What should I charge for massage? How to Set Massage Rates That Support Your Dream Life

Are you a massage therapist who is passionate about your work but struggling to make ends meet? Do you dream of a thriving practice that supports your ideal lifestyle, not just barely covers the bills?

It's time to ditch the undercharging and step into your worth!

Setting the right prices for your massage services is crucial for building a sustainable and fulfilling career. Here's how to do it:

1. Know Your Numbers

Before you even think about setting prices, you need to understand your costs. This includes not just your obvious expenses like rent and supplies, but also:

• Taxes
• Insurance
• Marketing
• Continuing education
• And, most importantly, your own salary!

Use this simple formula to calculate your bottom line:

(Personal Expenses + Business Expenses) / (Price per Massage x Number of Sessions per Month) = Bottom Line (bottom line=the lowest amount you can charge per massage)

This will help you determine the minimum you need to charge to cover your costs and support your desired lifestyle.

Check out my Massage Profit Calculator to get help calculating your bottom line.

2. Price for Your Ideal Life

Don't just price your massage services to survive; price to thrive!

• Consider your income goals, both now and in the future.
• Factor in your desired work-life balance, vacation time, and retirement savings.
• Don't forget to include essentials like your own health care plan in your list of expenses.
• Your prices should reflect the value you provide AND support the life you want to create.
• Pay yourself for the admin work as well!

3. Embrace Annual Price Increases

Raising your prices might feel uncomfortable, but it's essential for long-term sustainability. Here's why:

• The economy is doing okay: While inflation is a concern, the overall economy is relatively stable.
• You deserve a raise: Just like any employee, you should expect your income to increase over time and as a business owner, you are the only person who can give yourself a raise.
• Small, consistent increases are easier to manage: If you do regular annual price increases you can avoid larger price hikes that might shock your clients.
• Your business needs to sustain YOU: Prioritize your financial well-being and plan for the future. A business that can't sustain you financially isn't sustainable overall.

4. How to Raise Prices with Your Clients in Mind:

• Communicate clearly and transparently: Give your clients at least 30 days notice.
• Offer incentives: Allow current clients to purchase packages at the old rate or lock in future appointments before the price increase takes effect.
• Showcase your value: Remind clients of the benefits they receive from your services and the expertise you bring to each session.

5. Price Increase Communication Plan:

• Announce the increase in advance: Place signage in your space announcing the price increase and send an email to your clients at least 30 days before the new prices take effect. Send reminder emails 2 weeks and 1 week before the increase takes place. You can post about your increase on social media as well.
• Explain the reasons for the increase: Be honest and transparent about why you're raising your rates but don't feel a need to overexplain.
• Offer a special incentive: Give clients a chance to purchase packages or book future appointments at the current price.
• Express gratitude: Thank your clients for their understanding and continued support.

Remember:

• You are valuable: Your skills, time, and expertise are worth investing in. You create great transformation in your client's lives!
• Don't undervalue yourself: Charge what you deserve to create a thriving and sustainable massage practice.
• Prioritize your well-being: Your business should support your dreams, not drain your energy.

Ready to take control of your finances and build a business that truly supports your ideal life?

Check out the 6-Week Massage Practice Prosperity Challenge to get support with creating a successful massage business without a huge budget or burning out or Join the 15-minute Club to build a thriving massage business in just 15-minutes a day!