Massage Envy experiences...

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: 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?

My whole point is that ME therapists are not paid well for the service being provided.

LMT1998 said: 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....

It is difficult, yes,to work for less than $50/hr, but like you said, these are difficult times. It is also difficult to be defined as a health care provider and barely make ends meet, too. When I mentioned making 20 plus tips per hour, that of course, is commission, and dependent on working on a client. We have had some slow days lately, too. Can't live on air! Weeks like this encourage me to send my resume out. I am considering going back to using my college degree in the biological sciences to get a steady job and just do massage part time. I hate that it has come to this point, but I gotta survive.

I have to agree with most of the comments that I have read about ME on this forum so far. I worked for ME for about 3 years. But, my employment ended when the therapists were forced to take $2/hr. paycuts, and the front desk staff were asked to take paycuts as well, back in January 2009. This means that they are now working for $13-$14 per massage.Don't take my word for it, aske them!!!! It was promised to be a temporary paycut, but we have yet to see the return of our previous pay and it is now June. However, the owners seem to be able to still take $12,000 vacations to Disneyland, trips to American Idol live, and another trip to L.A. to see the play Wicked live, all while the therapists endure paycuts. What a bunch of stand up people. Enough said, RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

LMT/St. George Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I have to agree with most of the comments that I have read about ME on this forum so far. I worked for ME for about 3 years. But, my employment ended when the therapists were forced to take $2/hr. paycuts, and the front desk staff were asked to take paycuts as well, back in January 2009. This means that they are now working for $13-$14 per massage.Don't take my word for it, aske them!!!! It was promised to be a temporary paycut, but we have yet to see the return of our previous pay and it is now June. However, the owners seem to be able to still take $12,000 vacations to Disneyland, trips to American Idol live, and another trip to L.A. to see the play Wicked live, all while the therapists endure paycuts. What a bunch of stand up people. Enough said, RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

having to endure a pay cut of $2/hr is ridiculous. everyone should have told the owner to f&%k off and walk out!!! that's horrible!

I would have to agree. No pay cuts. If the massage fee the client paid was cut as well, then maybe. But if not, then no way. I'm going to assume that is just one franchisee. The regional developers should learn of this so that these owners can be talked to because the region should be making the same pay scale and charging the same for massages.

When I was hired at ME, I was made to sign a contract stating the pay scale. If they are violating yours, then maybe you can take legal action. Of course if all else fails, then maybe the guy that wanted to unionize ME that was on here last year had a good idea.

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?

Hello Eric... Massage Envy can be both a negative and positive experiance. The pay is not what you can make on your own or workng with a Spa or Doctor. The positive thing is you will meet so many people who will become like a family to you! The workers are great and the tips are good.If you choose to work for "THEM" you will definatly have an experience, whether good or back! Hope this helped. ME

Finding the Compensation System that is JUST RIGHT

By Skip Williams

resourcesanddevelopment.com/JustRight.htm

Kelli in Salt Lake City, Utah said: 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!!!!!!

I agree with your comment...if you are not planning to tip, do not get a massage, it is plain rude. I have been a massage therapist for over 10 years and why am I working at ME? because it's right next to my house, but in reality it is a shocker when people try to slip you a $5 tip and then try to come back to you; no way, I block them from coming back to me. I even had a police woman who loved my massage and tip me $5 the first time, then the second time ZERO! I have had issues with my boss about this...I tell him[boss] if I am force to massage these miserable cheap people, it will give them a crappy massage and you[boss] will hear from the client complaining. I have given practically all the receptionist a massage and they know the quality of work I do...I am not a mediocre therapist, plus I have taught massage therapy at a private vocational school(loved it!)- I am pursuing something similar, just waiting for the economy to get better, and keep a p/t with ME for play money.

maria in Hollywood, Florida said: I agree with your comment...if you are not planning to tip, do not get a massage, it is plain rude. I have been a massage therapist for over 10 years and why am I working at ME? because it's right next to my house, but in reality it is a shocker when people try to slip you a $5 tip and then try to come back to you; no way, I block them from coming back to me...

