Massage Envy Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Lisa T in Carlsbad, California said: Totally agree with you guys. Have you tried Message Envy, tell me what you think. I worked so hard as nurse. Cleaning, lifting, assisting my nursing assistance, and caring for demanding patient are very stressful. By the time my 12 hours shift is done, I practically crawl in shower and go straight to bed. Being a single mom, cannot afford $80-100 massage. I took the introductory price for massage at ME for $39. Don't know if I should join their membership. Anyone out there have bad experience with Massage Envy.

Don't go by others experiences. Go by yours...was it pleasant? Was the therapist professional, did she address your concerns? Did you benefit in any way from the massage? If you had a great experience, then why not give it a go? There is a chance anywhere you go to run across a bad seed, unfortunately there is no way to avoid it. MTs have bad days as well as other occupations. And kudos for you being a nurse that assists your cnas. I have been a CNA for 6 yrs now and have yet to run across a nurse willing to assist me. I actually overhear a nurse telling someone that a patient insulted them by asking them for some juice. The nurses words were "What do I look like a tech?" Where i work now we are PCTs not CNAs. There should be more out there like you.

Where I worked, CNAs will not work if we do not assist them with bath, cleaning, and turning pt. As for me, I work to get alone with them. You help them, they will help you. Win/win situation. My philosiphy is to work, take care of my pt, get pay, and go home to my family. By the way, I enjoyed my first message at Message Envy. But the policy that you cannot unless you have a note from physician and if you move 25miles away from Message Envy,

Lisa T in Carlsbad, California said: Totally agree with you guys. Have you tried Message Envy, tell me what you think. I worked so hard as nurse. Cleaning, lifting, assisting my nursing assistance, and caring for demanding patient are very stressful. By the time my 12 hours shift is done, I practically crawl in shower and go straight to bed. Being a single mom, cannot afford $80-100 massage. I took the introductory price for massage at ME for $39. Don't know if I should join their membership. Anyone out there have bad experience with Massage Envy.

Lisa T, I know how you feel. Running all over the hospital during a 12 hour shift covering our assigned floors, caring for each of our patients and answering STAT pages from ICU and the ER is very overwhelming, stressful and extremely exhausting. I also have to move my patients with Chestphysiotherapy orders(usually 3 to 5 patients per floor)in different positions to drain phlegm from their lungs. Percussors and vests are difficult to find in the hospital so I usually have to use my cupped hands to percuss their chests. It's hard work and I am dripping sweat by the time I'm finished, especially after percussing 4 patients. Then I have the patient cough it up or I suction it out with a sterile catheter, clearing their airway. Then I administer bronchodilator treatments to help keep their airway open so they can breathe easier. Our chosen profession is not easy but you have to admit, it is very rewarding to see our patients improve and know we played a part in their recovery, especially critically ill patients in the ICU struggling to survive/live. I feel privileged to be in our field. As Healthcare professionals we all work together; as a team we use our combined knowledge and skills to help all our patients. Lisa T, With our High Cost Of Living, Mortgage Payments, Home Owner Dues, Car Payments, Utility Bills, High Gas Prices and Grocery Prices, I unfortunately cannot afford the luxury of a massage.

Lisa T in Carlsbad, California said: Where I worked, CNAs will not work if we do not assist them with bath, cleaning, and turning pt. As for me, I work to get alone with them. You help them, they will help you. Win/win situation. My philosiphy is to work, take care of my pt, get pay, and go home to my family. By the way, I enjoyed my first message at Message Envy. But the policy that you cannot unless you have a note from physician and if you move 25miles away from Message Envy,

Lisa T, I like your attitude. And your work ethic. We all need to help each other, especially in a fast-paced hospital environment. It relieves some of the stress. I have to agree with Cheree in Rochester; Most Nurses will not help with patients. I always step in and help when I see someone struggling. When my patients ask for water, ice, an extra blanket...etc. I get it for them. As a Respiratory Therapist I have to move my patients in various positions during Chestphysiotherapy and it's like pulling teeth to get any of them to help me. Most of the time I manage to move them by myself. It's no wonder I'm dripping sweat by the time I'm finished percussing my patients. We are in this field to help patients and it would be easier if we work together as a team to accomplish that goal.

