Getting REALLY Dispondent!!!!!

[White Delight is awesome!]

Hi all

Just having a quick whinge really.

I'm a Reflexologist - Qualified last October & have been in practise (offering Home/clinic/home visit treatments).

EVERY time I give a treatment (which have slowly decreased in number lately) the clients look really spaced out and say how wonderful it was. They genuinely seem to enjoy it.

I believe in my abilities, and the ability in Reflexology to do good, but I have recently been really confused about why people don't come back or re-book on the spot!! I'm even thinking that it really isn't worth all the stress. I've been working like a dog trying to improve my leaflets to make them more attractive and last week I dropped my prices (to £25.00 per session - I guess the price thing will take time to get around).

I am now in the yellow pages & on Yell.com (the only people who have phoned me from there are Yells advertising dept. trying to get me to buy more advertising!!!) and soon to be in some local Doctors surgery leaflets - so I just seem to be chasing my tail with my wallet in my mouth. It is SOOOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!! I just don't know what else to do. I already work part-time looking after children (also stressful) and I'm thinking of throwing in the towel & getting a regular job.

I know it's early days and I'm still a bit green around the gills but do any of you have any words of wisdom that you can share? I would be eternally grateful [sm=cry.gif]

Thank you sooo much

Jane xxxxxxxx

 

[Adrianna Q]

Hi Jane, wonder if this may help. Its important to understand why the client is coming to you. Many come just for the odd session, thats fine, reflex. is a great way to destress as and when required, some need however a course of treatments initially. If you understand what they need and why they are there, then you can set out and agree a treatment plan with regular attendance dates and review dates so that they can see that their treatment is focussed and managed. If you discuss this with them, without making claims of any sort, by recommending a short course of treatments and continually assess and review the treatment as it progresses, then the client will come back and probably finish the course. Its obvious that they are benefitting from your treatments but they perhaps need some info. about treatment plans and how and why it can help them?
hope that helps
Bob

 

[zombierach]

Hi Bob.

I've taken what you have said on board, and I do think that I perhaps need to concentrate a little more on the planning of the treatments and managing the client a little better.

Good advice, thanks!!

[sm=1syellow1.gif]

Jane xx

 

[fabiolapistola]

Hi Jane

A lot of my reflex clients (unless they are pregnant ones) do not have courses but just come whenever they like, some once or twice a year others once a month....I occassionally get courses for specifics, like preconception, pregnancy or other ailment but the individual ones are more common, they dont tend to rebook on the spot unlike the massage clients but just phone when they feel they deserve a treat...

Relax and enjoy, it can get quieter before christmas and the month after.....but as with all things it should pick up again.....

Tigs
x

 

[Kitten]

Hi Jane. Aww shucks!

Does this help?

I started at the clinic (that I now own) a year ago last May. I ran back and forth to that and another place to do treatments when I was offered them. I earned laughable money to be honest and if you take into consideration the three ITEC courses I did and then I did reflexology last December, then I made nothing.

I managed to get the clients I did for two reasons, well no, three. I gave a good treatment (I am told), the other therapists weren't all so great, and I was friendly with the then owner who put work my way. But it was still patchy.

Once I took over, then yes, I did book most people in with me. To the point that I had to work all sorts of funny hours and wasn't able to be at home much. But I saw this as not only building up my own clients but getting the Centre going for all of us.

I'm happy with what I have now but am happy to do more. Spaced out is good! You are doing something right. I manage to make my living by offering not only reflex, but also massage and aromatherapy, IHM and NAET. I can get much more for the NAET treatments, new clients pay £40 and £25 for follow up half hours, so it boosts my income. That cost me a lot of money to train in though - forgot about that!

You can't make them come back, you can't make clients appear and there are always slow times, I have been pretty slow this week. Don't lose heart. Keep at it. They will come back and they will tell others about you.

It does help to discuss treatment plans with them. You have to do this carefully so as not to appear pushy or worse, desperate! I find a lot ask advice about this and they are usually quite nervous to do so, so how many don't ask? If they have a particular problem then you can say something like 'if you can manage it then you need to come back once a week for the next month to see an improvement and then you can come once a month to keep on top of the problem'. This usually works well for me and I would never say it if it wasn't relevant.

Chin up! It is TOUGH! We understand.

 

[kaizeronline]

Hi Candi
I was just reading your reply to Jane and was wondering what NAET was?

thanks

 

[Eduardo]

Hi. It is an allergy elimination treatment. It has come from the States and there aren't many practitioners in the UK, we are the only ones in the North West.

It is based on chiropractic, chinese medicine and applied kinesology.

Hard to explain but is based on the theory that the energy of the substance isn't right with the energy in your body. We muscle test to find the sensitivity or allery (with the NAET phials of the substance or can use the substance itself) we then treat spinal points on the back, they hold the phial for 20 minute and then go away and avoid the substance for 24 hours. After that you should be clear.

Hard to get head round for some, but can only say it seems to work. Had one great client who could not eat eggs, milk or cheese without facing swelling and head bursting and she can now eat all of them and is delighted with results.