It's clear ME clients are coerced into tipping. That eliminates the lower price which is the main reason people go to a ME in the first place. I'm laughing about the fact that you're shocked when clients who are too cheap and lazy to pay for a real massage don't tip! That's why clients choose ME in the first place - they're cheap and lazy, so you should the same in their tipping practices!

Clients who are interested in real value for their money and are willing to truly invest in a professional practitioner laugh right on by the ME and into my door. I give a FULL-HOUR deep tissue massage WITH hot stones and aromatherapy for the same price as a crappy 50-minute ME jobber plus tip. I make it clear I do not expect tips but often get them anyway, and certainly more than $5. A new client told me her warm stone treatment at ME was $79 and it was awful.

Don't expect clients out for a cheap massage to pay full price for it in the tip!

In Colorado, the fair bodywork capitol of the U.S., Massage Envy is a menace! I call it McEnvy. I worked there for about 3 months. Here is my experience. Being a worker of the deep tissue issues, I was plenty busy. Some days I would come in to 2 or 3 D.T.'s while other workers had 1 treatment or none. By the end of the day, I would have 5 or a 2 hour, 90minute (uh 80 minutes actually but they call it 90 on all the advertising) and several 50 minutes. I did get breaks very regularly, thankfully, but I would be stacked with massages for the day. When a "prospect" comes in to check the place out, they were placed with me. Loving their massage they would sign up for the membership. I would receive $2 for this, and the front desk lady who scheduled with me would get $16! How does that work? This is the reason I was constantly busy and others were not.
Being trained in prenatal massage I was the premier therapist scheduled for these appts. ME only requires 8 hours prenatal, but 20 hours for stone massage. That makes sense right? As a prenatal therapist, I get no more time to set up or take down the room, and no more pay for my training. However with "90 minute stone massage" therapists are allowed 2 hours time: 80 minutes for the session and 40 more minutes for cleanup. It takes prenatal clients extra time to use the bathroom, take off & put on their clothes, etc. However, I was constantly scheduled with a prenatal client, with 2 deep tissues sandwiched around that, without any extra time, and then counseled about ending sessions on time. I ask, how could I? Pay around here is $16 (although that might vary with the location). To do 6 massages you earn just under $100. They leave it to the clients to pick up the tip to compensate what they don't pay. They have signs at the front that indicate how to tip. They suggest tipping $15-25% off the price they charge for the massage, even as members, based on the WORTH of the massage. ($65) Ridiculous!

In addition to my experiences, are those of other coworkers... The air at ME is one of disgruntlement. The only therapists I know who don't complain about the pay/conditions are therapists fresh from school who are looking to gain experience. McEnvy knows this so they don't look to keep their therapists long. In Colorado, there is an abundance of therapists and with the recession/Depression there were many therapists out of work. This creates an opportunity for exploitation on the part of McEnvy. There are many skilled therapists at these places, but they know that they are "whoring" themselves out for the money. This is the talk in the breakroom, about how therapists feel at being used for the corporation. While I will warrant that ME's are bringing massage to the masses, who might be intimidated of other environments, they are doing so at the expense of their therapists...and how that relates is to quality of work. How can therapists give what they have to offer, connect to clients when they are disgruntled about their work? Why do clients say massage at ME's are hit or miss? Sometimes they really like their massage & other times say it is not so good or even bad. It's because they have a huge staff of therapists that they take advantage of by paying poor (NOT COMPETITIVE unlike all their ads say) wages, not honoring the therapists skills, education, or experience. I hope I never have to work for them again! And the bad PR they create, and word-of-mouth negative advertising by people who have worked for them, also hurts their business considerably. I believe they should have a union to fight for their rights!
Being overworked and underpaid, while providing our own insurance, state registration, and continuing education is appalling. Massage Envy will reap their own karma.

