to calm music and my work day feels more like meditating for four hours a day than working; i come home with peace in my heart and a quite brain. How many people come home from work with a quite brain in these times? How many people come home from work and have to drown themselves in alcohol or drugs or stupdify in front of the TV and miss all the beauty of the world around them because of their high stress? The fact that I get paid to do this is a bonus, and one that I am extremely grateful for. $15 to most of you may not be a living wage… but I don't need a whole heck of a lot to live, I don't go outside of my means and therefore, it is sufficient for my lifestyle.
I live in an area where even $39 is out of the price range, especially in this current economy, for the souls who truly have the highest amounts of stress. And because of that, I volunteer much of my time. People in the communities I have been apart of have observed me do this, and when I do in massages with them, they go way above and beyond in compensation, to the point that I almost feel like I should give some of the money back. So to me, as I stated earlier, with the right intentions for being in this profession, the Universe always sees that I am supported, fed, clothed, protected, and most importantly, loved. That's all I need, and it has never let me down in my 27 years walking the planet.
I personally believe that for this work to be beneficial, there has to be a connection between the souls working together. Not every therapist is for every client. I watch the young therapists around me ignoring everything we were taught in school because they are as caught up in meeting the demands of this society as their clients are. So i feel that it does take a certain type of person to be really good at this profession. It takes a person who is aware enough to always put themselves and their health first, who is mature enough to say no when need be and not let their ego get in the way, but to listen to the person they are working with. I don't think it is the fault of ME or any spa for bad therapists. If therapists allow for employers to walk all over them, that is their lesson and they have to take responsibility for allowing it. This is a profession that requires us to be grounded in who we are, and places like ME will either weed out the people not meant for the profession, or help those who are develop their skills and touch many many people in the process.
I think that customers shouldn't be afraid to ask their therapists how much they work, how they take care of themselves. Do they practice what they preach? Are they stressed? I also think it's important for customers to realize that ME does have quality therapists and not so quality therapists because we are all human and this is a really difficult field to be in. And this is going to be the case at any ME, any spa, any school clinic, and private practice. Strive to find the therapist you connect with, the therapist your body feels open with, and support that therapist when you find them, and always be willing to try new therapists as sometimes your body just might need a different energy than the same old thing. I think the ratio to people in the world who can benefit from massage therapy verses licensed professionals is high enough. I don't think it is fair to say that price is equal to quality as many people above have state you get what you pay for… because honestly, some of the best therapists would be working for free if only it were possible. Check out your local hospice and find out the therapists that volunteer there… my guess is they are probably the best that will be found in your area because their hearts are in it for the right reason. And well, this is one profession that really requires the heart to be in the right place for the healing to occur.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Samantha, thank you for your post. I graduated from massage school in October and immediately enrolled in a continuing ed course to learn and become certified in oncology and hospital based massage for the next year. Therefore, being in school again does not really allow me to focus on my own business right now and have been looking into different part time massage jobs. The area I live in is mostly farmland and there is not much for me to choose from when it comes to finding a nice spa or chiropractic office. I did find a p/t job at a salon, but only work 9 hours a week and they are not real busy with massages. Therefore, I did look into a ME in the area and sent them my resume.
I have heard quite a bit of negative comments from other students that have had the experience with either working at ME or knowing someone who did work there. I had started looking on the internet for more information and came across this site. I have heard a lot of different views on why or why not we should work for ME. But I can't help but think that I really do need to get the experience under my belt if I want to go out there, start my own business eventually and be successful.
I got into massage because I wanted to help people. I didn't think that I would make millions, but it has been such a rewarding profession for me so far. In the hospital where I take class, we will be working on people from all walks of life with all different types of disease, some of them who are in hospice or in a coma. I don't get paid right now, but what an amazing feeling it is knowing I may have provided just a little bit of comfort or relaxation to someone who is really in need. My heart is totally into this.
I don't know what type of people run the location of the ME I am applying too, but I have learned a lot from others here as to what I need to watch out for and I thank you all for that. I know I won't be making a career of ME, but for me it's a start; a learning experience. It will be something to help me pay my student loans for the next few years, that's for sure!
December 9th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
That's all very nice, but I give you a year or two max before you see the light, or rather see the devil for what it is = Massage Envy. Underpaid, abused, overworked to injury and then kicked to the curb. That's what you will be. Massage Envy took all the joy out of what was once a passion, talent and calling for me. I look forward to the day when they are bankrupt.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:55 am
It will happen to you too… OMG LOL Who pooted in your fruit loops??? If you stayed at a workplace for so long that it affect your attitude like that then you DON'T need to be rubbing on anybody anyway. Why would you take that kind of abuse from an obviously bad boss? If you still had a "passion" for what you do then you should have bailed out when you first started to know that something wasn't right. Don't blame a bad boss, blame you self for allowing yourself to be in that kind of position and not doing anything about it!
December 11th, 2008 at 2:58 am
This has been a very interesting (and lengthy) thread, to which I'd like to add the following from the perspective of both a practitioner and a recipient of bodywork:
These are smart consumers who want a good deal on services that positively impact their health and well being. Who can fault them for that? Our role, then, is to educate these very smart consumers about what they *could* be getting instead. So, in my case: I don't offer nice back rubs - I offer specialized Asian massage treatments to address the specific health needs of women.
The reality is that the majority of the American public is still relatively ignorant about massage therapy both because they have yet to receive professional massage and also because regional stigmas *still* exist due to the unfortunate prevalence of illegal activity within the so-called "massage business." If ME is introducing massage to these folks in a reassuringly sterile massage environment, I think that's fantastic.
I'm still in the process of opening a practice in a new city and I look forward to speaking to groups in my community about what it is that I do and about massage therapy in general. People are looking for answers to their pain and dysfunction. We can learn to become the messenger as well as the answer to their needs.
Finally, I'd like to say the following in response to the comments about ME's and other companies' plans to dominate as preferred providers for insurers: People will continue to pay out of pocket for services that meet their needs, no matter what happens in the insurance industry. We may have to meet folks halfway with pricing but massage therapy, just like so many other professions, is built on relationships and service. Because our work is so personal and requires such a significant commitment on our parts, however, it will continue to have a high value in the eyes of those who most benefit from it and can never, ever become someone else's brand. Our work is uniquely ours.
