Packages

[HELP!]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some info just on packages, pretty much everything about them. Pros/cons, if you offer them or not and why, and the way you structure the pricing.

Also, I am looking for people to comment who have had experience with them and the possible problems that might result, things like them conflicting with gift cards and other discounts, stuff like that. (Esp anything I haven't yet thought of and that might pose an issue.)

I haven't ever offered any packages yet, but I am getting requests for them and have been tinkering with the idea for a while now. I tried searching but wasn't really coming up with what I was looking for, but anyone that can send me in the right direction I would be very thankful to!

Thanks!

 

[ESS3NC3 0F 3V1L]

Packages

I currently offer packages. Mine are Three 60 or 90 min. sessions, with a total discount of $15, and Five 60 or 90 min. sessions with a total discount of $50. The client pays up front for the package, and I have written on the certificate I give them (and on my website) that they are not valid with GC's or any other discount/offer. I don't have any restrictions or expiration dates, so the client can use the sessions as they need.

Pro's: You get the money up front, client usually books next appointment before they leave, idea of a discount and not having to deal with payment after a session is appealing to many, works well for a client who'd like a discount but can't commit to a regular schedule (I also have a standing appointment discount), if you offer different modalities at the same rates then the client may feel more inclined to try something different

Con's: client may not tip since they've already paid (may be an issue for some MT's), you have to keep track of the sessions in case the client (or you!) forgets how many they have left, client may finish package and decided to wait a bit before making next appointment, then forget about you :roll: (just sent a postcard to one of mine who did that ), and it may be more paperwork/time/effort on your part depending on how you decided to set it up.

I decided to offer them as a way of encouraging my clients to come in more regularly. I have a client who went years in between appointments with another LMT who doesn't offer packages. She had one session with me, bought a Five pack and became a bi-monthly client. She gets the same discount I'd give her if she just made several appointments with me ahead of time, but because of her schedule she can't do that, so she prefers the package deal.

I used to work at a wellness center where we offered a 3-pack and a 6-pack of 1 hour sessions. Both were popular but I noticed the larger pack was purchased more often by clients for themselves, while the 3-pack was often purchased by a friend or family member of a client as a gift. They also were not to be used with any other discounts or GC's.

I can't say I ever had an issue with a client wanting to use it with another offer. If you change your rates, you might have a problem. My policy states that rates may change at any time, however if I do change my rates, I would just let any current package holders finish the pack at the original rates and just sell new packages at the new rate.

Also, I chose to do the "3-pack" and "5-pack" specifically because of the idea that doing something an odd number of times, makes the body subconsciously want to do again to make it an even number. I'm not sure if it works on activities other than small muscular movements, but if it helps, then why not? :grin:

I hope this helps some. I'm a little drained from a shiatsu session with a new client who had an amazingly Fire dominant personality! I haven't been around that much energy it a long time! t026 :blahblah: :joyous:

 

[rockerchick82]

Packages

Here's mine:

Regular Rates: included in price is hot stones and/or Ashiatsu
60 Min...$65
90 Min...$90

Packages
3x60...$180 (60 ea)
6x60...$330 (55 ea)

3x90...$249 (83 ea)
6x90...$480 (80 ea)

6 month experation. (I have made small exceptions to extend one more month on the 6 packs) Packages may be shared and I have them write the names of who can use it. Packages may be used for a Gift Certifciate.

For me it's all pro. I like the win-win of giving them a slight discount for prepaying. I came up with a dollar amount that I felt comfortable with for the minimum I would make on a particular massage.

I also like knowing I am eventually going to be doing these "package" massages. It helps me psychologically during those slower days knowing that those people will be coming in eventually. As of today I have 58.5 hours of prepaid packages and gift certificates on the books that I will honor. The money stays in my massage account until they come in. Once a week I transfer money out of the account that represents my pay for the package massages I did for the week.