Hi all, I have read the blogs over the last few days and it seems many run the discussion away from the topic.
I am a LMT who works at ME. Today I added up my commissions, bonuses and tips from last week. I spent 31.5 hours at the clinic, 26hrs in sessions. My average for the week is 22.69/hr. that is an average week. I usually get at least a couple really outstanding tips a day.
I graduated from school, with 1000 hour program in 1989. I have not been practicing professionally over the last 16 years. Last year I decided to go back to doing something I love, massage. I became licensed here in TN 3 months ago and love my job at ME.
I think that your job satisfaction at ME is going to be very dependant on the individual owner. and your attitude.
I am not saying that everything is golden but over all, I feel that I am gaining invaluable experience and have a pleasant work environment.
You have all your appointments booked for you. With breaks as you determine. You have sheets and lubricant supplied for you. I have Never been asked to clean anything but my own space, be it my assigned room for the day, or the space where I eat my lunch. I do not have to sell products or memberships. I have been accomedated on my requests for time off and schedule changes.
One thing I would change is I think we should get compensated for requested therapist bookings. Once someone signs up we have no oppurtunity to get any extra bonus from that account. I understand some of the MEs in other areas do that. Being that this ME opened in April maybe that will be implemented later. Currently the owner is trying to get a group health plan in place so we will see how that comes out.
I do work with a lot of newly graduated therapist but the requirements to be licenced in TN are fairly stringent and I wouldn't expect anyone that is licenced to not be qualified. Every therapist has something different to offer.

You are cool to talk. Do you have yahoo messenger, what is your sex, location

I have AIM not yahoo, female(not a boy named sue ha ha) and just south of Nashville

what brought you into this website? nashville? is it north carolina.

I was searching for Massage Envy's web site and just happened to run across this forum. Nashville, THE Nashville, Music City, Country Music Capitol, is in Tennessee.

I did a search for ME and came across this site. I cannot believe how aggressive some of you sound. I am a recent graduate and have thought about seeking out employment with ME. The reason for this is because I like the idea of experiencing a lot of different bodies in a short amount of time. I do not feel that my clinic experience, alone, is enough to offer individuals the quality massage I desire to give. I want experience and if I have to take a crappy job for a few months I don’t care (I’m not upset, just stating a personal fact). Someone made a point of saying ME doesn’t go out and drag therapist in, MTs show up and ask for work. We are trained in school to know what our options are, in terms of available work environments, so we know what’s out there. Some therapists are looking for an easy, long term, job and want to put little effort into finding one. Perhaps ME is for them.

I would assume many clients seeking out places like ME are new to massage anyway or are going simply for relaxation not because they have specific issues that need to be addressed. Those clients who have experienced massage related to addressing specific issues would seek out a therapist who is more knowledgeable.

ME is a great place to get experience. Where else can you see so many dif types of bodies. Everyone that comes in is from different walks of life and have different needs for massage. Some come in for their first massage and I feel honored that I can give them an experience that they like and maybe influence them to recieve massage for good health the rest of their life. Others come in with a lot of massage experience and when they like my massage and become regular clients that is gradifying as well. I recommend anyone wanting to jump in with both feet try it. It doesn't have to be a forever job.

recent graduate - portland, or in Burton, Washington said: I did a search for ME and came across this site. I cannot believe how aggressive some of you sound. I am a recent graduate and have thought about seeking out employment with ME. The reason for this is because I like the idea of experiencing a lot of different bodies in a short amount of time. I do not feel that my clinic experience, alone, is enough to offer individuals the quality massage I desire to give. I want experience and if I have to take a crappy job for a few months I don’t care (I’m not upset, just stating a personal fact). Someone made a point of saying ME doesn’t go out and drag therapist in, MTs show up and ask for work. We are trained in school to know what our options are, in terms of available work environments, so we know what’s out there. Some therapists are looking for an easy, long term, job and want to put little effort into finding one. Perhaps ME is for them.

I would assume many clients seeking out places like ME are new to massage anyway or are going simply for relaxation not because they have specific issues that need to be addressed. Those clients who have experienced massage related to addressing specific issues would seek out a therapist who is more knowledgeable.

I would not say thet ME customers are new to massage. You still have to know your stuff. When I worked for them, I had a lot of clients that wanted specific techniques done and had many medical issues also that I dealt with. I didnt like ME. I left and went on to better things. Dont sell yourself short by thinking no one elde will hire you. If you are good at what you do, and know your stuff, then go for it, dont settle.