Educate, educate, educate!
December 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Though the business model of ME is a profitable one. However it brings ups several ethical questions…
December 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
We already have a plan if Massage Envy comes to our town. We have talked with our therapists and believe it will only help build awareness and get us more clients.
Some things that might help…
We have Massage Envy as one of our keywords for our Google ads. (We have a transient population who is familiar with ME.) In fact as ME has started to advertise on cable we have noticed more hits and GC purchases from people who searched ME in our area. ME is still about 75 miles away now.
I agree educate, educate, educate…
Lastly, hire the best. Our therapists are what make us great.
Our marketing motto:
A dissatisfied will tell 10 friends and never return;
A satisfied customer will tell no one and is what for the next offer;
A loyal customer will tell everyone, and stays despite better offers.
December 27th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Massage Envy is a cheap massage. A waste if money for a "fluff" treatment. I went to a new ME in Cooper City, Florida thinking the therapists would be excited to work, but found them to be edgy already. They were complaining the owners knew nothing about the industry and just wanted in for a short time and then sell out of it. Anyway, who has money to waste on garbage now?
January 4th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Brownie… It sounds like the folks in that clinic need to get their act together. It all boils down to the OWNER. I would never try to open a business that I new nothing about. Especially in this business. That sets one up for instant failure. I'm sure that the district manager will be on top of that and get them straightened out. Massage Envy has too much at stake to have someone who doesn't know what they're doing screw it up for the rest of them.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
According to Simply Hired dot com Massage Envy's hirings are down 99% since August 08. This poll was taken from May 2007 up to October 2008.
If you go to Simply Hired dot com and click on Employment Trends on the top of the page, type in Massage Envy and click search you'll get the latest polls about how M.E. is doing in regards to "revolving door" employees.
It's not going well.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Relaxalot… I'm not sure where you're getting your percents from. I went to that site after reading your blog and all I see is a 37% decrease which ,I'm guessing ,is because of the overall economy. Could you please tell me where you saw that??
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
If you read my post correctly I said down 99% from August of 08. Overall though it's down 37% from May of 07. I would think that if it was just the economy that ME would be doing better because of the cheap prices they have. Doesn't seem to be the case, in fact it's the opposite. I think it's just suffering from what any boom suffers from, a bust. The question is why? My guess is that the novelty has worn off and the cracks in the concept are showing through.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:42 am
I've been a practicing MT for about 17 years. I've worked in medical settings. I also had clients outside the office. It's been a labor of love. Massage, I believe, is about relationship, It's a two way street. You give excellent skilled service with real concern and consideration. Your client compensates you fairly, and treats you with respect and dignity. Places like Massage Envy encourage exploitation, from the owners, managers, and even the customers you seemingly want something for nothing and are surprised that the object of their employment won't or can't deliver. You can not deliver quality massage if your heart is not in it. The real news here is that massage will never make you a fortune. It takes time, lots of time. I assure you good therapists always go underpaid, because we sacrificed the opportunities, that would afforded us better compensation. But you see, we didn't enter the profession to make a fortune. Now, Massage Envy has made a fortune, but then again, it's not really massage. P.S. for those of you (clients) who like the convenience of having walk-in service. Consider that you may be doing a disservice to your therapist and to yourself. When no appointments are made you MT waits around without receiving compensation, yet they cannot run errands, or otherwise employ themselves, they are stuck. As, a client, think about how often you wait to long to get that massage, had you put yourself on a regular schedule you would likely have avoided needless suffering, and have had longer sustained intervals of feeling good. God Bless.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I've heard the most negative comments about Massage Envy. Most of the negative comments are coming from Therapist employed by them. If a few were unhappy in their workplace, I would say, that's to be expected, but when so many feel so negative about the way they are treated by this company, I take their complaints seriously. Too many of the negative comments are similar…..too many to be disregard. Massage Therapy schooling is no walk in the park…it's hard work and can be expensive. I spend time preparing and eating nutritious foods, getting proper sleep, exercising, getting regular massages and avoiding as much negative energy as possible. There is no way, disrespect of your profession and who you are, should be acceptable…period. The fact a person may be a recent graduate doesn't change that. My training is in Clinical Massage. We tend to work in medical settings. Typically, treatments are a half hour and the last word that comes to mind is relaxing. I know one thing, I would not work there, I would not receive a massage there. Energy is transferred in a massage. I wouldn't want a frustrated and unhappy Massage Therapist putting their hands on my body.
February 8th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Many companies treat massage too much like a business. I think those of us with a deep understanding of the power of massage realize that it belongs in the realm of health care, not profit. Of course, health care is treated like a business in our culture. I was just reading about the problems in Japan with health care - ERs actually refuse people outright - there are documented cases of people getting rejected by 30+ hospitals. A sign of things to come? We need to get our priorities straight. Massage should be place where everyone is treated with dignity and care.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
ME has not made it to my city… yet. I am pretty sure it is only a matter of time and a willing investor and ME will be here. Your bottom line at the end of the day should include more than numbers irregardless of what industry you are in, it must be about relationships. Customers who care about quality over quantity run from places with high turn over, even in a Dentist's or OB/Gyn office.
The average cost in my city for a year long LMT program is about $14k, and a two year program about 22k at the vocational schools. With making $15 a massage, not $15 an hour at ME you won't find quality LMT's you will find graduates who are in despair to pay back their student loans and make ends meet. Personally, I've never liked being a guinea pig, and have never benefited from such, but add despair, resentment, and fatigue to the equation, there may be more liability lurking than the average investor wants to ponder.
Chiropractic school in the 80's was short term to start before it became a 4 year doctorate. We all deserve that same opportunity and is exactly what the pioneers in our Industry have focused the future towards, as well as being paid by insurance for treatments by educated professional Massage Therapists.
ME's business model was around before they were, and it didn't work in my city. They have done well to sell franchises. When I first heard of ME, the concept was taking the worry off the LMT's shoulders by taking care of their needs. If what all the blogs out there are saying then that was a facade and they obviously have changed the concept to SELL MORE FRANCHISES. That being said, we live in the land of FREE ENTERPRISE, and they like us have a right to run their business as they see fit, and open as many as they see fit, however whether graduates continue to go to work for them and whether consumers continue to patronize them is another question.