Pretty much every week different clients are redeeming packages and buying new ones. Yesterday I did 3 and 1/2 hrs of prepaid GC and Packages and two other clients bought a $180 and a $480 package. It's been ages since I have had less than 40 hours of prepaids on the books.

I would say that packages have helped to convert some of the "occassional" clients into monthly clients. Some of my clients who both come once a month and always make their next appointment before leaving are the ones who at first would come in once in while when they were in pain. Now they are on preventative maintenance massage.

It also helps with some of the sporadic clients to keep coming back even if it's been months. The client that bought the $180 pack yesterday comes very infrequently. He wants to come more. Life is busy with the new baby, job, etcs. He means to get in more often and he says buying a package will help him to come in.

Edited to add: About 1/2 of my non-insurance clients buy packages. So about 1/3 buy packages, 1/3 pay each time, 1/3 are insurance (through the chiro and I get paid 65).

As far as combining packages with specials or offers goes, I would stipulate that packages do not apply. I normally don't offer coupons, specials, or incentives other than my packages. The one time I did a special was for Ashiatsu. I had just taken the courses and passed the certification and I did a "free" 30 minute upgrade on all Ashi sessions. It was one per person and they had to pay full rate for the initial hour. Packages did not apply. I did that so I could hone in my skills quickly for the Ashi work. Clients loved it and a few refused to only pay for the hour and they paid for the full 90 minutes. Also a few came back within the specials time frame and paid regular rate for their 2nd Ashi session.

As a client of massage I love buying packages! I buy a 5X90 pack from my massage therapist and I get a 90 minute bi-weekly. I like the feelig of prepaying and just coming in.

 

[Mooches]

Packages

In my office I would say about 85% of my clients purchase pkgs. Mine are : purchase 7 and get the 6th free. I like them bc it ensures the client will come in regularly which is helpful since many come in for pain relief. The goal is to get them where they don't have to come in any more for that issue.

The only downside is that you need to divide up how much your getting at once and only pay yourself each time they come in otherwise you may have a weeks worth ofclientele coming in on a series and no $$ for gas.

I order postcards from vista print with relaxing photo on front and on the back are a column of lines so they can keep track of the appts. Also listed are my policies, written as such~

"Please note: Only one session of your series may be given to a friend or family member. Sessions cannot be split into multiple appointments or combined with other offers. No refunds. Thank you for your understanding."

At the top of the card I have written~

"Thank you for your purchase of _________ series. Although I keep track of our appointments, please feel ftee to use this card as an appointment reminder."

Have never had an issue. When someone wants to take advaneforum.xxxe of any specials, ie free back scrub with 90 min massage purchase, they have to pay the difference. And, to be honest I do allow for spouses fo share pkg but I don't advertise that I do.

 

[Ben Dover]

Packages

I've offered packages for years now and it's worked out well. My packages offer a % discount (the more sessions purchased, the higher the % off up to 10% off.) I don't "expire" them per se, however I do require that all of the sessions are booked at the time the package is purchased. The client is able to reschedule as needed as long as they abide my cancellation policy (24 hours minimum notice for reschedules else session is forfeited.) I send the client a letter detailing their session dates and terms of the package deal - non-refundable, transferable (they can give all of them away if they choose,) cancellation policy, etc.

I require they be scheduled up front so I don't have to do anything special to track them - they are on my calendar marked as "1 of 5" for example so I know exactly where they are in the package and know when they are coming up on needing to buy/schedule more. I mention it to them on visit 4 of 5 (or 9 of 10) reminding them that next time they will want to make sure they have their calendar when they come for their appointment.

As for tipping, my package clients who tip (not all clients do) will either include the gratuity for ALL of the sessions in the package at the point of purchase or they tip me as they go along. I haven't noticed any tippers becoming non-tippers after buying packages.

 

[Kevin]

Packages

Wonderful, thank you everyone! I wanted to address the spouse issue and completely forgot, so thank you for mentioning that. I have many husband/wife clients that come to me, so I would like to make it that they can share, but I think I will also not advertise it per se, but you know...