Have any of you checked the national pay for a therapist? I went to salary.com and it has the national average of a massage therapist at $15 per hour. This is certainly an unbiased account for what therapists are paid. I have also become a member at Massage Envy. The therapist have zero overhead, a clean working environment and everything is paid for, including all of the clients that the owner advertised for and that's how I found out about it.
Sounds like some of you are just disgruntled former therapists, or it sounds like the industry has changed to make massage affordable and you are upset that they have figured out that you have been overcharging for years.
I will remain a happy, satisfied member!

Have any of you checked the national pay for a therapist? I went to salary.com and it has the national average of a massage therapist at $15 per hour. This is certainly an unbiased account for what therapists are paid. I have also become a member at Massage Envy. The therapist have zero overhead, a clean working environment and everything is paid for, including all of the clients that the owner advertised for and that's how I found out about it.
Sounds like some of you are just disgruntled former therapists, or it sounds like the industry has changed to make massage affordable and you are upset that they have figured out that you have been overcharging for years.
I will remain a happy, satisfied member!

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: Have any of you checked the national pay for a therapist? I went to salary.com and it has the national average of a massage therapist at $15 per hour. This is certainly an unbiased account for what therapists are paid. I have also become a member at Massage Envy. The therapist have zero overhead, a clean working environment and everything is paid for, including all of the clients that the owner advertised for and that's how I found out about it.
Sounds like some of you are just disgruntled former therapists, or it sounds like the industry has changed to make massage affordable and you are upset that they have figured out that you have been overcharging for years.
I will remain a happy, satisfied member!

That is a really good point. I have to say that I never checked on what the national average pay is for a therapist. Honestly, so many school recruiters push the idea that a therapist can walk out of school and immediately charge $60 and up for a one hour massage and people will be practically beating their door down to pay that amount.

Personally, I like the fact that average people can access affordable massages at ME. I became a MT to help peole, especially those in pain, and ME allows me to do that and reaches a lot more people who really need massage work.

Where are you getting your information from, Don? According to the Salary Wizard on Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of massage therapists earn between $35,707 and $54,153 annually. And that's base salary. According to the Salary Search on Indeed.com, the average salary for massage therapists is $45,000.

Salary.com: swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_nationalrangebell.asp?jobcode=HC07000342&error=1&jobtitle=Massage%20Therapist&narrowcode=AR03&narrowdesc=Personal%20Care%20and%20Service&yearsofexp=&geo=U.S.%20National%20Averages

Indeed.com: www.indeed.com/salary?q1=massage+therapist&l1=&tm=1

I looked at average $ per hour. Part of why I started reading this was because a friend of mine told me that she makes $30 per hour, (thats what she get paid from her boss) and she said she does on average 3 massages per day over a 6 hour period. I tried to explain to her that that is $15 per hour, but she just doesn't see it. You have to calculate all of the hours you work, and then divide the pay over the day. That calculates the $$ per hour.
She doesn't see it that way. But she also doesn't think she needs to take into account the fact that her boss doesn't supply her lotions and that she pays for that out of pocket. Or the fact that when she isn't doing massage, she has other "chores" she needs to do. My therapist at Massage Envy says that she determines how many massages she does in a day, and how many in a row. She also said her owner provides benefits, 401k and has paid for her state licence.
When I am in that room, we have some good conversations, I can't imagine that this therapist is lying to me. Why would she. It doesn't sound like the horrible place some of you had said it is.
If I thought it was that bad, I would cancel my membership. The only thing this has done for me is made me schedule another appointment. I want to schedule with a different therapist and see what they say.
I think it is up to each owner to determine the mood at each clinic, some may just be better than others, I'm glad I have a good one!

I went to the website, and using your $45,000 number, the average massage therapist makes $22.50 per hour. I checked with this message board, and with my Massage Envy, and the average therapist is tipped 10 - 15 per session. That makes their pay between $25 - $30 per session. I'm no math major, but isn't 25 more than 22?
And I'm also guessing that not all of the tips that the therapist get are on a credit card. So isn't it nice that the therapist is getting $$ up front without taxes? Although I am sure they are adding that all up and putting it on their taxes at the end of the year. :)
It would seem nice to be a W-2 employee instead of a freelance employee and have an accurate check of their finances.
And one other thing I forgot about. My therapist has been doing massage for 15 years, (not fresh out of school) and she just went to 16 hours of CEU's for her National Certification, and guess who paid for that? She told me that Massage Envy is now starting a new pilot program where they pay for all of the therapists CEU's.
Again, that sounds like a pretty good deal. I'm happy to finally see a place that is uniform and bringing standards to the massage industry. The time has come for a place like this. I don't think it is for everybody, but it is a nice answer to the high price some places charge for massage. I personally don't like to pay some spa $30 extra dollars for lighting a candle when the only thing I want is a massage.