Let's be honest here, if not for competition Massage would not be so popular to cause us to rant and rave in a blog on the internet. I have always looked at competition good or bad as an opportunity to shine. The bad ones make me look very very good, and the good ones also make me look very very good and that is a win win. What is not a win win, is burn out and disinterest in going to school. As therapists come and go, finding a replacement may get harder and harder if there is a bruise on our reputation as an industry. We have all worked too damned hard to turn around the population thinking we were having sex with every client, and I am sure it is not even at %80 turned around yet.
This new bruise as some of you have expressed will reach more of the population, with a satisfied customer percentage bringing a very low score. With recent Wall street events and others we have seen where greed leads. Those of us Veterans in the Massage business are very aware the higher level of consciousness necessary to bring a client to well being. When you have evolved to that level of care there is no "ME" that can compete.
Massage is not immune to free enterprise, commerce, etc… There is a dentist or Chiropractor on every corner in America. Both have experienced concepts similar to "ME" and it caused them to stand out. Castle Dental for instance took Graduates, offered very low prices and did pretty well on the onset, but turn over set in and they are not as big as they once were.
Where the owner knows nothing about the industry there will be problems. I would like to see "ME" back up with the greed factor pointed out by so many, and look more towards the future of our delicate and very vital to humanity industry and therapists, by educating the franchisee's and paying therapists more decent pay. Otherwise, we may just be a dying commodity sooner than later.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Sarah… you have some very good points although you closing statement really hits the nail on the head. I think it should almost be a prerequisite that potential owners who are going to be active in their investment should have knowledge in what they're putting their money into. The success of a ME is based on the therapists who are happy and treated well. The fact is too, massage therapists march to their own drummer. There are ME owners who don't understand that massage is very physically and emotionally demanding. Every client that comes in has their own story and the therapist must be able to switch gears accordingly. It's easy for therapists to get burned out when they aren't give a chance to reground and take a break. It is the responsibility of both the therapist and the owners to make sure that everyone is happy and taken care of to make a clinic run smoothly.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Shari,
Your right. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure everyone is happy. However, Massage Envy is a business built on the idea of low price and exploitation. The only way to make things right is to have the owners provide the service themselves, ah, then you would see the appropriate price structure and treatment of "employees." However, having no training or experience must customers would recoil at the idea of using such a service. Which brings up a larger point, why work for someone else anyway.
March 7th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Sarah,
I agree the Massage Envy has built their business on making Massage more affordable but I would have to disagree with the exploitation. That comes from owners not knowing what makes a therapist tick. My business partner Krysta , who is also a massage therapist, and I own our own private office and know what we like to work with. WE both have the same ideas and beliefs in what would make and run a smooth office. We also would be able to massage if the clinic needed a back up in an emergency. We are not going to treat our employees any diffrent than we would want to be treated.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Well, when Massage Envy makes their service "affordable" it is the therapist you who absorbs the discount. I don't know your operation, and don't want to give offense, but are you willing to work for what you pay your employees? I presume you prefer the current arrangement because it provides the opportunity for bigger $'s. Massage Envy exploits because those jobs do not provide for a sustainable relationship, you have to continually replace the worn out, or the ones that smarten up and leave. And though It is painful for me to comprehend, for most out there it is the money that makes things "tick."
March 19th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I am a ME therapist and have been for the last year. I first established myself as an independent contractor and did that for 5 years but began to feel isolated and out of touch with other therapists so when a ME opened up in my area I applied and got the job. I was excited at first because it was nice being around like minded individuals but as time went on things began to change. Our original manager was HORRIBLE and it took the owners a LONG time to decide how to handle the situation. I though once that manager was gone things would get better but haven't. I agree that the owners are the ones who can make or break a place and these owners just don't get it. It IS all about the bottom line. When I was hired I was told that as a therapist one of my perks (in fact my only perk) would be to get a free one hour massage each month. GREAT!!! As a therapist, I think I need a massage just as much if not more than the next guy. The only stipulation was that we couldn't book on Friday, Sat. or Sun. (the busy days). Okay, no problem. I have booked three (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) massages that have gotten bumped due to the now new policy of members and clients first. Now, I'm all about the clients and their needs but as a therapist I realize that I'm not going to be doing anyone any good if I can't take care of myself. I do work several hours and my schedule is tight so when I get called and they tell me I've been bumped off I start to become a little disgruntled. I have asked the owner to change this policy and first got a flat out, "NO" and now they've decided to Mickey Mouse around and asked us to come up with a solution. My solution is to allow us to have our one hour massage a month when booked.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
How does me get out of paying their employees only for the massages they give and not for the hours they are clocked in… how do they fall through the labor codes set forth here in california? I have worked at my ME for over 2 years and i am trying to be supportive, but find how they pay their employees to be a bit shady. Also we are expected to help out with cleaning and up keep when we are not massaging… where's the compensation? One more thing… my pay was reduced because of economic situations… how do they do it? …because our massages are a commission based wage. I find this to be in very bad taste… how are you to get good therapist and keep them if an owner has that ability to mess with your pay? After taxes are taken out, I am working for a pay that is equivalent to a slap in the face. I will be leaving me soon and will not return… hope you know your value better than your employer does.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Amy…
I CANNOT comprehend WHY an owner or manager would not want their therapists to take care of each other! You shouldn't even have to ASK to get a massage. It should be assumed that ALL the employees are getting one. That's part of the personal maintenance of the profession. That makes me insane! LOL, okay I'm done venting. Amy, explain to the owner that your solution is so simple, and cost effective for the business, as opposed to bad moral, workers comp, medical bills and lost time at work not to mention that they would be out a good therapist that is bringing in money for their pay check. If they have any open communication at all with their employees they will reconsider the feed back they're getting. Good luck!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Unfortunately, I have tried talking with them and it has fallen on deaf ears. They are now out one good therapist, I put my two week notice in today. Thanks for the advice and much happiness to you all!
