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December 18, 2007

Is This A Good Deal?

I've started looking into options for working on Saturdays when I start school. One place I contacted was amenable to having me work there on contract. They offer a one third/two thirds split which seems reasonable at first glance. I've been in situations where the facility wanted a 40/60 split on my revenue. However, I've also been in a situation where the facility wanted a small fee per massage with a cap once I met my rental obligation, allowing me to take away all revenue from my work.

On further investigation, I found this new situation may not be the great deal I was thinking it would be. Maybe I'm spoiled by working in private practice for myself, or maybe I've become a bit controlling about how I believe the working arrangement should be handled. I'd appreciate feedback from other therapists that have worked on contract at salons, spas, doctor's offices and other massage clinics.

This venue I'm considering has a room for me, for now, barring a full-time therapist coming in, in which case we would have to be flexible about sharing a space. I have a cabinet, my table, and all the supplies I would need (sheets, oils, etc.) which I could store in that cabinet. Unfortunately, they do not have a washer/dryer set up on site and all therapists have to take their laundry home and do it themselves.

Some of my current clients have expressed a willingness to drive all the way from where I live now to where I'm moving. At this venue, I can keep my current rate for these clients, however, they must logged into a computer system. Also, any money I make will be collected by the office and I will get a paycheck every two weeks. From this money, it will be my responsibility to file taxes, etc. on my income.

I'm used to being in control of my money and I have some privacy concerns regarding my clients who would be commuting in. Also, for that percentage of money taken from my income, shouldn't the work I do be seamless? What I mean is, shouldn't I be able to simply show up at work, rub some bodies and leave. Why would I want to pay so much and still have to attend to all of the responsibilities of owning my own business? I don't know what this facility's overhead expenses are, but this seems steep to me since I would be supplying all of my own materials, table, laundry and taxes.

Any feedback from my readers would be greatly appreciated. Not only is this pertinent information for experience therapists moving into different work situations, but it is also important for new practitioners to be aware of all the things that must be considered when working for someone else. Is the person you are working for hoping to profit from your hard work and it that reasonable?

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health massage practice building

Posted by linda at December 18, 2007 8:38 AM