Massage Envy - What is there to Envy?

Massage Envy is massage therapy franchise that is cropping up all over the country.

Their offer is a low priced massage - usually around $39-$49 for the first massage and then a sales pitch for an annual massage membership which includes one massage a month and low cost massages for family members. They hire entry level massage therapists and pay them low wages from what I heard is about $15 per massage.

When massage therapists who are running their own business or even working for a reputable clinic or spa hear about this concept, it raises many feelings. The most common reaction is that they will have to compete with the low cost massages and will lose clients to massage envy.

The thing to remember is that the feelings that you get when you hear about something that could threaten your business, it really isn't about that. It is usually just a way that your mind has learned to react to keep you from achieving what you want and believing in yourself.

Massage Envy has it's place. Since they are hiring mainly new entry level massage therapists right out of school, it is providing them a place to work right out of school. It is a great way to get experience and to build self confidence. It is a great way to learn to run a business.

I have gone to a massage envy for a massage and I recommend that anyone who is reacting with fear to go and get one too. You will soon see that they really are not in competition with any individually owned massage business. The massage I got there left me wondering if the guy had heard anything I had said in the 5 second intake interview, in which all I said was I have pain in my hip right here (and pointed.) He didn't touch that area at all.

My concern is that the massage therapists who work there are giving the profession a bad image and that massage therapists there aren't really getting the support they need to get the skills they need to move on.

A recent news release by Massage Magazine interviewed the creator of Massage Envy and he said that only 25% of the people who come in for a massage actually sign up for a membership. That also concerns me, as you would think that the number would be higher with such a deal for a massage. People know what they are getting and know what they want.

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Have you worked for Massage Envy or gotten a massage there or are member there?

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

massage envy customer 
I think your article here is misleading. The therapist may only get $15.00 for an hour massage, but they also get another $15.00 to $20.00 in cash as a ...

owner Massage Envy Franchise  Not rated yet
We do not just hire entry level therapists. The majority of our staff is experienced, but the style and skill level still varies from person to person....

Bruised after the first massage  Not rated yet
I went in several days ago in hopes for a nice relaxing massage, thanks to my husband. I have been in a walking boot due to surgery on my ankle, so my ...

Company men are a thing of the past  Not rated yet
I am a product of corporate downsizing.In this age of forclosures,the dwindling dollar, and falling stock prices--I don't even begin to conceive of placing ...

The consept of Massage Envy like McDonalds  Not rated yet
Like it or hate it ,the Wal-Marts and McDonalds and Massage Envy's of the world are here to stay.I had in passing spoken to another MT who worked in some ...

Massage Envy - CA  Not rated yet
tanya davis LMT,CMT,ABMP member

Oh I broke a rib laughing. Yep,you are sooo on it is funny.I work at (ME) in so cal and since we are in or going in ...