Any Experiences With Massage Envy?

[DisneyFan32WI]

I was thinking of getting a massage there. On the website it lists an introductory price of $39.
Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences they would like to share?

 

[joyjoy]

I just joined two weeks ago! I went in with my daughter and we both got the introductory (it's $49 btw) and it was really amazing. The therapists are very professional, they take notes on what you need, want, don't want, etc. We loved it and were thinking about a membership anyway, so we were not tough customers. There were some other people that were there for the first time that didn't want to buy a membership, and the consultants were not pushy at all. They just asked them "Were you planning on coming back for another massage in the future?" and when they said no she just dropped it and checked them out. The facility is super clean and relaxing. I highly recommend. Have fun!

 

[goofinoff]

I got a gift card for Mother's day last year. I loved my massage therapist and had a great experience....UNTIL.....I checked out and was given the "sales pitch" on why I should become a member. I explained to the sales person that this was a gift and it was something I concidered a luxury, not something I would do every month. She basically told me that it was ridiculous that I wouldn't buy a membership because it would save me $20.00 a month on a massage. I continued to tell her that I wasn't going to get a massage every month and that the monthly membership fee wasn't in my budget. The sales pitch continued until I finally said that I was done. The sales person was so rude to me I couldn't believe it. I was so relaxed when I came out of the massage room but incredibly tense after the sales pitch that I felt worse than when I went in.

I wouldn't recommend this place to anybody if you are just interested in a one time massage. If it's something that you would do every month than I guess it's a good deal.

 

[Angelhalo]

I wish I had had the same experience as JoyJoy. My sales people at checkout were VERY pushy and rude. It was terrible because you're all relaxed from your massage and then as soon as you get done, you can't even enjoy it because they heap so much pressure on you at the checkout desk.

THEN! The next time I went, I went only because I had a gift card for a free massage that my friend had given to me. I called to make my appointment and told them that I had a giftcard. She said "No problem" and booked my massage. I finished my massage and then they charged me $30!!! They said "Oh well, you've been here before, but didn't buy the membership so you don't get the introductory price anymore. So what we do is charge you a non member price and then deduct the gift card amount from it." I said that that doesn't make any sense because it is a gift card for a FREE massage. She rambled about how that is their policy. I asked to speak to a manager and she told me she was the manager. I ended up paying it and I left so angry that I vowed never to grace their doorstep again. I went home and emailed their headquarters and told them that if that is their policy that is FINE, but they should inform you of the policy when you make your appointment. I told her on the phone that I had a gift card. THAT would have been the appropriate time to tell me about the charging policy.

I also let my friend (the gift card purchaser) know what had happened. She called the local Massage Envy that I had gone too and complained and they said "I don't know what you want me to do about it". She told them she wanted them to FIX IT because she had given someone a gift of a free massage and that is what they should have been getting. They basically told her "Too bad, that is our policy". So she called the main headquarters and had it out with them.

In the end, the credited the money I paid back to my account. But, I can assure you that neither my friend nor I will ever be going back to massage Envy.

 

[MrsDuck]

The massage was great but the check-out process was not fun...

I wish I had had the same experience as JoyJoy. My sales people at checkout were VERY pushy and rude. It was terrible because you're all relaxed from your massage and then as soon as you get done, you can't even enjoy it because they heap so much pressure on you at the checkout desk.

 

[HillPete]

I can safely second, third, and fourth the bad experience at check out. They are quite pushy here in NE Ohio! Also the last time I went, I specifically told the therapist about a left shoulder pain I was having and she assured me she would pay extra attention to that area. She did for a bit while I was on my back, but when I flipped over, she ran out of time and only did the right shoulder!! I was pissed! She said she only can use 55 minutes of the hour I paid for and she ran out of time. When I asked her why she didn't start on the left, her response was that she was trained to start on the right. It didn't occur to her to think about what she was doing and adjust according to the needs of her client.

I won't be going back!

--H

 

[katrina1122]

I used them for about 6 months and then had to be put on a medical hold because I had massive ankle surgery and coudln't get there for several months. Oh the nightmares. They kept charging me anyway, I'd call and they wouldn't reverse the charge, email me a form for the next month and credit the massage for when I returned. Then come the auto charge date of the next month it all happened again. Plus during this time I found out I paid $15/month more than my mom in another part of the country because she tried to use them while taking care of me and they wanted to charge her the difference for the massage! It's the same company! Once I used up the 6 massages I'd accured while still paying for 3 more months to use all of those up, I left and never looked back.

I now go to a small place that charges $85/massage instead of the $69/month I paid at ME, but gives you the FULL hour, not 45 mins and 15 to get changed. Plus they include hot stone, customized essential oils, and will do any type of massage you want while there and even change part thru instead of having to schedule a swedish at ME. The extra money is so worth it as I am getting so much more for not that much more $.

My advice, don't bother.

 

[dallastxcpa]

On another note. Message Envy is not worth it because they can't keep the good massuse's (sp) I had a membership for a year and everytime I would find someone I liked they would leave... and I would have to start again trying to find a new person I liked. Most of their people were descent but I did have a couple of experiences where the therapist could have had better personal hygiene. (cough, cough, hack, hack) blahhhhh

 

[Magix]

Thankfully, I haven't had the bad experiences the others have had. I've been a member at ME for about 2 years now and have had no problems at all. I've had the same therapist since my second visit (and he shows no intention of leaving). I've had no billing issues. I've skipped a number of months over the years, so my massages have accumulated. With all of those on the books, I now do a 2 hour massage every month. I only pay $18 each time because I've started upgrading to a 1 1/2 hour hot stone (plus 1/2 hour Thai stretching). My therapist is very careful to handle any issues I mention, plus he has always managed to complete my full massage in the time alloted (any professional therapist should be able to manage time efficiently).

