Why Isn't Price One of Your Criteria for Listing?
Why Isn't Price One of Your Criteria for Listing? Why No Pricing Listed?
As a massage consumer, Licensed Therapist with their own place, or Bricks-and-Mortar Massage Spa owner, you surely have noticed that at Massagd.com, we do not include price of services.
The conspicuous omission is completely deliberate, as you might have imagined.
Providing Massage Consumers with Better Informed Choices
Our platform is designed to allow consumers to make the most informed decision based on the particulars of each LMT or spa.
As a result, there's more of an emphasis on the Therapeutic Bodywork services offered, rather than the idea of saving a few bucks.
Massage Therapy is an emerging complementary health modality, with proven benefits and a good amount of research.
Massage: Take It Seriously!
Massage can do a world of good for diverse populations and people suffering with different conditions, but both the practitioners, and the art & science, of Therapeutic Massage, must be respected and taken seriously.
The topic must be approached carefully as an informed consumer; it's best when a prospective client contacts an LMT or spa with pre-prepared questions they've considered over time.
Consumers: Research, Then Call or E-mail
Doing a little research before e-mailing or calling is suggested.
This way, consumers can better understand how to communicate their situation to the therapist, as well as have a better understanding of what modalities might be of help, and why.
Displaying Price Dilutes the Message of Healing
Rather than seeking out the best therapist for one's particular situation based on qualifications and being a good match, consumers go straight to the bottom of the list.
And, before long, price becomes the chief criteria for choosing an LMT or spa service.
The Logical and Ethical Decision: No Pricing!
And so, the logical, and ethical, decision was to remove that criterion completely, and develop a platform where the LMT or business gets business based completely on what they have to say, rather than whichever LMTs or therapist are willing to go lowest in a price war to the bottom.
Such price wars benefit neither consumers, nor Therapeutic Massage professionals and business-people.
Control Massage Service Pricing? Nah, No Way!
We elected not to control the price of the market on our platform or set minimum prices. That was a distinct choice as far as how we might have proceeded, but of course that's even worse.
Let free markets reign!
Of course, without taking this oprecaution, Massagd.com can help create situations whereby LMTs aren't paid sufficiently for their hard work and specialized skills.
That can happen. And, it has.
Quelling Price Wars: A Race to the Bottom Averted
Permitting de facto price wars is unconscionable to the Therapeutic Massage world.
Licensed massage Therapists and Bodywork Specialists need pay their bills!
LMTs Must Eat, Too
Lowering prices means that the therapists will have a more difficult time surviving.
Why?
There are only so many hours in a day, and when a therapist is forced to charge lower price, they can't suddenly double their working hours.
Bodywork is difficult and mentally, physically ,and emotionally demanding work and requires preparation, as well as recovery time.
Price Wars: Star Wars Looks Tame by Comparison
If a particular spa slashes their prices, this usually causes ripples of fear in the local market.
This drives the cost of services down temporarily, as nervous competitors scramble to remain competitive, lowering their prices, in response.
"Race You to Zero?!" Don't Do It!
Keeping up by going down is the wrong approach; keeping your prices reasonable is a better strategy, and doesn't add your energy to a downward momentum in price which ultimately is injurious to your massage practice or business.
Compete by Charging What You're Worth
You're not making it so that your business will fail by not slashing prices; instead you're making sure you or your LMTs are paid what they're worth for their time.
Trying to compete with unreasob,ly low prices can cause some LMTs or spas to go belly up. Sometimes, the spas charging insanely low prices are operating at a loss, hoping it pays off in the future.
An Evil Strategy: Lowball 'Til Competitors Go Belly Up, Then Raise Prices Through the Roof
These busineses that are lowballing then raise their prices after decimating the competition.
This eliminates choices in the marketplace, as the LMTs must seek work elsewhere, sometimes never to return to the field of bodyword, as there are fewer spas around, and thus fewer job opportunities.
This malignant price-gouging strategy requires deep pockets and real funds; it's definitely a long game.
And, ultimately, it affects the LMTs, spa owners, and consumers negativetly.
Fostering Informed Choice by Encouraging Direct Communication
We permit unlimited contact between consumers and LMTs or spas listing with us.
This encourages consumers to contact multiple individuals and businesses before making a decision.
No Contact Fees or Limitations
Other Massage Directories charge consumers, or LMTs and businesses listing with them a fee for each contact.
This runs counter to the idea of finding the absolute best match for your needs.
Discouraging communication so that a platform can profit is never the answer.
Price: A Legitimate Consideration, But Never Primary
Price may be a consideration, but that should only come later.
And, not publishing pricing information on our platform allows the therapists to make deals, or special offers, with consumers without being bound to unreasonably low prices, as a standard everyday price for services.