Regarding tipping at ME: clients are definitely coerced into tipping. Gratuity envelopes are in the rooms as well. The sign says, please consider the worth of your massage $65 and give a guide to tip 15-25%. Personally, a more useful sign would say, "If you choose to tip, please consider your massage today, and the long-lasting benefits it provides in the weeks to come. I have done 50 or 80 minute massages there and been given a $2-$5 tip. I have also waitressed and been paid more tip by someone just getting a coffee, than receiving a full-body deep tissue massage that has worked out their knots & tension. It IS insulting, but I try to remember "it's a gratuity, not a guarantee" and be appreciative. But as Sabeena in OK commented, people who come to ME are cheap and lazy, good tips are not to be expected. That said, the stiff tip is remembered and translated into a less-than-stellar massage, which translates into the questionable service clients experience. Tips are awesome, and I am very gracious. I think though that it is an industry standard that is appalling to expect customers to tip because employers rip off their employees with low wages. I have always found this to be absurd. However, I did massage at a high-end resort where I was repeatedly tipped extremely well. I have had $50 tips, and even a $100 tip that was mailed to me by the clients when they returned home from vacation. Completely unexpected, and incredibly generous. This experience soured me to ME where the standard tip is $10 or less. I could not continue to feel taken advantage of, taken for granted, and then tipped poorly after trying to provide a fabulous massage, that netted many memberships for ME. Overall, I believe that ME creates an unfortunate situation for clients. Disgruntled workers do not good massage make.

I am a working massage therapist and own a massage office which employs four other therapists. We pay our massage therapists $30 for a $60 hour massage, $30 for a no-show, and of course all their tips. We provide all linens, creams, supplies. Therapists are paid 50% off all charges and are in full control of their schedule. They can choose the number of hours to work and the break time between each client. We fully support our therapists and do not require them to sell anything at all. Our employees get a week vacation after a year (average of previous year's average weekly income) and the full time (20 hrs +) get a fully paid decent quality health insurance (Blue Cross-Blue Shield). Massage therapists can get a free massage every week and we pay for that also. If you are getting any less respect than this- start looking around. There are many small massage office that care about and value their employees.

To the poster above me, Anonymous in Mt. Prospect:
Wow, I've never seen that here in California. Here, we have no offer of health insurance (even if we had to pay some of it), no pay for no-shows, no vacations, no sick days, etc., no nothing and every agreement to work is based on owners having the right to revoke at any time. That even means if you're renting a space, you can walk in and find they let someone else use it that day or you're suddenly out for good with no notice because they decided to have a manicurist, acupuncturist, whatever. After 9 years and working at many places as an independent contractor (few have "employee" positions here), I can only dream of what you describe. No one else I know in Calif. has that sort of deal, either. Now many places won't even go 50%; when I started out years ago, many gave us 60%-70%. Now they want to give 50% or less (I've recently interviewed at 2 places offering 30% to us therapists) and no benefits or liabilities on their (owner) part. Many places want us to just sit around and wait, without payment, in case there's a walk-in or someone calls. In one of the cities, owners were recently fined when a sting operation to find prostitution also found labor law violations. They were fined for making therapists behave like employees (a set shift and cannot leave, do laundry, phones, clean, etc.) and no pay unless hands-on massage work. Still, it happens all the time. I'd love to find something like this.

there are lot's of places I worked who want something for nothing.They say what if someone comes in then call.I don't work for free.A few places have tried that with me and i say if you me to do something pay me otherwise if i want to help out fine if not well to bad.Now I do have friends at some spa's who do get those perks.It all depends on the location and what kind of client base they have.Some good spa or resorts have deals like vacation and sick leave.

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?

I worked at massage envy for over a year while I built my own bisuness and it was a very interesting learning experiance. What I realized is some aspects are more important to different people. Some value the last minute scheduling with any random therapist and the ananimity of the whole experiance. Others value working with someone who knows their body and will come when their therapist is available. I personally hated it and would only reccomend it someone who wants to be overworked and underappreciated, not to mention underpaid! Down with Massage Envy!!! Remember, you get what you pay for.

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?

