Transition to Masseur?

[cromagnonmale]

I was a classic "provider" for 10 years, took a break about a year and a half ago. Recently tried getting started again and I find that my head and heart may have moved on from certain aspects of the work. Now I am thinking of going the masseur route. 

I am curious what kinds of certifications clients look for from masseurs, or other qualities you seek.

I am curious what kinds of training programs other masseurs would recommend, if any.

Im a well-built gym guy with strong hands, I have been told I would be a natural, but I am always afraid of hurting someone without knowledge. I feel kind of old to be starting a training program (37) but perhaps that is silly. I know there are providers out there who do the work without training, which is a tempting idea as these programs cost 8k to 12k (which will pay for itself quickly once I get started, maybe). However, I have been to plenty of masseurs who clearly have no training and nothing is worse, but I prefer a pretty thorough massage.

Hoping to hear thoughts from providers and clients. Thanks!

Edited February 21 by cromagnonmale

[Wolfer]

20 hours ago, cromagnonmale said:

cost 8k to 12k

At those rates you may be cheaper off getting a massage course in Thailand. I've heard very good things about them. Is the high cost because of the certification? Or is it just USA prices? Where I live in Europe you can get a full course (12 lessons) for about 900 dollars. Masseurs don't need certification or a license though where I live. 

When I look for erotic massages, I take any claims of training in the profile with a grain of salt. Having said that, I do think being actually trained and good at massage will make it more likely to get repeat business. 

When I book an erotic massage, I really do also want to get a good massage. I usually don't go back to someone who gives me a bad massage, even if the erotic elements were fun. So I think it's good to at least get SOME training. A lot can be learned by just doing a one day workshop or a weekend training. I'm sure there are options like that that don't cost 8k or upwards. 

[soloyo215]

22 hours ago, cromagnonmale said:

I was a classic "provider" for 10 years, took a break about a year and a half ago. Recently tried getting started again and I find that my head and heart may have moved on from certain aspects of the work. Now I am thinking of going the masseur route. 

I am curious what kinds of certifications clients look for from masseurs, or other qualities you seek.

I am curious what kinds of training programs other masseurs would recommend, if any.

Im a well-built gym guy with strong hands, I have been told I would be a natural, but I am always afraid of hurting someone without knowledge. I feel kind of old to be starting a training program (37) but perhaps that is silly. I know there are providers out there who do the work without training, which is a tempting idea as these programs cost 8k to 12k (which will pay for itself quickly once I get started, maybe). However, I have been to plenty of masseurs who clearly have no training and nothing is worse, but I prefer a pretty thorough massage.

Hoping to hear thoughts from providers and clients. Thanks!

Hello. As a client, I have to say that it's possible to become successful at the business as a masseur without a certification, especially with your prior experience. However, a certification that can bring you to a high level of masseur quality will be useful to get the type of client that looks for a massage only, or a massage with extras where the massage part matters most. I think you have to look at the kind of clientele and reputation that you are interested in establishing as a masseur. Do you want to be known for the extras, for the quality of your massage, both? From a business perspective, you can make money out of bad quality massages, but your clientele will be different.

It is my opinion that some providers of massages don't hold certifications and do mediocre massages because they use it as a cover for escorting, or due to lack of knowledge, thinking that a massage is just some easy rub with some kind of cream. In USA, massage certifications varies from state to state, so a good course and certification requirements in your state (I assume that you are in USA, if not, something similar might be the case in your locality) can help you with becoming a quality masseur. There are only a handful of massage prociders that are excellent without any formal training or certification, so that's possible, and I guess that you should also look into your own current ability to learn and know the human body in that respect.

[pubic_assistance]

Travel to Thailand and get a training in Thai massage. Costs will be similar in total with lower cost of training+flight+ hotel  but you get to travel and learn a superior form of therapeutic massage.

[viewing ownly]

Dialing it back to being a masseur when you used to be more doesn't from a client's perspective seem like the best of decisions, unless you offer this in an entirely different location, and utilize a name change. (Yes, sleuths on here will be privy to you doing that, but so what)?

As you point out, your terrific looking physique will get you plenty of repeat business, even if the sensuality level doesn't grow. Stay in shape, stay friendly, and have affordable rates, and no training whatsoever is necessary. We're there with you specifically because we're attracted to you.

[cromagnonmale]

Just wanted to wrap this thread up in case future providers are thinking about doing the same thing- Above responses were super helpful, especially those that directed me to look at courses overseas from USA (Europe/Thailand) - after a cursory search I found a LOT of courses from about 900 to 3K that last 5 to 10 days. I am going to pursue those. Thanks for everyone's help

[+ DrownedBoy]

I know in Thailand, citizens can get free (or very cheap) vocational training, including in massage.