March 25th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Amy…
Good for you sweetie!!! I'm saddened that you have to do that because that just enforced all the negative ideas about ME and their high turn over rate and that really shouldn't be the case. I hope you understand that not all ME's are run like that and that there really ARE happy employees that work for the company. You have just proved too that it all boils down to the management I know of a ME that still has ALL of their original staff since the day they opened just over a year ago and everyone is very happy. Please don't be discouraged but this. Hopefully a new clinic will open up around you and you can go there. In the mean time, know that you did right thing by your decision, and from what I gather that it was the best decision for you. One door closes..another one opens… Good luck to you Amy…
March 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Massage Envy… this place is like going to McDonald's for steak… if you want to enjoy your massage experience I would suggest going somewhere other than this establishment. The front desk staff is less than professional, less than friendly, and they think it is funny when they mess up your schedule. So unless you want to leave feeling angry and anything but relaxed… this is not the place to waste your time or your money. Don't let that introductory rate suck you in… they are worse than the people at the mall trying to squirt you with lotion at the kiosks… it is a trap to suck you into a package to come back all year long for massages that aren't worth the nine tenths of a cent you pay on gasoline. Well — if my introductory service sucked to the point of keeping the better business bureau on speed dial..you can either take it from someone who tried to tell you — or you can find out for yourself just how sorry this place is.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Jennifer… If it was that awful then why didn't you say something to the manager or the owner and give them a chance to rectify the bad experience?
April 14th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
If a ME is allowed to perform that poorly in the first place from reception through service to the end, do you really think it would help to speak to management? They're the ones who created the environment that gave the poor service in the first place. Massage Envy is well known as a franchise for treating customers like the garbage service they push. I wouldn't waste my time trying to rectify the situation, either. I've never heard of anyone who had an issue satisfactorily resolved at one of these horrible places.
Yep. Just stay away!
April 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I "folded" to a high pressure person at a ME in North Carolina and took out a six month membership. My experiences with mixed up schedules and failed follow through have been horrible. The condescension, the total lack of respect and lack of concern for their customers is amazing to me. I'm sure there must be some good franchises. Maybe I got caught in a bad one. However I will never recommend ME to anyone! Stay away!
April 26th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Carol and Trilla… there are lots of good clinics out there that have thousands of happy clients and there is ALWAYS someone higher to go to, to complain if your service was that bad.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Wow, a lot of food for thought, I am a new Massage Envy customer, we actually paid up-front for 6 months, rather than put a card on file, so we can use our 6 (each) massages in the next 6 days/weeks or months. My husband and I get a massage for relaxation/therapeutic purposes. The clean, professional atmosphere at the Massage Envy we visited is what prompted us to sign up. I knew going in that the therapists were newly licensed, that does not make them bad, in fact, fresh out of school could translate into newest techniques and fresh skills. With both of us working full time, we are willing to try the concept and see if it fits our needs and lifestyle and at an affordable price. I can make an appointment on Friday after work and be refreshed for the weekend, and "bonus" the Massage Envy is on my way home from work. I'll update you on my experience over the next months.
May 12th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I have been reading this post for a while and just wanted to put in a few words. I have been a Massage Envy client here in California since 2005. I loved the experience, the front desk, the therapists and the concept so much, that I started looking into it as a business only 6 months later. Everyone I spoke to LOVED it. I did more due diligence and called over 100 clinics/ owners across the country and talked to them about how they enjoyed working at ME. I even went so far as to drive to 20+ MEs in Arizona to talk to the therapists, front desk, management, etc. After talking to so many people who loved the business, I decided to invest in one as well. It took me over 2 years dealing with permits, city licensing, building codes, etc, before I was even able to open my doors.
I started reading this post before I was open, during construction and now here 1.25 years after I have opened and I want to reiterate that even though Massage Envy is a national organization, the manner in which we all run our operations can be considerably different from one clinic to the next. All Massage Envies are trained to super serve their clients. If there are people here who received less than satisfactory service, then ask to talk to the manager. If that doesn’t fix things, escalate it to the owners. Owners want to know if clients are not being treated correctly. If it is employees who are not feeling they are treated correctly by their owners, then I recommend going to a different owner. Talk to other therapists and see how they like it. Those owners who don’t treat their people right give a bad image to those of us who do. I fully encourage people to leave. Only then will those owners realize how important therapists are to their business.
On the point of therapists. I started with 10 therapists, and now employ over 50 (still hiring). I hire enough therapists to keep my clients satisfied with enough appointment times. I also have enough so if therapists need time to rest or take personal time, that there is enough coverage. Therapists who feel over worked at their current place of work, need to express to management that they need rest. No one benefits with tired or injured therapists. My therapists are able to get massages any time they need them (except Sat and Sun) and even while on shift, if they aren’t booked. Our therapists are FAR from inexperienced. We do hire some people right out of school, but most of our therapists have 3-10 years of experience. I would say 40% of my therapists work at “high end” spas down the street. So my clients can choose to pay to get a “superior” massage for $130 at that spa, or get a $39 massage from the SAME therapist at my clinic. Why do these therapists choose to work for us? We treat all therapists with respect. We keep them as busy as THEY want to be. If they want 3 massages per day, or if they want 7 massages in a day, they let us know. We don’t dictate what they have to do. Does it make for a management nightmare? Absolutely. But does it make life easier for therapist. Absolutely.
Our clients are highly educated on what their options are. They know that they are getting a great deal on massage, and they tip well to those therapists who they request. The therapists here who complain that they cant make a good living working with us, should really consider what they are doing wrong. My full time therapists work about 30 hours/ week. They make a very good living, are completely in control of their schedules, walk home with thousands in cash, are able to maintain their private clients, are surrounded with like-minded, supportive colleagues, and best of all, don’t have to take their work home with them. When I compare that to what I used to do working an office job (55+ hours/week) plus having to take work home with me to get projects and presentations together, Hour for hour, they make more than I did. Those therapists who work for me who make the least, also tend to be those who have poor attitudes, poor massage skills, very few client requests, and inflexible schedules. I would wager that those therapist here on this board who are complaining, probably fall into that category.
If clients aren’t getting the service or quality massage from one location, then I recommend asking the front desk to recommend certain therapists. They should know which therapists are better. My front desk staff is required to get massage from our therapists so they can give their honest opinions of them. Some Massage Envies only require 1 massage as part of an interview process. In my clinic, a therapist has done at least 6-7 massages before I feel comfortable enough to let them touch my clients. Again, this is a personal business decision, but one that allows me to know that my clients are getting quality massage and that has made us one of the fastest growing clinics in the nation.
