Massage Envy experiences...

Apparently a lot complaints against ME when it comes to wages and breaks. The bottom line is check with your States labor laws. If they happen to be in violation to what the labor law says you can file a complaint against them and if the Adjudication Judge believes they are in violation, they can award you monetary damages to fees files against them as will retro for the difference in money received and breaks you are entitled to you for (x) amount of hours you have worked.
It does not matter what ME says its what the law of that State says.
In California you can file complaint with Industrial Relations and if you have been retaliated against that to is against the law and you can file against the company on that.

Re: Tipping.

I was taught that if you are in the medical profession -- working in a Chiro's office or at a PT's, you do NOT accept tips.

In a salon/spa, the etiquette books say to tip the people who work on you UNLESS they are also the owner of the salon; the owner does NOT get tipped.

As I am currently an IC, thus self-employed, I should not accept a tip by those rules. However, rather than offend a client, take it and say "Thank you!" with a big ol' smile. Do I give better treatment/service to the clients who tip? No. Everyone gets my best effort every session, as I'm sure is the rule for all of us here, which may be another reason 20 one-hour sessions is considered "full-time." I set my prices so that a tip is a gift over and above; when I get one, I know I've earned it. If someone ASKS if they are "supposed to tip" me, I say that I would prefer they refer someone else to me if they're pleased.

(Yes, I do tip my MT, who owns the facility he and several others work out of.)

There are no laws about whether or not you can accept tips at any place of employment. It is an ethical issue for each therapist to come to terms with for themselves.

Sasha K Moore in Los Angeles, California said: Does anyone need a home loan modification? If so, give me a holler. I recently got one and it took off so much burden off my shoulders![/QUOTE

I need a loan modification

Daily Time, what is your email so we can discuss your situation? Thanks!

I am a new client to ME with my friend Sandi. Both of us have chronic medical conditions and need to receive massage. Both of us have complicated insurance situations and though technically our insurance would cover "medical massage," - that does not necessarily mean Swedish Massage that we need. ME offers us an alternative.

On a similar note, I'm a drama teacher. I have worked in places where I got paid less than my worth. Now, I work somewhere I am paid better, and I only accept curriculum assignments at locations that can compensate me well. I figure at ME, that the people are choosing to work there because it offers them their needs (perhaps benefits or regular work or a new client base, if not salary), and I treat them well, and am thankful I can afford a good massage without going to homes which presents its own risks to my personal security, or paying salon prices.

That is the new client view, just so you all know.

Beth,

unfortunately I think ME attracts therapists that may not be the most qualified or the experienced employee. Particularly at my ME location, I've noticed that there are quite a few therapists that work at ME because they can't get or keep a job anywhere else. Some of them just have bad habits like being late on a regular basis, others are just barely capable to do their job. there's an asian woman there that hardly knows what she's doing and tends to hurt most of the people she works on. that's why me makes all their therapists have their own malpractice insurance; so that the employee is on the hook for any lawsuits rather than them for hiring an incompetent employee. But please don't let me stop you from getting your cheap massage. I hope it works out for you!

Former ME employee ( I escaped to a spa that cherishes quality over quantity)

Beth,
M/E does not accept insurance. It would open a whole new can of worms if they did.

RC418,
That's too bad about those therapists. If the Asian woman is a Tui Na practitioner, then she's supposed to hurt you, it's part of the treatment. I've heard of a couple of therapists near me that do it. She shouldn't practice it in an M/E as the pain level is excruciating. It's kind of like Rolfing.
Here's a link for you:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_na

As far st the insurance goes, Every therapist must carry their own malpractice insurance in order to get licensed. If you belong to the AMTA or the AMBP you automatically get malpractice insurance. If you don't and something happens, then you could lose everything you own. Unfortunately people are sue happy in America and without insurance to protect you, you're swimming in shark infested waters.
Doctors must carry their own malpractice insurance. It's not paid for by the hospital they work at.

