the Price of an Hour Massage

I got a one-hour custom massage at a national chain massage parlor. I didn't know there was such a thing, but what's great about it is that if you are a first-time visitor to the business, you get an hour massage for $39. I tipped the masseuse $10 because I didn't think it was fair to tip her on the discounted price of the massage.

The massage was quite lovely, actually. The business has a pretty extensive form that I filled out ahead of time, stating health issues and also preferences for massage/masseuse style.

My masseuse did an excellent job of taking these things into account. She spent extra time on problem areas like my neck and forearms, and much less time on other areas. She also did a great job of being friendly without being so chatty that it prevented me from relaxing.

I know that this was basically a sales effort by the company, but it nearly worked. I could totally see becoming a member and enjoying regular and very reasonably priced massages.

Good communication is key. Don't be timid about telling your masseuse what you do or don't want.

Think about how important it is to you to patronize a locally-owned business. This chain store did provide the cheapest massage I've had in a long time, but I usually prefer to give my money to local businesses.