The commercial says that “membership has its privileges.” But does it really? With more and more day spas offering monthly memberships, it’s tempting to sign up. After all, you’re getting a treatment (usually a massage or facial, though I’m focusing on the facials here) every month. How can you beat that? Easily, in my opinion. There are myriad benefits to seeing an independent skincare therapist (who usually rents a room in a beauty salon or store) rather than enter into a contract at a membership-based day spa. For example:
Did you sign up because you loved the therapist you saw when you went for that special introductory rate? Most people who sign up for a membership do so for just that reason. When I worked at membership-based spas, my clients purchased their memberships primarily because they loved the treatment I gave them. We established a therapist-client relationship that made both of us happy. Unfortunately, when I left, I was not permitted to contact my clients to tell them where I was going. So just be aware that even though your therapist may love you as much as you love them, when they leave, they may not be contractually allowed to contact you — they just disappear, and you’re still committed for the duration of your contract.
How long are you committed to this place? Some places don’t require any minimum contract commitment, but many do. Are you really going to use your treatments every month? If not, is it a “use it or lose it” contract? Some are, some aren’t. And if you opt to discontinue your membership, how long in advance do you have to give notice to the spa? And once you discontinue out of your membership, be sure to check your credit card for ongoing charges, in case your request to discontinue falls through the bureaucratic cracks.
Are you really getting a bargain price? A typical membership at a day spa is around $60 per month. This is touted as a bargain, since their non-membership prices can be up to 50% more. However, many independent skincare therapists charge prices that are close to these places’ membership prices, without the automatic monthly charge.
Do you prefer to receive the same exact facial every time? Or do you prefer a treatment that can be altered to fit your needs and preferences each time? An independent therapist can add her own personal touches to her treatment, such as hot stones or an ultrasonic spatula. Since many membership spas are corporate-owned, they have to maintain consistency throughout all their stores. This means that all of their therapists must follow the same protocols and use the same kinds of equipment throughout all their stores. They need to be sure that if you had a facial with Jill last month, you can be assured that if you see Mary this month, you will get exactly the same facial. So their employees have to provide the exact same service, every time, no matter whether you need extra extractions one month or you would benefit from a high-frequency treatment next month.
Is an hour really an hour? At most chain spas, therapists are scheduled to see a new client every hour. This means that the actual procedure will take 50 minutes (or less if you’re at all late), in order to give the therapist time to clean up between clients. An independent skincare therapist can schedule her clients however far apart she desires, so that she may spend the extra time and give that extra personal touch to each and every client.
Membership can be great for the person who wants to go to the same spa every month and is happy with the treatment they receive there. Just be sure you know what you’re getting before you sign on the dotted line.