Frustrated with Drop-In Chair Massage

[Cutie001]

I have been doing Chair Massage as part of my practice for 8 years. I have had several gigs where there was drop-in clients and I've decided to throw in the towel with this part. :x
I find that the contracts that are best are the events where I'm paid for so many sessions or there is a regular base-like the two CPA firms that I work at during tax season. 8)
I've been at this large city owned sports center since May. I work two 3-hour shifts and see 4 people at the most. :shock: :shock:
I am so bummed as there are 2-3000 people coming in and out per day yet so few are using the chair massage. There are signs at the entrance, in the hallways, on their website, etc. So I think it's not for lack of marketing. : :
Anyway, I plan to not renew my contract next month and would like to know if anyone else has had similar experience with drop-in chair massage.
Cheers,
Rubmyster

 

[Pompal 09.]

Yes, at every event that I've been to. Whether it is a freebie or a pay as you go, lots of people going by, ignoring me. I've had signs posted on the chair..."do you have a headache" "free sample" etc. People would read the sign out loud "do you have a ....." and answer themselves "yes I do" but wouldn't do anything about it.

Frustrating

 

[Soprano Girl]

Yes, I've had similar experiences. When I first started my practice, I did drop-in chair massage at my local health food store. Some days, I'd make a lot of money. Other days, my only clients were staff who I gave chair massage to for free. In the beginning, I felt the exposure was worth my time. As my practice grew, I no longer needed as much exposure and wanted to make good money for all my time. At that point, I gave up the drop-in chair massage gig.

Soon after, I got a contract with the local university to provide chair massage for their staff once/week. The University's Health Promotions office took care of all advertising & scheduling. I was always booked solid for the 4 hours I was there, and there was a waiting list if anyone cancelled. That's by far a MUCH better chair massage experience.

Since you've been in practice 8 years, I'd definitely give up the drop-ins & stick with the more lucrative contracts instead!

 

[ColeT]

That stinks about the non existent reliability of "drop in chair massage".
Does anyone know how Zubio or Massage Bar do?
Has anyone firsthand witnessed them in action?

Robyn

 

[Mizz G]

Very different business models

Massage Bar has a very different business model.

#1, they have a captive audience. You have to be at an airport at least an hour before your flight, and people are looking for a way to kill time.

Offices are different - everyone has too much to do. Who is going to "drop in"?

By definition - a drop in or walk in (in the salon world) are unreliable. No one built a business relying on walk ins. Maybe the first time, but your bread and butter is advanced reservations.

Therapists should refuse to do Drop In work. You want me there, you pay me to be there. If no one shows up, then don't have me come back.

 

[Kevin S]

Very different business models

Massage Bar has a very different business model.
#1, they have a captive audience. You have to be at an airport at least an hour before your flight, and people are looking for a way to kill time.
.

And Zubio?

Just askin'.

Robyn

 

[Shou74292]

Just almost spit out my tea!!!

You made me remember a place in MB I have seen in ads and heard on the radio. The spa is called "he's not here".
Now, they say they cater to women only and I HAVE to go in and see th eplace for myself but my first impression was naughty.
THey have ads all over the place so they must be legit.
I'll let 'cha know when I see for myself.

Robyn

PS
I was asking about MB and Zubio because I thought they would be a hit by the fot trqaffic alone. I see the chairs at the malls almost always full.