New Masseur Tips

[Otterlybelievable]

Hi all! 

Longtime forum member and massage client here, finally getting started providing paid massages after taking several courses over the last three years and loads of practice on friends, partners, classmates, and even a few strangers from Reddit. I’m not certified/licensed so I’m keeping my fees low at the moment while I work to build up a client base and continue refining my technique, but I’ve gotten consistently good feedback from everyone who’s been on my table so far so I think I’m starting off fine. 
 

That being said, I’m very much approaching this as a side hustle/part time gig while I maintain my other main job. I’m also primarily hosting sessions at home only when my partner is at work to allow for discretion for clients, so my massage availability is really limited and fluctuates week over week (neither my partner or I work a traditional 9-5 schedule so our schedules are not consistent).  I’m not opposed to outcall sessions at a client’s home but I don't do bed massages and it’s rare for the client to have their own massage table, so it’s easier to have them over at my place. 
 

My setup includes a padded massage table and headrest, two sheets and a towel (towel on the table, fitted sheet on top of that, and top sheet as the top layer), a rolled up blanket for their ankles/feet, fresh face and shower towels for after the massage, neutral-scented candle, palo santo sticks, a few lamps with dimmers, and a lightly scented massage oil. I offer water and I have a semi private enclosed backyard if a client needs to step outside for a breather. 
 

I start each massage session with a few minutes of general intake questions (injuries, pressure, areas to avoid or spend extra time on, etc.), then have them undress to their comfort level and get on the table, then do a few deep breathing exercises to align ourselves before starting on the actual massage. I check in a few times about pressure, and I check in as I go to see if they want me to work on some more sensitive areas like their neck, feet, or glutes. 
 

I’d love to get any tips or advice from both providers and clients about what else I can provide to create a positive experience for the client as well as how to work on building up a client base. Should I get additional covering/padding for the table? Any tips for advertising discreetly? What are some best practices for ensuring safety on my end? And from the client perspective, what are some qualities of a good massage that kept you coming back? I’m hoping to eventually transition this to being more of a full-time offering so any feedback is truly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance!

[Petris Sage]

Wow. Your set up seems very much like mine when I was in practice.  In fact you provide more than I did, and if I ever go back to providing massage, I'll incorporate some of your ideas. 

I used Biotone hypoallergenic massage cream rather than oil. It absorbs over time, is easier to wash out of sheets and linens, and it doesn't need to be washed off in a shower.

 I didn't allow clients into other parts of my home than the massage room and the bathroom, and I did not offer a shower unless he asked for one.  

One thing I thought of getting was a hydrocollator to keep hand towels.  I could have used my crock pot, but I never did either.  

It would have been nice to have a supply of hot, moist towels.  They're great to lay on a client's face when he's supine, especially if you start in that position.  Good for 90+ minute massages. You can then give him a face, scalp, and even neck massage before asking him to turn over and working his back.  

I like to finish with a client in the supine position so I usually began with him prone. This allows his turbinates to drain so he can breathe better at the end.  And also if you're massaging his genitals, it allows  for that too. 

Again a hot towel is nice to wipe up semen. A second hot towel feels nice to wipe off excess cream, lotion, or oil. This is important for his feet, if you've worked them, so he doesn't slip and fall when he gets up.

I used to start with a face massage then the back and end with the front. But that was too much flipping over and disturbing for the client.

Another thing I did back in the day was to have myself listed with the phone company as Massage by Petris.  This let people find me in the white pages without having to pay for a yellow page ad, which I also did.  I haven't seen a phone book in 20 years, though.  (How do people find each other's phone numbers today if they're not on social media?)

Anyhow, I think your best advertising is word of mouth.  Do a good job, take care if your clients.

Offer them two business cards, one for a reminder to return and one for a friend. Offer a discount for a free or half price massage time if they give you a referral.  You could also do a frequent client deal where every 11th massage is free.  There are lots of marketing ideas.  Ask AI for some too, but always remember your purpose and your boundaries.  