The Massage Envy family is growing. As a group, we do about 500,000 massages per month now and just completed our 9 millionth massage a few months back. The few therapists here on the internet who make hundreds of posts do not represent the 9000+ currently employed massage therapists. Also the hundreds of thousands of members and non members who love what we do. If Massage Envy was “well known” for mistreating their clients, why would we grow so quickly?
May 14th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Went for a mid-week after work massage. I had a different MT this time but she was as good if not better than the first MT 2 weeks ago and the staff was just as pleasant as well. I am particularly pleased with the fragrance-free atmosphere, I don't have fragrance sensitivities, but I don't like overwhelming perfume, it really punishes my sinuses. I am so far still a fan. My next massage may be the hot-stone therapy, we'll see how that works for me.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
June of 2008 I TRIED TO discontinue my membership with Massage Envy after two years of membership. My wife had just lost her job and we couldn't afford the extra expense. I did explain this to the staff. She said it would take 30 days and I would still be charged one more session. I told her again I couldn't afford the automatic charge to be taken out and would like to stop services. She said she could help by suspending the service for 6 months. I said I would only agree if they were to call me before I was charged again. I should have got that in writing. After 6 months the charges started again. I went in to clear this up, and was told that is standard procedure to auto start. since I already paid I got a massage scheduled showed up got my massage and tried to cancel again. We need a 30 day written notice. I explained, argued, called back and was hung up on. They finally canceled my account with another charge on it. After a long cooling off period I scheduled for my final session. Guess what, I was told it expired 30 days after I canceled. Read the fine print…
May 18th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Good ongoing massage is like any good relationship. The way you treat others eventually comes back to you. Exploit therapists fresh out of school, break 'em, discard them, and just get another warm body. It kind of reminds me of the classic by Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle".
For those of you clients who expect great service, and not be willing to compensate for it, you're not being fair, you conspire with owners who are of like mind, so don't be surprised if you can't get your money back. I'm skeptical of ME clients who say they always have a good experience, probably just never received a quality massage.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Eric,
Thank you for writing such a positive post. You have said everything that I have been trying to get across for the last few months. My partner and I are still waiting to get our clinic up and running. We believe that a clinic should be run like you said you run yours. She and I are both therapists and have our own private office. We know how we want to be treated and what will motivates us. We also know when to say when we've had enough. It's better to not massage at all rather that to give a crappy massage. I keep track of the posts here too. Some (NOT ALL) of the posts on here that are about disgusted employees and unhappy clients are so far beyond logic that it makes me wonder why they got hired at all or if the customer was just looking for something to carp about and wasn't going to listen to resolution. Keep up the good work. Maybe out paths will cross one day…
June 4th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I am a LMT and also a member of Massage Envy for 2 years now. I am in the South Florida area. I have found at least one good therapist in four different locations near my house. For me it works great — I have had my share of bad massages but have addressed it to management and they have given me credit as well as being very apologetic.
I do agree with the talk that most of these therapists are over booked. Myself, a therapist for 7 years, I can do no more than 5 massages a day and I work 3-4 days a week — after that my quality decreases and I am just telling it like it is… for some one to say they can do 6-7 QUALITY massages a day; they are probably not giving a quality massage — or very deep work.
We are taught to be healthy ourselves because we are trying to heal — yet most therapists eat crap food, do not work out and never get a massage. I have found a lot of me therapist with a negative view on their employment but I remind them they have a job or they can find another. If you are not happy then leave. It could be YOUR ATTITUDE that makes you so unhappy.
Every day above ground is a good day!
June 6th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Listen, it is pretty difficult to listen to folks characterize therapists that they do not know as malcontents. It is a bit self-serving. I have been practicing Massage for over 17 years. I know what it takes to provide a consistently high quality service. ME does not fit the bill. Nor do many spas for that matter.
The constant low balling of ME has had a largely negative effects on the profession driving out great therapists who perhaps are not great business people. Face it, some owners can really lay down a line of bull. Smoke and mirrors. And of coarse when all else fails blame the unhappy customer or therapist.
Massage is about relationship. And ME's high turnover tells you they can not maintain relationship. Always need new meat for the cannons. ME owners would never work for the "wages" they pay their serfs. Look around, all the empty shops, store fronts, the unemployed, the overworked. It is all a testament to the kind of free enterprise companies like ME who take much more than they ever provide.
My advise to therapists? Hit the pavement forge one-on-one relationships with prospective clients. If your looking for a massage therapist you can find a better one outside of ME, you will sleep better, not only because you will get a better consistent massage, but because you are not participating in something that is wrong.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hello, all,
I have really enjoyed reading all of these posts, both the negative and positive. I am a MT who has been in the profession for 5 years now. I can tell you a lot about my experience, all things considered. For starters, the massage school I went to, as do a lot of schools, did not adequately prepare us business wise. We were told that we would have unlimited opportunities to make the standard $65 an hour rate. Well, that is true if you get out there as a sole proprietor, which takes YEARS to build a steady clientele. I had to learn this I guess the hard way. After I got my license, I immediately took an office space and worked it on my own. I made about 500 bucks a month, after expenses, average, which was not enough to live on. A few months after I started my business, I went through a divorce which was emotionally draining, and was faced with single parenthood. I, of course, decided to work at various local spas in addition to working on my own. What I found was what many therapists that work in spas experience — too many bookings with out breaks and total chaos, disorganization, and sanitation problems. Oh, did I mention drama, too? Well, I also marketed myself and managed to get various gigs that paid well. After a couple of years of all this running around from gig to gig, spa to spa, and meanwhile trying to operate a practice, along with personal life issues, I became exhausted. I applied to ME and decided to give it a try, since I had to close my office and just do outcalls. I really at first resented $15 an hour plus tip, but as time went on I realized there just aren't any salaried jobs out there in massage at the current time. As other ME therapists have said, you really can set your own hours, schedule breaks as you wish, state which modalities you can perform, and go in and just do the work and go home when your finished. I never do more than 5 per day, or more than 3 in a row back to back. I have a set lunch hour, that is never moved unless one of the front desk associates gets my permission first. I work Tues. thru Friday, weekends off. If I need a day off, I can always get it, no problem. I still have a few clients I see outside of ME, and I can do those sessions free of time restrictions, etc.
