Mobile massage therapy - I don't know what I don't know

[Ryan Gressel]

Hi

I'm a CMT and I'm about to graduate from my school's neuromuscular therapy program. I got my certification in November 2024. I've worked in the student clinic, done externship work, and worked on friends and family and some people that friends referred to me. Before I went to school, I saw some private clients under mentorship to sort of figure out if this was something I wanted to do, and it definitely is!

I love the work, when you get into the flow of the massage dance, and you can listen to the body, and the muscles talk to you, and it feels like your hands are being guided up or down the kinetic chain... And then someone gets off your table and you can SEE them stand taller like a visible weight they were carrying has been lifted. I'm really excited to set up my own practice.

I'm going to be launching my mobile business in May, when I finish the NMT program. I have a table, linens, a big thing of jojoba oil, a dedicated phone number and email address for my business, insurance through AMTA, a car and a website.

I plan to offer relaxation sessions at $100/hr-$150/90min, and therapeutic focused sessions at $125/hr-$175/90min. That's on the lower side of average for my area, because I'll be just starting out. I'm also offering 20 minute scalp, and 20 minute feet add ons, aromatherapy, salt/oatmeal scrub, and CBD butter add ons.

I'm just... I absolutely KNOW I'm missing things. I don't know what I don't know.

What do you wish you knew, when you got started in this business?

What am I overlooking? What do I need, that I don't even realize I need? What surprised you? Do I charge a travel fee? Should I have social media? Is my car insurance a business expense? Where do you advertise? I want to have a specifically LGBTQ+ positive , body positive practice, do I need special accommodations? Should I have a picture of myself on my website, or does that attract creeps? Am I too expensive? Too cheap? Do I use apps like venmo? Cash? Cards? Should I have a cancellation policy? AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!

When I start thinking about all the unknowns, I start spiraling. What should I be thinking about that I'm missing here? What do I not even realize that I don't know?

I would really appreciate advice from people who have been in the field for a minute, especially if you've done/do mobile massage therapy.

Thanks so much ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[+ Jamie21]

Good luck! 
Here’s what I learned (not exhaustive).

If you’re travelling get a table that’s portable. First one I got was lovely and comfortable but just too big and heavy to carry any distance. 

Go by gut instinct to avoid ‘time waster / difficult’ clients. If in doubt, decline the business. It’s just not worth it. You get better at identifying the red flags as time goes by. 

Keep records. A big spreadsheet. Very important. 

Clients need to have a suitable space for the table. Often they forget that you need to be able to walk around it. When they book, check this with them. 

Get some decent professional pictures done for your advertising. It shows you’re taking the job seriously. 

1 hour ago, Ryan Gressel said:

I love the work, when you get into the flow of the massage dance, and you can listen to the body, and the muscles talk to you, and it feels like your hands are being guided up or down the kinetic chain..

…and that part of your message tells me you’ll be successful. I totally agree with getting into ‘the flow of the massage dance’ and listening to the body. 🙂

 

 

 

[Ali Gator]

Here's what I learned when I opened my retail store in 1987, and stuck with for nearly 25 years:

1. You are not going to please everyone, nor should you try. Develop a thick skin for negative feedback / crticism / bad reviews. You will get them, as it goes along with the territory. You can tell the genuine ones from the others - learn from the genuine ones, and improve from those. You will be surprised how much you will mature as a business man and grow your business better.

2. You don't want 'quantity' of clients, you want 'quality' clients. There's a big difference. Your 'quality' clients will be your repeat clients who enjoy your services. They will be your bread and butter, and keep you in business. It will take time to decipher who your 'quality' customers are over time, and learn to cater to them (for example, they will take top priority in your appointment schedule - you don't want to disappoint them). The key to any success is developing loyal, repeat customers who can't wait to book with you again. ("Quantity" customers are the 'time wasters' and the 'one-timers').

3. Know your worth ! That means know what you're bringing to the appointment and set your prices that you can survive off of. That also means knowing what the market is sustaining in your area, or where you are traveling to for business. You never want to price yourself out of the market (I've mentioned this time and time again in different threads, when 'newbies' start off at the top tier of the scale). Once your prices are set you stay firm, you don't 'negotiate' with potential clients - you are a masseur, you are not a used car salesman where 'negotiating is par for the course'.

[+ 7829V]

 

[+ 7829V]

Here is a summary of the 7 pages of the post I referenced above, courtesy of AI. 

