I have heard though the grapevine that it is illegal to pose the questions many spa's I know of will not ask due to legal issues.
Where is this info comming from?
Nov 09, 2008 Rating
Spa's front desk by: Anonymous
Yes.... All the front desk personnel at the places that I have worked for have changed de way they express on the phone. When someone calls for an appointment they do not ask anymore about the gender preference, instead they state the gender instantly by mentioning the name of the therapist that will perform the massage.
Of course, there are some cases where the MT name might be of the both genders(Pat, Chris, Lyn,foreigner names and so on) but that will give the chance to the potential client to engage in a more specified conversation.
Do you see the big difference??.... The establishment is not being bias and all goes upon the clients decision. Good Luck and educate the front desk personnel wherever you will work at.
-Good Morning...Thank you for calling Relax Spa..How may I help you?
-I would like to book an appointment for a sweedish massage tomorrow aroung 5 p.m.
-I have an opening tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. Is that OK?
-Yes, it sounds good.
-So I will have you tomorrow, Nov 1st 5:30 p.m. with DOMENIC.
-Ok...I am sorry but is DOMENIC a man or a woman?
-..Domenic is a man.
- I am sorry... but I'd rather have my services with a female MT.
-Ok.. I can have you then at 6 p.m. with Sandy.
-Perfect..I will see then.
-Have a good day and thank you for calling Relax Spa.
Aug 26, 2008 Rating
Fries with that? by: J. Vaughn, LMT
Spas seem to believe that it is in there best interest to ask the question "Would you like a m or f?". They think it is cautionary and helps allay any "surprise" reaction from a client who doesn't realize "if a girl can, so can a man"
Politics and legalese aside. It boils down to the fact that a question begs an answer and people typically go with their gut reaction when such a question is posed. It's near equivalent is McD's use of "would you like fries with that" or super-size - they are both simple questions but they put you in a decisive position. (McD's knows human behavior - people like saying yes, likewise people think of MTs as female{they do have us beat by 70%})
I know and you know that statistically, people that get massage don't show much of a preference male or female. It's catering to the small percentage that have issues. I (and other male MTs) should be aware and respectful of those issues. Generally, those that have issues but still want massage will state their gender preference. If you were allergic to potatoes you would say no to the drive thru person wouldn't you?
A way to make everyone feel safe(you, your boss, and the client) is to have bookings done***without asking for gender preference***, then the booker states the names of the therapist that will be working with the client. ie "I have you down for a 4pm appt with Brad on the 25th, do you need directions/ please be on time/m yadayadayada is there anything else we can do for you today" Pat, Jamie, etc. may confuse people but still it gives the opportunity to engage conversation about the therapist if there is any question from the client.
Also, give the desk people free work, if they don't like you - you're toast- but if they rave about you, your bookings are sure to increase(this is a tip for all genders).