Anyways, a lot of good info here, it has given me a lot to think about. Seems like no one dislikes the packages, so I'll go through with it. But if anyone else has anything else to add, please do!

Thanks everyone for your input, it really helps!

 

[Elii [ucansuckkit]]

Packages

I offer packages also. I have a special note book that I keep track of everyones packages. And I have a nice rotation of people buying

4 - one hour are - $180
4 - 90 min. - $280

I also offer an Unlimited Packages for one month ($240). With this package it can't be shared and it expires 30 days after the date of purchase. All massages must be prebook at the date of purchase. And I also only offer 5 of this package a month. I have 2 clients that buy every month and they both come in for a 90 min. everyweek.

 

[bhram]

Packages

I offer packages also. I have a special note book that I keep track of everyones packages. And I have a nice rotation of people buying

4 - one hour are - $180
4 - 90 min. - $280

I also offer an Unlimited Packages for one month ($240). With this package it can't be shared and it expires 30 days after the date of purchase. All massages must be prebook at the date of purchase. And I also only offer 5 of this package a month. I have 2 clients that buy every month and they both come in for a 90 min. everyweek.

JLW, when you sell your "unlimited" packages-- what is the maximum # of sessions the purchaser can use per month? Limit of once per week, but they can choose to come less often? What if someone wanted to buy an "unlimited" package, then tried to book 3-4 times per week? WE have discussed offering an :unlimited" package, but are 1) unsure how to price it fairly, and 2) worried about ppl taking undue advaneforum.xxxe. And what if "life seriously happens" and they bought a pkg and then had a bad car accident or somebody died or something and they couldn't use any or most of the sessions-- would they be forfeited, or would you give them some leeway?

 

[Mabel B]

Packages

I offer packages also. I have a special note book that I keep track of everyones packages. And I have a nice rotation of people buying

4 - one hour are - $180
4 - 90 min. - $280

I also offer an Unlimited Packages for one month ($240). With this package it can't be shared and it expires 30 days after the date of purchase. All massages must be prebook at the date of purchase. And I also only offer 5 of this package a month. I have 2 clients that buy every month and they both come in for a 90 min. everyweek.

JLW, when you sell your "unlimited" packages-- what is the maximum # of sessions the purchaser can use per month? Limit of once per week, but they can choose to come less often? What if someone wanted to buy an "unlimited" package, then tried to book 3-4 times per week? WE have discussed offering an :unlimited" package, but are 1) unsure how to price it fairly, and 2) worried about ppl taking undue advaneforum.xxxe. And what if "life seriously happens" and they bought a pkg and then had a bad car accident or somebody died or something and they couldn't use any or most of the sessions-- would they be forfeited, or would you give them some leeway?

Here is what most people do. They either book 1 90 min. a week or 2 60 min. a week. I have had people book more than that but life ended getting in the way, work, kids, etc.

This winter in Janurary we had a lot of snow and I had to rebook a lot of people, so my packages ended up being 6 - 7 weeks beacuse of the weather.

 

[~o~]

Packages

Interesting. I never thought of unlimited, but I have a few clients who I know would really go for it. I might run it as a trial thing and see how it goes.

But you've never had someone with absolutely nothing but free time who comes in constantly?

 

[Apple456689]

Packages

But you've never had someone with absolutely nothing but free time who comes in constantly?

Nope. In theory they could try to book everyday. But I work 4 days (4 hours of massages a day) a week and they would have to book around other people who are already booked. And also not just anyone is going to pay $240 a month for massages.

 

[Cold]

Packages

But you've never had someone with absolutely nothing but free time who comes in constantly?

Nope. In theory they could try to book everyday. But I work 4 days (4 hours of massages a day) a week and they would have to book around other people who are already booked. And also not just anyone is going to pay $240 a month for massages.