anne vienne in Alexandria, Louisiana said: Yes there are certain reasons why any therapist may find themselves having to work at ME, and I 'm sure positions will be filled as long as they are open. Like i said FINE entry level job BUT, I don't see how anyone could make a career out of being there...unless of course you own the place! In a way I feel like I'm volunteering when I'm there. volunteer work is always good right? Other than that Way to draining, and stressful for full time status. I need backup income like many new small business owners, but man it feels sweet to do a massage at my place, and Finally make ALL the money for the hardwork that only I DID. Good luck to all at Envy, and HAPPY 2nd income to ya!

IT IS NOT ENTRY LEVEL!!! Most LMT's are schooled in 60 min massages with 10 min at least between to see their clients off etc...not at ME...you cant do that. It is psychiatrist hours. Adapting to that and having to cut this or that to even get the massage in...and what about what they require you to know how to do well that you arent taught in school? I repeat IT IS NOT ENTRY LEVEL!!!!!

What ME expects from its employees are not in line with what they desire to pay them. If you expect someone to pay 4000 to 10000 dollars for their BASIC training and then EXPECT TO PAY THEM THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY ARE WORTH. if you just want bodies filling a building, then go ahead and pay them a pitence that will never allow them to repay their school debts in a timely matter. Massage Envy is the McDonalds of the industry and I refuse to have my skills belittled to the equivalent of burgers, fries and other a la carte menu items.

These comments seem crazy to me, a teacher and ME customer. I spent $75,000 on my education and often make less than a massage rate per hour. Early in my career, at times I was making $10/hr. I am only 28 now! So we're not talking about a long time ago. I think if you choose a career, you choose the way up in it. No matter, you have to balance life, other needs, and finances. If ME therapists get benefits, that might be well worth it for the reduced hourly wage. Have any of you ever tried to pay for your own benefits? Or have a pre-existing condition so you can't purchase them even if you wanted to? ME therapists choose to work there at this time, like I chose to teach drama at a JCC for $10/class. I got better, I moved on. I'm not mad at the JCC about it.

Most ME therapists don't get benefits. I don't know any who do. Clinics promise benefits to therapists then make the requirements to qualify impossible to reach. But your right about it being a place to start before you get better, built a clientele and move on to real work.

Beth,
I receive no benefits. Other than some holidays and only if I am scheduled to work them. If it falls on a day I do not work, then no pay. I don't work on Mondays so I don't get paid for most holidays. No sick pay, no vacation pay, no Health insurance.
About that 75000 you spent on your education. I spent 1300 for 6 months. Let's extrapolate for a moment, shall we? At 4 years full time (2 semesters) your education cost you $9375 for every 6 months. My education cost more than yours.

You can't really build up a clientele and leave a Massage Envy. Every therapist is required to sign a contract that says Massage Envy's clients are theirs, not the therapist's. So you can't take them with you. If you pass out your business card you're terminated on the spot.

I hope your massages work out for you and you find the relief from your condition that you seek through massage. I am also glad that you tip well. It does mean so much to the therapists.

Beth,
I receive no benefits. Other than some holidays and only if I am scheduled to work them. If it falls on a day I do not work, then no pay. I don't work on Mondays so I don't get paid for most holidays. No sick pay, no vacation pay, no Health insurance.
About that 75000 you spent on your education. I spent 13000 for 6 months. Let's extrapolate for a moment, shall we? At 4 years full time (2 semesters) your education cost you $9375 for every 6 months. My education cost more than yours.

You can't really build up a clientele and leave a Massage Envy. Every therapist is required to sign a contract that says Massage Envy's clients are theirs, not the therapist's. So you can't take them with you. If you pass out your business card you're terminated on the spot.

I hope your massages work out for you and you find the relief from your condition that you seek through massage. I am also glad that you tip well. It does mean so much to the therapists.

