Frequently Asked Question Time!

Here are some more of the questions we are frequently asked:

Q: Don't your hands ever get tired?

A: The majority of our technique comes from the legs and hips, not our hands! Aside from a few key areas when the hands are really what's working, most of the time it's all about our body mechanics.


Q: Doesn't it bother you to work on (sweaty people/hairy people/insert other category here)?

A: This is probably the question we get asked most, usually in a hushed voice. The funny thing is--no, it doesn't bother us one bit! Hair is just hair. It's a completely natural thing. We have men that shave the majority of their body (swimmers), men that are very hairy indeed, women who can't stand to have even the barest amount of stubble on their legs, and women who don't shave anything at all! We don't even blink. The majority of our clients come to us because they are interested in taking care of themselves, so hygeine is rarely an issue. We're in Florida, after all, so a little bit of sweat is completely natural. Heck, we sweat through the massage! (We try not to drip on you, honest!)


Q: How do you handle getting hit on by your male clients?

A: (Usually this one is almost always directed at me, rather than Jay! *grin*) We are very clear on our webpage that we are a family business and offer only legitimate services. I've honestly never had a single issue with any of my male (or female, for that matter) clients. I usually mention my husband on the phone in the first conversation--only because I want to know if they want to book with me or him for their session. That probably also cuts down on the behavior.


Q: What is the best thing I (the client) can do to show I appreciated the service?

A: This is usually something that I get asked by people at the Chamber or in other networking groups rather than by my clients. There isn't really a clear protocol anywhere as far as who to tip, when to tip, how much, how to refer other people and so forth, so it can be confusing. (Maybe this is a new niche market for Ms. Manners to explore?)

The number one best way to show appreciation is to rebook an appointment and then stick to it! If you find a therapist you really like, then by all means, use them! Even if you can only show up a few times a year for a special treat, nothing says we're doing a great job like repeat business.

The almost-number one best way is to send your friends, family, and coworkers to us. Give them our card. Encourage them to give us a call. Consider buying them a gift certificate. Referrals show that not only do you feel we do a great job, you trust us to do a great job on the people you care about. It's a very high compliment indeed.

We are business owners and we do set our own rates, so while tipping your massage therapist or esthetician is customary, it's in no way expected. About 80% of our clients tip. The other 20% never do. And that's okay! (If you go to someone working at a spa or is an employee, tips are almost expected because while you might pay $70 for that massage, they might only be getting $25-$30 of it. They depend on tips to do things like buy food! Although, to be honest, those of us that own our own business also only get a small amount after we pay our business expenses. Six of one, half a dozen of the other...)

Finally, a great way to show us that we're doing a good job is to TELL US! We appreciate feedback (good and bad, actually) so that we know where we're making a good impression and what we can improve even more on. If you were really wowed, consider telling us in the form of an email and giving us permission to use it as a testimonial!


Q: How many massages do you do in a day/week/month?

A: The answer to this depends entirely on how many people want massage, how many are housecalls versus in-office, when the appointments are, and so forth. The most massages in a week I've ever heard of a therapist doing (that I actually knew rather than an urban legend rumor) was 30. Wow. I can't imagine doing nearly that many!

New Client Averages:
Filling out paperwork: 10 minutes
Talking to the client prior to a relaxation massage: 10 minutes
Talking to the client prior to a pain relief massage: 20-25 minutes
Talking to the client prior to a facial service: 20-25 minutes
Time for the client to visit the bathroom (prior to or after the service): 5 minutes
Time for the client to get undressed and ready: 5 minutes
Treatment time: Usually 60-90 minutes
Time for the client to get dressed at the end: 5 minutes
Talking to the client after the treatment/answer questions/etc.: 10 minutes

Repeat Client Averages:
Talking to the client prior to a relaxation massage: 3-5 minutes
Talking to the client prior to a pain relief massage: 5-10 minutes
Talking to the client prior to a facial service: 5-10 minutes
Time for the client to visit the bathroom (prior to or after the service): 5 minutes
Time for the client to get undressed and ready: 3-5 minutes
Treatment time: Usually 60-90 minutes
Time for the client to get dressed at the end: 5 minutes
Talking to the client after the treatment/answer questions/etc.: 5 minutes

I will say that these averages are for us. Usually if you go get a massage you fill out quick paperwork, get on the table, get your massage, and are rushed out the door. We really take our time to customize each experience and make the client comfortable.

That's just the time with the clients. We also spend time marketing, attending networking functions, returning phone calls and emails, updating the website, writing articles for a variety of websites and directories, continuing our education, placing orders, doing laundry....

So for me, personally, I wouldn't want to do more than 20 treatments a week. Four appointments a day works out to about a nine hour day after everything is figured in, and that's if I take two days off!

Right now, being pregnant, I'm taking 2.5 hours of massage and one facial/eyelash tinting/other treatment that's all sit-down/etc. a day maximum and doing my best to get two days off a week.


Don't see your question on our blog? Email me! I'll be happy to answer it.

Call 941-321-5311 to schedule your Sarasota massage therapy treatment today!