Wanting to start working for myself...

[helpseeker]

I was wanting to start working for myself going to different businesses. I would like to go to the same business once a week if possible (or whatever deal I work out with the business). I figured I would offer massages for $1.00 a minute but $25.00 for 30 minutes. All I have right now is a massage table and no corporate chair...My mom used to have someone come in once a week to her job and he set up a table, so I might try that out. Does anyone have advice for me or any experiences to share? I want to charge only out of pocket for the employess that want massages, so that the businesses don't have to do anything except have me come in and offer my time. Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[LGM]

Well, first, don't cheat yourself on the rate...discounts seem nice, until you end up with down time between clients and realize you are not making enough per hour to pay your bills! Secondly, don't allow down time, or DO charge the employer for ALL the time you are there and let them collect from the employees or not. Thirdly....go for it. It is fun to do corporate massage.

 

[Chewy B]

Thanks! I'm excited about it... i recently worked at a day spa and previously for a chiro and i was treated very poorly. I think that being an independent contractor sometimes gives places a ticket to treat you as though you are dispensible(sp?) and walk all over you...I just have no more energy for that! I consider myself a professional and I've worked hard to overcome obstacles in my life to be where I am today. At the spa they had girls who were fresh out of high school working at the front desk who bossed us around and they were horrible at scheduling our clients. I was there for 9 hours one Sunday and they scheduled me a 9am at 1pm and a 5pm....I didn't get paid hourly like they did! :evil: I guess that's a whole other thread though. I just want to rely on myself now. I have tried doing house-calls but that was almost impossible to get regular clients(I know it takes time)...but anyways, I am now out of a job and finally feel ready to work for myself!

 

[YNEW rides her veggies!]

Well, then you know all about unpaid downtime!! You kind of have to very pleasantly require proper working conditions. I have scheduled 10 minute chair massages every 12 minutes...and each massage ended on time, regardless of whether the employee arrived on time. By the second time I was there, they all arrived on time. Every slot had to be filled and paid for, and every slot always was. They were thrilled......and so was I. If the presentation is very clear and direct, and strict, done cheerfully and politely, the company enforces it with their employees. The company understands the necessity of profit, and the employees understand a benefit (even if they pay for it) and want to keep it.

 

[Joey]

That's very good advice. Thank you! I'm going to type up some things tonight and get it organized. yay!

 

[lduncan00]

Good luck!

 

[k9luvr3]

Regarding your pricing: start at $1.50 per minute

That would be $15 for 10 minutes, $30 for 20 minutes, $45 for 30 minutes, etc. While it seems a lot at first, remember that you are providing convenience in addition to the benefits of the massage itself. You are also enabling those nervous about massage to try it fully clothed and still get some real benefit from the work.

Now, if people seem reluctant, you can offer coupons, discounts, etc... For example, you can offer 20% off and still receive $12 for 10 minutes, $24 for 20 minutes, etc. It's a great discount and you are still better off than charging $1/minute.