Selling a client list.

[Mr Phucking NR]

I was wondering if anyone has ever sold their client list? I have a book on the subject and how to determine what my client list is worth.

I have several hundred names of clients, some I had only seen once or twice and some that were consistent regulars. I relocated about two years ago. I'm 25-30 miles from my clients now. Several clients continued to come see me and drove the extra distance, but they are gradually dropping off. I've decided to let go of my attachments to my old clients and join forces with a local health center and being building a new client base in my new community.

I'm ready to let my old clients go, even the ones who are still devoted to me. Its time for a fresh start.

I was wondering if I should try selling my client list? What if I included with it a letter of personal recommendation? The new therapist could send this letter out to my clients along with their own marketing materials.

The thing is, some of these people I haven't seen in over two years. On the other hand, if I were to return to my old community, I'm pretty sure that many of them would come back to me. I can't guarantee that anyone on the list would contact the "new" therapist and I can't guarantee that the addresses are still valid.

Do you think its worth trying to sell my client list? Any advice on determining its value?

 

[waynetta180]

Selling a client list.

I would never even think about selling my clients/ex-clients names and addresses. Seems to me there is confidentiality that needs to be honored even if it's not against legal/ethical rules. I would, at the very least, get their signed permission if I felt I had to sell a list. I don't know, maybe it's just me but I would be madder than hell to find myself on a list that someone sold, especially in these times of identity theft. Even if it is just my name and address, I get mad when I start receiving a new catalog in the mail because I know that somebody I told not to sell my personal info did. (I'm off my stump now).

 

[Susan C]

Selling a client list.

What could you get for it? Maybe $100 or so. I certainly wouldn't pay more than that. Massage client lists are ephemeral unless you are taking over an established business including name, location, and (at least some of) the staff. When the business name, location, and staff change, the chances of attracting/retaining those clients drops to the same level as... the chances of attracting NEW clients!

YOUR client list is YOUR client list. You might find someone willing to pay more for it, but they will soon realize the truth of its value.

 

[parade of jills]

Selling a client list.

Okay, one more question.

My clients are some as close as 20 miles away, others as far as 30 maybe even 40 miles. Would it be smarter for me to just hold on to that list and continue to market my new business and new location to those people? Perhaps some would still drive the distance or give my name to those whom they know who live in my area?

For some people 30 miles is a big distance, to others its really not that far. Maybe I could sift through my list and just market to the people who are closest to me? If they want to drive the distance that is on them. At least I'm still offering my services and not dropping them entirely?

Is my list more valuable to me in that respect?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Selling a client list.

You might find it easier to hold on to the list for yourself, especially if you really aren't that far away. I have people driving almost a hour to come to my office, with traffic it can be more than a hour! Also they may have family/friends that live closer and one day they may want to purchase a GC or something from your office as a gift.

On the topic of selling, that's not a very popular idea on this forum but it is a very common business practice. In fact, there are companies that can narrow a specific search for you in terms of addresses. I've thought about doing it as they can narrow by zip code, income, how many health magazines the person subscribes too, etc. That way if you want to send out mailers in the community where you work, you can send them to a target audience.

Whether or not a therapist will purchase your list is another thing. I sold parts of my list before moving out to San Diego at about $.20 a name/address which is NOT considered unethical or illegal. It's the therapist who purchases your list that takes the risk.

Again, though, it sounds like you really should keep it and who knows what can come out of it for your business?!