I think if we did that, it would have to be with a cap on the # of massages it would be good for-- something like this:

Our regular 4-pack of 60-minute massages is $250. That makes each session $62.50 (considering our regular price for an hour is $70, that's already a great deal).

So if we did an unlimited package deal, they would have to pay MORE than the 4-pack price ($250), but LESS than 4 separate sessions would normally cost ($280). So maybe $275. If they only came in for 4 sessions (1/week), the breakdown would be $68.75/session. If they came in for 5 sessions, the breakdown would be $55/session. If they came in for 6 sessions, it would be $45.83/session. We'd have to cap it at 6, I think. And looking at the breakdown, I'm not so sure Hubby would want to be doing massage for barely over $45/hour.

Or would one start out at MORE than the 4 separate sessions would cost, to encourage them to actually come in more often? Looking back at your post, JLW, you charge $60 more for the unlimited than for 4 regular sessions.

Ok, my brain is starting to hurt. I'm done "working" for the day!

 

[ngantuk99]

Packages

Renee what I would do in your shoes is make your unlimited package $320. That's $80 per week. Plus my people still tip me $20 also and that helps. Take it for a test drive for a month and see how it goes for you. I have been doing my package for 2 years and it has worked well in my office. Plus it expires in one month.

 

[Sarcastic B1@tch]

Packages

J, I will think on that. I will also ask Hubby to think on it, AFTER I've done my thinking and figured out as much of the details as I can. Thanks.

 

[leila]

Packages

Mine are : purchase 7 and get the 6th free.

I am curious as to what made you decide to word your packages that way. I've never seen that before.

 

[???? ?o ???????]

Packages

Mine are : purchase 7 and get the 6th free.

I am curious as to what made you decide to word your packages that way. I've never seen that before.

I think she meant "purchase 6 and get the 7th free" - at least that's how I took it. (Figured it was a typo)

 

[inlove7]

Packages

Hahahaha! Yes, that was a typo but hey-- that works too!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Packages

OH! I thought it was some slick neat new idea and you had something that you told them with it ( a verbal that made it all nifty...).


07/06/11: Typo correction.

 

[Tina]

Packages

I did offer packages of (3) 60min or (3) 90min massages at a reduced rate for the entire package of 10-15% of my normal hourly rate. The client had 6wks from the date of the 1st of 3 massages to use the next 2 massages left in the package. I felt 6 weeks encouraged the client to get their massage every two weeks in order to get the most benefit. Of course, they could use the 6wks anyway they wanted ie every 3 wks, or 2nd massage in 2 weeks and 3rd massage 4 weeks later-their choice. They could not be transferred or given as a gift instead of a gift certificate. Cancelation policy applied or they would loose a pre-scheduled massage in the package. I asked them to consider any travel or vacations that might prevent them from using the pkg in the 6weeks. No problem with record keeping because I purchased a generic g/c with a serial number on the g/c and a perforated receipt for my records. All g/c went on to my computer.

Pros: Money up front, regularly scheduled appts, discount for client
Cons: None

 

[lydia]

Packages

Thanks again everyone, I've been working through more and more details, have a few last questions.

What do you do if someone has say an hour package and wants to do a 90 minute just that one time. Would you up charge (and if so, how much? Enough to make it become the prices that you would have for a 90 minute regular priced massge? Or what 1 90 minute would break down to in a package deal?) or would you just make them pay for the 90 minute separately and have it not affect their package at all?

Also, expiration, is it a yes or a no? My other job where I work they don't expire. It might be good in a sense that probably LOTS of people end up paying and never redeeming the massages, but keeping track of it, that would stink. Seems like most people here have said things about expiring, and do you make exceptions often? Have cts get upset about the expiration? I feel like personally, I couldn't enforce it with most of my regulars (but then again, I don't think any of them would try to take advaneforum.xxxe of it either.)

I'm probably over thinking a few things, but that's what I do.

Still looking at the monthly, I think it would be a great thing for business and my cts would love it, but not sure how it would all pan out. I might do a few month trial though once I get the packages figured out.