I do not offer pre-paid gift certificates in the typical sense. BUT, I now have “post-paid” gift certificates. What on earth is a "post-paid gift certificate?
How it works:
You, “the giver,” order and receive a cheerful, printable gift certificate PDF, ready to give to the “giftee.” Just like you would at many businesses.
The difference is: You do not pay up front for this certificate.
You pay after the giftee actually schedules and receives their session. When they book the appointment, I contact you to remind you of the gift session, and that I’ll be invoicing you soon. After the session you receive the actual invoice and make payment then.
PROS of the “post-paid” gift certificate:
This gift certificate never expires. It is a quick, online way to give a gift. You receive a printable, gift-like certificate that signals you’ll cover their session when it happens. You tie up no $ in the certificate ahead of time, and you don't pay at all if the giftee does not come in for a session.
Most importantly, it avoids the embarrassment of an unused gift certificate, with money spent but not used. The certificate does not have to be dug up or transferred if unused, and it’s ok if it’s lost. I keep a record of all gift certificates you order in this way, with contact info of both giver and giftee.
CON: There is a minor extra step involved, just before and after the session, when I notify you your giftee has actually scheduled and I’ll be invoicing you soon. Then an invoice to follow that you agree to pay within a week or so. (In the unlikely event I can’t reach you up front, or it’s a last-minute appointment with no time to make contact, I might ask the giftee to close that loop.)
For most, the many pros outweigh the single con.
Why not just offer a normal pre-paid gift certificate or gift card?
To be honest, many people do not use them. That leads to uncomfortable moments and questions (“Has so and so come in yet? No? Darn. I’ll call them!”).
It didn’t sit right with me, having all these paid-for, un-massaged sessions. I discontinued pre-paid gift certificates years ago.
So I’m glad to revive the spirit of a gift certificate.
A post-paid gift certificate avoids awkwardness or hassle, but retains the fun of gift-giving. Like any gift certificate, it solves some of those pesky gift-giving problems. You print off the PDF and stuff it in an envelope with good cheer.
A well-funded massage therapy session is all love, care, and appreciation. A human giving massage therapy to another human? A vote for all those things.
How to order:
It is two steps, but they are quick! First, make personal contact with me: Please complete the email contact form on this page, and let me know you want a gift certificate. I’ll send you a link to the actual order form to collect the giver/giftee details.
Thank you!
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