Oh a final thought, what is your safety plan?  Do you have a first aid kit and do you know CPR in case something happens? 

If the client turns violent, how will you escape and protect yourself?  This became a real situation for me once when I was still in massage school.  A client (who was also a coworker in my other job) chased me around my table wanting to have sex afterwards.  He was not someone I was interested in, especially after I had already said no.  Fortunately I was able to keep the table between us, and he obeyed when I got angry and told him to GTF out.  

But that led me to think of security.  Whenever someone was in my house, I knew the layout and planned to run outside quickly shouting my head off for attention and help. The same for a hotel.  That never happened though. 

When I went to a guy's house, I called a friend as I rang the bell to be on the phone so he'd hear me say, "I've arrived.  I'll call you when I'm done. (Brief pause) Yes. The address is in the appointment book. I gotta go now. Bye.". Eventually I stopped going to men's houses unless I knew them. Always remember safety is most important.

I wish you much success and happiness as you embark on this wonderful career.  It sounds like you're well prepared and ready.  If you were near me I'd certainly book time on your table.  

 

Edited yesterday at 06:53 PM by Petris Sage
Typos

[+ Jamie21]

Sounds like you have a good set up. I think the essential thing is to be a good masseur. That’s about reading the client’s body and understanding what they want (they don’t always tell you). I do sensual massage which requires certain skills that they don’t teach you at massage school. Indeed some things they teach you at school you need to forget! It’s all about pace, intensity, a slow build up and variety. 
The majority of my clients are regulars but that’s taken years to build up. If you’re reliable, consistent and professional you’ll be fine. Here’s some of my key tips:

Advertising - have a brand, get some professional pics, build a website (it saves repeating yourself on messages - just direct them to your website). It adds to their perception of your professionalism. Advertise on the best platform for your style. For me that’s RentMasseur and it’s the only paid advertising I do. 

Pricing - think about it carefully and set simple clear prices. Never ever discount. Never ever discount (just to be clear). Use pricing to manage demand and the quality of your clients. In other words don’t be cheap.

Client care - keep notes after each client about what they liked and or about what they told you. You’ll never remember all the clients but the notes help it appear to them that you remember them. That makes them feel special. That’s what it’s all about.

Your Safety- is managed first via your pricing (as above). Bad clients give red flags when they book (casual language, sex talk, dodgy pics sent to you, discount requests, late night booking, requests for half hour sessions). Avoid these clients. I’ve seen thousands (in call and out) and never had a problem so I think it’s more perception than reality but it could also be my approach? Make sure you have someone who knows where you’re going if you do an outcall, and research it before you go. 

Good luck. 
 

 

 

 

[Petris Sage]

1 hour ago, Jamie21 said:

I agree with nearly everything Jamie21 said, and after reading his advice, I would like to change mine on the topic of discounts, and I would like to advise you to follow his:

"Pricing - think about it carefully and set simple clear prices. Never ever discount. Never ever discount (just to be clear). Use pricing to manage demand and the quality of your clients. In other words don’t be cheap.

When I mentioned discounts, it was an idea that I had in my head, but it is not something I actually did.  If I reflect further, Jamie's advice makes sense for all the reasons he gave.  So scratch my thought about discounts, please. 

I would also like to reiterate what he said about documenting with notes.  I forgot to mention that, and it's good advice. 

Again I wish you good luck, and thanks Jamie for your advice, too.

 

[Otterlybelievable]

Thank you both for your responses and advice so far! To answer some of the questions/respond to some of the points above:

• biotone: I thought about getting it but I personally don’t like it as a client, as it makes my skin feel greasy and the scent is slightly repulsive to me, but I wouldn’t mind having it as an option if a client would like it or is allergic to the oils I usually use (a lavender-infused almond oil or a generic “sensual massage oil”)

 

• access around the home: I unfortunately don’t have a separate room I can convert into a dedicated massage room (and my partner and I just re-signed our lease so we’re here for another 12 months), so my current setup is in my living room. I move most of the furniture out of the way to have plenty of space to navigate around the massage table. The bathroom is about 10-15 feet away just through the kitchen but it’s an open concept space so the path is very clear (and lit by motion-sensitive panels while the overhead lights are off). I do not allow clients into my bedroom under any circumstances. 
 