Beth in Worcester, Massachusetts said: I am a new client to ME with my friend Sandi. Both of us have chronic medical conditions and need to receive massage. Both of us have complicated insurance situations and though technically our insurance would cover "medical massage," - that does not necessarily mean Swedish Massage that we need. ME offers us an alternative.

if your insurance covers medical massage then i dont see how massage envy offers an alternative. you could instead go to a trained therapist working for themselves or a medical clinic and get them to file insurance for you. all you pay is deductible or copay. no good therapists with therapeutic skills work for $15/hour at me. they work elsewhere for decent pay. so if you have real medical issues isnt it better to find a specialist with experience who can really help you and file insurance?

Not all people that work for ME are unskilled! You are creating a stereotype that is not accurate. ME does help people that could not afford massage otherwise, and that makes me proud to be a part of their team.

ME Employee in Los Angeles, California said: Not all people that work for ME are unskilled! You are creating a stereotype that is not accurate. ME does help people that could not afford massage otherwise, and that makes me proud to be a part of their team.

good that your proud to work there. but i worked there too and saw the opposite is true. we all quit the minute we got more experience and took classes in therapeutic work. besides the massage is not cheaper. my clinic charges $50 for deep tissue with an experienced therapist. our clients do not tip so the price is the same as me without the sales pressure

i do not work at me any more. i rent a room at a chiro clinic.

ME Employee in Los Angeles, California said: Not all people that work for ME are unskilled! You are creating a stereotype that is not accurate. ME does help people that could not afford massage otherwise, and that makes me proud to be a part of their team.

I have to disagree with you. Most ME employees ARE unskilled. The ME employees I know also they lack the basic professional skills to be successful independent contractors, as well. That's why they need an employer - to take care of the administrative functions of the massage business.

Don't resort to the "why spend $120 for the same massage at a pricey spa when you can get the same for less at ME". That's ridiculous. The average experienced, deep tissue treatment here costs $60. I only charge $50 and do not get tips, plus I file insurance.

ME does allow clients to be lazy and avoid researching good independent therapists.

Mia in Portland, Oregon said,
"Don't resort to the "why spend $120 for the same massage at a pricey spa when you can get the same for less at ME". That's ridiculous."

Now Mia, haven't you ever been to a spa and received a terrible massage for $120 and gone somewhere else and spent a lot less $50 - $70 and had an excellent massage? You know, spas hire a lot of inexperienced MT's, a least the spas around here do.

Mia, why are you charging less than your competitors? Everything about setting massage pricing is saying to stay with the current market value or higher. And you also take the time to bill insurance companies. That means your under contract, right? And you have to accept the rates that they set for your services. Have you had any problems billing? If you get one item wrong, then the &#$*# won't pay. They'll reject your claim and make you resubmit it. If my clients want to use insurance, then they pay me and I give them a receipt and a copy of their SOAP notes for the sessions covered. This also allows the insurance company's doctors to chart the patient's progress (they love this). The claims are always paid, I've never had a complaint from either my clients or their insurance companies.
As far as tipping goes, I accept tips, most of the time I don't get them, but occasionally I do, and it is greatly appreciated.

Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland said: Now Mia, haven't you ever been to a spa and received a terrible massage for $120 and gone somewhere else and spent a lot less $50 - $70 and had an excellent massage?

No, I've never paid $120 for a massage. That wouldn't be wise. I shop around and find a great service at a competitive price. I rely on referrals from existing clients first, then speak with the therapist about his or her training and experience.

Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland said: Mia, why are you charging less than your competitors? Everything about setting massage pricing is saying to stay with the current market value or higher.

Oops, that was a typo! I charge $60, same as market price.

Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland said: And you also take the time to bill insurance companies. That means your under contract, right? And you have to accept the rates that they set for your services. Have you had any problems billing? If you get one item wrong, then the &#$*# won't pay. They'll reject your claim and make you resubmit it.

