10 Years is a Long Time...I'm closing shop

[Pompal 09.]

Hey there.Well, it seems I'll be closing shop on June 1st. But not just closing my office, getting out of the Massage biz for a bit. It was a tough decision, but I've had an offer for a great full time job (completely unrelated to massage), bringing home more than twice what I make now, plus a car, auto ins., health ins., commision, cell phone, security.....all that.I've been a "member" here at massageplanet.com for a while now and just wanted you all to know what I'm up to. Don't know how often I'll be able to post...and frankly, I've thought about how qualified I am to post if I'm NOT in the Massage racket any longer. But I feel we are family, and I'd love to get some imput on a few issues I have with closing "forever".Let's start with packages already sold...I have about $2,500.00 floating around Manhattan in packages and gift certificates that I've sold and people haven't redeemed yet. I know I should call these people and tell them of my plans, but should I put an expiration date on these outstanding +Balances? I don't want to be cutting checks next year! The gift certificates have an exp. date but not the packages.All imput would be appreciated...Andrea

 

[aightman]

Calico,Congratulations on your new job offer!  I'm relatively new to the massage profession and it's been really tough trying to get started and establish a name for myself, and I'm contemplating leaving my massage job and getting a 'real' job and keep my few clients I have on the side just to make ends meet.  I'm planning on going to school for physical therapy in the fall, so I'd love some tips on how you succeeded for 10 years in this business!  I'm in the metro Detroit area and it seems as though everywhere I turn, there are salons, etc. popping up with a room in the back so they can advertise that they have 'massage'....Once again, best of luck on all of your future endeavors!

 

[e w]

Congrats on the new job!About the outstanding packages and gift certificates... if they don't already have an expiration date (or if expiration dates are not allowed in your state) you may have to refund.  Given proper notice, I'm sure most of your clients will plan to get their massages!  If that's the case, refunds my not even be an issue.Alternatively, you might be able to make arrangements with a therapist wanting to grow his/her practice to handle those clients for you, saving your clients the hassle of finding another good therapist.A therapist who used to lease my current office space left quite a few people in my building holding unredeemed packages when she left.  I think this was three or more years ago... and people are still complaining about how she owed a lot of people money.  That's gotta be bad karma for her.  Bad for me, too... those people and anyone they've spoken to are awfully wary about anything prepaid, including gift certificates.

 

[Mario (Backup)]

Andrea,Sounds like you have already gotten some good advice regarding your question.I just want to wish you luck on your new job.  I am sure that most of us can understand your decision.   Please feel free to continue to post on the boards.  I am sure that you are full of experiences and advice that we all can benefit from.Massage is not just what you do, it is part of you.  Just because it will not be your work anymore, doesn't mean that you aren't qualified to post.Best wishes! ;D

 

[White Devil]

what masthera said  ;Dhappy trails!!!