MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

[Emmyjak13]

Ladies & Gentlemen, I have read postings here about my company.  Some postings were very educated, business professional and a pleasure to read.  Others were bad gossip done out of sheer jealousy and that was just plain cruel and ignorant.My company, Massage TLC, is a proud new member of this site and we welcome all to get to know us.  We are innovative in the massage industry and did I mention we are PROUD to be here!!Let me open your eyes to the world I have created for some of the best massage therapists in the business. My company is NOT the norm.  Our business and safety standards are by far higher than any of my critics and competitors.  My company is one of the best in on-call mobile massage services.  Believe it.While I am used to "sour grapes" from others who do not have our standards of excellent service and safety, usually, I do not address such gossips, especially when gossip is started by petty, game-playing competitors.  That's just business and I deal with jealousy all the time; however, I will not be silent when my employees are slammed and called prostitutes.  How dare anyone say such a mean thing about any massage professionals.  To make such a false statement in this arena is just plain mean.  This is obviously a very professional site and should be used for our benefit.  Slinging cruel gossip like this is anything but professional.  And, isn't slinging trash like this illegal?  I have a few questions to anyone who throws rocks at others.  Take notice "R&R."  #1.  Who would call my company and ask if my therapists are pretty?  Isn't that low class and worse than asking for the always avoided "happy ending?"  #2.  Why should I be condemned for paying a professional, skilled therapists a fair and decent wage and something close to what they should make in any day spa or working for any chiropractor?  Why should I have to defend that I pay therapists what professionals should be paid?  #3.  Why is excellence in service something that is "suspect" or called mean, nasty bad names by my competitors? The answer to all these questions and to any of my critics is simple.  If my competitors are not as great as we are, they should stay silent, keep quiet and keep working for pennies on the dollar.  They should stay within their bad business!  Or, they should stay with greedy chiropractors or the greedy day spas who rob you every day of the week and call THAT professionalism. We here at Massage TLC don't have the time or the desire to slam-dunk people in the massage industry.  We are too busy working and earning a fair and decent salary.  There are many good office environments and many good day spas for massage therapists.  We are not critical and we do not judge others.  We are massage career professionals. Slam me, if you will, for not paying therapists the industry "low norm," which amounts to about 25% of what others charge for their services.  I pay 50%, that's Fifty Percent, of what is charged for massage services.  That is unheard of in our industry.  I will never be ashamed of that.  I pay for advertising and client screening.  My company is contracted to serve the finest and safest locations in each city we are in.  Because of the now softer economy, we are getting prepared to offer credit card services which are, if you don't know, not free of charge but will be free for my therapists.The business of massage here is respect and I respect my therapists and I pay them a professional's salary and they respect me for that, too.  Why don't my lazy critics come up to my standards before they insult me and call us prostitutes!!  Insulting someone is easy.  It's easy to be petty and lazy and destructive.  Rising to my level is not so easy. Building integrity in this industry can be work but I am up to the challenge every minute of every day.  We often work over-time hours because we are all about service here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  We work the hours of client demand and we are paid accordingly. Let me help you understand this.  Did you ever call a plumber on a Saturday night?  He comes to you but he charges you extra, a premium.  Does that make that plumber a prostitute?  Think about it. My company is growing nationwide.  If you want to criticize me, learn first about my work ethics and standards of excellence and you will walk away with the knowledge that I respect people a heck of a lot more than my critics who dare to try and insult me.  It's all about treating others as you would be treated!!You can still insult me all you want but do not insult my therapists.  They are proud of their skills and they are entitled to be.  When you ask me if they are pretty, you are asking a silly question because I won't insult any of them and call them ugly.  They are all fantastic individuals and I do not even know what half of my employees look like.  I do not care about their looks.  I care about their happiness with my company and their professionalism and their fine massage skills.We are massage professionals and we are not petty little gossips who have nothing better to do than to insult others.Thank you for taking the time to read this posting.  If you are interested in learning more about my company, Massage TLC, check us out at http://www.massagetlc.com or email us at [email protected]

 

[Ckoal]

MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

When you ask me if they are pretty, you are asking a silly question because I won't insult any of them and call them ugly.  They are all fantastic individuals and I do not even know what half of my employees look like.  I do not care about their looks.  I care about their happiness with my company and their professionalism and their fine massage skills.

1st of all, thank you for taking the time to prepare a statement regarding your business. i applaud you on your effort to pay well.

my question to you is: silly question or not, what was the response to the individual that called and asked for a pretty therapist?

was it a true statement by r&r that your representative said, " pretty yes, and skiled too."?

