Over the past 4 years I have grossed over $1,000,000 in services for the spa I work at. (Services performed by me personally over the course of 4 tax years of employment.) This "guide" is not intended to patronize or be in any manner valid for any and all settings - they are things that work for me and hopefully will add a little to your paycheck as well - it will be a work in progress so bear with it or simply dismiss it.

 A memorable massage is a messenger, it is "something to write home about" or better yet "I am definitely bringing my husband with me next year"- type of experience. It comes at a price, that is for sure and that price has to be really well-earned.

1. Have "Rituals" - the symbollicism of simple routine procedures, minute gestures or even product placement are proven ways to imprint a signature in the guests mind, ensuring they will have to mention this to their friends and family.
• announce already in the intro a signature way you provide the guest's and therapist's comfort by the manner you have chosen to show there is a session in progress so that no one disrupts it - a sign at the door both you and your guest are aware of;
• have an array of manners to dress your massage table;
• present your aromatherapy oils as if you were about to sign an import treaty with the Orient for them - after all details like that make guests feel special;
• know your space but do not rule your space - level with the guest in the intake that is the best way to ease them into a relaxing session;
2. Be In Control - provide your guests with the comfort and ability to adjust factors:
• light in the room;
• music levels;
• pressure(of course);
• table height, positioning and temperature - the more flexible the better they feel pampered.
3. Have lots of towels of various thickness and size - from small facial towels that you can quickly turn into a cold compress for your overheated summer visitor or a soothing hot towel to end with for a supine guest's face:
• a large towel can easily turn into a roll of additional support for taller guests with big feet while lying prone;
• smaller towels folded neatly beneath the shoulders act as a fine helper for bigger-chested ladies if you were not lucky enough to work on a table with bust recess;
• when guests are not dry enough after using the pool or taking a shower you will definitely feel happier if there were plenty of fresh towels in your office cabinets;
• a heavier towel folded and placed strategically over a guests lap has been one of the best proven ways to deal with an erection that a guest might experience during a service - acknowledge calmly and allow them a few moments to contain themselves by stepping away from the table or even away from the room if need be (for erections lasting longer then 4 hours.... just a joke);
• towels and hot stone massage go always hand in hand and having extras never hurts;
• when massaging a scalp and the hair is wet you can combine the drying with an energetic thorough massage through the towel - comfortable for you - unforgettable for the guest;
• rolls of towels might be needed under the neck or under the occiput depending on the guest's phisique - feel free to offer comfort - this is our product we should proudly sell it;
• always use a medium sized towel as a floormat - keep it on the table through the intro and introduce it to the guest by laying it in front of them which provides them with the security of using a sanitary fresh one - todays discriminatory consumer is used to expect just anything when it comes to a place's hygiene - prove them wrong!
4. Have a well organized cabinet drawer:
• a lighter for candles;
• a pen and paper pad for notes;
• a roll of small plastic bags for trash, guests extra belongings, or their wet swimsuit;
• a can of soda (just in case you get a diabetic guest prone to shock in your room);
• a tin of mints;
• a nail file and clipper;
• a first aid kit;
• spare pairs of latex-free gloves;
• a flashlight;
• a battery operated clock;
• a few hairties and washable hairwraps;
• box of tissues
5. To Be Continued...