Massage Therapists’…safety is important when providing mobile massage services
I have been a mobile massage therapist for more than nine years and have learned that when you’re doing in home massage or outcall massage to hotels you need to take precautions. I would like to share a few things that might be helpful to massage therapists who may be considering mobile massage as a source of income in the industry.
PHONE SCREENINGS ARE IMPORTANT:
When you receive a call from a potential first time client you should always do a thorough phone screening and get some important information. Ask a lot of questions and pay close to attention to the client’s massage request. It’s unfortunate, but many inquiries are for sensual massage.
The information I want to relay is extremely important for female therapists receiving a call from a potential male client. I receive many calls from men and have refused several appointment requests because of their response to a question or because one of their questions was unnecessary.
That being said, if the caller is truly seeking a completely therapeutic professional massage they would not need to ask whether they would have to be draped or ask if I use draping, That statement alone is a red flag and enough for me to refuse the appointment. But if that question does not come up listen closely to their other inquiries and pay attention to their tone of voice. You can usually tell when someone has knowledge of professional massage. There have been times I thought I asked all the right questions, but still felt something didn’t seem right and refused the appointment. In one instance, after I ended the call I received an email from the male caller asking why I wouldn’t give him a massage. I didn’t respond and shortly after that received another email asking me again why I wouldn’t massage him. It didn’t go further than that but I was glad I had turned down the appointment. That’s not something most people would have done. I would say if you are questioning someone’s intent, you probably have reason to.
Of course the majority of your calls will be legitimate massage requests. When you have set up your appointment time and location with the caller, be sure to get their complete full name. I also get credit card information to secure the appointment. Even if they choose to pay by cash or check at the appointment, I still get this to guarantee payment. It does happen that people will not be there once you arrive or will want to cancel at the last minute. If the client does not want to give you this information, you risk showing up for the appointment, the client not being there and being out both time and travel expenses. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy and inform clients that if they do not give the 24 hour notice of cancellation, they will be charged for the service.
You just have to be aware and smart providing this type of massage service. It’s always a good idea to check in with the front desk or concierge at hotel appointments and let them know what guest you’re there to see. For first time appointments in someone’s home, telling a friend or family member where you are is also a good idea. And one last piece of information that might be helpful. When you get the client’s name, you can always do a google search and possibly find out more information about the individual that way.
I feel as long as you’re smart and ask good questions you can avoid putting yourself in a risky situation.
Michelle DiGaetano
Licensed Massage Therapist
Owner, Turn 2 Massage