• hot towels: great call on the hydrocollator! Definitely something to invest in down the line once I start getting more revenue and more clients, but for now the old microwave might have to do the trick (since the kitchen is right next to the living room this should be very feasible).

• safety: I do know CPR (certified three times though my cert is currently expired) and have basic first aid like ice packs and band aids on standby, and I ask if clients have any injuries or take any medication before I accept an appointment to ensure I’m not taking on someone I know I can treat. I live with my partner and always keep him aware when I have someone coming over (he’s never here during sessions but he knows I’ll have someone coming at a certain time and generally how long they’ve booked me for). If I haven’t texted him within a certain amount of time after the session is supposed to end, he knows to reach out first and if he doesn’t hear from me, to contact a trusted friend who lives two blocks over and has our spare key. I’m also in good shape (early 30s, workout 5 times a week, above average height) and I grew up in Brooklyn in the 90s so I know how to throw a right hook if needed 😉 additionally, my apartment has three doors as access points and I’m on the ground floor so if it really comes down to it the windows are also an option. My system for outcalls is similar to yours - I let my partner know where/when I’ll be and when to expect a response from me, and if he doesn’t hear back he knows to contact someone who lives close enough to wherever I am (we’re fortunate to have a large network of friends living all over our city and the neighboring ones, where I would be going for outcalls). 
 

• advertising: currently planning on keeping it as word of mouth/as “unofficial” as possible. I’m not currently certified and it’s technically not legal to accept payment for it while I’m not certified in my state (not to mention how the landlord would react to me running a business from the apartment - it wasn’t explicitly outlined in the lease but I’d rather not have to deal with that). One of my partner’s friends nearly got into legal trouble for doing this a few months ago due to her vengeful ex husband. Once I’m certified or generating enough revenue that it makes sense to have a separate designated space, I’ll likely start advertising more publicly. 
 

• pricing: my current structure covers sessions ranging from 30-90 minutes in 15 minute increments and my rates increase proportionately. Currently not offering anything longer than 90 minutes because I’ve only ever done one massage longer than that (and it was a 6-hand massage) so I need to work on building up my stamina. I know you both mentioned “no discounts” but I was thinking of having my first 10 clients be at my current rate, then do a slight price bump after that for future clients ($10-15) while keeping the current ones grandfathered in at that rate to help build loyalty. I’m in a heavily saturated market/city so as much as I would love to be making $250+ for a 60 minute session I know that that’s not where I am right now. I want to keep my rates low for now to remain competitive, and if I do ever change my prices in the future it’ll be a gradual adjustment. 
 

• client notes: that’s a great idea! I’ve always thought it was a nice touch when a masseur remembered something I said in a previous session but realistically it’s probably because they took notes, so I’ll definitely do the same. 
 

• screening clients: with how careful I’m being about the whole setup, I definitely agree with screening clients. The last thing I want to do is have someone in my home who doesn’t respect me or the space. I’ve already had to be really firm with one prospective client today about his overly overt advances (sending me his nudes including his PA and his rosebud and talking about the ED medication he needs to take), and since then I’ve been hesitant about if I should work with him. His requested session isn’t for another few weeks so I have a bit of time to feel him out more to see if he’ll be respectful going forward, but if he crosses any further boundaries I’ll for sure cut him off. 

Edited 15 hours ago by Otterlybelievable

[+ Jamie21]

On oils, I use Grapeseed oil. It’s better to avoid nut based oils in case any client has an allergy. 

If you’re massaging in a large room like a lounge I’d suggest using a screen to screen off the area set up for the table. It’s a bit disconcerting to be massaged in a large space. People want to feel a sense of security and privacy especially if they’re naked. If you don’t have a dedicated room then definitely screen off a corner and make it as cosy as possible. 
 

