Survey results!

I can't believe Lunar Massage just passed its three month anniversary. It feels like we've been open much longer than that! But at least I finally have enough data to start seeing some trends and getting some important numbers from which I can improve what we do.

But in addition to gathering internal metrics, I sent out a quick survey in my latest newsletter and asked some basic questions of my clients on how we're doing. I got a 31% response rate which is higher than I expected!

Here are some highlights:

Rate your Lunar Massage experience:

1. Customer Service - 100% terrific or life-changing
2. Massage quality - 63% terrific or life-changing, 37% meh

Would you return to Lunar Massage next time you want or need a massage?
66% yes, 31% maybe

Reason you haven't gotten a massage more often - 80% PRICE

Would you tell your friends about Lunar Massage? 91% YES

Primary reason for getting a massage - 53% STRESS, 44% PAIN, 26% relaxation

I expected that price would be the reason people usually don't get massages more often. Next time I will ask if you consider Lunar's prices more affordable so that you to experience massage more often. That's what I'm trying to achieve!

I'm also not surprised that only 26% say they get a massage for relaxation purposes. I tell people all the time MASSAGE IS NOT JUST A LUXURY. It should be available in simpler forms that enable people to experience it without the accompanying froo-froo of a luxury experience. That's why I started Lunar Massage.

Looks like we need to work on massage quality, or do a better job of explaining the limitations of what we do, or both. I find that people experienced in massage and comfortable with traditional forms are less happy with our product, but I'm trying to reach those who are new to massage or are not as experienced - a much bigger portion of the population. Even for those experienced I want them to see this is a different product than traditional massage. Still working this out.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I'm going to share the results with my therapists and will post separately about the changes we implement.

you're not just one big hip flexor

...As Amy Reinick recently discovered. She's an avid runner and recent massage customer at a spa in Takoma Park. Her observations are similar to ones many of Lunar's clients discover as well. Insert the body part you want your therapist to focus on and be ready for the surprise that work on other areas alleviate pain or release tightness. It's all connected, and a great massage therapist walks you through the process of addressing your need but also teaching you about your body.

One Lunar client recently asked her therapist to focus on her hands because her thumb was hurting, then was surprised to note how good it felt to have her whole arm massaged and how it released the pain in her thumb as well.

Another recent blog post on the Gal's Guide has a great description of experiencing massage for the first time. No surprise here - she highly recommends it.

Both posts mention the steep prices of massage - remember here at Lunar we start at $26 for 20 minutes and even our $75 hour-long massage is more affordable than most places in DC.

Hands On: Desk Job

[Every month I highlight an activity or health issue that massage addresses.]

The vast majority of clients that come to Lunar work long hours at desk jobs and suffer the resulting tension and pain in their shoulders, neck, and back. Because massage seems like a luxury bundled in the spa experience, we often don't think of experiencing it until we're in pain or someone gives us a gift card for a massage. But massage is no longer locked behind a wall of luxury.

Lunar provides a unique service for busy professionals in DC – an affordable way to experience massage to increase your quality of life and to help make those long hours at the office more bearable. We even offer the one-of-a-kind “crackberry massage” to focus just on the hands and arms to relieve carpal tunnel or so-called “crackberry thumb” symptoms that can also accompany a typical DC job.

And since that job probably has something to do with saving the world or shaping policy in the midst of this economic crisis, you deserve the personal attention! A 20 minute massage here is about the price of the dinner and drinks you grab at the end of another 12 hour day ($26). So come by and see us – your body will thank you.

Lunar Massage in DC Examiner!

There's a great blurb on the Examiner today about massage for "on-the-go Washingtonians" and Lunar is at the top of the list! Check it out.

My naps get a shout-out too. Woot!