I'm not 'under contract'. I'm not sure what you mean there. I am allowed legally to bill my clients for the difference between billed and reimbursed. I file electronically and rarely if ever have problems with billing. In fact, I can't think of any problems in the past 2 years. In that time I've only had one set of claims denied for a client, which was cleared up rather easily.

$100 is way too much to pay for a massage. We're not doctors, or even para-medical professionals. Most of us have 6 months of training. Not putting down the profession, just being realistic.

Mia in Portland, Oregon said:

"$100 is way too much to pay for a massage. We're not doctors, or even para-medical professionals. Most of us have 6 months of training. Not putting down the profession, just being realistic."

I agree for just a massage. If you add other accouterments into it, then it would be justified. These would be scrubs, wraps, foot treatments, aromatherapy or for the medically minded, hot or cold packs.

Now Mia, granted some people have 6 months of training, but did you know that there are states that require much more than that? And that there are 2 year degree programs for massage? That being said, what about all the years of experience? That should count for something, right? I mean in the corporate world, you're paid more for your experience than for someone without.

On that thought, the experienced therapist that goes to a ME for a job gets paid the same 10/15 an hour rate as the therapist that just graduated yesterday.
Is it fair? No, it's just the way it is.

Here is a question for the Teacher - If a School has a budget of $1,000,000 and was spending only $300,000 for all teacher salaries, would you feel that you were being paid well? What if you knew that the administrative staff (custodial, secretaries, teacher aids) were being paid the same or even greater wages as you?

ME pays the following - minimum wage or $15/massage. So if a person works a 40 hour week and is scheduled to do 20 massages during that time, they would earn the same amount as if they did zero massages during the week. Here is why, the pay is the greater of either:
20 x $15 = 300 Or hourly
40 x $8.00 = 320

Now had this person done 40 massages this would be the result: $600 and the LMP would probably be looking for another career. Trying giving your spouse a massage for a full hour and you will appreciate that 20-24 hours of massage per week is considered full time work by a massage practitioner. 40 massages a week is like working an 80 hour week - the work is intense due to the physical activity and emotional requirements of dealing with a person on an intimate level while maintaining safe boundaries for both people.

For a Teacher I suspect doing disciplinary work with a child that you have to physically restrain and interact with for a full hour would be another example. 90% of massage clients are experiencing physical pain when they seek massage - identifying the source and providing substantial relief is like developing a lesson plan for each individual client.

Imagine if your school offered to pay you either minimum wage for all your work time -or- $15/hour that you were actually working in class with students? Would you accept the position for more than a semester?

The ME franchises that I am personally familiar with, treat LMP's (LMT's) with disdain.

client said: Hi. I am glad I found this forum.

I have limited financial resources (otherwise I would go to a deluxe spa which includes many amenities far and above the actual massage), but if I feel any pressure whatsoever to tip in addition to paying a membership fee, then I simply will not join Massage Envy.

I am shocked and disappointed to learn that a membership-based entity would even permit you to accept tips, let alone encourage them

Are you kidding me? You are kidding right?? Did you know that the base pay for a massage therapist at Massage Envy is 15.00 dollars, you are getting a discounted massage and if that therapist doesn't deserve a tip in your eyes then there is something very wrong and self centered about you!!! OR, you have no idea what it takes to give a quality, tailored massage, hour after hour with a true desire to help and heal the client who came to recieve such a service. The only reason that I could see not tipping well is if they didn't listen to what you wanted or disregarded your wishes for them to go lighter if it was causing you pain or go deeper if you wanted a deep tissue and you weren't getting it and finally if it was just a plain crappy massage with little or no effort,(you can tell the difference). So please, if you plan on getting a massage then plan on tipping or don't get one at all!!!!!!