[Otterlybelievable]

3 hours ago, Jamie21 said:

On oils, I use Grapeseed oil. It’s better to avoid nut based oils in case any client has an allergy. 

If you’re massaging in a large room like a lounge I’d suggest using a screen to screen off the area set up for the table. It’s a bit disconcerting to be massaged in a large space. People want to feel a sense of security and privacy especially if they’re naked. If you don’t have a dedicated room then definitely screen off a corner and make it as cosy as possible. 
 

Thank you! Definitely going to invest in these two

[DunwoodyGuy]

Please don't use "lavender-infused almond oil or a generic sensual massage oil.” Not sure why you would say Biotone is greasy--it's actually the opposite. Also they make several different formulations--cream, lotion, oil, gel--all of which are better than "generic sensual" and NONE of them smell of lavender! Jamie's suggestion of grapeseed oil is, as always, perfect--most of the Biotone formulations use grapeseed oil in the blend.

[Otterlybelievable]

44 minutes ago, DunwoodyGuy said:

Please don't use "lavender-infused almond oil or a generic sensual massage oil.” Not sure why you would say Biotone is greasy--it's actually the opposite. Also they make several different formulations--cream, lotion, oil, gel--all of which are better than "generic sensual" and NONE of them smell of lavender! Jamie's suggestion of grapeseed oil is, as always, perfect--most of the Biotone formulations use grapeseed oil in the blend.

Is there a reason why you say not to use those oils? If the concern is being strongly fragrant, both of them are very mild - and I give the client the opportunity to see what they are/smell them first before going forward so that they can decide if they’re comfortable with it. They also have the opportunity to shower before leaving if they need to be even more discreet. 
 

As mentioned, that’s been my experience with biotone massage gel - it’s always made my skin feel heavily greased up afterwards, especially my back and legs, and I find I need to fully lather up several times in the shower afterwards to really get it all off. One of my go-to masseurs uses it for most of his clients but after the third session with him I asked if I could switch to oil and he was happy to oblige. Obviously on the masseur end of things using biotone wouldn’t be as much of an issue for me when it comes to washing up as it would only really be getting on my hands/forearms, and I’ve got no problem investing in it if clients would prefer having the option, but I’ve never liked it being used on me as a client. 

[DunwoodyGuy]

I hate cheap massage oils. They are one step above baby oil. Anything scented--even lightly so--makes me think the masseur is less than professional.

The Biotone gel might indeed be "greasier" than the other formulations, but there is no substance as perfect for massage than the Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion. The tactile feel is not greasy but elegant, smooth, odorless, scentless. It never seems to dry out--the masseur rarely needs to reapply, except a great deal of glide is being employed. And even when a lot is used, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and healthy afterward. In fact, when I enter a masseur's space and see it by the table, I instantly feel more comfortable and secure. It tell me that the guy knows what he is doing.

It is advertised as being: nut-oil Free, no drying alcohol, no mineral oils, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and most important of all, unscented. If all you've tried is the Biotone Gel, you owe it to yourself to try the Advanced Therapy Lotion.

 

[MikeBiDude]

1 hour ago, DunwoodyGuy said:

I hate cheap massage oils. They are one step above baby oil. Anything scented--even lightly so--makes me think the masseur is less than professional.

The Biotone gel might indeed be "greasier" than the other formulations, but there is no substance as perfect for massage than the Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion. The tactile feel is not greasy but elegant, smooth, odorless, scentless. It never seems to dry out--the masseur rarely needs to reapply, except a great deal of glide is being employed. And even when a lot is used, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and healthy afterward. In fact, when I enter a masseur's space and see it by the table, I instantly feel more comfortable and secure. It tell me that the guy knows what he is doing.

It is advertised as being: nut-oil Free, no drying alcohol, no mineral oils, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and most important of all, unscented. If all you've tried is the Biotone Gel, you owe it to yourself to try the Advanced Therapy Lotion.

 

Even as a “amateur”, I buy Biotone lotion for massaging my younger friends.