Hey well its like working for some sort of health assembly line and the pay sacle actually sucks especially when yu to the point of doing two massages for thirty bucks it takes a mental and physical toll on you but as far as gratuities go you keep the cash ones but in most cases since the pays scale is low to begin with you also get tipped low and you do have those clients who totally enjoy and respect a great therapist and the efforts one puts into giving them a awesome experience they tip very well and are greatly appreciated

The Recession/Depression is taking it's toll on small massages businesses. Increasingly more small massage businesses are going under because of the depression/recession or whatever you wish to call it. Which is leading to therapists that are unemployed or seeking work at ME. At the ME that I work at we're turning away therapists daily. Clients haven't been booking in as often as they used to either. The membership numbers are stagnant, but at least they're not down. Clients are charging more and putting the tips on their cards as well.
Turnover rates are down for therapists and up for front desk staff. Which seems to be a trend.
How's it going in your neck of the woods?

i work at a ME in California, and the high end spa I used to work at closed due to the recession. So, here I am at ME. It's a good job. Pretty busy, (I work weekends)and I can pay my bills and put a little away on top of that. So, I can't complain. But when the economy gets better(whenever that is), I will consider going to work at another high end spa!

ME Employee in Los Angeles, California said: i work at a ME in California, and the high end spa I used to work at closed due to the recession. So, here I am at ME. It's a good job. Pretty busy, (I work weekends)and I can pay my bills and put a little away on top of that. So, I can't complain. But when the economy gets better(whenever that is), I will consider going to work at another high end spa!

Interesting. Which high end spa did you work at that closed?

I heard that too.

www.massageexpert.se

It was called Re:Fresh in 24hr Fitness Ultra Sport

Fed Up in Wilmette, Illinois said: Dear Defender,

Massage Envy (or Massage Enemy, as I like to call it) is the biggest shame ever unleashed on massage therapists. The company is getting rich on cheap massages provided by therapists who don't know any better. Wise up! You've getting used by these charlatans!

Massage Envy is indefencible!

Wow. I suggest you start your own company and pay for everything out of your own pocket, and then give your employees everything you make. sounds like the American dream to me.

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?

I work at a Massage Envy and there are a few perks: you get paid when a client does not show up or if the client does not give 3 hours notice on a reschedule, everything is provided for you, they take care of your taxes, and they keep your schedule as full as you will allow them to. You don't have to sit around waiting on a client to call - you are always, always booked. This is great for the part time therapist and brand new therapists who have little to zero eperience. They strongly urge clients to tip (there are recommended tip scales in every room - very tacky but unfortunately necessary). The average tip is $10 to $20 dollars. Which helps to bring the hourly wage up a bit. Although not every client tips and some will leave as little as $2 - if that.

I have been a therapist for over 5 years and I owned a day spa before moving to the state where I currently work. Massage Envy has helped me to establish a reputation within the massage community and create a client base within a very short amount of time. Personally, I am ready to move on. The lack of adequate pay for my skills, low moral among the therapists, and a management staff that is totally clueless (or simply self serving) are things that are influencing my need to seek employment elsewhere.

OmGrl in Baton Rouge, Louisiana said: I work at a Massage Envy and there are a few perks: you get paid when a client does not show up or if the client does not give 3 hours notice on a reschedule, everything is provided for you, they take care of your taxes, and they keep your schedule as full as you will allow them to. You don't have to sit around waiting on a client to call - you are always, always booked. This is great for the part time therapist and brand new therapists who have little to zero eperience. They strongly urge clients to tip (there are recommended tip scales in every room - very tacky but unfortunately necessary). The average tip is $10 to $20 dollars. Which helps to bring the hourly wage up a bit. Although not every client tips and some will leave as little as $2 - if that.

I have been a therapist for over 5 years and I owned a day spa before moving to the state where I currently work. Massage Envy has helped me to establish a reputation within the massage community and create a client base within a very short amount of time. Personally, I am ready to move on. The lack of adequate pay for my skills, low moral among the therapists, and a management staff that is totally clueless (or simply self serving) are things that are influencing my need to seek employment elsewhere.

Om girl, you sum it up pretty accurately. I actually make 21.50 per massage and almost always get 10-20 tip. Not bad, but sometimes the lack of moral and lack of overall professionalism amoung the front desk staff and a few of the other therapists gets irritating. I figure it is good for now until the economy turns around more. I too have been working as a therapist for 5 years and am ready to start making more long term plans for the future. I dont see ME as the hear all or end all for me.

Sheika, do you work in the Greensboro ME or the one in High Point?