You are assuming that therapists are on the jobsite 40 hours per week (most of us aren't). Twenty hours of hands on massage a week is considered full-time at Massage Envy (and most other massage clinics). So, the $45,000 number would actually come to about $45/hour of hands on massage. Like your friend, I don't think about the hours that I'm not giving massage. Fortunately, at the Massage Envy where I work, I don't have a lot of downtime and I'm not expected to do anything beyond massage (other than keeping the area clean). See, there are both plusses and minuses to working there. FYI, I've been at Massage Envy for a few months now, and while my tips have definitely improved, I cannot say that I'm averaging $10-15 in tips per session (some people walk right out the door without tipping). In other words, you cannot rely on tips!!!

this is for Don and layla, I work at a resort/casino/spa. My work conditions arent the best and they arent worse but i will say this the pay is pretty decent for the work that we do. i get paid on avg. about $28 per hour and that includes tips on a 6 hour day. that is about 4 massages a day. some days we do 5 some days 3 so i just put 4 in there. We all work different numbers throughout the week so there is no way to say what we make a year. Our avg. tip is 20. A resort spa is very fast pace we barely have time to eat. With that being said every establishment is different so i would say based off therapists i have talked to for an establishment like where i work we get paid pretty good

I never add tips onto credit cards. My tip is a "thank you", a gift to someone who provided "above and beyond" service to make my meal, massage or stay extra special. Although tips have become expected in many service industries, ME is the first massage facility I know of where tips as considered part of base pay. Perhaps they should be an add on like taxes, like resturants that add an automatic 15% gratutity for large groups. In Europe, everything you do has a gratuity tacked on, regardless of the service.

A good massage school curriculum includes a business course in which students research massage businesses - the income (revenue) side of the balance sheet (massage fees, product sales, seminars, tax deductions) and the expense side (real estate, taxes, supplies, mktg, city/state fees, bank fees etc.). I used to teach a class and you might be surprised how many people want to own a business yet don't balance a checkbook or have a clue about credit card interest. There's nothing wrong telling someone they can change $50 - 75/hr on the income side of the balance sheet but the expense side of the balance sheet is more important in the long run. Cherie Sohnen-Moe has a number of massage and health business books like Business Mastery: A Business and Planning Guide for Creating a Successful Healing Arts Practice. She reported at a conference two years ago that nationally, on average, massage therapists drop out after 3-5 years. I don't recall if she knew if this was due to injuries or inability to survive on massage income alone. I still think ME should pay $20 - $25/hr unless they are picking up the tab for health insurance.

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: I went to the website, and using your $45,000 number, the average massage therapist makes $22.50 per hour. I checked with this message board, and with my Massage Envy, and the average therapist is tipped 10 - 15 per session. That makes their pay between $25 - $30 per session. I'm no math major, but isn't 25 more than 22?
And I'm also guessing that not all of the tips that the therapist get are on a credit card. So isn't it nice that the therapist is getting $$ up front without taxes? Although I am sure they are adding that all up and putting it on their taxes at the end of the year. :)
It would seem nice to be a W-2 employee instead of a freelance employee and have an accurate check of their finances.
And one other thing I forgot about. My therapist has been doing massage for 15 years, (not fresh out of school) and she just went to 16 hours of CEU's for her National Certification, and guess who paid for that? She told me that Massage Envy is now starting a new pilot program where they pay for all of the therapists CEU's.
Again, that sounds like a pretty good deal. I'm happy to finally see a place that is uniform and bringing standards to the massage industry. The time has come for a place like this. I don't think it is for everybody, but it is a nice answer to the high price some places charge for massage. I personally don't like to pay some spa $30 extra dollars for lighting a candle when the only thing I want is a massage.

I've been a massage therapist for several years and never knew one yet who made $45,000 per year doing strictly massage.

It's true, ME is now paying for continuing education for their therapists. HOORAY!! Some companies might reimburse a portion of it, but ME is paying the full cost. Who says they don't treat their employees well???

