Comments for SpaBoom Blog

Comment on How to compete with Massage Envy, Part 1 by Dawn (LMT, LA, Nial Tech)

Dawn (LMT, LA, Nial Tech) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:04:10 +0000

I worked for Hand & Stone Massage (similar to Massage Envy) for several months and I can honestly say that I would never work at such a place again. Some days I would be booked with more services than I could physically handle, other days I would have to sit there all day with no work and no pay. I did not give my all there, why should I break my back for a meesley $15? That income isn't going to pay off all the student loans. Now I work full time in a resort spa. I'm not forced to give the same ol' cookie cutter service, I can use the skills that I have learned, and I can feel good about giving our guests the best service that I can provide. You get what you pay for and I tell that to anyone who insists any massage over $50 isn't worth it. If someone is looking for an inexpensive massage I will send them to a school before ME, or H&S or any chain.

Comment on Is it time to go back to paper gift certificates at retail? by Cari Moffet

Cari Moffet — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:51:47 +0000

As of November 2008 in Canada, businesses were no longer allowed to have an expiration date on gift certificates. At first we were a bit traumatized by this new legistlation, but now honestly, it really isn't a big deal. Change is sometimes the thing most feared.

Comment on Groupon: Only 22% repeat business by Linda

Linda — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:10:30 +0000

I admit I tried one of deal of the day type promotion and the "vouchers" expire next week… thank goodness! In my experience:

The majority of these users of these programs are going from one deal to another and are not interested in becoming a repeat customer.

I employ highly-trained, experienced, licensed therapist who were paid based on the full price I am confident that the lack of repeat business was not because of poor performance.

The cost was high for little return. I recommend putting your advertising dollars to better use.

Comment on Is it time to go back to paper gift certificates at retail? by Michael Arket

Michael Arket — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:16:52 +0000

South Carolina law is one year, unless the expiration date is printed on the front in all caps that is 10pt font or larger, then any expiration date is valid.

Comment on Demystifying the New Gift Law & What is Your Marketing Campaign Doing For You? – Free Webinars by spakat

spakat — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:09:53 +0000

Antonese, just click on Reserve your Webinar Seat Now, in the blog post above and it will take you right to the webinar registration page. We look forward to having you.

Comment on Demystifying the New Gift Law & What is Your Marketing Campaign Doing For You? – Free Webinars by Antonese Robertson

Antonese Robertson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:32:01 +0000

I would like to reserve my seat for the webinar "What is Your Mktg Campaign Doing For You?"

Comment on Massage Envy envy? by david

david — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:56:01 +0000

the best way to go is to improve the quality
of the service to compete properly…

Comment on The New Gift Card Law — How it Affects Your Spa by SpaBoom Blog - Is it time to go back to paper gift certificates at retail?

SpaBoom Blog - Is it time to go back to paper gift certificates at retail? — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:43:11 +0000

[...] certificates that are for services. Once again, federal law no longer applies. SpaBoom now features additional expiration date settings in order to take advantage of this exemption for your Instant Gift [...]

Comment on Groupon: Only 22% repeat business by Virginia

Virginia — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:06:46 +0000

I wondered how anyone could stay in business doing these promotions, then I found out that a spa in our area is using unlicensed interns to provide the services. I guess with free labor, you could make it work; after all, you get what you pay for! If I'm going to provide deeply discounted services, I would rather give the discounts to my loyal customers who have supported us through all our good times and bad times over the past 10 years.

Comment on Groupon: Only 22% repeat business by Carol

Carol — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:34:20 +0000

I have seen first hand the negative backlash that these “bargain" sales systems bring to a spa. Clients shop to see which spa is doing the type of sale next, then they shop at each spa going from spa to spa every month to catch the “sale wave” as it were. The repeat customer seldom happens for many in this system as told to me by other spa owners in my area who have tried these programs out. We as spa owners should be better respected for the services that we offer. The work that the trained therapist offers is being repositioned in the minds of the general public through such "bargain" offers, and as long as we choose to precipitate in such "bargains" we help to undermine the public perception as to who we are and what we offer by this system of de valuing. If you want to precipitate in these programs then be prepared to suffer the damages of doing so.

Comment on Get Ready for a Billion Dollar Online Day — FREE Webinar by Seth Gardenswartz

Seth Gardenswartz — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:18:20 +0000

Dawn — we missed you! The webinar will be posted in the next day or two. If you signed up, you will get an email. Otherwise, keep an eye on our blog. Thanks!

