totally off topic but looking for suggestions

Hello folks, I have been reading just not posting on here as I have been going to massage school and I just got done, last night I gave my last required 325 massage for the school, I took my state board test last week and passed, so now I just have to wait for my license, so here is my off topic question.

or more of a survey type, 

how many of you have had massages, have you had it a spa, or had a therapist come to your house, or did you go to their house? what is the going rate that most common folks are willing to pay for a massage. I know spas have over head, so I really dont want to work at a spa, but am thinking about setting up a room in my house or going to peoples houses, but I dont realy want to have to lug table and chairs up and down stairs so... just trying to figure out what to do now that I am done with school and will have license in hand very shortly,

thanks for any help and suggestions

Debby

I lived in Asia and had some memorable massages in different countries.   Unfortunately, I have never had a good massage here and stopped having them a couple of years ago because they were so disappointing - not sure if I have been unlucky or whether the technique taught here doesn't compare to my previous experiences.

Having said that - the going rate at the local Massage Envy is around $50 per hour (inc tip).   I would say that $35-40 ($45 inc tip) without overheads is reasonable, maybe a package deal would be a good thing to offer - say $325 for 10 or something like that (tip not included).

I will ditto a good bit of this, however I have had some GREAT massages from little tiny ladies in Chinatown in SF and they make me feel downright boneless! I had many massages in Australia and they were superb in comparison with any other US massage outside of SF Chinatown. :)

My younger son LOVES Massage Envy and what Kim said above is right on. 

One of my good friends has a neighbor who is a 'traveling masseuse' and goes with her table to client homes, offices and even to events where private rooms are available and does massages. She came to an American Cancer Society fundraiser and did the evening gratis, whatever folks paid went straight to the ACS and I think she was averaging 50$ per 30 minutes if I recall the newsletter contents correctly. 

When my husband needed them years ago we paid a premium to have someone come to our home, 65$ for 50 minutes I think...but that was all inclusive and no tips or anything on top of that. She had a rate card and asked that it be 'total compensation'.  

Family that live in larger metropolitan areas pay different rates for things than we do in suburbia, so that will likely have an impact. 

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!

Just curious what the EWL stands for at the bottom of your post. Thanks.

Depends on the location you are at.  And the type of services you offer. in my area - it is anything between 40-80 per hour, not including tip.

But be aware that if you set up a place in your house -  there may be a risk of exposing your life to clients (some may be perverts) and going to someone's home - also exposes you to possible danger.  It may be good idea to work for a private space - set up already, build your client base - then start on your own.  

I have been getting monthly massages for about 8 years now, partly to address an injury near my spine in between my shoulder blades, and partly to address stress that I hold in my body in general.

I have had three MTs.  One was a woman who had a room in her home dedicated for that purpose, but I always felt a little awkward going there.  The second was a woman who was one of two MTs who shared a space with two rooms and a small waiting area.  The man I have been going to for the last 6 years is in solo practice.  He charges $65 per hour if you have a doctor's prescription (our state requires him to collect taxes if it is not considered medical treatment). Other people in our area that are not associated with a spa or chiropractor, etc. charge $60-$75 per hour and those associated with a spa often charge $80 per hour. I don't know of any that come to the client's home, but I don't think I would like that, anyway.  Part of what I like is the dimmed room with candles and soft music!

My preferred massage is deep tissue, although I once had a massage and hot stone therapy at a fancy hotel that was really nice.

Congratulations on graduating and passing your licensure exam!

Lora

I love massage.  Unfortunately I can't afford it often.  I've seen a couple different massage therapists and they both had offices from which they worked.  I would feel a bit awkward at someone's home or having them come to my home.  In the past I've paid about $60 for a 60-minute massage.

Kelly, check to see if there is a massage school close by your house, my school only charged 20.00 for a massage with a student, thats for a 50 min massage. not too bad of a price for a massage even if it is with a student. In fact I am getting a 2 hour massage from the new class of students that just started not too long ago, it may be worth it for you to check it out.

thanks for your input

Debby

thanks ladies for the input, I have quite a few clients that were coming the school for a massage that want me to come to their house that is why I was asking..I just dont really want to lug my table and such all around, I was thinking I would set a side a room that I could look and feel like a spa with mood lighting and soft music that way it would seem like a spa. With just starting out I am not sure I want to try and rent a whole space and such as that is quite costly. We have a massage envy not far from my house and they charge the 49.00 for a massage but only pay their therapists 15.oo of that, they supply all oils and sheets and such so that is good. Even working out of my house or going to a clients house,  I still have oil and sheets to wash so there is some over head as far as that goes.

Thanks for all the input, I have lots to think about while I wait for my license to come.

Debby

The only place I have had a message is Elemis Salon at Mohegan Sun casino and they are pricey, between 150-250, but they are a fancy high end spa.