Are you kidding me? You are kidding right?? Did you know that the base pay for a massage therapist at Massage Envy is 15.00 dollars, you are getting a discounted massage and if that therapist doesn't deserve a tip in your eyes then there is something very wrong and self centered about you!!! OR, you have no idea what it takes to give a quality, tailored massage, hour after hour with a true desire to help and heal the client who came to recieve such a service. The only reason that I could see not tipping well is if they didn't listen to what you wanted or disregarded your wishes for them to go lighter if it was causing you pain or go deeper if you wanted a deep tissue and you weren't getting it and finally if it was just a plain crappy massage with little or no effort,(you can tell the difference). So please, if you plan on getting a massage then plan on tipping or don't get one at all!!!!!!

Eric in Toronto, Ontario said: I'm curious about people's experience with Massage Envy. I hear a lot of negative comments especially with regards their pay scale. Has any therapist found working at Massage Envy to be a positive experience? Are you able to accept tips at Massage Envy? Are there other perks in working there in terms of professional development or benefits?

Yes you get tips but the pay is the lowest in va

Owner/Clinic Administrator in Atlanta, Georgia said: I'm saddened to see so many massage therapists who feel so negatively about what Massage Envy is trying to accomplish. Our whole goal is to bring massage to the masses and to allow all people to benefit from a therapeutic massage session regardless of whether or not they make a ton of money. How could you expect any business to pay you more than half of what they make on a service? Especially when all you are require to provide is your talent. The Massage Envy's all over the nation are dolling out big bucks to provide you with a safe and professional environment to practice your trade in and you are basically crapping in the hand that feeds you. Not only that, but tell me one other company that goes out of it's way to provide continuing education classes for it's therapists, health insurance at no cost to the employee, and a life insurance policy to be paid out to your loved ones if anything were to happen to you? I find these comments selfish and unwarranted. But luckily for me, and the other owners and operators out there who are interested and extremely invested in bringing this concept to everyone, there are still therapists out there who do work at massage envy and value every client that they have the pleasure of touching. It's not always about the money per massage but the money overall and the abundance of people you get to help. I would love to see a site bashing the people who organize the legal aide branches throughout the country and doctors without borders, I doubt I would see any of their employees complaining about not being paid enough money to pay back their minimum of 8 YEARS of education.

not all massage envy clinics provide the above benefits you mentioned such as health and life insurance, which they definitely should. that is at the discretion of the owner of the clinic. hopefully, this will happen for more massage envy clinics, so that the therapists will be willing to stay

Monica in Westlake, Ohio said: Good grief. Why are you a massage therapist? And, who in this forum has any education beyond their 12 month Massage Therapy cirriculum? I can see why it has taken so long to get respect in our field. Why not spend time ranting about issues that make a difference?!
Who cares about Massage Envy. For example, do you seriously think a 4 star restaurant is ranting about McDonalds? "Oh no!..what are we to do? You can feed an entire family of five for 10$ at McDonalds....how will we compete with such an enourmous franchise?".....

I have a bachelors degree so there! from the tone of these previous posts, you all are way off track from the subject matter being discussed here. Insults and stupid comments really aren't needed. Personally, I think at some point massage should become at least an associates degree (2 year minimum) or even a 4 yr bachelor degree. Maybe then we could have the level of professionalism required to sustain this profession. Until that happens, we will all have to settle for working in places that don't pay adequately with benefits. I say self employed is best.

Sharon Moak in Vancouver, Washington said: I worked briefly at a startup ME to help the owner get going. I helped with both massage and admin. The pay is not acceptable for experienced professionals in either area, but it's fine for an entry-level position. Clients are expected to tip and get recommendations for how much.

Perks and benefits vary by location, depending on the owner. Many do pay for continuing education and sometimes bring instructors in house for private classes. I have not heard of any clinics that offer their massage therapists insurance benefits, but perhaps some do.

As far as my experience there...I'd never work there again or go for a massage, and I'm no longer friends with the owner. Take that for what it's worth.

Believe me, I would never get a massage there either. it is too clinical and sterile!

