Music

[Beautiful Disaster]

Music

Do your clients mention anything about the "thin sheet of fabric" between them and the world? I would be uncomfortable with that as a client and wouldn't put up with it as a therapist. I think clients need to feel safe and secure, not like someone could walk through the wall at any time. I also think it is a violation of confidentiality. People on the other side can hear what is going on.I'd suggest printing up some surveys for your clients to fill out. Like a feedback form and have things like, did you feel the massage therapist was professional, did the massage room provide an atmosphere for relaxation, how was the music, what did you like most about your massage, what did you like least, etc. And see what happens. If you start getting responses that the room is not adequate, let your supervisor know and if s/he chooses to do nothing, maybe consider leaving. If people are coming back to you, it's because of your skill...obviously not for the relaxing space that has (not) been created. I think massage therapists need to demand to be treated like professionals, not a salon cash cow.

 

[dolphin]

I once had a massage at a resort where there was only a curtain between me the person next to me.  In my case, the other person was a really close friend so it didn't really matter to me.   But if it had been a stranger, I don't think I would have enjoyed it.  If your clientele is local and not tourists, it would really be in the owner's best interest to put something more permanent up.  Even if it's not bothering your clients so that they are conscious of it, a wall would only heighten their current experience.  Worse yet, is that facials tend to involve more talking and the invasion of bright light.  Perhaps, side by side massages but not in conjunction with other treatments.  Good luck.  Joe E.

 

[guru]

Sadiedawn,Well, surprisingly very few have commented on it. I know I have lost at least one local male client though due to the fact that I did not have a space where we could work uninterrupted by other salon personnel.Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of my starting to work with this salon.Tuesday through Friday AM is usually local clients and Friday afternoon and Saturday AM are usually tourists or appointments for people who can not get off of work to get a massage during my regular hours.I agree Sadiedawn, it's hard to work in that sort of atmosphere, but I KNOW the owners of the salon will not put in real walls. (I've only had A/C for 2 summers!)They know I've wanted real walls for 4 years, but aren't willing to spend the money needed to put them up, along with proper heating, A/C and electric.I know the reason my client's come back is for the massage. I've had several clients tell the salon owner, it's the best massage they've ever had. I've always encouraged clients to tell the salon owner what they thought of the massage, and I think she's finally getting the idea that I'm one of their most valuable resources.Last March I took a 2 week vacation for the first time since I had started working there. And they had another MT come in and work 1 day on 2 of my clients. (They must have really complained they didn't like her style, she's not been back since.)Two years ago, when I suggested that people give us 24 hr notice of cancellation and charge for no shows, they had a coniption fit and threatened to find a new MT.Though I have repeatedly assured them that charging for no shows or cancellations without 24 hr notice is the professional standard in the massage/day spa industry, even providing brochures/price lists to back up my statements, for months I was "persona non grata".I'm in a tourist area, and they excuse everything with, "Well, you know, it is (tourist location)." Like just because we're in a place known for it's natural beauty and tourism somehow our clients don't have a right to expect the same level of professionalism as where they are from. Be that Chicago, Miami or San Diego.I feel you hit the nail on the head Sadiedawn when you used the phrase "Cash Cow." She gets 40% of each massage as rent, which is high IMO, when one considers I don't have a private room. Yeah Joe, if the people are a married couple or friends, they actually LIKE that they can hear or even request we open the curtains up. But if they don't know the other person, it's sort of wierd.I actually had one of the cosmotologists come up and say that my client's talking bothered HER facial client and could I please mention to my clients that they shouldn't talk when a facial is in session. Like I have control over that! It wouldn't be a problem if we had real soundproofed interior walls dividing us! LOL   :Sadiedawn, Sagetherapist and Joe, you seem pretty savvy about Day Spa operations, do you think I am being unreasonable?There aren't any other salons or chiropractor's offices in this area where I could work. If you think it's time the "Cash Cow" should be "Mooo-vin' On", I'd really appreciate your opinion.Like I said, music is great, and so are velvet curtains (if you can find them) ... but you can only cover so many "design flaws" with the "trappings."