$45000 a year based on a 30 hour week which is what most of us work at my ME, you would have to make $28.84 per hour. that means no down time, no and at least a $13 tip. My tips have ranged from the start, from one guy who didn't tip to a $30 tip from a waitress who enjoed her massage. My average in tips this week per hour of massage has been 12.40 so if I do 30 hours of massage a week I might make that much plus no overhead at ME.
My average per hour at work last week was 22.69/hr.
I was at work mon and tues for 14.5 hours and did 12.5 hours of massage. I grossed 352.50. I have only one complaint about working at Massage Envy. I think that when a client asks to be booked with us, our cut should increase to $20. Once someone signs up (we get $5 bonus when our client becomes a member) we have our base + tips. The owner has stated he doesn't know how to track the requested therapist for a bonus...I would like to know what other ME do. Anyone know?

Which ME facility is paying for CEUs? I have heard that some seminars are sponsored through ME but have not received any actual documentation. Inservice training is different from CEUs, especially if you are trying to meet the specific AMTA requirements.

I've been told that these are not inservice trainings. They work with NCBTMB Approved Providers who can give CEUs to meet all state AMTA and NCB requirements. As far as I know all of the ME facilities in Charlotte are offering them.

My ME is trying to set that up as well. He recently asked us for CE class suggestions of what we might be interested in taking. I think corportate is pushing that. Hopefully they will come up with something useful.

Sue My ME gives me a base + member bonus + signing up a new member + a sunday bonus (b/c i work on a sunday) + my tips. I wasn't able to take the CEU's when they were here b/c i was on vacation but everyone i have talked to loved them. I have worked for ME for 18 months. My clinic was sold in and i really didn't get along with the new owner not that he is bad we just have very different views i went to work for another clinic and i love them they treat us therapist right. They understand that therapist aren't a dime a dozen (or at least good ones aren't) I have already made on paper $23,000 for the year so far. So you can make money with ME. I am not an owner. I have been a therapist for almost 9 years. I enjoy going to My Stress free clinic.

I asked my therapist and she said it was 2 complete days of CEU classes outside of Massage Envy. It was somewhere in downtown Atlanta. All 10 ME's sent their therapist and they had about 40 attend. 100% of the day was on ME's dime.

Thank you. What topics were covered and who were the presenters? I am assuming therapists were doing it on their own time but it is still a nice win/win offer. I want to follow up with my ME. This is another area where being a large organization provides some advantage. Being offered a contract to teach 20 courses instead of one would be very appealing to many instructors.

The regional develpoers had a 3 choices for CEU's. Prenatal massage, Reflexalogy and i can't remember what the third was. It was a couple from Arizona that did the CEUs. Massage Envy corporate paid for them to come out. The regional developers paid for the location and the food for both days.
Massage Envy is starting to make it an every year thing that the clinics will all chip in to pay for instructures and the location.

There were 2 topics over 2 days. One was pregnancy massage, and the other was something called Fusion. (not sure what that is) It was over 2 days and on the therapist time, but on ME's dime.
MY therapist said the class was awesome and it was run really well. I think it is a pilot program that started in ATL, but it was so successful, ME is planning on rolling it out nationally.

Recently I visited ME to see for myself and get a massage. Before I went in the room, the owner was very friendly and introduced himself. I told the therapist I've been an LMT for years. Everyone I used to trade with has quit the profession. I've tried top dollar places and decided to give ME a try, too. The therapist was very nice, but inexperienced (sure, I remember what that was like and it's okay) and didn't even do a full body massage during my hr and a half appt. I couldn't figure out why she didn't do my neck and only lightly worked my shoulders (although I'd mentioned on the paperwork and told her I needed lots of attention to my neck and shoulders). Nothing at all to face, head, abs, hamstrings, glutes - why? When working on the back of my legs, she stopped at the calves- didn't go higher. Right then I asked why and said I want them done. She said most people don't want them done, then said she would, but didn't. I asked why no abs, glutes, head or face. She said they were told by mgmt most don't want those things and they're only to do face or abs (I guess not the rest I mentioned) if specifically asked. It was a waste of money. The therapist had body mechanics that will put her out of work in another month. She hasn't even been there a month and she told me her thumbs hurt so bad she can hardly stand it. Seriously, I see why the huge turnover. They need to hire some outside advisors to teach these people (both mgmt and their therapists) how to provide a good massage (I'm not even talking GREAT, just GOOD would've been acceptable) and info on body mechanics. Very sweet girl, but I doubt she'll last long. And before anyone flames me for even going there to "take advantage" of the low introductory price, please know I tipped her more than she probably made on the whole massage (not because she was great, but more because I felt bad she's already injured). I basically paid for an hr and a half hand and foot massage with a few minutes of back and partial legs.