Our clinic has been around since 2006. I have been there since 2007. In October, all the therapists got raises, based on longevity. I make $21.50 per hour massage, and I average $10 tip. Not too bad. The only concern I have now is the recession has affected us here in N.C. Our clinic had a staff meeting last night and the regional director has a plan that will be implemented to our clinic to increase memberships, which is going to help us therapists keep our books full and help the clinic give better service to the clients. there have been issues with communication and organization that are soon to be resolved by a business like and professional approach. I am looking forward to seeing how this will all play out. Our clinic owner does not yet offer healthcare benefits, but pays up to $200 per year for CEU's and pays for the privilege license — $50. I think that is a good start. I feel that once our clinic improves we will see that happen. I still continue to market my own private business on the side. There is no good guaranteed income in this field, that is one thing that is clear. However, I have always had what I needed to get by and I am grateful for that. ME is I guess a little on the "sterile" side, but I bring in my own music and create that sacred space best I can there. I am also an energy worker, and I channel healing through massage, just like someone else mentioned earlier. I will also say ME is a heck of a lot more organized and cleaner than all the spas I have worked in. No one mentions how abusive spas can be. I really think ME has somewhat become a scapegoat for all ills and abuses of this profession. It is up to the individual therapist to decide how they are going to support themselves while making a difference in lives. I am currently working on working smarter, not harder. After 5 years, I have no injuries and have great stamina. That is because I know myself and have clear boundaries, and I communicate effectively.
I definitely feel that ME does have skilled therapists, including myself. We have therapists in our clinic with 10+ years of experience, as well as a guy who taught at a local massage school. There is a perception out there in many of the forums I have looked at that claim that ME is great for newbies. Well it is, but not JUST those fresh out of school. It has been good for me for many reasons. I have been able to see from an insiders point of view how a business operates. I am learning a lot, not just doing massage. That is how I look at this experience. It is one of many places I have worked in the last 5 years. I think someday I will have enough experiences to build my own wellness center and I will know exactly what works, and what doesn't, both from a client perspective and a therapist perspective.
June 15th, 2009 at 7:38 am
So far we're still happy customers. My husband has found a therapist who gives him an excellent deep tissue massage. I've not yet had a bad massage, I will say my last massage was good, but I'm not a "chatter" and my therapist was, so I won't request her again. When it comes to massage, I want to relax and drift away, so please shhh…
July 26th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Sehalia described my own experience coming out of massage school with stars in my eyes. After a year of working on my own and nearly going broke, I signed on as an independent contractor for an on-site massage company. A year later, I left that job to work at Massage Envy.
My experience of ME turned out to be very different from Sehalia's. At first I really liked it. $15/massage hr isn't much but the trade off was that all equipment was provided, administrative tasks were taken care of including taxes, and the company got clients for me. I really liked my clients and the other therapists.
But our franchise expanded too fast, from 3 to 5 clinics in just a few months, and when the new clinics opened our clinic started to have problems. The money was no longer being put into very basic things, all was being poured into the new clinics. There were days when we ran out of lotions or towels or even sheets, and then there would be a mad scramble to rush to another clinic and grab something. The environment was very sterile as well, not as in clean but as in generic and empty. The same music was piped in for the entire 2 years I worked at the clinics and believe me if anything could drive a person loopy it is that. Even the clients didn't like it after their first few massages.
I eventually moved and transferred to another clinic within the same franchise and that is truly when my troubles began. Therapists schedules were not respected. For instance, if a person's limit was 4 massages per day they might find themselves scheduled for 5 or 6. Therapists who were willing to work 10 hr days were praised. I also never got a raise in 2 years, the reason always given was that, "the new manager just started and doesn't know you guys yet, so we'll have reviews in a couple months." In a couple months, we'd have a new manager. In 2 year, I had 9 managers. I also got a work injury (from overwork) but was let go when I took too much time off to recover. This is only the tip of the iceberg of my negative experiences at ME.
I always liked the concept of making massage available to all, but massage there is not less expensive unless you have more than 1 massage per month. And you just can't make a living there. I was always taking on other work. Yet the owners of my franchise pulled in $5 million in 2007. Surely there was some money in there for keeping the clinics running at a professional level, hiring management that was stable and committed, and for paying the therapists at higher wages.
In terms of the quality of massage at ME, my experience was that there were both very talented and mediocre therapists at the clinics. Some people were just out of school and inexperienced, some were long-time therapists for whom the structure worked well with the rest of their life responsibilities, such as a set working schedule. Some people were committed to their clients and for others it was a place to put in their time and punch out.
I now work at a massage clinic that focuses on treatment massage for people who have injuries, although relaxation massage is provided too. I feel I am seen as a professional for the first time, and treated like one by my company. I am in demand and my manager No one is allowed to do more than 5 massages per day, and we all have a set lunch break. We start at $22/massage hr. Still no medical insurance for employees but the overall situation is vastly better. We are allowed to have our own music, set up our own environment for the room, such as with candles or fragrances, have a bit of our individual selves reflected in our work. The clients really enjoy that.
I'm sure each ME franchise varies in quality of therapists, management, and business set-up, but the one I worked at was enormously stressful and a big disappointment. I am trying to let go of my anger at some of the things that happened to me and to the other therapists at the hands of management and the owners.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
[…] Google's Massage therapists are treated with the kind of respect not often afforded in the "real" world, working no more than 12 hours a week. Contrast that with Massage Envy's sweatshop like conditions and meager wages that take advantage of under-trained and undereducated recent "graduates". I bring this up because Massage envy does a lot of the "massage" business. But they don't really provide much steak, just the sizzle. So it is not really massage you receive and therefore it is more a luxury then a real benefit to your health. Don't take my word for it…….here is what others think! The Massage Envy ? or this spa site. […]
August 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I gotta tell you we are still happy customers. I usually book the couples room for a Saturday afternoon and we both just relax and enjoy, then go out somewhere nice for dinner. Our Massage Envy has a members waiting area (this is separate from the main waiting area) that has soft lighting and comfortable chairs with water, tea, and granola bars. I'm sure the music is probably the same background type you hear at most spa, very soft and muted, not bothersome, but then I usually drift away while I get my massage. My only complaint would be that I really don't like "chatterers" and the therapists need to adapt to their client, I usually tell my therapist at the start I don't chat. Other than that I'm still a fan.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I read many of these posts. Much of the time I had a smile on my face thinking of Shakespeare's line: "Perhaps thou doth protest too much."
