08/15/2026
What makes a massage top tier anyways?
Some say you pay for the brand name.
Some say it is the service received.
Some say it is a space of design, cleanliness, and luxury.
Some say it is price.
Some love silence while others need to talk to relax or just want that connection. You let us know and we comply.
Most will say it is the massage therapist and the experience they bring to the table.
Some would say all the above.
Why does a massage cost what it does today?
As a business it is about making a profit to sustain one’s life along with being able to provide that service in a space at your standards.
Let’s have a conversation…
I have observed in the greatest of brand name spas that it is not the amenities provided that make you go pay a high price tag.
I have observed after a session most bring their phones to quite sacred spaces when there have been signs, notices, and even pieces of paper signed asking them to leave their cell phones stowed away to give others privacy in these spaces; so that their focus is on them and their time to unwind.
I have observed that doing nothing after a session is hard for most. To close your eyes and just breathe. To lounge in a whirlpool bath pool. To do a cold plunge, to sit in a sauna, or just sit and gaze at glowing salt stones and listen to beautiful music curated for your relaxation.
I have observed most go to their session, and before or after dip into one of the above services for max 10-15 mins. After their session they sit on a lounger for maybe 1-3 mins before they pull out their phone and then they leave within 10 minutes of sitting down.
Moral of the story is I have observed you really pay to see the practioner of your service. Then you leave. Amenities and brand name mean nothing and are something you are paying for and not even using. A 50 min massage starts at $225-250 while an 80 min is $300. Others with less experience than me charge $85-120 for a 50 min.
I charge $185 for a 60 min session, but some clients first time take me 30-45 mins to do a proper intake as we go over to discuss their medical history or whatever else they need to discuss with me, and I am not charging for my time for that. (Guess how much psychological therapists charge for their time?) I am not a therapist, but I do listen to my clients and refer them to resources for their journey. I don’t like to rush my clients. I find it impossible that most places want to do a 5-10 min intake without even physically seeing your range of motion or observe you walking. I was trained differently.
At Everything Zen Massage- My intention is for you to slow down. I teach you how to breathe and remember this is your time. This is your sacred space to let go of any thought that is not about your present moment and healing.
I am a massage therapist state and nationally board licensed. I am a vibrational sound therapy practitioner.
I am a reiki master practitioner.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
I don’t know marketing or branding.
I don’t know graphic design or how to make my search show on top like SEO people do. I do not pay for search hits or networking business friends to promote me.
I work solely by word of mouth I suppose and I truly believe in the power of that still.
Most clients also find me because of the beautiful heartfelt reviews you have left over the past 11 years!!! Thank you!!
I have poured my heart into what I do.
Clients that have seen me know this because they tell me.
The greatest compliment is when someone leaves and comes back to rebook.
You feel it after your session is my greatest hope.
I am a small independent business.
Please consider this all when you come to see me.
Now the cost of massage… is not just your service. It includes everything you see and touch. In case you ever wondered- I am going to break down every single thing we pay for..hopefully I don’t forget anything.
This goes for any massage business you enter:
Their are sheets, oils, lotions, extra equipment for other modalities such as: cupping, bolsters, sound bowls; massage tables, massage chairs, eye masks, kleenex, hand sanitizer, table warmers, music, decor, cleaning equipment and supplies, laundry, research and development costs, marketing, networking (some pay to boost their business and have others refer them out and only them), booking service, and website (some pay for this too).
My booking service alone-which I chose since it is the only one on the market that includes soap notes which is a very important feature for massage therapists used to cost in 2015 under $20/per month. In July I was paying $45 a month as of August first it has gone up yet again to $53.10/month. That alone goes from $540/yr to now $637.20.
Rent is not cheap and continues to go up- this is also a reason many small businesses go out of business.
Business cards
Business License with Plainfield
CPR certification
(We pay more than nurses for our license and CEUs too- fun fact!
*I know because my family is all in medical)
Massage licensing
Massage insurance
Massage state license
Massage national board license
Continuing Education Classes which are required and can sometimes run into thousands of dollars.
You like to see new modalities and to get certified in them costs money. Then new modalities require new equipment like cupping and hot stones for example.
I don’t even charge clients for the credit card fee like many businesses have, because I consider that the price of doing business. I also know this is a business write off for all businesses.
Then there is the price of marketing. This has been the most frustrating part as retention is a very real thing. Clients have moved out of state and away from the surrounding areas. Yes, new people move in, but it takes time for them to find you and that is where marketing comes in. The costs for marketing are wild.
A simple referral from you dear clients goes a very long and meaningful way. 💜🙌🏽💯
2020-2022 were difficult for obvious reasons. Many didn’t like that I had to be closed. I will leave it at that, but I am still here and I would love to be your massage therapist.
I bring to the table over 15 years of experience. My clients say I am worth every cent. Some say they cannot live without me now. I truly feel those words to the depth of my soul. I love what I do. I am here on Earth to help you. Please help me to spread word to your friends and family so they can find me if you loved your time here. Thank you so very much. I am grateful for every one of you that has ever graced my door.
Vibrational Sound Therapy is on sale right now until Aug 31st!
https://www.massagebook.com/everything-zen-massage/massage/deals/Back-to-School/206271
Please share this post💝
Please Follow my business page for more content 🦋
Please Book an Appointment 🙌🏽