I know what you mean. I have had massages like that too at high end spas and even once with a private practitioner and they can be disappointing. As a ME therapist, I know our owners expect us to give full body massages, which include abs, glutes, etc. I feel bad for the therapist because instructors at her school must have missed the way she was working.

SueWest in Charlotte, North Carolina said: I know what you mean. I have had massages like that too at high end spas and even once with a private practitioner and they can be disappointing. As a ME therapist, I know our owners expect us to give full body massages, which include abs, glutes, etc. I feel bad for the therapist because instructors at her school must have missed the way she was working.

That may be so, but doesnt ME do practicals? Where I had worked they did. If she is that bad, they would have seen that at the first interview and not hired her. But, I know ME and they , in most cases, have problems finding therapists so they hire whoever can work the shifts they need so that they have the coverage they need. Not all ME may be that way, but I know several in my area that are and Im sure there are more. This is the thing I find unprofessional about them, among others.

Well my ME has 22 therapists working at it. I can tell you that not every therapist I have gone to gave a great massage, but on average, they are all better than good. The owner told me when I first joined that he had a lot of therapists working there and that I should let him know the type of massage I was looking for and he would put me with the therapist that would most meet my needs the best. Thats how I eventually found my favorite. She has worked in massage for over 10 years and has been with this ME since it opened almost a year ago.
They don't seem to have the huge turnover I have heard some people talk about. Again, I'm not a therapist, so I can only go by what I hear when I go for my weekly massage. But most of the people complaining sound like it is just sour grapes. They don't like that ME is finally bringing massage to the masses and making it more affordable and bringing it to a brand new clientele. Once this clientele realizes how great massage is for them, they may want to go to a full spa and try that. This is a client that you would have never seen if it wasn't for places like ME. If you are good at your job, you should welcome the new competition. If you aren't good at your job and you are worried about losing it, then I would be griping and writing nasty things too.

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: Well my ME has 22 therapists working at it. I can tell you that not every therapist I have gone to gave a great massage, but on average, they are all better than good. The owner told me when I first joined that he had a lot of therapists working there and that I should let him know the type of massage I was looking for and he would put me with the therapist that would most meet my needs the best. Thats how I eventually found my favorite. She has worked in massage for over 10 years and has been with this ME since it opened almost a year ago.
They don't seem to have the huge turnover I have heard some people talk about. Again, I'm not a therapist, so I can only go by what I hear when I go for my weekly massage. But most of the people complaining sound like it is just sour grapes. They don't like that ME is finally bringing massage to the masses and making it more affordable and bringing it to a brand new clientele. Once this clientele realizes how great massage is for them, they may want to go to a full spa and try that. This is a client that you would have never seen if it wasn't for places like ME. If you are good at your job, you should welcome the new competition. If you aren't good at your job and you are worried about losing it, then I would be griping and writing nasty things too.

It may sound like sour grapes, but its reality. I dont think anyone is that scared by ME so much as competition. Its what it does to the profession. I know you may think thats BS, but its true. What we are writing is the truth based on our experiences. Its easy to label it as "griping" or Nasty, when you dont like whats being said. ME coukld care less about bringing massage to the masses. They want the MONEY. I have heard so many ME managers and owners say unapropriate things about therapists and clients its just crazy. I work at a different spa now and we have 6 ME therapists working with us and you should hear some of the stories.

It's not sour grapes. They aren't my "competition". As LMT/CMT in Phoenix above me said, it's reality and what it does to the profession. I am sure there are very good therapists at MEs all over the country. If anything, perhaps the ineptness of some nearby may bring me more business - or swear some off of ever trying it again; who knows. Taking their clients is not my goal. I'm just concerned, from my visit, the management has decided what the locals do and do not want massaged on their body and told young and inexperienced therapists they mustn't do certain standard areas because they've decided the client doesn't want it. I've never had anyone NOT want a full body massage when that's what they asked to receive (especially for an hour and a half). And, by the way, I asked specifically for someone experienced who could work on the areas concerning me, left the time frame more open and they specifically gave me the "right" therapist. (Don's posts seem a little too concerned for someone who's only a customer, but that's my opinion.)

