Real Talk on massage rates - let me know your thoughts

[Hey_Jay]

When the hour massage rate was around 120-140 and 90 minutes is around 150 I get a lot of massages! Like 2-3 x a month
 

Now at 200 average for an hour massage (not to mention if you’re actually gonna get a good one) I’ve only been going once a month or sometimes less. 
 

I can still afford it if I want to but I’m really looking right now on the value for what you pay for. So my massage frequency definitely dropped more than 50%. I also, wonder if massage providers here are noticing the decline. Or is it just me? lol 

[Typical]

I take many fewer fliers on new people than I did at $120-140. I stick to known quantities. If new guys want to build a business they need to provide a “soft opening” rate to build a business and not start at full (high) prices.

I have 4-5 regulars that I know and trust who charge $180-$200 for excellent service without tip expectations. I see them regularly without any drama or disappointment on either side.  

They appreciate the consistent business and respectful encounters and I appreciate the good and reliable service sans ridiculous cash grabs. We all win over and over and over.  

[Capitano]

27 minutes ago, Typical said:

I take many fewer fliers on new people than I did at $120-140. I stick to known quantities. If new guys want to build a business they need to provide a “soft opening” rate to build a business and not start at full (high) prices.

I have 4-5 regulars that I know and trust who charge $180-$200 for excellent service without tip expectations. I see them regularly without any drama or disappointment on either side.  

They appreciate the consistent business and respectful encounters and I appreciate the good and reliable service sans ridiculous cash grabs. We all win over and over and over.  

I agree! I find it ridiculous when a new masseur on RM or MF starts off with a rate of $200 or even more. Automatic pass. Similarly, I am done with most travelers charging these rates. They are obviously milking local markets for whatever they are worth. I will make an appointment at $200 or under $300 for 90 minutes, though, if I see stellar reviews here. These are vary rare cases anyway.

So, I rely on a couple of local masseurs in Orlando when I make it there, here in the Tampa Bay Area the picture is pretty grim. I do have a masseur who no longer advertises and likes to see me when we both find time, though 😁.

Bottom line, one has to provide enough VALUE for the price charged. If the gap between the two is too small, one cannot generate much business, and then one has to travel and skim local markets, lower the price, or improve the offering. A local masseur who doesn't travel but has been in business for a while is a good bet, especially if you like his ad, he must be doing something right. Or regional travelers that keep serving the same handful of markets. National or international travelers, especially those who see themselves as models and charge insane rates, are best avoided IMHO.

Edited July 22 by Capitano

[starman05]

I usually go in with zero expectations. 

If I pay $120 for a lousy massage, I feel like I've been ripped off; I paid close to $300 recently for a 90-minute massage, and it was heaven. 

I'd rather save up for the latter than do 2 or 3 of the former.

There's one guy who is close to me and offers a fair price. I need to stick to him, but like a lot of people, I'm like hmmm,,,who's that over there?

 

 

[starman05]

That said, I have paid the price (literally) thinking that paying more means you'll get better.

That's not always the case.

I have had two therapists over the years (decades?) -- both got out of the business for different reasons. They were both spectacular. 

100% legit but it felt very intimate. 

 

 

[NYXboy]

I pay $100 when I got a regular massage parlour. 

 

When I hire from RentMassuer I pay 200, but expect HE, and a good sensual experience. 

[Aaron 90]

I completely agree. 200 for one hour session is pretty steep. I can't take the chance to try new masseurs, so I stick with my regulars. I imagine their business has declined. It's not justifiable.

[Vulgarii]

I charge below 100 for an hour. I live near a university and have a young professional and college student clientele so I charge the lowest because I like things the way they are.

[Heart It Deep]

I love of masseurs in NYC are charging $200 or even $250 for 60 minutes with, and some don't even do HE or anything exciting.  Some are legit decent masseurs, but personally I think these rates are getting out of hand. 

[LostUpstate]

I’ve hired 2 masseurs in the past 4 months. One charged $150 for one hour, plus tip, I tipped an extra $90 because he was really good with the sensual stuff, and a really nice guy. I actually had fooled around with him at my gym’s steam room and I asked him in advance of our meeting if he was okay with that, and it was cool with him. He’s not really much of a massage therapist, but the extras were amazing. 
 