Masseur Best Practices. 

I. Professional Conduct and Ethics:

• Pricing and Transparency:
  • Avoid upcharging for sensual/nude services; have one clear fee or disclose fees in advance.
  • Charge appropriately based on the services offered (therapeutic vs. sensual).
  • Be transparent about rates for in-calls vs. outcalls and consider travel distances and amenities.
  • Avoid asking for money upfront or "reservations."
  • Don't ask for tips; it's considered tacky.
• Punctuality and Communication:
  • Be on time and polite.
  • Answer texts promptly whenever possible.
  • Respond to all calls or texts, even if to say you are busy or unavailable.
  • If you text a client about being in town, keep it short and professional, and don't keep texting if there's no reply.
  • Never ghost a client; decline or cancel appointments if you can't meet.
• Honesty and Representation:
  • Never write your own fake reviews.
  • If offering therapeutic massage only, do not post provocative pictures that may mislead clients.
  • Ensure profile pictures are accurate.
  • Create an accurate profile avoiding excessive capitalization and bad grammar.
  • If you have private pictures, make them sensual/sexy or interesting, not just of a massage table.
• Client Interaction and Respect:
  • Ask about pressure levels and areas to focus on and adhere to the client's preferences.
  • Treat each client with focus and attention, making them feel valued.
  • Be prepared for sexual questions.
  • Never ask for a picture from a client; this is not a dating app.
  • Ask before using massage wands or similar devices.
  • Ask about music preferences.
  • If you have a heated table, ask if the temperature is okay.
  • Provide proper ways for clients to clean up after the massage (e.g., towels, not just toilet paper).
  • Avoid having pets present during a session due to potential allergies.
• Professional Boundaries:
  • Decide on your limits for services and stick to them.
  • Avoid a "menu of extras."

II. Service Quality and Environment:

• Massage Technique:
  • Develop a natural technique and pressure.
  • Learn good effleurage strokes and head massage; consider having a specialty.
  • Ensure you give a great proper massage in addition to any erotic elements.
  • Use proper amounts of lotion/oil.
• Massage Setting:
  • Have a separate room for massage if possible, with quiet, dim lights, and music.
  • Maintain a clean and tidy workspace, especially the bathroom.
  • If traveling, consider the client's convenience when booking hotels.
  • If amenities like a heated table are advertised for a studio, travel fees should not reflect these.
• Follow-up and Client Retention:
  • If you have the client's permission, text them occasionally to say hello and wish them well (not just to solicit business).
  • Show interest in your clients to encourage repeat business.
  • Consider telling clients to reach out if they haven't heard from you in a while or if they are back in town.
  • Respond to reviews, thanking the reviewer.
• Scheduling:
  • Avoid back-to-back appointments to allow for potential delays.

III. Business and Market Awareness:

• Market Rates:
  • When traveling, know your market and adjust pricing accordingly (e.g., NYC vs. a smaller city).
  • Be aware of what others in the market are charging for different types of services.
• Advertising:
  • Accurate photos and profiles are crucial.
  • Avoid text-only communication in ads; some clients prefer to talk on the phone initially.
  • Clearly state if the massage is therapeutic only.
• Payment Options:
  • While most clients pay cash, offering alternatives like Venmo or Cash App can be beneficial (for payment at the end of the session).

IV. Personal Experiences and Opinions:

• Members share their preferences regarding massage cream vs. oil.
• There's a discussion about the value and cost of therapeutic vs. sensual massage.
• Clients express frustration with "tease" masseurs and misleading advertising.
• Opinions are shared on the importance of connection and rapport with clients.
• One member recounts their friend's journey in the massage and escorting business and his eventual career change.

In summary, the thread provides a multifaceted view of the male massage industry from the perspectives of both providers and clients, emphasizing professionalism, clear communication, ethical practices, and the importance of understanding client needs and market dynamics.

[+ Pensant]

I see a mobile provider (straight) for a deep tissue massage monthly. We do 90 minutes. He’s less expensive than your proposed rates, but it could be you’re in a high-cost area. I’m so used to therapists coming to my house that I would find it hard to do an in-call. I think a social media presence is important, with pics. If you’re offering purely therapeutic services, that should minimize the creeps. Not sure where you’re located, but your persona shines through and I’d love to have someone with your zeal work deep tissue on me! Keep us posted on your success!