(paraphrasing here, please allow me that latitude)

as i said in my post in the other thread, noone's opinion of someone's appearance should be discussed. playing it off jokingly, or in any other way that doesn't emphasize the professionalism of your therapists is improper.

edit: proper adjectives are: well-groomed, hygienic, prompt, professional, courteous, fully-screened, finest skilled, state and local licensed, insured etc.

good luck to you

 

[ZombieCakes]

TO MUSH:  It is never a silly question to address this issue.  That's why when a competitor calls and preys on us or when actual therapists are badly informed about the quality of this company, I naturally respond accordingly (if not with a lengthy defense of all of my therapists).  I know I'm passionate about this company.  It's my baby and I guard it very close to heart.Addressing the appearance of a therapist is not a tricky issue, not at all, because a professional company can weed out those "iffy clients" very quickly.  They stick out like a sore thumb and are easy to discard.  Our job is to get them OFF the phone lines ASAP so real appointments can be booked for our therapists.IMAGE CONTROL is a strong control issue here at Massage TLC.And, while you are correct about proper adjectives, you may have no idea what it is like to have a call center that easily generates 100's of calls a night.  We cannot educate the public but we can control the flow of traffic.  We just as easily and effectively control the quality of clients we screen and book.My phone operators are trained and required to re-direct the client in a proper manner.  Proper is the key word here.  Our stock answer is:  "Sir or Madam, the appearance of the therapist is professional.  Our licensed, skilled therapists are here for your massage needs.  What specific massage issues can we address for you?"Any client looking for a "happy ending" or "private service" gets the message IMMEDIATELY and goes away.  That's exactly what I want them to do.  We are not a massage parlor and we are not sex workers!  That's the end of that real fast.If a silly, acting-out client goes more blatant, so do we.  My phone people literally TELL the client to call an escort service because that is NOT who we are.  Clients actually thank us for our honesty.  Amazing.I have often wondered about the stupidity of the mass public when it comes to the business image of a massage therapist professional.  Honestly, where did it go crazy?  How did massage therapist come to equal sex worker?  I know we touch the body but are doctor's sex workers?  It's truly amazing, isn't it?Massage should feel good.  It does feel wonderful but massage is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER sexual.Just as important, massage is NOT church and it is NOT school.  Massage is our business and business must be taken care of properly.  Professionalism is adhered to by both sides at all times and there can be no exceptions to this rule.Dealing with improper questions doesn't effect Massage TLC.  We just get rid of those people as fast as humanly possible.  We cannot change their defectiveness so why bother with them!  They are a waste of time, are they not?  I'm sure you understand completely.So, thank you for advising me on what you consider to be appropriate adjective responses to a very basic but very important issue.  Hopefully, you now have an idea how we have streamlined and raised the bar on quality treatment for massage therapists.No one is disrespected here at Massage TLC.  That's why I have many employees who have stayed with me for well over ten years.  Massage careers are available here.  It's not just about having "a job."  This is quality on every level.  I have a zero tolerance for anything less.Thanks again for your posting.  

 

[LadyrootFiX]

To Stacey at Breathe.Please, re-read what was started against Massage TLC.NOTE:  I had two future employees turn away from this incredible company because one of my competitors decided slamming my company was the low road to take.Insults here can be a virus and the results can be a cancer.  Those two therapists were new to the business and they may well end up at companies who have no ethics and who are only out for the fast buck.  Am I passionate about that?  You bet I am.  I still care about people.  Maybe I care too much.Please consider that before you think my words were harsh or nasty.  In my opinion, they were not.I am not weak or political.  I am straight-forward and to the point.  I mean what I say and I say what I mean.  I am not about fluff.  I am about substance.  My employees need to know exactly who I am.  Equally, they need to know what the rules are.  Trust is paramount when you are an employer.  If your employees have no faith in their employer, all you generate is chaos and that is dangerous.  In truth, we all need to know the rules so we know who we can rely on.  This is true in just about every aspect of our daily lives.Of course, you are entitled to your opinion but let someone say negatives about you and you will feel quite differently.  I can guarantee that.As I clearly stated, most people here were very professional and I truly appreciated that more than you can possibly imagine.But to those who where NOT professional and who WERE mean and cruel, it was my right to address them and I hope I did so accordingly.  If that makes my words nasty, so be it.  I guess I couldn't care less ... but I honor your opinion nonetheless.

 

[Lilgoldfish]

I've been watching this thread from afar and I'm glad to see some passion about our profession regardless of which side of the fence you happen to be standing.  I took a moment to review your posts (Massage TLC) and in turn, take a look at your website.  I'm always glad to see massage businesses prospering.  I must ask this question though and not in a way to insight another heated discussion but to understand.  What do you mean on your website, when you say "female owned and female oriented company".  As a male therapist, this strikes a cord with me.  I look forward to hearing from you and welcome to the group.  Thanks, Joe E.