If the complainers expended as much energy improving their business, they wouldn't have the time to complain about someone else's business. Everyone knows that there are different price points for different experiences when purchasing ANY product or service. Why should massage be any different?
We have fine dining establishments, McDonalds and many types of dining in between those two extremes. I occasionally go to fine dining establishments, I occasionally eat a cheap burger and most often do something in between. I return to the places that do a good job relative to the expectation of the price point. I've been to expensive restaurants that were nothing more than that — expensive. I've been to cheap restaurants that were excellent.
What does this all mean relative to massage? Like any other business, some are run well, some are not. That goes for Massage Envy or ANY OTHER establishment. Go where you're comfortable paying a price that makes you comfortable. Go where you like the service received. Reward that business by being a regular customer. If you want to be snobby about any product or service, so be it. But remember, you don't make yourself look better by trying to make someone else look worse.
And one more thing: A higher price doesn't make the product or service better. If you want to charge more, great. But you should figure out how to EARN more for your business to thrive.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
A couple of things, first you are misquoting Shakespeare, the correct line is:
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Look it up, it's in Act 3. Don't put in quotes something you paraphrased, it's sophomoric.
Second — Your second paragraph is pure sophistry. Believe it or not some people can actually write a post critical of ME and STILL have plenty if time to nurture a thriving practice. I can spend all day growing and nurturing my incredible private practice and then spend 5 minutes writing a post regarding ME. See? I'm doing right now. It's easy.
Many of posts I have read here are from MT's and clients who had either worked in an ME or visited one and their responses reflect their feelings and to be fair not all are positive. To Second–You're the complexities of the criticism with a blanket summation on price points means that you have not grasped the whole of the critiques or their implications on people who are actually in the massage profession. There is a healthy debate within the massage profession about places like ME that often overwork and undervalue their employees. Your disavowal notwithstanding, this is what much of the criticism has been about.
Massage is different because the product is human energy applied through touch. Anyone that does this professionally knows how unique this job is and respects it as such. The fact that you equate having a "cheap" hamburger with having a "cheap" massage shows that you are most likely a consumer and not a provider of massage services so how could you relate to our concerns? "Cheap" means "cheap" and in this country you DO often get what you pay for. For many people a "cheap" massage is "inadequate." For those who are passionate about massage both as a profession and as a consumer "cheap" won't ever cut it and therefore neither will ME whose sole focus is on offering "cheap" body work… Beyond that for many this issue is more about the dumbing down of a profession we care about and the ramifications of how it affects the industry and the workers within that industry. All seemingly valid criticisms and worthy of note.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Wow! There are a lot of comments here so I want to share my experience. I am in the Washington DC Area. The owners of the Massage Envy in Rockville, Pentagon City, and Lake Ridge are the same. They are not friendly, ridiculous, hired me a CA position in which I am more than qualified for, and let me go in two days! I did not actually start the job. But I did stick around long enough to see environment. In Pentagon row the customer service was absolutely horrible. They fired several people in the two days of training/observation that I did and they did slave their therapists. They required them to do two hour massages, and required constant back to back sessions. They were like pit bulls. They were so aggressive about selling memberships it was ridiculous and I wanted the job but not that bad. I witnessed a customer yelling at the Manager, and the manager calming her down to sign up for another membership. I have heard mixed stories about the quality of massage at this particular location.
I then went to the College Park location and was hired as a therapist. In three weeks I had people coming back for follow up session two and three times, it was awesome. There was no time for consultation and if you care about your clients how do you consult in five minutes. I was absolutely slaved. My body hurt everyday. Worked there for three weeks. I needed help with my sheets because clients don't always run on time, and quite frankly if you're a therapist who cares about the client, neither do you.
I was the Top therapist in a week, they told me. The stats were awesome. I got a massage from one of the therapists and was pissed that I had to pay for it because it was awful. The therapists talked so bad about the clients and breached confidentiality. The therapists were not good at doing massages. There were complaints and they were sending people to me to help save memberships.
In three weeks, my books were almost covered for the next few weeks with requests. They are supposed to aid the therapists and they did not want to do so. Some of the management were very lazy and felt like the therapist should do everything. They just don't treat the therapists well at all. If I am tired out of my mind from giving 150% in every massage, changing my sheets should be something that you desire to do to take the load off. There was no time to clear energy or think straight. The manager said she wasn't going to cater to me…
She was yelling at me (while I was off of the clock) and really had control issues because in their minds we are like dogs, they pet us, feed us if the numbers look good with some surprise pizza or something and then we should get back to work harder. The reality is, I am a skilled therapist, and without the therapist there would be no Massage Envy. We should respected more as therapists. Did I mention the pay? You get paid between $15–$20 per hour which is why they are so pressed about the tips.
Additionally, the "Requested Appointments field" can be changed by anyone at anytime so if they want to go back into the appointments and change your requests after the therapist has seen the client you will miss earned money on your bonus check. Did I mention that the bonus check is once a month?
Here is the issue with massage envy… no amazing therapist will leave their practice to work for them. Only therapists who must do it to supplement income for a short time. It took me three weeks and I was over it guys. They have extremely high turnover, in EVERY location that I have ever heard of. Clients like to get comfortable, they can't because when they find the one that they want, they are gone.
Additionally, CA's think that they are giving us a break and are under the impression that they are treating therapists well… how unfortunate.
Not only can they not keep therapists, but they are a slave mill. Therapists who work for massage envy are often not as skilled as therapists who do not work there. Get clients on your table, that is all that you have to do. If there is a significant difference, the client will make the change because they will see the value.
They aren't taking over anything. It was a good idea, but there is no way that I believe Massage Envy will make any history in the massage world.
