Want to Hire

[moi]

Hi everyone,

I know some of you have been trying to expand lately and I was hoping this question might spark some new questions and answers.

I am looking to expand and hire another therapist for my practice. I would love to expand my services and also add another set of hands for people to try. I really want to make it the best situation for everyone involved (myself, employee and clients).

I already know I want to hire an employee as I will be doing all the booking, phone and marketing and I don't think the IRS will like IC's. In doing this I want to make sure that I am giving the therapist their just due while at the same time getting compensated for my part and expenses. Anyway, here are some of the details I can think of regarding hiring someone. Please let me know what you think of the specifics and if you think they are fair.

Therapist will provide

Lotions and oils
Sheets (Do you think cleaning them is a sticking point because I really don't want to do a ton of laundry )

I will provide

Rent and Utilities
Table
I will schedule and filter all calls
Marketing
Clean the room

Pay

50% of all clients worked on
If there is a special or discount offered they would receive no less than 23 dollars per hour session
Bonuses: 55% for clients that you bring in on your own
55% Gift Certificates sold
60% Package deals sold


I hope this question and discussion gives everyone ideas and helps. Thanks for all your input!

 

[SARAHH]

Just a quick question.

Will you have a Washing machine and dryer at your facility?

As and Employee:

I would not take home laundry. If the washer and dryer were in the facility and part of my duty as an employee then that would be okay. I would prefer not to buy my own sheets as an employee.

Just my :2cents:


-Grapeseed

 

[SecurityAnalyst]

I dont get the 55% for gift certificates or 60% for packages. Are you paying them right away?? Who is holding the package and gift certificate money?

With a package, you are making less and then making even less by only taking 40% of a package?

Example: a one hour massage is $60 the est gets $30 and the MT gets $30

Example: a package of 10 @ $50 each = $500 the est gets $200 and the MT gets $300 that equals $20 per for the est and $30 for the MT

What type of packages were you thinking of?

I agree with gauaranteeing your MT's a minimum rate tho.

My idea of an employee is one who shows up and works without bringing anything in to use. Especially since if they dont have a side job working for themselves, their sheets and oil arent even tax deductable.

 

[BeBE Banks]

as an employee i would not pay for my own oil/lotion/creme and i also would not do laundry. well, i'd throw it in or fold it if the washer and dryer were on site but i would not take it out of the building.

to me as an employee, i would expect all costs to be covered. especially if i were only making 50%.

and about the 55% for clients you bring in - how about return requests, are they included in that?

what i liked about the place i used to work at was that the pay was based on how much $$ you brought in for the pay period. our pay period was every 2 weeks. so it went something like this - more than $2,000 you received 60% - between $1,500 & $2,000 it was 55% - up to $1,500 was 50%. everyone seemed pleased with that. the only other responsibility we had was to keep the treatment room clean and we folded laundry.

 

[lydia]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it is really helpful to hear so I can adjust things. To answer some questions...

I wanted to offer a greater perceneforum.xxxe to packages and g/c because they encourage people to come more often (packages) and I would rather pay the therapist a little more than spend money advertsing to new clients. I guess it would be the same for return visits.

I guess I will have to provide the lotions and sheets. I just assumed someone might want to do it. I prefer selecting my own lotions or sheets personally, I just figured others would also. Here is a flip question, what is reasonable? Is it reasonable to provide a lotion that I use and basic flannel sheets that I use and say if you want something different than I will pay what X lotion cost me and you can cover the rest? Doing laundry isn't a problem, I can easily do that

People mentioned that 50% was an "only" number. I kinda figured it was a pretty good deal given that everything plus taxes would be paid. I want to make it fair and worth while for someone. What numbers do you consider fair, what % would you give if you were hiring?

Thanks again for all the help. There seems to be a lot that I am learning!

 

[dot]

Good point about the G/C. I meant to say that I would pay a higher perceneforum.xxxe if they were bought from them and redeemed. But I guess that is a little confusing. I was just looking for a way to reward G/C sales. Maybe I can offer a flat dollar bonus or something. Thanks for pointing that out, it is why I love this forum!!

 

[msdixie]

I think this thread is a great idea.

Is a 45% cut for the therapist too much if they dont have to provide anything and dont have to wash and fold sheets? They would be required to keep the place tidy, keep their rooms in order, get rooms ready, and fold small stuff, socks, towels, etc... Or is 50% pretty standard no matter what?

Is there a standard for new therapists that is different than established or experienced therapists?

What about discounts? Does the establishment take all of the discount? Or is it shared with the therapist?

If I worked for someone, I wouldnt expect to get gift certificate or package money. I would expect to get paid for work performed only. I wouldnt think it would be fair to get less because a client paid up front. That is the establisments benefit, not mine, why should I be penalized?? Most salons around here dont discount for packages, but idependent MT's do discount packages.

If I was someones employee, I would understand sales occationally, as well as discounts while establishing a clientel in the begining. But, I would like to know what I am making, I would appreciate a minimum base rate.