 

[Why Does It Matter?]

I just wanted to add,  that I checked out your website and noticed you do outcalls until midnight.  This concerns me greatly.  Who needs a massage at 11:00pm at night???  IMO, it is not safe to send women out to do outcalls this late.  Also, you did not mention on your website that this is strictly therapeutic massage and nothing more.  Your website says you have a zero tolerance policy, but it does not state exactly what for.  Unfortunatly, people looking for more than a massage are going to ignore that statement entirely, because it is not specific.  Other than that, it seems you have built quite a business. I am impressed.  I wish you luck and prosperity.

 

[April D]

MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

Massage TLC - Please check your PMThanks

 

[isabella]

Sandy - I can see people wanting late night massages, such as anyone in the resturant business or a nurse coming off of a late shift. After a hard day on the feet, I'm sure it is nice to be able to find someone to give a massage that late. Unfortunately you do have the added risk of getting more undesirable calls. TLC -  

I had two future employees turn away from this incredible company...

Maybe this was for the best that they turn away, who knows? If they were turned by the opinon of a few, then maybe they had doubts about the job in the first place. And if they had taken the job, there is no guarantee that they would have remained employed with you. There are many factors to one deciding to take a job. I should hope that your business is not going to collapse because 2 people decided not to take the job.

 

[Leanin]

Your website says "Available Morning, Noon,and Nights"  But then says your hours of operation are "Noon to Midnight."  It says "brings benefits of a day spa" but you only seem to offer massage "to your location" which seems like it should be worded "at your location" or "bringing massage to you."In general I think your website could do for some improvements.  I like more detailed sites, though, because I like to see everything in writing to compare before I make my decisions.  I also would never wear a tight tank top to an appointment or use such a photo to describe my services...especially if my services were described in a vague way.

 

[sanjit_life]

MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

"I do not even know what half of my employees look like."That says a lot in itself. : I'd never heard of your company and have not visited your website. From the immense arrogance you've shown here, I don't think I want to. Anybody see the show Blow Out? Would YOU want to work for Jonathon Anton? Neither would I.

 

[Henna]

Taylen, I am sorry, but I just have to diagree with you.  I can see people wanting a massage when they get home from a late shift.  I understand that.  Is it neccessary to put a legitamate therapist out there so late?  I also question what legit therapist would want to work those kind of hours.  Some would not take him/her seriously.  Many of these people who work late shifts can have massages on there days off too.  All I am saying is it sends up red flags.  However, I do understand that maybe in different areas of the US this may be more acceptable, but I don't think where I live it would be safe for women to do outcalls so late at night.  I wouldn't never feel good about sending a female employee to do a massage at midnight.  It just doesn't sound right to me.  But, if there is legit market for late night massage then kudos to Massage TLC.

 

[Phil H]

Hey we all have different opinions.  My parents worked in the resturant bus, and I know lots of people who do as well, and some would be grateful.However if I were to offer this kind of service, I would have to know the person first, maybe a massage under more "normal" office hours. I have no problems working at midnight (being a night owl myself). Its a matter of preferance, and if a therapist wants to work that late, they should have that option. Hopefully TLC works with the therapist to set hours that they are comfortable with.

 

[Rahrah]

massageTLC
you really didn't answer my question. was it true, and if it was, do you attribute it to an not-as-trained-as-you-hoped coordinator?
it was your characterization of 'silly' i was quoting. perhaps a bad word choice?
i completely understand about the phone screening. this is my reply to another mt on the same subject.
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=27166#27166

breathe-
what happened to your post? i think you had a strong position and it should have been left.

i think discussions like this are important. it allows all of us to see the different sides of an issue, and allows each of us to decide how we feel about it and conduct our practices accordingly.

 

[parkcaitlan]

No response...hmmm. Joe E.

 

[Pompal 09.]

TLC, what you do and how you run your business, is in fact, your business.
BUT...when your business does indeed bring suspect attention, then perhaps instead of reprimanding those who are getting the wrong message, it is time to rethink your business practices.

Although i'm sure there are legitimate customers who would love to have a massage at midnight...myself included at times....your hours do bring about a whole new set of issues and problems. Yes, we can all have aches and pains at midnight...so...go home and have a hot bath with epsom salts until business hours the next day !!
I don't care how carefully you think you screen callers, you can not know who is on the other side of that receiver and can not know with 100% certainty that you are not sending your employees into a very dangerous situation. Yes, you can get wackos calling at noon...but.....you invite more unsavory customers when you advertise for night time services.

You must be intelligent enough to see what you are doing and that you yourself are inviting suspicion.