Livingwagesnecessary said,"I would receive $2 for this, and the front desk lady who scheduled with me would get $16! How does that work? This is the reason I was constantly busy and others were not. " I have to say there is something wrong with this picture. Why wouldnt the LMT get more of a bonus than 2 bucks considering the energy and effort they are putting into this? Without therapists, there would be no memberships sold. why should the sales associates get the bigger payoff? Ridiculous!!!! I think this is something that clinic administrators and/or owners need to have a look at if they expect to keep good hardworking, dedicated therapists long term. I believe that what is deserved is decent commission plus bonuses for requests, and a better cut of the pie for new members, plus health care benefits. One of the advantages of working for corporate america should be benefits. I guess I believe that someday soon, as promised by the owner of our clinic a while back, that will happen. One of the problems is that alot of the therapists at the clinic I work at are complacent and will not speak up and lobby for it. I get tired of going into work and everyone is in a funk and not speaking. Gee, I wonder why. could it be all of the above concerns mentioned?

Lacy in Lancaster, South Carolina said: Sheika, do you work in the Greensboro ME or the one in High Point?

I work in Greensboro. and you?

I work in Greensboro as well. Have spent some time at the Clinic on Lawndale. I was just wondering because your name doesn't ring a bell. How long have you been there?

ever since they opened in 2006.

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: 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?

when a job does not pay enought to sustain you...you're essentially working as a slave. While the wage looks good at $20 per hour, how long can a therapist work, long term and short term, before they are exhausted and or injured. Sure if you don't care about anyone this model works well and represents what is worst about this country. We surely can standardize massage and make it into another giant fast food. But some of us actually know what "real" massage is and it is not being served at Massage Envy!

Well this is so true.Your body only has so many massage a day it can handle before it breaks down.ME can just pick up a phone to the local massage school and say yeah this batch is worn out send in the next batch.How can any good massage school in good conscious send a student of theirs into a work environment that see massage as a assembly line type of job.Get as many clients in as possible and pay as little as possible and expect that will leave a good work experience in their graduates into the massage field.I agree to get experience but not in a place that will pressure you into doing 7-8 massages in a day.Getting $15 an hour comes to $105-$120 for the day.The wear on the body to do that many massages a day is going to make you have a very short career in massage.If your only doing swedish and energy work you may be able to get away for a while with it but if your doing deep tissue then you will not hold up to the strain.

You got to remember that school is in business in making and graduating as many massage therapists as possible and as a business that needs profits to keep it running. I do not care how much they preech about ethics and morals its the bottom dollar that counts.

Well Im really glad I came across this on my google search. I don't think Massage Envy will be my next employer. Any one know of any good places in Ft. Myers send me an e-mail. littleluciex@yahoo.com

Ironically, this forum seems to run in reverse..to get to more current posts one must keep going forward in pages...the first pages are from posts from 23 months ago. Strange?
Yes, a lot of heated emotions & just plain experiences. That is what forums are about! I don't want to ridicule anyone's experience, even if it seems like it is a shill for the company. (and many blatantly do)
These are just people with ideas, right? They come into this industry wanting to help others, and themselves. Asking for more seems to make one selfish, but is that true? This ain't my first rodeo, folks, I have been a hard-ass worker since I was 15, 10 yrs old if you count babysitting jobs. I have chosen high-responsibility/low-paying jobs, and felt like the salt of the earth doing so. So being paid well doing massage helping people AND THEN GETTING TIPPED about blew my mind. So many benefits. Then the recession/depression and my ill-fated turn at MCENVY. sigh.. I worked so hard to give each client my best, and realized after only 3 months of getting Carpal Tunnel, that I would have to give less. I gave those $49 clients a $150 massage. I was never not busy. At the end of the day, ME paid me about $100, for 5 deep-tissues. (Mind you, it is against ME policy to utilize tools such as trigger bars in the rooms, despite the cute plastic tools they may sell at the front desk) My clients loved me, offering me their card on the sly. They signed up for membership on the basis of their first massage there, and then returned. They realized the value they received. And you know what? I truly appreciated helping them, and seeing them again to evaluate how they felt. This aspect was payback that ME could never give. So even if they tipped me poorly, we had a connection that I do not disabuse.
I see what you are creating as a corporation ME. I get it. It is not without benefit for somebody, namely the owner of the franchise, & happy clients.

