I don't want this to sound as though I'm whining, so let me begin by saying that I've learned a lesson that's been stated many times on these boards: The providers are first and foremost conducting a business.
I've visited the same FBSM provider 4 or 5 times over the past 5 months, and though I've also used others, I always returned to what I'd say was my favorite. I recently saw that she started a theraputic-only massage service. Her fee for an hour was approximately half what she charged for FBSM; that didn't bother me because her FBSM rate was in line with other providers in the area.
When I recently tried to schedule a FBSM session, however, she mentioned that her rate had increased. This increase put her services in the upper range for similar providers. There was no mention of grandfathering me in at the old rate; there was no mention offering me the old rate for a limited time, then moving me to the new rate; there was no mention of charging a higher rate because she was changing career direction with her theraputic-only venture. Her only explanation was that she was now renting space by the hour, and that she had to cover the additional cost.
I was at first upset by her explanation, because I reasoned that if she could charge half the FBSM fee for a theraputic-only massage, she certainly would still make a profit by charging me the old rate. I felt that she didn't value my repeat business.
My conclusions after I calmed down?
a. She DIDN'T value my repeat business, BUT
b. She's in business to maximize her income, not to do me any favors, and
c. She doesn't owe me anything.
I'm still a little disappointed, but I'm also following advice I regularly see on these boards -- If you don't like or can't accept what the provider offers, it's time to move on.
but, there is no provider rule book out that says that she is obligated to "grandfather" you in.
In my days of the bizz, I did grandfather those who had seen me, before any of my rates went up. That is good business sense to me and to other providers out there, who do have an honor system.
Hey, maybe it is time for you to move onto greener pastures to someone who seems more dedicated to her clientle?
Remember, think with the big head not the little head.
You hit it on the head! While she's not "obligated to 'grandfather' you in" at the old rate it's a bad business decision on her part not to do it.
I didnt say I dont value new clients but it would give me a great feeling when my gents hope to see me again during their next trip to China.
With their support I improve myself and try my best to delight them more. And its my rule to always grandfather my regulars-I appreciate they gave me a chance to meet them and become friends in a biz relationship.
If a girl has right attitude to do her biz, she can do long term biz without problem, even if sometimes she is in trouble, her regulas may do her a favor sometimes and they say 'thats what friends for, or, I dont see you an escort, I see you as my friend' thats when my tears run out.....
You are right, she doesnt owe you anything. but if your girl doesnt seem to grandfather you or give you a little bonus, I think its time you should move on. There are so many nice girls who can satisify you with same or better service. Why should you put your feet in other's shoes?
Unless her rates are the most advantaged than others' that you stil like to pay...... I dont know her, I dont know whats her biz type, if you think she only aims the higher income to both newbies and regulars, I think you only have pure biz relationship....
Enjoy yourself.
purringgggggg
This woman is in business. Doesn't she get the right to choose her price point. If your barber raised rates, would you really run to him and say gee, shouldn't I be grandfathered. Maybe to you FBSM seems more personal than cutting hair and therefore you should get more consideration. Maybe, as a service provider, she should have realized what your perspective would be. However, you should also realize that she is running a business and she will probably treat you the same as everyone else. Accordingly, if everyone were grandfathered, she would not reap the benefit of a rate increase.
I just realized something, perhaps you are under the impression that she can just charge new clients the higher rate. You may consider that if she is good at what she does, the vast majority of her business may be repeat business.