Quite simple really but then we always complicate things! You can go to our website and follow the links for NAET for find out more.

It isn't a quick fix, it takes time and patience. If you want to know more then PM or email me.

xx

 

[NicLeoauee]

Wow candie, head bursting, yuck, what a mess!!

I really must try NAET for my daughter.


Anyway, Jane, It is not easy to build up and I think when I went into reflex, I hadnt thought through the actual application and running a self employed business angle. Envisioning people knocking at my door begging for treatments.

The Reality is that it takes a good while to build up into a business which will solely support you and for some it never will happen. I am fortunate as I am not the main breadwinner in our home.

I do not earn enough to support a household, but I do earn more than I ever did for part time work, and absolutely love my job. I also offer IHM now and I do think you need to add to your therapies to attract more clients. I get quite a few calls asking if I do massage, which I refer on to a friend. I am quite happy at the moment with what I am doing as I have a lot going on with my family and limited energy myself.
It varies a lot month to month, last month (October) was about half other months, but this month is busy. It is unpredictable, which is difficult if you really rely on a certain level of income.

A lot depends on where you live, whether there are enough potential clients in your locality. and advertising does take a while to filter through.
It also took a while for me to realise while training that I would have to work evenings and weekends to suit clients timetables. Both of which I am now used to and doesn't bother me much.

Was it October 2003 0r 2004 that you started professional practice.

Hang on in there.

Jan X

 

[Scooch]

Hi Jane

I've been practising for 2 years now and have only really got busy in the last few months. To be honest this time of year isn't great because people are more interested in using their money for Christmas. It tends to pick up around the end of February, once the Christmas bills are paid.

I found that it was what I was saying to people that seemed to stop them coming back. A quick chat with a couple of more experienced therapists at the clinic showed me that saying things to the effect of "you're fine, come back when you feel like it" probably wasn't the best thing. There were certainly people who didn't need a thing doing and were just there for the relaxation. What I say now is that I've balanced things up for them but they would probably benefit from regular treatments.

Look at things like their job. People in jobs like accountancy tend to work to deadlines and could probably, therefore, do with a treatment after their month end (if not before or during) since month end is pretty stressful. Same goes for anyone whose job involves sitting at a computer, being on their feet all day, working to deadlines or any other job (especially stay at home mums). You can suit your wording to the person you're treating. And you're not lying to them at all. Their jobs are stressful and they need help to de-stress. Reflexology is perfect for that, and combining the treatments with dietary or exercise advice makes it a rounded treatment.

And the last thing to remember is about money. Generally speaking anyone in their first year of business will make a loss because your set-up costs are high in relation to your income (equipment, advertising etc.). You might break even, or close to it, in your second year and should start to see a profit in your third year. This is pretty standard when people become self-employed so don't get too despondent just yet. But if you're not making a living in five years, it's probably time to do something else. (Spotted that I used to be an accountant yet?)

Hope that helps. I remember only too well how this felt when I was going through it.

 

[T3rr4nc3]

Hi everyone!!

Many thanks for all of the replies. Full of really solid support (great to know!!)

Anyway, I've made a couple of changes to how I practice. See what you think (BTW Jan, it was October last year that I qualified - I forgot we were in November now, sorry!!!)

Since I qualified, I have been pretty obsessed with making a career out of it which was probably a mistake really. I actually set up my practice in January '04 so I've now been foot-fiddlin' for 11 months - not long in the great scheme of things .

Since entering this post and reading all of the replies, I've decided to "chill" a little. I've come up with a treatment plan form (I'm a formaholic!) which makes my life easier, I've re-structured my prices and put them on a sliding scale as I think they may have been a little high for this area (House prices etc. are high in Warwick!). My fees now depend on whether you have the treatment at the health centre, the client's home or my clinic. I won't make a fortune but at least I should get more of a response - 2 clients at a lower price are better than none at a higher rate after all!

I'm also not going to beat myself up about not conquering the world just yet, but give it a couple of years and, well..... watch out!

Anyway, many many thanks again.

Love and squishy hugs [sm=hug.gif]

Jane xx

 

[michaelempeigne]

Hi again Jane.

Be careful with your charges. Most of us probably do have differing rates for certain clients and if they are not at a clinic then you can charge a little less. But bear in mind that you might find it difficult to put your rates up. Once you do get busy then why should you charge less? All those extra pounds add up and you could find yourself charging less than you should overall.

We charge £22 for an hour's reflex and I don't think this is a lot of money for what they get. Bear in mind what it has cost you to set up. Also, if you charge too little people think you might not be so good as other's who charge more.[]

It's tricky, but make sure you charge what you feel you are worth. If you are patient then you will get the clients who will pay that.

 

[JinX]

Hi Candie.

I have actually set my fees thus...

£25.00 for Clinic appointments
£20.00 for Home visits
£15.00 for treatments at my house as I don't have any travel / wasted time worries etc.

I think I will probably put my treatment fees at my house up when I get busier but for the moment I'm happy with that.

Thanks for the advice though. I'll keep it in mind [sm=bouncy.gif]

Jane xx

 

[Othephobe]

Crumbs, Jane, I think I'll come to you in Warwick for a treatment!