Wait, I'm wrong. I got paid $80 for 5 massages. That sure feels like getting used!
Someone posted as a Clinic Administrator months back saying that their therapists make close to $3000/month? That would require that they are paid $15 for each 50 minute massage, and routinely tipped $10 for each massage, doing more than 6 a day/5 days a week without missing any days. Does any school stand behind doing this much bodywork? Even though they are in business to stay in business, unless they are being taught by ME or the Cruise Industry, I truly think a reputable school would disagree with this much bodywork. But this forum has been great offering ME more ways to suck: 1) open up your "clinics" in Walmart; 2) open up your own school for corporate brainwashed therapists. That way you can brand them for life!

Livingwagesarenecessary,
I agree whole heartedly. ME is killing the industry as much as the recession/depression is. I've seen therapists go down like flies with injuries. The body isn't made to do that many massages a day and be healthy. BUT in order to survive - not thrive - the therapist must do many more. I do use tools during the massage. The owners know and don't care. If it's against corporate policy, then corporate can stick it and I hope they enjoy it. I'm getting really tired of not making enough doing 29 massages a week.

abe the truth in Upland, California said: when a job does not pay enought to sustain you...you're essentially working as a slave. While the wage looks good at $20 per hour, how long can a therapist work, long term and short term, before they are exhausted and or injured. Sure if you don't care about anyone this model works well and represents what is worst about this country. We surely can standardize massage and make it into another giant fast food. But some of us actually know what "real" massage is and it is not being served at Massage Envy!

I understand what u are saying. I give much better massages outside of ME for several reasons. One, I have enough time. I can give my clients a full 60 minute session. two, they don't have to rush off the table. Three, I can use aromatherapy and crystals to enhance the session. Four, I have more time afterwards to get feed back. Fifth, The amount of energy I have to put into providing a sacred space at ME compromises the massage. At home, the space is sacred and clearer than at ME. Like I have said in previous posts, ME is not the hear all or end all for ME. Its temporary, until I can build up my private practice again elsewhere. I agree with everyone who says the compensation is not enough because it really isnt. Having to do 5 massages a day 4 to 5 days a week to barely get by is not something I can do long term. Fortunately, I get the self care needed and practice martial arts which will allow me to endure this a little longer.

LivingWagesarenecessary in Denver, Colorado said: And suggesting therapists get therapy because they are upset at being abused while the corporate manual says they are supposed to smile, is bloody assinine. This is a forum for people to be honest. ME would not like that. Yes there are angsty folks everywhere, and some make me look like a kitten, when I assure you I am a LION.

There was so little professionalism on the part of the management staff, and the front desk was in cahoots because they were paid more to do so. To wit, the manager of this location would make sexual comments about clients, as well as some front desk staff. This IS corporate America at its worst, with no benefits. ME in Wal-Mart would be appropos. Just so you know what you are paying for is plastic crap. You may find a deal sometimes, but you are continuing to kill what is truly great about America, one independent business at a time.
I do hope that their slick marketing machine & the reality of their services is able to be spotted by new therapists before they hurt themselves.
BUT IF YOU DO: File workers comp suits & bring this beast down!!!!!

do you or anyone else reading this know of anyone that actually filed a workman's comp claim while working at an ME? I have a coworker who is facing surgery soon due to an injury that was sustained while working.

First thing your friend needs is a lawyer who specializes in workman comp, because I can be 100% the the company will try everything to screw your friend out of any benefits and apply immediately because there are statute of limitations when it comes to applying for the benefits.
And tell your friend this,"when it comes to management they are not your friends, they will try jacking you over any way they can and even try being your friend. You need to remember that no matter what they say to comfort you their only main interest is to protect the company, best way the manager can. When it comes to management and employee's relationship its exactly like that there are no being friends.That manager in reality is your enemy.It always has been and always be management vs. employee's!"

William Armstrong in Twentynine Palms, California said: The bottom line is check with your States labor laws. ...
It does not matter what ME says its what the law of that State says.

