Monkey Pox & Upcoming Changes

Monkey Pox
We are following this virus as new information presents itself. Symptoms overlap with those of Covid, flu and other known viruses, with the addition of skin blisters. At this time, we can honestly say that our existing cleaning protocols and screening should protect staff and clients from exposure. As always, we ask that clients call to reschedule if they are feeling unwell or if they have an unidentified rash. For known skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, we can safely provide massage while avoiding the affected area.

Summary of changes

• Effective Aug 20th, we are no longer able to process gratuities through our software. Moving forward, clients may only tip using cash. We apologize for any inconvenience.
  
• As of Oct 1st, the discounts for series and new monthly memberships will change slightly to make them more sustainable.
  
• On Jan 1st, we have a planned price increase.
  
• As of June 1st, we have a planned price increase. We will also discontinue accepting gratuities at this time.
  
  

Why?
When processing credit card transactions, our software does a pre-authorization to see if there are funds available. This does not do a balance check, meaning that we have no way of knowing if the funds available will cover the entire transaction until the transaction settles at the end of the day. Sometimes, when we reach out about these issues, clients are willing to provide alternate payment method to pay the difference; sometimes they are not. The business has unfortunately had to absorb losses from credit card transactions not processing for the full balance. We can correct this problem by deactivating the pre-authorization. The downside of this is that credit card tips must be disabled.

Oasis Massage is primarily a pain management massage practice, not a spa. This makes it a logical extension to eliminate tipping altogether, as tipping in a clinical setting is less ethical. Pallas personally disagrees with tipping culture as a whole and would rather pay her staff a livable wage, not have them depend on clients to pay more than the advertised rates.

How do we determine the price increase?
We are currently researching the current rates offered at other local massage practices to see how we compare. To remain competitive, we don’t want to be the most expensive but we do need to be able to meet the increasing overhead expenses. After doing an analysis of at least 10 local massage practices, we will determine how much our rates need to increase. By eliminating tipping, we may need to increase even further. The average client tips 15-20%, so the price increase will likely be in this range.

When?
The rate increase will be done in two phases, spaced six months apart. The goal is to have two smaller price increases instead of one bigger one.