I am fighting for massage therapists to have a voice, and have written a bill to address fair practices for massage therapists, including a minimum wage requirement. Please support it by following the link and signing the petition. More information to follow…
http://www.petitiononline.com/Massage/petition.html
I don't know how much you have done to become a massage therapist but I have an Associate's Degree and have been in the industry for four years. I was using the word customized before I heard Massage Envy or anyone else in my space say it. Once clients are educated about massage, I believe that they will make their own choices about where they receive massages.
The massage clinic/center industry is world's apart from a spa so fear not… as an experienced business owner it is apples to oranges.
As for those private therapists or massage clinics/centers we are the ones who have to make sure that we position ourselves. I will never charge $59 a month for a customized full body massage, I don't care if they were next door to me.
The petition addresses, eliminating prostitution, wages, giving therapists breaks as needed, and much more…
As for massage memberships, that is a way to discount the massages, and it would be unfair for taking them down for that. Many therapists offer massage memberships they are just not a franchise. Additionally, if therapists take a stand and demand more money from them, it would force the price of the massage to be raised. Personally, I have a commercial space, and based on the business expenses, the salaries, the lease etc… they are going to put themselves out of business by keeping the price of the massage that low. What clients are doing is discovering the massage clinic, signing up, following through with the membership or having a bad massage, never returning, and certainly not renewing.
Just wait this one out y'all….
Have an amazing day…. remember to sign the petition and look out for the bill so that we can support it and establish some things in the industry that would give us more of a voice.
Thanks
Res
November 5th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
$39??? — That's the price that we've been offering at The Healing Arts Day Spa Since 1998. Before Massage Envy opened their doors their CEO visited our Day Spa twice. He recognized our strategy and matched our $39 price so you could say that we are the "birth parents" of the $39 massage. Massage Envy tried to raise their rate to $49 but that only lasted for a short time. At The Healing Arts Day Spa we offer Full 60-Minute and Full 90-Minute Massages, Organic Facials and Organic Body Treatments, Massage Envy offers 50-Minute and 80-Minute treatments AND all of our Massage Therapists receive additional training from Arizona's #1 Massage Therapist, Terrell Lynn. So, where is this industry REALLY going with Same Price Since 1998? The only way a Massage Therapist and/or Massage Establishment and/or Day Spa can continue to survive is by the Quality of their Therapists. Over the past 10 years Terrell Lynn has had a 60% - 80% Repeat Client (R/C) and Client Referral (C/R) average while most Massage Therapists average 3% — 7%. We're now offering Terrell Lynn's services to teach those Massage Therapists who are truly interested in becoming a High Quality Therapist instead of a clock watcher, lotion applicator. Call 480-Massage or visit: TheHealingArtsDaySpa.com. Sincerely, Russell Warren
November 12th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Way to plug your spa dude. Bragging about creating "cheap" massage? Sheesh… don't get me started. If I ever need someone to teach me how to work for peanuts I'll be sure to check out your site.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Interesting debate. It seems to me that growing popularity of massage has created a much wider range of 'products,' ranging from practitioners with a high level of skills, who might be regarded as true health professionals, through to what I've experienced a lot in the UK, the phenomenon of people who are basically beauticians who tag a basic massage qualification on to their manicure, facial etc skills to get jobs in beauty parlours which also find it expedient to offer some massage. It's a difficult one - obviously it's got to be good to have some more affordable massages out there so that more people can access them, but I can see dangers in that a) some of the latter type of practitioners could potentially be unsafe with people who have injuries or other conditions, and b) they could put some people off massage by offering a less useful and satisfying experience. Democracy vs quality? I want to end with a shameless plug for my favorite massage therapist in Manchester, UK, the very highly skilled Jutika at Bodywise.
December 24th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I started working at a Massage Envy clinic 3 months ago, right out of school. Here's the way their compensation works for therapists: I make $15 per hour when I'm working on a client, and work with, maybe, 3 clients per 6-hr. shift. At the end of the semi-monthly pay period, they calculate how many hours of massage I've done during the pay period and multiply it by $15. Then they take the number of hours I've worked during the pay period and multiply it by $8.50 (their minimum wage). I get paid the larger of the two totals. It's a complicated system that basically has you working for tips.
Therapists are also expected to turn first-time customers into members. Therapists are expected to have a request rate of at least 50%, which is a hardship for those new to the clinic. If a member only comes in for a massage once a month, it takes a while for them to request a particular therapist regularly.
So far, it has been impossible for me to support myself by working full-time at Massage Envy.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:57 am
A couple of things, first you are misquoting Shakespeare, the correct line is:
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Look it up, it's in Act 3. Don't put in quotes something you paraphrased, it's sophomoric.
Second — Your second paragraph is pure sophistry. Believe it or not some people can actually write a post critical of ME and STILL have plenty if time to nurture a thriving practice. I can spend all day growing and nurturing my incredible private practice and then spend 5 minutes writing a post regarding ME. See? I'm doing right now. It's easy.
onlineuniversalwork
January 5th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
As a Licensed Massage Therapist currently employed by Massage Envy, I've come to the conclusion that not all Massage Envy's are created equal. I'll admit, my clinic has its bad points, but I haven't found a place that could compete. I myself, have been licensed for 2 years. My first year was spent working in a small spa with only one other therapist. I was basically on-call 7 days a week, all day long, and only averaged 4 clients per week. I have been at Massage Envy almost a year now. I got to choose how many massages I wanted to do every day and how many I could do in a row without a break. I chose 5 a day, 3 in a row. I work 4 days a week and I average 18 massages per week, due to the fact that the clinic I work for is extremely busy because of its great location. When I first started, I usually got at least a $10 tip from everyone. Now that I've been there a while and my clientele has grown, I began keeping track of my tips and I average $18 per hour in tips now. When I add the $15 per hour I get paid, I average $594 per week. I never have to worry about whether I'll be busy enough to pay my bills. I recently turned down a position at a chiropractor's office because they could only pay me $20 per hour and could not guarantee I would get any tips. I also personally believe I am a very talented massage therapist, and my clients receive a very good massage for a reasonable price. I have very faithful clients that continue to request me month after month, or in some cases, every week. My clinic has over 20 therapists, and I've never heard of any client not being able to find a therapist that they like. They let you choose if you want a male or female therapist, and my coworkers and I all strive to provide a satisfying massage experience for each individual.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Can anyone speak about or have you had any negative experience pertaining to fair booking practices at Massage Envy.