There’s an interesting article on Bellasugar.com about buying spa and massage gift certificates.  The writer first points out the popularity of gift cards and gift certificates, telling us that her personal preference for gift certificates is spa gift certificates.

“Gift cards sell like crazy this time of year, but I’ve always preferred to give the gift of spa. Giving a spa gift certificate is a way to treat someone right…”

She then goes on to give us a few pointers and reminders:

Service or cash amount?

Personally, I like the idea of giving someone a certificate for a particular service, because it keeps the price hidden and is therefore a bit more discreet. But if you’re not sure what the person would like, or if you’re on a limited budget, give a certificate with a dollar amount.

I would agree with her on this.  As a massage therapist, I’ve had people come in with both types of certificates.  Of course, the ones with the service certificate, get their massage session, give a tip, and wander out the door with the bigger smile on their face.

Clear things up.

Make sure that you and the spa agree on what you’re getting. Most of the time, it should go smoothly, but earlier this year, I had a problem. I sent my mom to Kiva, a swanky spa in Chicago, with a gift certificate for a massage and facial. When she was done, they told her she owed $75 for the facial. I could have saved my mom some embarrassment and awkwardness if I’d called the spa before her appointment to confirm that everything was already paid for.

Yes, I’ve had people come in with a 60-minute certificate, who really needed a 90-minute session, for example.  They’re still happy to have the certificate, but they have to pay the difference between the value of the certificate and the price of the session.  Do the research first.  Even if you’re getting a certificate directly from a massage therapist, you can always describe the recipient (Is he/she an athlete?  Is he/she big?  Is he/she rehabbing an injury?).  If you find a good therapist, they can steer you to the best type of session for the recipient.

Add gratuity.

In other words, leave the tip ahead of time. This way, your friend can go in, enjoy the service, and take off. A total gift!

Ah!  This is big!  This is huge!  I’ve had a few (and only a few) clients do this for the recipient.  This is the ultimate gift now.  You’ve gotten a certificate for the session.  The session is appropriate for the recipient as far as the type of treatment and the length of time, and now you’ve even provided the tip.  The only thing left for the recipient to do is to show up and receive a wonderful treatment.

One last pointer:

Check the expiration date.

Most certificates will be good for year, but check the expiration date just to be sure. You might even want to say something to your friend like, “And it’s good for a year, so you have plenty of time to go at your leisure.”

Click here to purchase gift certificates through Lia Suzuki Massage and Bodywork.
Check out the original article here.

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