The Massage Envy that I work at gave me a manual that clearly states to ask specific permission before working glutes, abs, or pecs. Maybe the therapist misunderstood the intent of that. Personally I ask what the client has in mind and I provide it.
Before I started working at ME I was a member. I had a shoulder injury I was recovering from and used massage as part of my rehab. I recieved a weekly massage and I purposely booked with someone different to see what the different therapist had to offer. I liked some more than others but I was never disppointed.
I went to an expensive spa near my house last year and paid $120+ tip and told the therapist that my lower back was hurting and I wanted my glutes done. She did nothing to my glutes and I had to ask for more pressure 3 or 4 times. That was disappointing.
I don't think that you can judge a clinic or spa by what one therapist does. I love working there! and I rarely hear those kind of complaints about any of my co-workers. Also when a client doesn't like their massage and has a specific complaint sometimes the owner will comp a massage to them and put them with another therapist.
Our owner who may be in it for the money at least appears to want to provide a good quality experience for clients.
Many of us are booked every day with repeat clients that ask for us and tip us well so obviously they have had some great massages.

"(Don's posts seem a little too concerned for someone who's only a customer, but that's my opinion.)" fom lmt in calif

I think you are correct in your statement. I think this is the manager that I interviewed with at ME. He asked me during the interview what I had heard about ME and I told him about this forum and other sources of negative feedback. I think he is deceiving this forum. He decieved me in the interview about income potential, the caliber of therapists that he hires (only from the best schools...RIGHT!!!),and that I would get a break when I needed one (I told them 3 massages and I would need a break, but they added one right after my third. Other therapist complained of having their schedules changed around WITHOUT their consent.)

Worked at ME 2 days and did not go back! in Atlanta, Georgia said: "(Don's posts seem a little too concerned for someone who's only a customer, but that's my opinion.)" fom lmt in calif

I think you are correct in your statement. I think this is the manager that I interviewed with at ME. He asked me during the interview what I had heard about ME and I told him about this forum and other sources of negative feedback. I think he is deceiving this forum. He decieved me in the interview about income potential, the caliber of therapists that he hires (only from the best schools...RIGHT!!!),and that I would get a break when I needed one (I told them 3 massages and I would need a break, but they added one right after my third. Other therapist complained of having their schedules changed around WITHOUT their consent.)

You are pointing out the fact that these people are just in it for the money, pure and simple. I hate what they are doing to the industry that all of us oldtimers helped to build with good strong business ethic and a desire to heal.

Don't get my wrong, I'm a capitalist and I'm all for free trade and competition, but these people are just unprofessional greedy opportunists. They don't know how to do it right and that's why I believe that this whole franchise is going to fail.

Oh, and Don, come clean! Don't come in here and B.S. about you being a concerned customer. You're Busted!

I just think it funny to listen to. I am in the flooring business and have been for 12 years. I have seen people in my industry come and go and complain about things. Every mom and pop retailer complained about Home Depot and Lowe's opening up near them. They were all afraid that it would hurt their business, or even worse, put them out of business. Now most of them hope one opens near them.
It was the same for the small stores that had a Wal-Mart open near them. Everyone complained because they hate change.
I am not overly concerned. I just think all of you therapists that think you are doctors are a little nutty. You went to school for 8 months, maybe a year at best and spent under 30k to do so. You think that your worth is much higher than the market dictates. And make no doubt about it, the market will drive the price, not the therapists.
Massage Envy is filling a void. And I would love to see you open a business, not all owners of any business are making a killing. The average business takes 2 years to make a profit. and just for a moment think about how much it would cost to open something the size of a Massage Envy. It has to be over $300,000. I'm guessing they would have to break 50k per month just to begin making a dime. Since as you've pointed out, therapists need to get paid. That has to be $30,000 to 40,000 per month.
Again, sounds like I've hit a nerve here. The one thing I am glad about is that I don't have someone like you working on me. I'm sure all of the bad vidbes you put out on here, would definately come through to the massage, whether I was paying 39, or $100!

Susan, glad to see I'm not the only one that thinks this is a great service and a pretty good company, (as I see it).
Since you are a therapist, and I am not, am I crazy here or what?
It just seems like the Cali gorl really dislikes ME and would say anything to bad mout them. I am enjoying the banter, but it is a little bit nuts.
I wonder of she was fired from one in Cali and now has made it her mission to go on the offensive.
Glad you like it. I have told my therapist to write on here to give her opinion, but so far I haven't seen anything from her. But she tells me all the time that it is a great place to work.

