You have many choices on where to go for a massage. You can go to a local or national chain, a spa or resort, or a small business. The biggest advantage of going somewhere other than a small business is availability. The bigger the business, the better your chances are of getting in on late notice. That convenience typically comes with a trade-off of a higher price or not getting your favorite massage therapist. I discussed the question of if massage chains are a good deal for you here.
Why get a massage at a small business?
You can get your massage from the same person every time. The more I work with you, and the more I know about what you do and what has helped you before, the better results you will get. You won’t have to fill out new paperwork and explain your health background every time. I’ll keep notes on your history so I can know what happened in previous visits and your results. I will learn your preferences and use the pressure, temperature, and music that you like.
A small business will do their main service very well. I do massage. I don’t do nails or hair (well, I will if you want, but I don’t think you will like it). I focus my attention and continuing education on how to provide the best massage I can. I learn new techniques and investigate and experiment with new tools. When I notice a trend of a condition that people have, I review more anatomy and methods to help.
My attention is not divided on multiple choices. When a business invests in something new, they want to get a return on that investment. Your cost at a big business may be higher and you may be paying for services that you are not using. I want to take care of your main problem when you come in. If I succeed in that, you will come back.
You are an important person – not a number or a 3:00 appointment. Since there are so many options for massage, small businesses must provide great customer service. I care about you as a person and I want to help. You are not just another customer. When you call, you will talk to me and not be directed through a maze of phone options. Your emails are answered by me – a person, not a big company employee.
Small businesses are important to your community. Your money goes to a local business, which then gets spent locally. Supporting one small business helps to support multiple businesses in your area. The money doesn’t go to a corporate headquarters in another state or even another country.
If getting a massage from somebody who cares about you, gives you great customer service, and does an outstanding massage sounds good, check out a small business like mine.
Barry is a licensed Massage Therapist at Main Street Massage in Hudson, Ohio. Find out more about him, his business, and massage at www.HudsonMassageTherapy.com
Exactly!