Thanks William, but you are missing the point. Massage Envy has this pay "formula". EXAMPLE: Massage Therapist is scheduled to "work" 20x hours per week (Considered FULL time in massage industry due to Physical and Emotional drain of job plus the need for self care and business duties & continuing education).

If the LMP/T (Licensed Massage Practitioner/Therapist) has 20 massages they will be paid $300 for the week. If they only have 5 massages and sit around for 15 hours (unlikely), they are paid thus: 5x 15 = $75 Or 20 x $8.50 (or minimum wage in state) in $170. Admittedly, sitting around is "easy work", but you if this LMP were to schedule for 30 hours they would just as likely end up doing 20 massages and wasting 10 hours of their time doing nothing and not being paid for it - here is why... MacEnvy only pays the greater of the massage pay OR the minimum wage "non-massage" hours - NOT BOTH.

As an alternative, imagine if Massage Envy were required to pay LMP's minimum wage PLUS an additional wage per hour of Massage - so the 30 hour week above that was paid $300 would actually be paid =
30x $8.50 + 20x $6.50 = $255 + 130 = $385
(massage hours still pay $15/hour which is how much 90% of ME LMP's are earning)

Any Massage practitioner who is doing more than 20 hours of bodywork per week is either degrading their personal health OR they are receiving 2-3 massages and eating VERY healthy each week.

It would seem like you would be better off working for your self and have a second income going when things are slow during the dead season.

Continuing my prior post...

Tips - that ME expects customers to make up the shortfall in wages the way that Restaurants do for waiters is a broken model. Here is why - a customer at a restaurant receives service from the Cooks, Waiter, Busboys, Matre Di, Cleaning staff and Management. Typically, "budget" restaurants pay everyone full wages except the waiters who are expected to be compensated with TIPS.

At Massage Envy, Management does not serve the customer AT ALL! Management is only responsible for enforcing the regulations on employees and getting maximum return at minimum cost - which results in a "burn the LMP out and hire a new one" mentality.
The front desk staff is like a European Matre Di who on a slow night stands on the sidewalk, encouraging pedestrians to eat at his restaurant - they get bonus's based on signing up new clients and rebooking a client after a session - WHICH IS SILLY - if the client rebooks - it will have more to do with the massage they just received than any "value added" by the front desk staff.

Which brings me to my point concerning wages and tips at Massage Envy:

The Massage Practitioner is the Waiter, Chief, Kitchen Assistants, Busboys, and in many ways the Matre Di (they interact with the clients more than the front desk staff) and they are being paid only the Waiter's wages!

Any business that pays a Massage Practitioner less than 60% of the Cash Cost billed to the client for a Massage is abusing the Massage Practitioner.

In the case of insurance claims, there is significant overhead costs which might reduce the compensation to 45-50%, but usually the business charges a higher rate to account for this extra expense.

Massage Envy is only paying 38% of discounted Membership Massage Price ($39) and 22% of non-Membership Massage Price ($69). It requires at least a $20 tip to meet this deficit ($35 pay vs $59 cost of massage - cash cost to client when paying a $20 tip).

It seems like too much of a headache working for a company vs. working for yourself

3rd post on Massage Envy... last one folks.

My Advice for Massage Practitioners...

If you just graduated and need to gain experience quickly - then by all means go to the most convenient Massage Envy and get a job. Gain some hands on experience AND start applying at Chiropractic Offices and/or Spas after your first week of work.

If you don't have another job by the end of the month - cut back on your ME hours and work your resume! Don't forget that AMTA and ABMP both have employment finding services as does the school you attended.

DO NOT GET STUCK WORKING AT MacEnvy!! Unless you just like working yourself to the bone an being treated like dirt.
IF you get any type of injury, file for workman's compensation -or- if you aren't up for the legal fight then see prior advice!

If you have been working at a Massage Envy for more than a year, please contact one of your old classmates or a good personal friend and ask them to help you find another job!!
Most "bad" spas pay $25+ per hour and Chiropractors pay $30+ /hour (but you must know how to do SOAP charting and injury treatments).

