Making Your Appointment
Spas are regularly fully booked up for Saturdays and Sundays so being able to accommodate a walk-in is difficult. The best option is to call, a week in advance, and book your service. This will ensure that you get the time of day that is ideal for you, the therapist that you want, and a longer service if you desire. I've seen it happen over and over- a potential client walks in to the spa and expects to be able to make an appointment for the same day. Along with the client's disappointment, the staff sometimes is encouraged to skip their break so they can take a client. Booking in advance is a good way to make sure you have an enjoyable experience when you enter the spa.
I hear the question often, why do you have to give your credit card when you book an appointment? And why is there a cancellation policy? I've been working full-time in a spa since August of 2015, and part-time since 2008. There is more preparation that most people realize when it comes to receiving a spa service. For massage therapists, it means heating up hot stones and warming up the hot towels. As an esthetician, we also warm up towels and we also turn on our wax pots, those can take up to 30 minutes to pre-heat. At my spa, massage therapists and estheticians have to be on site at least 15 minutes before our first client arrives. Most of us arrive 30 minutes early so that we are ready to go and have time to reference our clients' information from their previous services. As I already stated, spas are very busy on the weekends, so most have a 24 hour cancellation policy because a block of time that is saved for you could be given to another client if you are unable to come in. A credit card number is taken so that in the event that a client doesn't call to cancel or they don't show up at all, the therapist or esthetician is still paid for their time.
Before Your Service Begins
For your first appointment at a new doctor, they often require that you come in early to fill out paperwork. The same goes for spas, and massage therapists and estheticians really like it for all of their clients to come in early- just in case they can take you early. But the first appointment is really the most important when it comes to arriving 10-15 minutes before you're service is scheduled to begin. This allows you plenty of time to fill out the intake forms and see if there are any additional add-ons that you'd like to apply to your treatment. The add-ons vary from spa to spa but usually include enhancements such as aromatherapy, hand treatment or a more personalized treatment during a facial.Be sure to use the restroom. I know, it sounds silly, but when your body is relaxed during the service, you may need to go! Also, turn your cell phone on silent. Turning your phone off, or putting it on silent, helps you better enjoy your service.
When your massage therapist, or esthetician, goes over your intake form- speak up! Letting them know what you want to gain from the service will help you get the best results. I absolutely have clients who, when I ask what they'd like to work on during their facial, tell me "I don't know. I'll let you decide." Of course, I can help direct them toward a treatment that will give them good results, but if I have an idea of what they're expectation is before we begin, that really helps me out. If you're getting a massage, disclose any prior injuries that may be more sensitive and also any places that feel they need more attention.
During The Service
If something is uncomfortable, or painful, say something. If you want deeper pressure during the massage, let your therapist know. Or if you decide, last minute, that one of those add-ons sounded good and you want to see if you can still add it to your service, that's okay, too. The therapist is there to make your service as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.
The usual starting point for a tip is about 15% for a spa service. Most spas are commission based, so the massage therapists and estheticians make, on average, 30-40% of the price of the service price that you're paying. Tips are extremely helpful to those who are working in spas. I, personally, used tip money to help pay for my fiance's wedding ring.
I hope these help answer some questions on etiquette for the spa industry!
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