Comment on The New Gift Card Law — How it Affects Your Spa by Tom

Tom — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:17:50 +0000

Will we be able to run a report showing our total liability for each of the different expiration dates? Thanks.

Comment on Get Ready for a Billion Dollar Online Day — FREE Webinar by Dawn

Dawn — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:02:28 +0000

Would you kinldy make this webinar available to hear? I am sorry I missed it and I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more valuable information. Your webinars are always informative.

Kind Regards,
Dawn

Comment on Don't sell your soul to the discount devil by GROUPON CUSTOMER

GROUPON CUSTOMER — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:27:16 +0000

I thought Groupon was a great idea and but after further research it seems very bad. I learned a lot from the business owners here.

I just went to a chiropractor today and while in session he whispered to the secretary if I am a Groupon customer and she nodded yes. He gave me a pathetic 3 minute session. Instead of a regular 15-30 min one.

I would not have minded as much, but I drove an hour to get there (was in the area) and I was waited another hour in the waiting room. I left him a negative review on google maps before reading this. I bet he was mad at the Groupon devil deal he made and wanted to take it out on me. But I get the last laugh as I can easily dispute my card since GROUPON DOES NOT HONOR THEIR PROMISES. They say if you are unhappy they will refund you. Well from another bad experience it doesn't seem to work. Simply dispute it.

I give Groupon about a year more before they walk away with millions and a shattered businesses.

Comment on How to compete with Massage Envy, Part 1 by Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:07:57 +0000

I am a Massage Therapist, and unfortunately, have had to resort to working a Massage Envy. Because of the economy, the spa I had been working at went out of business. So after months, I bit the bullet and took a job with M.E. I must say, that because of the Economy, Massage Envy, has been doing well, because they now have some very seasoned Therapist. Where I used to work, I would get clients all the time saying, "I usually go to Massage Envy, but, when I need a REAL massage, I come here. It's just that the price at Massage Envy, is much better on my budget." At the location I work at, most of the Therapist have 7, plus, years under their belt, with a couple having over 20 years.

When, the economy turns around, most of them will bail, and go to an upscale spa, then that will leave Massage E. floundering with people just getting out of school, usually, a 2nd or 3rd rate school.

Massage Envy has gotten so full of themselves, that in November, they will be raising their rates. So for a membership, for a 1 hour (50 Min. hands on), it will now be $59/month, with additional massages for that month, $49/massage. So I am sure the Therapist again will loose, because, 1- there has been no word yet if they will see any raise, and 2- there goes that little tip we used to get! Also, they are now going to try to upgrade client to Aroma Therapy which adds $10 to their massage or Pro Heat which adds a $12 to their massage! Again, no mention of more money to the therapist, and I am sure if people upgrade, no tip!!!

Massage envy likes to say that a Therapist at Massage Envy can make$30,000 to $45,000 plus a year. But, they fail to mention that is not all Salary, that includes their tip. At the spa I used to work at, I earned double per massage plus tip….

Comment on Social Media Crash Course — A Free Webinar to Ignite Sales by Seth Gardenswartz

Seth Gardenswartz — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:18:22 +0000

It's up on our site. You can watch it or download the slide deck here.

Comment on Social Media Crash Course — A Free Webinar to Ignite Sales by Kris Angermeier

Kris Angermeier — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:54:15 +0000

I would love to have a copy of the webinar as my hands do not write very well anymore and there was soooo much information.

Also, can these all be recorded in the future? I am usually booked at the times you offer the webinars!

Thanks!

Kris

Comment on Find Your Unique Selling Proposition by Mark

Mark — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:19:18 +0000

Great advice. We at Planet Massage are really working to take Fort Lauderdale by storm by utilizing our USP. We've been working on it for a while and it's paying off. We are about to go into overdrive by highlighting our unique offerings. This is key to being able to keep up your brand when others are playing price wars with the Massage Envies. Planet Massage

Comment on Non-Compete Agreements: They Can Work by Laura

Laura — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:16:14 +0000

I think it's silly to have this. I if your business is good, you should encourage antrpanuers. It shows the therapist that being good at what you do is important, and by having this following of customers shows customers what is important to us (therapists), that being, them (client) Who better to work for you than someone who wants to open their own business, they want to be good. That's the benefit. I personally, would only hire someone looking to be self-employed, they have the desire to be the best.

Comment on Compete With Massage Envy Webinar: Video & Slideshow by Massage indy

Massage indy — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:05:32 +0000

This is great post in massage therapy blogs. thanks for making this post.