Hello All - not sure where to post this question, since it doesn't really fall into any category, but I need some input.
We are planning on going fulltime in the next 2 to 3 years. We will be in our 40's at the time and like H&L, we will be ok for awhile, but would like to generate some supplemental income on the road.
I have always been interested in massage therapy. It has helped me immensely over the years and I subscribe to the theory that it's preventative and not just a luxury. I'm thinking about taking the time now to become a nationally certified massage therapist and have my own business on the road. If Massage Therapy was offered by someone at a campsite you were staying, is this something that you would take advantage of? This forum is a great place, with great people and I value your input. I want to make sure that this would have value to others on the road. Compliance with State licensing, etc. and campground approval are all considerations and would be part of the process. Let me know your thoughts.
Readytogo said
07:02 PM Apr 16, 2007
It sounds great but I am not sure if I would use it. When we finally get on the road in a few years it may not fit into our budget. I have done several organized bike trips and they had message therapist follow. They were always very busy every night. That could be an avenue you follow.
Howard said
07:50 AM Apr 17, 2007
Whether it would be successful or worthwhile depends on lots of factors.
If you promote well and price the service right, I think you would have lots of customers. But what is the right price? You may not recover your costs of training or licensing for quite some time. But if you consider those costs "sunk" costs before you go on the road, you could definitely pick up some supplemental income.
What price were you thinking? Quick sessions at $10 - $20 a pop might go over really well. But if you need $50 a pop or more, I think you will struggle to find enough customers that will pay the price. Us RVers are a pretty frugal bunch - even the ones that own half million dollar motorhomes.
Just my opinion with absolutely no basis for it.
Judy the Other said
08:16 AM Apr 20, 2007
I think it probably depends on the community also, here in Tucson I know many people who get massages regularly. Your clientele will be mobile but I would think the "higher end" or destination parks would be your best bet.
I have a friend who is an LMT and went to people's homes and in the community where I live we have a LMT who works in her home. So you don't need a storefront. I have another friend (an RN) who graduated from Desert Institute and practices as a sideline to her regular job. Check into scholarship opportunities.
As Howard says, if you don't need to make a million, but are looking for supplemental income it could work.
-- Edited by Judy the Other at 09:17, 2007-04-20
traveljunkie said
08:38 PM Apr 22, 2007
It seems that there is a market dependant on the $$ - like everything else! I'm still weighing the pro's and con's, but the price would definately be reasonable since we would be a low overhead operation. Just need to consider where to store the table, tent, etc... and if the cost for the schooling @$10K is worth the investment. At $30 each I'd need to do 300 massages to break even. BUT it is also something I've always been interested in doing so the knowledge carries some benefit too. Thanks everyone! Your input is greatly appreciated!
Tylersamma said
08:52 PM Apr 22, 2007
Okay, at $30 a pop, I'm in. The only problem here is that you are going to head west while I am heading east. So how do you get the repeat customers?
Judy the Other said
07:53 PM Apr 24, 2007
That's less than 1/day-you can do that!
Just an FYI-add people to your email list and offer discounts, coupons, etc. Keep 'em coming back and referring friends who may be in the area you are. It's amazing how the internet has changed marketing and relationships.
Tom N Gina said
06:58 AM May 1, 2007
How long for $30? Probably count us in too.........
Sandra said
03:06 PM May 1, 2007
When I worked, we used to have a guy come in that did chair massage for $20 for 1/2 hour. It was great!
Massage while on the road is not something I would pay for regularly but when I get stiff and sore, I would consider it. Since we're from Canada, I don't know if my extended health care coverage would pay for it. It does (up to $250/yr) when at home in Ontario.
earthmommy said
07:38 PM May 4, 2007
Our 18-year-old daughter will be going to school for massage therapy and we had the same conversation just a few days ago. We pretty much came to the same conclusions as posted here regarding price and the demand. I think it would be all about reasonable prices for quick sessions and marketing. I think that marketing is so important in any business, whether its stationary or mobile.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do! Our timeline for getting on the road is about 2-3 years, so we may see you on the road!
Hello All - not sure where to post this question, since it doesn't really fall into any category, but I need some input.
We are planning on going fulltime in the next 2 to 3 years. We will be in our 40's at the time and like H&L, we will be ok for awhile, but would like to generate some supplemental income on the road.
I have always been interested in massage therapy. It has helped me immensely over the years and I subscribe to the theory that it's preventative and not just a luxury. I'm thinking about taking the time now to become a nationally certified massage therapist and have my own business on the road. If Massage Therapy was offered by someone at a campsite you were staying, is this something that you would take advantage of? This forum is a great place, with great people and I value your input. I want to make sure that this would have value to others on the road. Compliance with State licensing, etc. and campground approval are all considerations and would be part of the process. Let me know your thoughts.
If you promote well and price the service right, I think you would have lots of customers. But what is the right price? You may not recover your costs of training or licensing for quite some time. But if you consider those costs "sunk" costs before you go on the road, you could definitely pick up some supplemental income.
What price were you thinking? Quick sessions at $10 - $20 a pop might go over really well. But if you need $50 a pop or more, I think you will struggle to find enough customers that will pay the price. Us RVers are a pretty frugal bunch - even the ones that own half million dollar motorhomes.
Just my opinion with absolutely no basis for it.
I have a friend who is an LMT and went to people's homes and in the community where I live we have a LMT who works in her home. So you don't need a storefront. I have another friend (an RN) who graduated from Desert Institute and practices as a sideline to her regular job. Check into scholarship opportunities.
As Howard says, if you don't need to make a million, but are looking for supplemental income it could work.
-- Edited by Judy the Other at 09:17, 2007-04-20
Okay, at $30 a pop, I'm in. The only problem here is that you are going to head west while I am heading east. So how do you get the repeat customers?
Just an FYI-add people to your email list and offer discounts, coupons, etc. Keep 'em coming back and referring friends who may be in the area you are. It's amazing how the internet has changed marketing and relationships.
Our 18-year-old daughter will be going to school for massage therapy and we had the same conversation just a few days ago. We pretty much came to the same conclusions as posted here regarding price and the demand. I think it would be all about reasonable prices for quick sessions and marketing. I think that marketing is so important in any business, whether its stationary or mobile.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do! Our timeline for getting on the road is about 2-3 years, so we may see you on the road!
Melinda