For those who have worked for someone else, please fill me in on these questions.

TIA

 

[Shandi]

rn2wn,

Giving bonuses might be good around the holidays. But seriously, around the holidays, you dont have to ask people if they want to buy gift certs. They tell you. At least, that is how it works for me. If you give a bonus for that, you may just be giving them money, because the gift cert would have sold anyway.

Better off giving a dollar amount christmas bonus of gift certificate. IMHO

 

[DSu]

Here is how we do it at our clinic:

Therapists are paid 50-55% (depending on how long they've worked there) of the amount the client pays. The clinic provides all "necessary" supplies....lotion, linens, all office supplies. Since every therapist likes to use the lotion they prefer, they buy it up-front and then submit the receipt for reimbursement. If the therapist wants "extras" (essential oils, tiger balm etc.) then they cover that cost themselves.

The therapists' responsibilities are to do their massage, their soap notes and clean up after themselves. We have laundry on-site and it falls on to the receptionist to make sure that the laundry gets done but all the therapists are supposed to help if they have off-time.

As the business grew, we were able to add some benefits for the employees....paid vacation, paid holidays, paid CEUs, paid license renewal, but those all came in time.

One word of advise it this: Treat your employee(s) as if they were your best and most precious asset.....they are. Find good therapists, treat them well and they will treat your clients well and your business will thrive.

Angie

 

[Tshilidzi]

25-30%, huh pete?? 100% commission? Around here, rates are $50 an hour. at 30%, that is $15 an hour for the therapist and $25 for the establishment. That just seems so paltry! But, I suppose if they perform well, like you said, they get bonuses.

In other words, a therapist who is putting in 10 hours of massage a week is getting paid less per hour than a therapist putting in 20 hours of massage a week.

From what I read on this board, there are therapists who wont work for less than 50%, or am I not getting the whole picture?

Hey, I was wondering, those that work in a salon setting, what % do the hair dressers making? Does the owner take a charge for products from a stylists cut?

 

[bella blue]

I think it's really important to distinguish between pay expectations of IC's vs. employees. With IC's a 50/50 cut is fair. Any MT who expects a higher cut than that doesn't have the business experience to understand the expenses associated with running a business. (Rent, equipment, utilities, advertising, supplies, credit card fees, etc.)

With employees, the establishment is also taking on part of the tax burden, which should automatically raise their perceneforum.xxxe and lower the therapists perceneforum.xxxe to compensate. If you're still working on commission only, I think 60/40 is fair (with 40 going to the MT).

However, if you expect your employees to perform tasks in addition to massage therapy, you should cut the commission formula altogether and go to an hourly rate. Set a schedule where they work (and get paid) whether they have clients or not. Write a clear job description of their job responsibilities between client appointments. Usually, $10-15/hour is reasonable in this circumstance. Before any MT's scream "Unfair!" This is standard practice at the most famous & luxurious spas around the country. For example, in North Carolina, the Grove Park Inn is one of the most luxurious resorts in the state. In their spa, the massage prices begin at $130/hour for a 50 minute massage. They require all of their MT's to have years of experience and advanced training in Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Reflexology & Reiki. They pay $10-16/hour plus tips & a 5% commission on sales.

Now, on the separate issue of whether or not employees/IC's will leave and take their clients with them. That partly depends on them, and partly on you. The ideal employee/IC is someone who wants the simplicity of getting paid for massage therapy, and not having to worry about building/maintaining their practice outside of working hours. Use the interview process to screen for this personality. Then, treat them very well! Employee retention goes beyond salary. Respect, appreciation, a positive work environment, providing them with a steady clientele (and steady income), benefits. All of this increases a person's happiness with their job, and decreases employee turnover.

Just so you know I don't have ulterior motives with these opinions, I'm a sole practitioner massage therapist. I work for myself, and I don't have employees, nor am I interested in expanding my practice. However, I have owned & operated other businesses, so I understand the cost involved in running a business and can see the establishment's point of view.

 

[JWR]

Thanks Bliss, that was a great help.

After reading a lot of the comments posted, I think it may just be easier to just pay a flat hourly rate. It seems to be less confusing to everyone and the therapist knows what they will be getting for every session.

I really do want to add a bonus structure and I like the idea of an increase above an amout of sales and I will add in some bonus for return clients and ones they bring in on their own.

Some further questions if I might add.

I would take appointments by phone and keep a copy of the appointment book on the computer in the office. I would email or call the therapist when an appointment was added (whatever they prefer) so they could put it in their own day planner. There would be no same day appts unless the therapist asks for them. I want to make it so they know their schedule at least the day before, at least that is what I like.

Is this a good idea, what would you like, any potential problems I am missing?

I know this "shouldn't matter" but I am male and I am looking to hire a woman. I hope this process screens out the weirdos by having a male answer. I haven't dealt with this type of thing and I want to make sure the therapist feels and is safe. If possible I would try and be in the office for any new male clients. On the flip, I hope woman aren't scared by a male anwering and scheduling an apointment for another woman. Does anyone see a problem with that?