EVERYONE -
1) Get a personal business card - (See VistaPrint or other - cheap cost)
2) Give all of your current clients a business card during your last 2-weeks at ME.
3) Find a way to start your own private practice. Tell your current clients you will charge $55/hour and ask what objections they have.
4) Expect to get fired from ME when your manager finds out.
5) Apply for Unemployment - you were not fired for cause - ME can not prevent you from discussing Massage Services with a client - it is your business - they can fire you - but not for cause. Washington is a Right to Work state which means they don't need any reason to fire a person - it also means you can file for unemployment benefits - which should equal what you were being paid...

Your results may vary - but your self esteem can only improve!
You are a professional - you deserve better!

sheika in Greensboro, North Carolina said: 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?

ME is far from perfect. But I make n$40 and hour with tip, they do offer benefits at my clinic (varies from clinic to clinic because this is a frachise) I get free massages every month, all my supplies, support staff, marketing, rent etc are paid for me. I get paid whether the client shows up or not. I have my own room. My CEUs, insurance and licensing are paid for. I dont have to work on anyone I dont want to. I work 1-7 five days a week and do just under 20 hours a week, set my own hours, can leave if not busy. I dont have to put up with prima donnas at a spa or egomaniacs at the chiro (Ive done both) or give myself ulcers wondering how to get enough clients in my own business (did that to) It's hard work, but it's not that bad. I take care of my hands and if I find a better gig I'll take it. Depends on the person. I came to massage. It's what I do. I pay my bills and have play money. Life could be worse.

Well it sounds like you found an needle in a haystack of ME.Those that offer you that situation are few and far between.ME is basically a McDonalds of massage.They want volume not quality to get to the masses but what they don't see is people who look for a cheap deal also still feel entitled to have a good massage done in an environment that is comfortable.If a massage therapist is feeling unhappy or under valued it will translate into their massage and the client will feel it too.No massage therapist will stay at a place like ME long because he will not make a good living that will allow a max of 5 massage a day to stay healthy.They will have to do more to make up the difference in their pay.I have worked on more then a few people who have been to a ME and I have yet to hear any one of them give a positive review about their massage of the environment where they felt pressured to tip and to sign a contract to be a member.People get massages to heal or just relax not feel pressured by the staff.

Yolie in Omaha, Nebraska said: ME is far from perfect. But I make n$40 and hour with tip, they do offer benefits at my clinic (varies from clinic to clinic because this is a frachise) I get free massages every month, all my supplies, support staff, marketing, rent etc are paid for me. I get paid whether the client shows up or not. I have my own room. My CEUs, insurance and licensing are paid for. I dont have to work on anyone I dont want to. I work 1-7 five days a week and do just under 20 hours a week, set my own hours, can leave if not busy. I dont have to put up with prima donnas at a spa or egomaniacs at the chiro (Ive done both) or give myself ulcers wondering how to get enough clients in my own business (did that to) It's hard work, but it's not that bad. I take care of my hands and if I find a better gig I'll take it. Depends on the person. I came to massage. It's what I do. I pay my bills and have play money. Life could be worse.

Is that 40 per hour including your tip? what commission do you make? you are fortunate to have benefits and get all your ceu's licensing, etc paid plus a free massage. This is how it should be at every massage envy.
I am curious about the benefits they offer. can u elaborate?

How are you getting $40/hr? My friend who has been working there for over a year gets $15/hr. She's cut back to one day a week because she just got hired by a spa that pays $35/hr. *before* any tips.

I think of Massage Envy as the WalMartization of America. All people care about is cheap.

ME has contacted me more than once about working for them and confirmed the $15/hr. pay for massages.

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

You think when youre only paying $39.00 for a massage you shouldn't have to tip? If you're only paying $39.00 how much do you think we get as therapist! Let me tell you it's not much massage envy starts everyone out at $15.00 per hour massage given (only if your booked and they show up and pay) they give you "bonus'" of $.50 cents per six months up to $20.00 per massage given. If we are booked 1/2 hours or 1 1/2 appts. we are further screwed as we are backed down to the base pay for the half hours so if I had been there for 5 years and made $20.00 per massage and you scheduled an 1 1/2 I would get me $20.00 for the hour and $7.50 for the additional half hour making me loose $2.50 every 1/2 hour massage I do. So YES TIP AND TIP WELL! It cost's me money everytime someone like you comes to see me!