I recently read a blog regarding Massage
Therapists selling products. And the question was asked could it be done
ethically. I think if you use the product during treatments and believe in the
product whole-heartedly, don’t make promises that the product can’t keep and
use a product that is real with real ingredients, take the relevant training to
use the product, ensure it will not endanger you or your clients then I think
it’s okay.
As an established and fairly successful Massage
Therapist, I am also an Independent Consultant for Neals Yard. I originally
signed up so that it could add an additional income, which would in turn allow
me more flexibility with my family and allow myself down time away from the
massage couch.
Because I use the products daily at home in real
life and as part of my treatments, because I care about the products that I use
and I know that it's 100% natural, organic and contains nothing that would harm
my clients. I thought that this would be the perfect compliment to my business.
I think everyone I know can relate to needing or
wanting extra money at certain times of the month. But to be honest that wasn't
my main motivation. This product also links in to my brand identity. It stands
for many of the ideals I signed up to and I just love the smell.
Others I know sell products because they too
needed time away from the couch due to burn out or injury. Or sometimes as mums
they have needed to go on the school run and then run around after our their
offspring. A sales aspect added to our income allows us as therapists to stay
versatile.
Wholesale
Retail
I blend products into my services, when
appropriate, I hope it creates a unique massage experience for my clients. I
have many clients who comment and remember their massage treatment with me
because I’m the one that has used a delicious smelling product that is
luxurious and organic when applied.
My Advice to Other Therapists
If you are thinking about adding products to
sell on as part of your treatments the traditional way would be to buy in
a whole bunch of wholesale goods upfront, up sell it as part of your package
treatment or aftercare with a small profit.
But you could also in some instances create a
new menu that includes the products.
Ethical Sales Tips
We’ve
all seen friends become MLM reps and start heavily pushing everything from
oils, to wraps, to shakes, to mascara. You see them over-sharing propaganda
that makes wild claims of curing cancer or wildly unhealthy weight loss. These
“sales tactics” may have left a bad taste in your mouth and rightfully so. It’s
not sales tactics- it’s trickery. It comes across pushy, impersonal, and it is
uncomfortable to watch. You don’t have to do any of that to make a sale.
If you want
to succeed in a Direct Sales Opportunity make sure you:
·
Back a product you care about, with
real ingredients that won’t endanger your clients.
·
Don’t overpromise results.
·
Share your personal experience with
the products.
·
Sample out as much as you can. Even
demonstrate products.
People want to play with the goods!
·
Use your products in your real life
and as part of your treatments.
·
Market through education.
·
Offer benefits like free shipping
for bulk orders.
·
Offer fundraisers for local
organisations or donate items to silent auction fundraisers.
·
Provide great customer service for
handling returns and reorders.
·
Be knowledgeable about the products
and the company you represent.
·
Be creative with your displays and
how you choose to incorporate your products in your services and in your
marketing.
Stick with it! It takes some time to
get to be known as “the” person in your area for your company line. Because
it’s so easy to get in, it’s also so easy to let the opportunity go. MLM Reps
are plagued with the fly-by-night stereotype. Longevity in the company will assure
your customers you are there to serve them now and in the future.
Before you pay out any money or sign
any contracts
If you
are researching opportunities to supplement your massage income, make sure you find
out the answer to these simple questions especially if you are investing any
amount of money.
1) How
much is the initial investment? A new consultant kit will usually have products
as well as catalogues, order forms and other business building items.
2) Make
sure you find out what it is actually included and what you have available for
purchase after you sign up.
3) Is
there a minimum sales requirement? Some companies in order for you to stay
active with a company may require you to sell a certain amount every few months
to a year.
4) Look
into what happens if you fall behind. Find out the cost to reactivate if you
decide you want to pick it up again?
5) How
are commissions distributed and how often? Make sure your time is worth money .You will need
to know from the very beginning how you can get the most of it. Most of these types
of companies will have a fast start bonus incentive for your first 90 days. It
can be a very sweet and lucrative time period so don’t start that countdown
until you are ready to hit the ground running.
6) Find
out who is your upline? The team you sign up with can make all the difference
when it comes to staying motivated, meeting sales goals, and answering product
questions. Research this before you make a final commitment. Make sure your upline is supportive and can provide you
with vital information and support.