I can't speak to the hard sell tactics, as when I went for my first massage, I knew I'd join, if the massage was any good. So, it was an easy sell for them.

My location does have a big sign, right behind the front desk, which indicates the member and non-member prices, and also indicates that the introductory massage rate is only available once every 6 months.

I love Massage Envy and will continue to be a member as long as I live near one. For me, they've been great!

 

[MariDisney]

My DH bought me a gift card for a massage last year for my birthday or Valentines or something. The massage was great. The therapist was very professional. But, the sales pitch at the end really was too much for me. I was seriously considering joining the program, but I wanted to ask my doctor a few questions since I was about to undergo some medical treatments and I wanted to know if the massages would be contraindicated. The sales girl was so rude about me wanting to check with the doctor. If my doctor had said OK I was prepared to go right back and sign the contract until they came on so strong. They lost me as a customer.

 

[Hillbeans]

I went once, will not be back.

For the introductory offer price, the massage was fine, but to pay full price for the massage I got would have been a waste of money.

I would rather go less often and pay more at a full-service spa for a more professional massage. I felt no attention was paid to detail and they rushed through the massage. My massage therapist also talked often during the massage and that is a real turn-off for me.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Thanks everyone....great advice!

 

[Principessa1284]

I went to my local massage envy and was really nervous, but I needed a massage SO badly but my bank account was hurting. The staff at the desk was SUPER friendly, and then I got probably the best massage I've ever gotten from a wonderful masseuse. I had done my research, so I readied myself for the high-pressure sales pitch... which never came. The girl who had checked me in listed all the benefits of a membership, and when I said that I'd love to but money was tight, she said "ok, well let us know if you change your mind - we'd love to have you." Then she gave me an informational sheet and told me they were also offering 6-month memberships for those who didn't want a 1-year commitment, and 3-month paid-in-full gift memberships (which may have just been since it was the holidays, not sure). All in all, it was a very pleasant experience and I will definitely be back!

RE: Giftcards. My massage envy must have their stuff together, because when my mom bought me a gift card (that I have yet to use), they asked who the gift was for and looked me up in their system. They then informed her that since I had already been, I wasn't eligible for the intro price, and asked her if she wanted to pay the full regular price, or just get me a certain dollar value gift card.

My recommendation - try it out!! There are SEVERAL in my town, and I did my research on yelp and google and went to one that didn't have any bad reviews about awful sales pitches. Just go into it knowing you'll have to say no - unless you really are interested in becoming a member. My friend is a member there and she is TOTALLY in love

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I'm glad I saw this thread, we moved to Charlotte in November, and there are two Massage Envy's right by us and just thought they were normal Massage/Day Spas.

Now with this thread, I did some research, it sounds like the biggest complaint people have is about their membership sales tactics, which I guess I can appreciate, but I also realize to take this with a grain of salt because what is one person's high pressure is another person's general question/ask.

We received an intro certificate in on of our move-in packages, so I think we'll at least go check them out to see what it's about. The $59 or whatever per month for a one hour massage seems very reasonable if the massages are good (which can be hit or miss even at the most expensive spas).

 

[Angelhalo]

I'm glad I saw this thread, we moved to Charlotte in November, and there are two Massage Envy's right by us and just thought they were normal Massage/Day Spas.

Now with this thread, I did some research, it sounds like the biggest complaint people have is about their membership sales tactics, which I guess I can appreciate, but I also realize to take this with a grain of salt because what is one person's high pressure is another person's general question/ask.

We received an intro certificate in on of our move-in packages, so I think we'll at least go check them out to see what it's about. The $59 or whatever per month for a one hour massage seems very reasonable if the massages are good (which can be hit or miss even at the most expensive spas).

I don't know what part of Charlotte you live in, but I know of a GREAT place that only charges $45 for an HOUR $60 for 90 minutes and they are awesome! They have no membership plan at all, so there is no sales pitch. It is called Guided Hands and it is in Matthews.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

As a result of a gift, I've been to Massage Envy for both massages and a facial. Once the gift visits are done, I'll not be going back.

I feel really sorry for the person who bought it for me! If you've ever had a true professional massage done in a nice spa (or on board a decent ship) then you'll immediately see the difference.

They are very stingy, and expect you to pay for every single thing "extra" (which are usually part and parcel of a good quality massage).

Their begging for exorbitant tips at the end is ridiculous. "The value of the service you had to day was _____. Therefore your tip should be ______."

Nonsense.

Stick to a true spa and skip the Walmart style service you get here.

 

[Bareacuda]

WOW !

 

[superme80]

My best friend works for them and the check out can be such a nightmare.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I don't know what part of Charlotte you live in, but I know of a GREAT place that only charges $45 for an HOUR $60 for 90 minutes and they are awesome! They have no membership plan at all, so there is no sales pitch. It is called Guided Hands and it is in Matthews.

I live in Ballantyne, so that would be about 20 - 30 minute drive depending on the time of day/traffic.

 

[Rdgjun12]

I was thinking of getting a massage there. On the website it lists an introductory price of $39.
Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences they would like to share?

I would be very careful with Massage Envy, they have some very deceptive sales tactics when selling their memberships. I have not heard much good from this company since they first started. The therapists at best are average and the customer service is lousy in my opinion!