I am sorry to keep asking questions, I just want to run this through and make sure everyone is happy before I get started.

THANKS!!!

 

[The Rikstir XIV]

I really like a lot of your ideas. I don't think you will need to worry about scaring people off being a male answering the phone. Just make sure to be very professional and maybe practice a few "phone dialog phrases". You know, answering with a professional "Thank you for calling ________
This is Joe (or whoever), how may I help you today? First impressions on the phone are really important to me.
Everything else has been covered but I will add that as an employee I personaly would expect oils and supplies for what ever types of massage you want to offer (ie hot stones it you want to offer that) be supplied by you as the employer. Also I don't mind throwing in a load of sheets, but would not want to be held responsible for doing all the laundry. I have to say though I have a friend who works at a health club and as an employee she is responsible for taking sheets home and washing. She gets 60%, but still, Crazy! Just treat your employee with respect and be generous with compliments. I have had several business in the past with employees and if they feel valued they want to stay and are more supportive of you. I had a lot of college age employees and would on occasion suprise them at the end of a really hard week with movie tickets or a latte card, just something random and something to let you know you appreciate them. So maybe until you get to the point where you can afford bonus's you could do some little thoughtful type things. I have learned if you have someone you really can depend on its worth a lot to you.
Good luck

 

[Pompal 09.]

2 things - i'm with seattlesunshine in that i would expect my employer to provide whatever type of creme i like to use. i don't like the idea of telling them, well this is what i use so you can use it or buy your own. i wouldn't work for someone who tells me this.

second is that in your idea of not booking same day appointments but you are going to have them paid an hourly rate. what will happen when you have a therapist scheduled for a 6 hour day with no clients 24 hours prior? will you have to pay them to do nothing? i don't like the idea of paying someone an hourly rate. i don't think you'll have THE BEST therapists working for you - which i assume you want to have!

i say, find the best therapists out there and pay them a bit more than you were hoping to pay someone. it will come back to you. like others have said, take care of them and they'll take care of you. your employees can make or break your business. ps. who cares what top spas pay people? top spas have WAY more expenses than the average massage business.

 

[clontarf1002]

Tara,

If there was no massage scheduled for them, and they were scheduled for say, a 5 hour shift, I would probably have them stay for a couple hours, answering the phone, cleaning, paperwork etc... and then send them home. Just like what they do in any other place when it gets slow.

 

[dennisoo]

I know this "shouldn't matter" but I am male and I am looking to hire a woman. I hope this process screens out the weirdos by having a male answer. I haven't dealt with this type of thing and I want to make sure the therapist feels and is safe. If possible I would try and be in the office for any new male clients. On the flip, I hope woman aren't scared by a male anwering and scheduling an apointment for another woman. Does anyone see a problem with that?

technically it shouldn't matter the gender, but it does for us booking mobile. mr. mush tries to answer the phone after 5pm as a general rule. it does scare those males presumably looking for more than a massage. he says he hears a slight gasp and click. i guess they thought a female would answer for a sensual massage.
it doesn't seem to phase the women. especially because we make it a non-issue that their gender preference is no big deal and certainly not taken personally.
whomever answers should sound thoroughly educated to your services, answer pretty much any given question about your operations, and NOT react to unwanted callers.

 

[Miss Misery]

I would agree with the poster above that in general you will get a higher quality body worker if you go with independant contractor. Less fuss and mess for you too since you don't have to worry about SS taxes and such. Why not get a laundry service to do the laundry? I know one therapist who does that and is very happy now since she doesn't have to worry about the laundry.

I've just notice around here in San Diego and fellow bodyworkers that a successful bodyworker will stick around an establishment longer perhaps years if you go IC with a 50% cut. In fact you'll probably have the pick of the litter with such an arrangement. But if you go employee your gene pool that you have to choose from will be less.

Its just human nature we work harder when we feel that we have a piece of the action.

Jason

 

[Fancypants]

Hiring an indi can be tricky. There are so many pegs that must be in the right place. That is why I would rather have an employee. I have heard of horror stories from people in this trade and others with the IRS about their indi's. Truth being that they were actually employees by the IRS's standards.

 

[I amErica]

a successful bodyworker will stick around an establishment longer perhaps years if you go IC with a 50% cut. In fact you'll probably have the pick of the litter with such an arrangement. But if you go employee your gene pool that you have to choose from will be less.

Its just human nature we work harder when we feel that we have a piece of the action.

I'm an employee who makes 55%, have a portion of my taxes paid for me, have paid vacation, paid holidays, paid CEUs, paid license fees, paid liability insurance and have everything I need provided for me.

So all that vs. an independent contractor making 50%.........

I think I have a "bigger piece of the action."

And by the way I've worked at the same place for over 14yrs.

Angie