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Original poster

Why do massages cost so much??

44 replies

Poonmig · 07/09/2023 22:12

Just that really. Recently single, nearly 40, looking to treat myself to a birthday massage as I have never ever had a massage …

… and the prices are coming in at over £100 for 60 mins?!

whatttttt?! Is it worth it? Why are they so expensive?

OP posts:

Liuckle · 07/09/2023 23:27

Always annoys me why people don't get what people are worth

I'm a PT

I'm not just charging for that hour
I'm charging for all the years of studying and experience it's taken me to be this good

I'm charging for my time and time for planning/setting up etc

For wear and tear on equipment and petrol costs

The basic hourly rate of most businesses like this is small when you factor all this in

Lavender14 · 07/09/2023 23:35

Sometimes it's more about the experience. I've been to a local beauty salon and had a massage at around £40-50 and it was fine but the room was cold, it was no frills and it wasn't bad at all but it was just an in and out job.

I've also been to day spas, you get robes and slippers, a relaxation suite, lovely surroundings, maybe use of the pool sauna and steam room beforehand and herbal teas and sorbets etc after. So it takes longer and feels more luxurious and like a bit of proper escapism. Costs over £100 but I'd say its better value for money all things considered.

So I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If I just had a bit of a sore back I'd go to a salon no issue, but if I was stressed and tired and wanted to really treat myself I'd save up and go to a spa.

FusionChefGeoff · 07/09/2023 23:38

Try groupon you can get some real bargains

nokidshere · 07/09/2023 23:39

Do not go to a spa they are always shite

Don't talk rubbish 🙄 there are plenty of good spas with great massage therapists.

CC222 · 08/09/2023 00:01

Have a look on groupon or wowcher for deals. I've had numerous massages over the years and always been at bargain prices of £25-£35, in London too...

7catsisnotenough · 08/09/2023 00:20

Not looking to derail but how can you choose a decent massage therapist from scratch? Should I be looking at beauty salons or trying my luck with an independent therapist? I'm just looking for a decent massage and I'm truly scared to google and end up with the wrong type of massage!!!

Newtrix · 08/09/2023 08:30

I have a sports massage every fortnight for an hour and it's £35.

fairyfluf · 08/09/2023 08:32

Training? Overheads. Insurance. That and you're paying someone to touch you for an hour

PickledPurplePickle · 08/09/2023 08:36

Spa hotels are always massively expensive

If you aren’t going for a spa day, just find a nice local salon and go there

Tweedledeee · 08/09/2023 08:36

They need a half hour between clients imv as some probably linger rather than get out quick so they are actually getting paid for 1.5 hours.
Or maybe need half an hour to an hour to recover before the next one.

Tweedledeee · 08/09/2023 08:37

Ask around - recommendations are best I would recommend mine but she is 7 hours drive from London.

MonumentalLentil · 08/09/2023 09:35

frisseaze · 07/09/2023 22:45

Who has a 2 hour massage?? Sounds horrendous

Show quote history

I used to work in massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, nutrition & diet etc. in a medical building, not as a beautician.

Two hour treatment was normal, needed to check for health issues, allergies, anything that contra-indicated what was booked, so a questionnaire on first visit and a follow up check subsequently, plus time on top for the actual treatments.

Beauty therapists often do massage as a part of their course and are not always as thorough so a 2 hour massage sounds a long time, but if you have really tight muscles it can help a great deal.

fearfuloffluff · 08/09/2023 09:41

Spa hotels are expensive for the same reason that hotel minibars are expensive - they have a captive audience looking for convenient luxury.

I've had a couple of massages as part of a spa package and they were ok but not great. I suspect the venue takes the majority of the fee.

There are Thai spas in my city that charge about £40 for an hour, bit brutal but not bad and always have availability. Otherwise you want someone experienced with qualifications who understands anatomy - a beauty therapist type massage might be relaxing and enjoyable but probably won't iron out the knots.

Surely2023IsTheYearForMyRainbowBaby · 08/09/2023 09:51

Do you have a college near you? Ours offer cheaper rates for things like massages, hair and beauty treatments as they are done by the students who are learning.

Trickytimer · 08/09/2023 09:53

My sports physio guy has many many years experience, moved in to a lovely new barn recently, no doubt with many costs involved, he is £30 for 30 minutes and £50 for an hour

readbooksdrinktea · 08/09/2023 09:55

anothertrainwreck · 07/09/2023 22:15

Because it’s a skilled job that requires training, experience, accreditation, insurance, overheads etc. Also, due to its physical nature, it’s a job that often can’t be done by people forever.

Exactly.

It's the equivalent price where I am outside of the UK.

BirdiePlantaganet · 08/09/2023 09:58

It’s really hard work for one, and very skilled for another. A good massage therapist is worth every penny.

I’d agree with others re spas - I’ve only ever had crappy massages at spas.

Pleaseme · 08/09/2023 10:06

Tabitha1960 · 07/09/2023 22:58

Well, I wasn't. He was qualified and certificated and gave me neck/shoulder/back because I used to sit typing for many hours every day and had lots of RSI/knots/stress.

Show quote history

Often blokes can give better deep tissue massages thanks to the bigger/ stronger hands. A friend of mine is a masseuse ( independent £40 for 45 minutes) and she’s really good but it does bugger up your hands/ wrists over time. Spa massages are often a bit more of a rub with oils by someone on min wage than a proper massage.

MelodiousThunk · 08/09/2023 10:25

That seems outrageously expensive. I pay £30 for a half hour. But it's a sports/deep tissue massage, you really wouldn't want more than 30 minutes unless you enjoy the sensation of being fed through a mangle.

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