Ok some good and some bad.First off massage has been around for more time then we have recorded history but as far as the history of massage it's roots go back about 5000 years.I have met therapist that have 2 years degrees and I have met ones with no training as far as a school.There are people who are naturally just healers and ones who simply looking to make a buck.My point is some people are very good at book smarts but can't translate that to the hands on and heal a person.I've done massage since 1995 so I have a little bit of experience and yes I did graduate from a very good school on the East coast.My point for all the therapist out there that like to keep pushing more and more education down everyone's throats is we are not doctors and I have no desire to be one.The more you get involved in what we call the medical field the farther you get away from the bodies own ability to heal itself.I don't have a problem with education but don't lose the real reason to be in this field and that is to heal people.This country lost alot in seeing what is important after WWII when the Drug companies came into being and instead of healing the bodies they just cover up the symptoms in most cases.So have training but don't get involved with the insurance and all the problems the medical field has to deal with.I even had a doctor leave the field in my class to become a massage therapist.

Owner/Clinic Administrator in Atlanta, Georgia said: You are right that it is up to the individual franchisee on whether or not they provide health insurance benefits to their employees. Working for one ME could be completely different than working at another. I can't speak for any one but myself in saying that we do offer disability pay (not to be confused with paid sick leave, you'd be hard pressed to find that for any non salary position), health insurance, and holiday bonuses...

But the one thing I must ask is, for those of you who hate Massage Envy and what we stand for so much...why do you even take the job to begin with? All of you state that you worked for a Massage Envy at one point or another, why? My best guess is because you were just out of school and needed a job...and I would be willing to guess that with the venom most of you seem to be spitting here, you left without any sort of notice...it seems you were using us just as much as you claim we were using you.

I am glad that you made the point of massage therapy not being a salaried position. I feel that due to the professional nature of the career as a therapist, there SHOULD be jobs out there in this field that offer more stable pay. At the current time, that is not the case. If there are jobs out there somewhere that offer the salaries plus benefits, they are rare and hard to find! That has been one of the hardest things for me to fathom in the past five years as a therapist. I have looked at this as a sacrifice I had been willing to make in order to do what I believe in, which is wholistic approach to healing and living. However, in the long run, this is not a feasible sacrifice because I have to provide for my child's future. On the other hand, due to the economic crisis, there are many folks out there losing those salaried benefit positions. With my experience I believe that the best option for me is to find another career that provides a base income do massage part time.

just a thought in Washington, District of Columbia said: Ok some good and some bad.First off massage has been around for more time then we have recorded history but as far as the history of massage it's roots go back about 5000 years.I have met therapist that have 2 years degrees and I have met ones with no training as far as a school.There are people who are naturally just healers and ones who simply looking to make a buck.My point is some people are very good at book smarts but can't translate that to the hands on and heal a person.I've done massage since 1995 so I have a little bit of experience and yes I did graduate from a very good school on the East coast.My point for all the therapist out there that like to keep pushing more and more education down everyone's throats is we are not doctors and I have no desire to be one.The more you get involved in what we call the medical field the farther you get away from the bodies own ability to heal itself.I don't have a problem with education but don't lose the real reason to be in this field and that is to heal people.This country lost alot in seeing what is important after WWII when the Drug companies came into being and instead of healing the bodies they just cover up the symptoms in most cases.So have training but I don't get involved with the insurance and all the problems the medical field has to deal with.I even had a doctor leave the field in my class to become a massage therapist.

I think you make some good points here but consider that having more education does not necessariy mean that one has to be get involved with the western medical community and get into all that insurance mess. I used to work in the medical field and because I felt that there was something missing there and was interested in natural medicine, I chose to get out and go to massage school. I just think it would enhance credibility with mainstream medicine, and perhaps docs would start prescribing massage more.

Jobs that pay more are rare but they are out there. You may have to do your research and create your own job by showing potential employers what massage can do and how it can improve their business rather than focusing on what is in it for you.