The second guy I hired was also a guy that I had casually “met” at a Korean spa, and his rate was $180, and he made sure that “tipping is highly appreciated.” He was quite vague about what the session would entail, and his texts were on the cold side, not especially personal and more like he just sends you a form letter. Still, I went through with it because I think he’s hot. Upon meeting him, I mentioned the Korean spa encounter and he denied ever meeting me. The massage was okay, but he went into the extras very quickly and seemed like he was in a rush to get it over and done with. I tipped an extra $100, because I didn’t know what was appropriate in this situation, and when I left, it had been 35 minutes, not the hour I had paid for. Probably wouldn’t repeat. 

Edited 19 hours ago by LostUpstate

[+ JamesB]

3 hours ago, LostUpstate said:

The second guy I hired was also a guy that I had casually “met” at a Korean spa, and his rate was $180, and he made sure that “tipping is highly appreciated.” He was quite vague about what the session would entail, and his texts were on the cold side, not especially personal and more like he just sends you a form letter. Still, I went through with it because I think he’s hot. Upon meeting him, I mentioned the Korean spa encounter and he denied ever meeting me. The massage was okay, but he went into the extras very quickly and seemed like he was in a rush to get it over and done with. I tipped an extra $100, because I didn’t know what was appropriate in this situation, and when I left, it had been 35 minutes, not the hour I had paid for. Probably wouldn’t repeat. 

 

So for a rushed, just-okay massage that lasted 35 minutes instead of the full hour,  you tipped $100. You might as well start handing out twenties to people who almost hold the door open for you

[+ Jamie21]

3 hours ago, LostUpstate said:

I tipped an extra $100, because I didn’t know what was appropriate in this situation,

For next time: What’s appropriate in this situation is…no tip. 

I’d also suggest you avoid booking with guys who take such a casual and perfunctory approach! He fleeced you.
 

[TonyDown]

I texted a profile in Orange County yesterday.  His ad said ASK for rate.

 He replied $200/ hr, combination massage.

Higher than I expected.

Is 200 the new normal for a massage?

Edited 15 hours ago by TonyDown

[LostUpstate]

1 hour ago, JamesB said:

 

So for a rushed, just-okay massage that lasted 35 minutes instead of the full hour,  you tipped $100. You might as well start handing out twenties to people who almost hold the door open for you

I had already put the cash in an envelope before I got there and then there was no discreet way to take it out, and I didn’t know what time it was until I walked out his door. I had read previous threads about this provider which are locked because they date from 2018, and the client wrote that he experienced the same thing. Lesson learned!

[LostUpstate]

58 minutes ago, Jamie21 said:

For next time: What’s appropriate in this situation is…no tip. 

I’d also suggest you avoid booking with guys who take such a casual and perfunctory approach! He fleeced you.
 

His attitude was definitely “You need me more than I need you,” in both his communication and his attitude during the session. Still, I thought he might be worth a try because we had fun anonymously before we actually met. 

[LostUpstate]

1 hour ago, TonyDown said:

I texted a profile in Orange County yesterday.  His ad said ASK for rate.

 He replied $200/ hr, combination massage.

Higher than I expected.

Is 200 the new normal for a massage?

It depends on the provider and what they can get. My next provider who I’d like to see asks around that much, but he has rave reviews and everyone on here says he’s worth every penny. I live in NYC and there are many who ask for less, in the $150-180 range. It’s probably the same where you are in California. 

[+ JamesB]

3 hours ago, LostUpstate said:

I had already put the cash in an envelope before I got there and then there was no discreet way to take it out, and I didn’t know what time it was until I walked out his door. I had read previous threads about this provider which are locked because they date from 2018, and the client wrote that he experienced the same thing. Lesson learned!

 

May I suggest doing what’s worked well for me? I also use an envelope to pay providers which I prepare in advance with just their exact fee. If I choose to tip, I simply add it afterward, it's always easier to put more in than to take some out.

[LostUpstate]

16 minutes ago, JamesB said:

 

May I suggest doing what’s worked well for me? I also use an envelope to pay providers which I prepare in advance with just their exact fee. If I choose to tip, I simply add it afterward, it's always easier to put more in than to take some out.

Good idea, thanks!