I love that you think I'm the manager. Thats great!!!! :) You guys keep on thinking that, and I will keep on enjoying my massage!
And if you were at the ME I go to, I am really glad you left. Seriously guys, all of this negativity comes across in the massage. They must have told you that at the school you went to. :)

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: I just think it funny to listen to. I am in the flooring business and have been for 12 years. I have seen people in my industry come and go and complain about things. Every mom and pop retailer complained about Home Depot and Lowe's opening up near them. They were all afraid that it would hurt their business, or even worse, put them out of business. Now most of them hope one opens near them.
It was the same for the small stores that had a Wal-Mart open near them. Everyone complained because they hate change.
I am not overly concerned. I just think all of you therapists that think you are doctors are a little nutty. You went to school for 8 months, maybe a year at best and spent under 30k to do so. You think that your worth is much higher than the market dictates. And make no doubt about it, the market will drive the price, not the therapists.
Massage Envy is filling a void. And I would love to see you open a business, not all owners of any business are making a killing. The average business takes 2 years to make a profit. and just for a moment think about how much it would cost to open something the size of a Massage Envy. It has to be over $300,000. I'm guessing they would have to break 50k per month just to begin making a dime. Since as you've pointed out, therapists need to get paid. That has to be $30,000 to 40,000 per month.
Again, sounds like I've hit a nerve here. The one thing I am glad about is that I don't have someone like you working on me. I'm sure all of the bad vidbes you put out on here, would definately come through to the massage, whether I was paying 39, or $100!

I own a business Don, and your right, it takes money. But it also takes great employees to make it work. ME charges $39, that is their choice to do so. So if your profit margin is not good enough, and it takes awhile to break even, then how wbout charging a little more and paying your therapists more so they will stick around?

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: I just think it funny to listen to. I am in the flooring business and have been for 12 years. I have seen people in my industry come and go and complain about things. Every mom and pop retailer complained about Home Depot and Lowe's opening up near them. They were all afraid that it would hurt their business, or even worse, put them out of business. Now most of them hope one opens near them.
It was the same for the small stores that had a Wal-Mart open near them. Everyone complained because they hate change.
I am not overly concerned. I just think all of you therapists that think you are doctors are a little nutty. You went to school for 8 months, maybe a year at best and spent under 30k to do so. You think that your worth is much higher than the market dictates. And make no doubt about it, the market will drive the price, not the therapists.
Massage Envy is filling a void. And I would love to see you open a business, not all owners of any business are making a killing. The average business takes 2 years to make a profit. and just for a moment think about how much it would cost to open something the size of a Massage Envy. It has to be over $300,000. I'm guessing they would have to break 50k per month just to begin making a dime. Since as you've pointed out, therapists need to get paid. That has to be $30,000 to 40,000 per month.
Again, sounds like I've hit a nerve here. The one thing I am glad about is that I don't have someone like you working on me. I'm sure all of the bad vidbes you put out on here, would definately come through to the massage, whether I was paying 39, or $100!

As I started to say, Pay more and you will have good therapists. But thats what makes ME money right? the $39 massage, withoutn that, this franchise would sink so you cant raise prices. If thats the only thing that keeps ME floating, then its only a matter of time. There are other frachises opening with the same model AND they pay more

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: I love that you think I'm the manager. Thats great!!!! :) You guys keep on thinking that, and I will keep on enjoying my massage!
And if you were at the ME I go to, I am really glad you left. Seriously guys, all of this negativity comes across in the massage. They must have told you that at the school you went to. :)

I dont think you would know either way during a massage about negativity in the room. I will bet my home, there are therapists at your location with the same views, and you would never know it. Bit thanks for the advise, I had almost forgot about what they taught in school!! :)

I'm not saying I wouldn't have done it differently if I was going to start a business like they have. But what I iam saying is that it must work for them.
As a client, I know it works for me.

Its funny that you sday you own a business and you think it is the $39 that makes it work. Its not the $39, thats the hook. What makes it work is the dues. The recurring income stream and the clients that keep coming back in month after month and create a good client base for the therapist.
That is what will keep the therapist and the clients coming back for more.

After listening to the comments, it is no surprise you have long forgotten what they taught you. :)

Don in Atlanta, Georgia said: I love that you think I'm the manager. Thats great!!!! :) You guys keep on thinking that, and I will keep on enjoying my massage!
And if you were at the ME I go to, I am really glad you left. Seriously guys, all of this negativity comes across in the massage. They must have told you that at the school you went to. :)

exactlly Don 'negativity coming accross in the massage' is why I left. I choose to work where I feel good. I left because the enviroment at that ME was negative and I was lied to by management...plain and simple. You are not fooling me.