01/18/2024
A client asked me how much it cost to give an 1hr therapeutic bodywork massage....
I answered him: $ 255
He said: So expensive for this massage?
I asked: How much do you think it would cost you?
He answers me: $ 60 maximum... That's a pretty simple job right? !"
- For $ 60 I invite you to do it yourself.
- But.... I don't know how to.
- For $60 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you $195, you'll get the knowledge for the next time you need a massage.
- It seemed right to him and he agreed.
- But to get started: you need tools: A massage table, sheets/face cradle, table warmer, massage gun, Theracane, lacrosse ball, Gua Sha tool, massage oil, magnets, medical grade low level laser, trigger point release tool, resistance bands, etc...
- But I don't have all these equipment and I can't buy all of these or have space to store them.
- Well then for another $ 150 more I'll rent my equipment for an hour to you so you can do it.
- Okay, he says.
- Okay! Tuesday I'm wanting for you to start doing this work
- But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.
- I'm sorry, but I'm only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my stuff. Other days are busy with other customers.
- Okay! That means I'm going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday, give up my tasks.
- I forgot. To do your job yourself, you also
have to pay for the nonproductive factors.
- That is? What is this?"
- Training in neuromuscular control, lymphatic massage, manual ligament therapy, musculoskeletal therapy, acupressure points, low level laser procedures and frequencies, exercise rehab protocol, myofascial release, somatic therapy, tax, security, insurance, etc.
- Oh no!... But to accomplish these tasks, I'm going to spend more money and I don’t have a lot of time!
- I'll get you all the tools you need. Bring your truck, loading is done Monday evening or Tuesday morning you'll have to come by 6a to load your truck. Don't forget to be on time to avoid traffic jams and be on time bringing supplies back. I will need the equipment back by 11a on Tuesday for my next client.
- At 6am??? Nope! Too early for me! I’m used to getting up later...
- You know, I've been thinking. I better come in for an hour therapy bodywork session. I'd rather pay you the $255. If I had to do it myself, it wouldn't be relaxing or therapuetic and it would cost me a lot more.
When you pay for a job, especially medical therapeutic and re-habilitation, you pay not only for the material used, but also:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Study
- Tools
- Services
- Time to go
- punctuality
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Accuracy
- Guaranteed
- Sacrifices
- Safety and security
- Payment of tax obligations
No one can denigrate other people's work by judging prices.
Only by knowing all the elements necessary for the production of a certain work can you estimate the actual cost.
I did not write this dialogue, but am sharing it to support therapists and entrepreneurs.
