The great Groupon debate continues! I've seen many threads on Facebook discussing the pros & cons of daily deals for massage businesses.
Here's a cool infographic on some of the facts of Groupon:
Have you ran a Groupon? What was your experience with it? Would you recommend it to other MT's?
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.
She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
If I was just starting out as a massage therapist, I would consider it. There's no way I could handle it now though!
ReplyDeleteI've had that same thought, Ginger. It could be a good tool when just starting out... what have you got to lose if you don't have any clients to begin with anyway?
DeleteIt definitely has its advantages- and challenges. Some people bring gratuity, others do not. I would say that 5-10% rebook and end up being regular clients. I offered a discount for their next session. But many of the Groupon customers just buy Groupon massages primarily. Others that have had a few bad experiences with Groupon Massages say become repeat clients because they feel experience and quality is more valuable than a bargain and quantity. If I ever do it again, I will ask all the Groupon customers if they would like to be on an email list. That way they don't "fall through the cracks." Also, you can LIMIT your sales!
ReplyDeleteSome interesting ideas, Ladyj. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI worked at a clinic who loved to run groupons. The therapists on the other hand did not feel the same, they found it exhausting and frustrating as the return was very low on the amount of work that needed to be put out. They are individuals looking for a great bang for their buck and from what I was told by the therapists they were rarely seen again, about a 2% return, they did not want to have to pay full price so they would just wait for the next great deal.
ReplyDeleteI run a mobile massage company now, even discounts I find are not what I wanted to put out there. Great quality service does not need to be discounted. Great marketing is the key.
Good luck!