[Wolfer]

13 hours ago, cromagnonmale said:

Just wanted to wrap this thread up in case future providers are thinking about doing the same thing- Above responses were super helpful, especially those that directed me to look at courses overseas from USA (Europe/Thailand) - after a cursory search I found a LOT of courses from about 900 to 3K that last 5 to 10 days. I am going to pursue those. Thanks for everyone's help

Could you send me links to these courses via private message? I'm interested. Thanks! 

[Simon Suraci]

On 2/22/2024 at 5:42 AM, soloyo215 said:

I think you have to look at the kind of clientele and reputation that you are interested in establishing as a masseur. Do you want to be known for the extras, for the quality of your massage, both? From a business perspective, you can make money out of bad quality massages, but your clientele will be different.

^This. It depends on the market you are trying to tap into. Your clients will be different depending on how you advertise and what skills you deliver.

It’s easy to be a masseur without training. It’s very difficult to be a successful masseur without training and/or experience. To get the type of clients who keep coming back, I suggest getting at least some training. Even training doesn’t guarantee success. It’s a combination of skill, aptitude, and how you deliver the service. Also the business side is very important, including customer service and marketing.

Feel free to seek out training in different modalities, but here in the US, the majority of clients want and expect some base level knowledge and skill in western style massage techniques i.e. Swedish and deep tissue. I recommend starting with that, get comfortable with the basics, and then branch out to other modalities if you want to differentiate yourself. Whatever you do, you have to be good. Clients can tell when you take the work seriously, and that is the difference between many one-offs and a regular client base.

The best clients tend to want equally good service on both the therapeutic massage side and on the “extras” side. Few men want purely therapeutic work only, and a solid majority want more substance than just “extras”, no matter how good the extras are. Even straight men tend to be this way, at least the ones booking me through my ads geared primarily toward msm. It’s an art finding the right balance and reading your clients’ needs, since they often won’t verbalize their needs.

Being successful as a full time masseur seems simple and easy, and the best of us make it look that way, but honestly it’s no easy task. It takes commitment, hard work, and lots of time to build up to a level that will support yourself.

All that said, it sounds like you want to end your escort career. Are you willing to do the “extras” as a masseur? If so, what are your limits? Conceptualize your boundaries and find the right way to communicate those boundaries to your clients and stick to them. Be as up front and direct as you can while not putting people off. It’s a very delicate balance. Clients will constantly be testing your limits and try to violate them. Be prepared to deal with that dynamic gracefully. It can be exhausting when you’re trying to not be an escort. I can speak from experience as being a masseur only and as a masseur who also offers escort services: it’s easier to be both! It’s more difficult to be a masseur only, but it’s possible to succeed.
 

[BaronArtz]

On 2/27/2024 at 10:39 PM, Simon Suraci said:

 

All that said, it sounds like you want to end your escort career. Are you willing to do the “extras” as a masseur? If so, what are your limits? Conceptualize your boundaries and find the right way to communicate those boundaries to your clients and stick to them. Be as up front and direct as you can while not putting people off. It’s a very delicate balance. Clients will constantly be testing your limits and try to violate them. Be prepared to deal with that dynamic gracefully. It can be exhausting when you’re trying to not be an escort. I can speak from experience as being a masseur only and as a masseur who also offers escort services: it’s easier to be both! It’s more difficult to be a masseur only, but it’s possible to succeed.
 

I agree with that 100%

I would encourage the OP to think about what he disliked about being an escort. Going forward, which 'extra' services is he comfortable offering, now as a masseur? He should communicate those clearly to his massage clients.

From my perspective, as a client, I like to when a provider has both a masseur and an escort ad.  It takes away having to guess and to have unclear expectations.  I do not expect escort services at massage rates.  

[Rudynate]

On 2/21/2024 at 7:17 AM, cromagnonmale said:

I was a classic "provider" for 10 years, took a break about a year and a half ago. Recently tried getting started again and I find that my head and heart may have moved on from certain aspects of the work. Now I am thinking of going the masseur route. 

I am curious what kinds of certifications clients look for from masseurs, or other qualities you seek.

I am curious what kinds of training programs other masseurs would recommend, if any.

Im a well-built gym guy with strong hands, I have been told I would be a natural, but I am always afraid of hurting someone without knowledge. I feel kind of old to be starting a training program (37) but perhaps that is silly. I know there are providers out there who do the work without training, which is a tempting idea as these programs cost 8k to 12k (which will pay for itself quickly once I get started, maybe). However, I have been to plenty of masseurs who clearly have no training and nothing is worse, but I prefer a pretty thorough massage.

Hoping to hear thoughts from providers and clients. Thanks!

I look either for certifications or experience.