Massage Envy envy?
April 26th, 2007 • Posted by SpaBoom Staff • 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.
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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!!!
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.
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!!!
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.
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!!!
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.
Trisha,
Are you taking out expenses, and income taxes on this income that you are telling us about? Just wondering.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Trisha: Just so you'll know: therapists at Massage Envy are employees not contract labor.
That's correct. They are not contract labor, therefore taxes are withheld.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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!!!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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…
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
Ok
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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?