You can learn more how to do that in my job section.

thebodyworker.com/massage_therapy_job_center.htm

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: not all massage envy clinics provide the above benefits you mentioned such as health and life insurance, which they definitely should. that is at the discretion of the owner of the clinic. hopefully, this will happen for more massage envy clinics, so that the therapists will be willing to stay

WHAT A JOKE. Therapists with over 10 yrs experience are offered $18 per massage at Massage Envy........I make over $45 per massage. It is nothing short of SLAVE LABOR. I know because I have worked at 2 Massage Envy locations. The therapists are treated poorly by the owners and are made to pay for massages for their own well-being. DISGUSTING. Massage Envy is a nightmare, to say the very least.

Lmt 1998 is who you mean, right? I would say this person lacks tact and fails to see the real issues, which would be needing employment while building up a private practice. hmmmm, lmt1998, did you ever think of that?

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: Lmt 1998 is who you mean, right? I would say this person lacks tact and fails to see the real issues, which would be needing employment while building up a private practice. hmmmm, lmt1998, did you ever think of that?

Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland posted tacky comments attacking LMT1998. Actually he or she didn't even type LMT1998 correctly so sheika had to ask. I reported the comments as abuse and indeed.com took care of the problem.

ABC in Portland, Oregon said: Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland posted tacky comments attacking LMT1998. Actually he or she didn't even type LMT1998 correctly so sheika had to ask. I reported the comments as abuse and indeed.com took care of the problem.

yeah, I am glad you did report that. I really think being objective about this discussion is going to be more helpful than being hateful and tactless with one another. I would like to think MT's are more evolved than that. I am addressing you on this one as well, LMT 1998!

Sheika, the comments that are now gone were NOT directed at you. I've been on this board for quite awhile and the vast majority of the posts are bashing someone or something. So, I'm afraid that we haven't evolved. I'm just so sick of the constant attacks on Massage Envy and it's employees. If LMT 1998 worked for ME once and hated it so much, why the heck did he/she go and work at another one for heaven's sakes?

Massage Envy is good for the industry solely for the fact that they spend thousands of dollars a month on advertising the benefits of massage. This helps us all. I don't know about you, but I can't afford thousands of dollars a month on ads.

The present state of the economy isn't really conducive to the small massage business owner either. I'm seeing many LMTs going out of business. The clients can't afford to spend $70 to $120 on a massage. But they can afford $60 and $40. So, working at both is beneficial to me.

Me-Here in Oceanside, Maryland said: Sheika, the comments that are now gone were NOT directed at you. I've been on this board for quite awhile and the vast majority of the posts are bashing someone or something. So, I'm afraid that we haven't evolved. I'm just so sick of the constant attacks on Massage Envy and it's employees. If LMT 1998 worked for ME once and hated it so much, why the heck did he/she go and work at another one for heaven's sakes?

Massage Envy is good for the industry solely for the fact that they spend thousands of dollars a month on advertising the benefits of massage. This helps us all. I don't know about you, but I can't afford thousands of dollars a month on ads.

The present state of the economy isn't really conducive to the small massage business owner either. I'm seeing many LMTs going out of business. The clients can't afford to spend $70 to $120 on a massage. But they can afford $60 and $40. So, working at both is beneficial to me.

Hi, ME,
I did realize the comments that are gone werent necessarily directed at me. I found it offensive and dishonorable to our profession in general. I definitely agree that is is difficult to be a sole proprietor now due to the economy, unless u have been established for many yrs already. I actually make 30-40 bucks a session at the massage envy I work at and have requests frequently. Our clinic is more flexible than any spa I have ever worked at. I have no problems adjusting my schedule at all. I can work around my son's school schedule, dr's appts and my own clients I see at my home.
yeah, I don't advertise except word of mouth or networking. That's it. I also don't want to deal with maintaining an office when I dont know how many people I can count on coming per week. There is always the no show no call stuff that happens too. At least at our ME, we require a credit card to secure appts for new clients. The therapist still gets paid if its a no show! I think thats great!