Up here in the Costa del Sol-ihull we charge; £ 22.00 for a one hour treatment in our home-based therapy room and £ 27.00 for home visits (within about 10 miles of home). First treatments cost another £ 5.00 because of the time taken to do the Lifestyle questionnaire. If pressed, we will discount the £ 5.00 against a second treatment - but that IS at our discretion, as are all fees.

We don't do treatments in any outside clinics.

It really does take a long time to get yourself established and, just having one therapy takes a little longer.

I wish you every success.

 

[TemskyncTes]

I think the first two prices are ok if you don't have to travel far (take into account time and petrol) but I think £15 for at home is a little low, but as you say, if you are happy with it and get bookings then that's fine. I would have made the home ones (at yours) £20. I don't think people wouldn't book for the extra fiver to be honest and think they would pay the extra. You are still running up costs, heating etc and need to recover the costs of your courses and equipment.

 

[Fireflies]

dear Jane, how are things going?

Dont give up , it will come good sooner or later as long as you are enjoying what you do. Do you have any other qualifications, or therapies you can incorporate into your business?Although it sounds as though you are very busy at home -so make the most of it ,before you know it you will be juggling clients so you can manage the tea, as for prices here some clients offer 6 for the price of 5, or promotion offers, taster sessions ect, however I dont think thats so easy as you still neded to do consultation which takes time. Myself I offer a discount for children students and the elderly. I advertise for corporate reflexology with a min of 2 hours work when booking, and Special occasion reflexology ideal for hen parties, birthdays ect. Atfer all not everyone wants to go out and get smashed before they get married! I also do a specail price and service for panic attacks, which are more popular than i would have thought.but you have to be prepared for odd hours and places.Best wishes and good luck -happy soles.

 

[aumnamashivaaum]

Hi Happy Soles!

Thanks for the reply. I used to offer discounted rates for block bookings/elderly but as my prices are low anyway, I don't think I will be able to do that for a while (Maybe £5 or £10 off perhaps!) As for the hen nights - GREAT IDEA!! I didn't think of that one. I have given a man a Reflexology treatment as a Birthday prezzie (admittedly, he thought I was a stripper in my uniform - !) which went well. How did you approach the businesses for Corporate Reflex (I also do Tender Nature Foot massage(Devised by moi!))?


Anyway, thanks again for the ideas. I'll try them out!

Love

Jane xx

 

[Schrei!]

I am expensive then!
I charge £28 mins for reflex and if they have already done consultation etc this is rarely longer than 50mins.

However I do discount for courses and long term customers......if I was any cheaper I wouldnt be able to do that and my regulars like to know they are special!!

Jane, I do think £15.00 is way too low, how about pushing that one up a bit and then if you wanted to you could always say in the treatment subsequent sessions if say no more than 6weeks apart are £15.00

there is an osteo around here who charges £5 less if she has seen you in the last 3months.

T
x

 

[umaryzyg]

Hi Jane

I charge £30 for home visits, which I may reduce if elderly and Housebound, or increase if further away, and usually £25 at my home, with a reduction to £20 for oap's, or if people pay in advance for 4 treatments. (thats a new one recently negotiated by a client). I try to make it affordable, but some people really dont want to pay anything at all!!! []

It also very much depends on the area you are relying on for clients, but dont undersell yourself.
Self presentation and a confident and knowledgeable manner help a lot so its worth practising responses to queries. I know when I'm taken by surprise, daydreaming or expecting another call, my brain goes out the window

Jan x

 

[Corey]

I don't think you are too dear, bear in mind we are in the North.

A friend of mine who qualified three years ago charged £30 at her home then so for South prices I think this is pretty good.

I would put ours up. I think they get a bargain for £22. But I already did that recently as they were in my opinion to cheap when I took over. I would like it to be £25 as our one hour aroma is £30. Shall give that one some thought!

 

[Blagocrasesse]

dear Jayne, I'm overseas and working on the euro- however on return I shal charge the same in pound as everything here is cheaper so dont even bother to calculate! I have 'treatment Price leaflets that fold in thirds. I list as follows

Reflexology-Specail occasions
30 min 'taster' session (25e) pp
1 hour session (40) pp
minimum of 2 consectutive hours work required.

I do do consultation and have refused only once because of ongoing medical treatments, however the lady concerened sat with me and I talked her through her friends session which fancinated her. I do a 'walk through' treatment on ALL first timers to me. And explain all areas and techniques on the first foot and then let them chill out on the second. Every client has rebooked so far.

I do the same but cut down the relaxation and move faster for the taster session.

Corporate Reflexology
30 'taster session' (25e) pp
1 hour session (40e) pp

minimum of two consecutive hours work required.
Available on site.

I leave them in the salon and carry them out with me, I take them if I do a display along with some sheets on history, techniques and
publisity posters.
I am lucky enough to be in a self sufficient community so its a bit easier for me but I can email you a copy if you want to see it in print?
feel free to play with the idea and wording but my pictures and name are in the process of copyrighting. i dont mind at all if you use the wording- if you so wish- best wishes for this cold season-happy soles.