 

[GlenjaminO @ YouTube.com]

MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

Since I started this mess, let me clarify a few things....

Take notice "R&R."  #1.  Who would call my company and ask if my therapists are pretty?  

Lots of people would, and do. We get such calls almost every day and deal with them accordingly. How you deal with them tells the world - your therapists, customers and observers - what you are about.

#2.  Why should I be condemned for paying a professional, skilled therapists a fair and decent wage and something close to what they should make in any day spa or working for any chiropractor?  Why should I have to defend that I pay therapists what professionals should be paid?  

I don't recall ANYONE condeming your for your pay scale.

#3.  Why is excellence in service something that is "suspect" or called mean, nasty bad names by my competitors?

Excellence in service is not suspect. It is commendable. No one has said otherwise. What has been criticized is apparant lack of excellence in service/image/professionalism

I pay 50%, that's Fifty Percent, of what is charged for massage services.  That is unheard of in our industry.

It is very heard of. Just look at the posting on this board. Most spas and chiros pay 50%, some even get 60%

 My company is contracted to serve the finest and safest locations in each city we are in.

Curious. I have yet to find a hotel in DC, Boston or Miami that has a contract with Massage TLC. In fact, Massage TLC is not registered with the State Corporation Commission nor is the name registered as a dba in any of these jurisdiction. There is no business license on record and no tax registration on record. There is no record of an Outcall Massage Therapy permit that is required by the city of San Francisco. Why is Massage TLC operating without proper legal standing? This is not an insult, this is a fact.

Because of the now softer economy, we are getting prepared to offer credit card services which are, if you don't know, not free of charge but will be free for my therapists.

I am well aware of the cost of credit card processing fees - we have been offering them free of charge to our therapists since Day 1. I am trying to understand how the softer economy has led to this change in policy....bad economy = people have less money, so you let them charge what they can't afford further reducing the national savings rate?

Does that make that plumber a prostitute? .

No, but if the services were advertised using a woman in a sleeveless tight fittting shirt, only accepted cash, did not require an appointment, did not have appropriate business licenses and recruited on the same website thereby telling customers how much the practioners earn on every call, I would think something is not quite right with this picture.

I do not even know what half of my employees look like.

First of all, they are not your employees - if they are you are violating state labor laws for not being registered to deposit payroll taxes. We do know what our contractors and employees look like. We take the time and expense to recruit in person - so spare me the ad hominems about not being up to your level.

 

[Shazia]

MASSAGE TLC is A Proud Company!!

IMAGE CONTROL is a strong control issue here at Massage    

then please, by all means, bolster your image and answer the question.

edit: in hindsight, i think the words you have already written are sufficient as a reply. i think indeed, you did say what R&R asserts.
i also surmise that it was not a coordinator, but you personally.

 

[edrazeba]

Ok, so I'm coming into this one way late, but I was intrigued by this thread because I often work odd or very late hours...the chaotic schedules of some of my best, most valuable clients demand it. I don't advertise, so all of them come to me word of mouth and that alone gives me a comfort level that makes it possible.

I wondered what all the flapdoodle was about, because Massage TLC operates in my metro area but I've never even considered it a competitor. I checked out the website and it's great they fill a gap by offering odd-hour sessions, but the decision to depict a girl in a skimpy tank is most unfortunate. While the girl may well be a highly skilled therapist, the lack of professional attire doesn't convey an image of a legitimate business.

It reminds me of another local business, Stacy's Massage. While it may now be legitimate, the choice to continue placing advertising in the Dallas Observer next to ads for clearly erotic "massage" and the choice to use a photo of a woman's long-nailed hands on a male back doesn't convey a legitimate business image, whatever text they may decide to use.

 

[fmko ( ??????????????)]

I think while the company may have a legit business, they are doing a disservice to their reputation and their therapists a dangerous disservice by choosing wording and pictures that could lead to a misunderstanding that it does provide sexual services.

Everyone knows there are "code words" used by those clients who look for it and those places that give it. In my opinion this company blurs that line in several ways which could lead to people making false assumptions. If I were the owner I would do everything I could to educate the answering service on what is appropriate to say and what isn't. Also what "flags" or code words to watch out for, for the safety of those people your sending out.

She may want to rethink her wording and her photos. Display a professional MT, not a pretty girl in a tank top. I mean..c'mon, really. :roll: If it is indeed a legit service that is a huge mistake and not thinking it through.

 

[queen of answers]

Does anyone else think it's strange that we now have two MassageTLC threads from nearly 3 years ago bumped on the same day? I can't even find any evidence that they are still in business...

Not saying it's a conspiracy, just that it's weird.

(crankyStacey)