LMT1998 said: WHAT A JOKE. Therapists with over 10 yrs experience are offered $18 per massage at Massage Envy........I make over $45 per massage. It is nothing short of SLAVE LABOR. I know because I have worked at 2 Massage Envy locations. The therapists are treated poorly by the owners and are made to pay for massages for their own well-being. DISGUSTING. Massage Envy is a nightmare, to say the very least.

we have therapist at our clinic who make over 20 base per hour massage and we get paid for no shows! how can it be slave labor when you chose to work there? was anyone holding a gun to your head? did you work for free?

Eric in Toronto, Ontario said: I'm curious about people's experience with Massage Envy. I hear a lot of negative comments especially with regards their pay scale. Has any therapist found working at Massage Envy to be a positive experience? Are you able to accept tips at Massage Envy? Are there other perks in working there in terms of professional development or benefits?

If you are not satisfied with your workplace, here is my pay rate $40 +tips
contact me at(call or text) eight three two. eight eight zero. four five eight nine or thuyhouston at ymail dotcom

well if someone wants to burn themselves out for $15 dollars an hour rather then make what they should that's ok.You have a certain amount of time in this field that your body can handle before it starts to break down.If i make $40 and hour and do only 3 massage a day I can make an ok living that $120 but to make that same amount at ME I would have to 8 massages to make same amount.Now doing 8 massages a day will put a big strain on your body I know since I have done that many in a day back to back because one place I worked set the appointments up that way and that was first and last time did it.You have to ask yourself how much is my craft work and how long do i want to be able to do it for.ME is not some place to be to be in this field for any length of time

Thuy in Houston Texas, what side of town are you in? Are you a ME franchise or a private practice?? I work and live in the northeast side of town and I've been keeping an ear out for other spa/massage clinics hiring at this time. I'm curious how you can pay you're therapists $40/ hr plus tips and keep your doors open???

Yes, i pay $40/hr 'cause myself is giving out services.i want everyone can start out easily too. I have a private location right now. my purpose is looking for some great therapist with nice personality to fill my new location which is a full service for men (franchise). I will give some benefits like 401k, vacations. If you know some nice lady please do refer to me. thanks

What is a full service for men do exactly?
I hope it's not what I think it is.

No a Full Service for men is a spa targeted toward men, since men usually feel uncomfortable in a co-ed spa where they might run into the wife of a golf buddy or work associate. They can feel totally at home and manly while getting taken care of.

Oh, okay, sorry, we have something like that here too. They only hire beautiful women therapists and have them dress in revealing attire. But just perform massage, nothing else.

(We also have the other type of full service places usually Asian Girls. The police raid them and they open back up down the street. You'd think they'd be smart enough not to advertise in the personals section of the newspaper, go figure.)

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Just reporting the truth when faced with untruth. Anything and everything ME does is wrong in your book. Your posts just amount to your spin du jour on the same theme.

Found another thread? So much for your banter about the complaints of ME being only from a handful of therapists. I see a lot of new faces here.

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: Lmt 1998 is who you mean, right? I would say this person lacks tact and fails to see the real issues, which would be needing employment while building up a private practice. hmmmm, lmt1998, did you ever think of that?

When you have been in the business as long as I have been, you realize what exactly ME is doing to private practice and other established massage businesses. I work there because I relocated out of the area and moved back, and needed a job while I do rebuild my clientele.
I just think it's a shame that ME pays it's therapists $18/hr and yet claims to be one of the highest paying in the industry. You can't make a decent living doing that, even with gratuities. Perhaps it's more difficult for me b/c I have always made close to $50/hour. Unfortunately, in these economic times, we all have to do what we have to do.

Never meant to spark so much anger!!! Just being truthful....