What to bring to outcalls

[Knightmare]

I'm doing my first outcall this weekend and want to make sure that I bring everything that I might need. Could we put together a list of necessities?

Here's a start:
table, sheets, 1 hand towel, 2 bath towels or bolster, lotion, clock, cd player/music

Thank you!

 

[shihtzupup98]

NoVaCMT:

You might find some helpful info here:

OutCall Suggestion and Needs List:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3251&highlight=outcalls

Or in the Are House Calls Safe? Thread:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1512&highlight=outcall

And some tips on Making Your Outcalls Special:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1482&highlight=outcalls

HTH,

 

[proocresk]

Thanks, Nancy. Those are good things to consider. I was hoping for some suggestions about what I, as the therapist, need to bring and be prepared for, rather than what I should prepare the client for.

 

[Mahal]

I like to bring in a little space heater, its one extra thing to haul - but I have found it to come in handy in the past. It helps drown out the backround noise (anybody else in the house etc.) and sometimes the room they choose isnt exactly warm enough to completely relax in (I HATE HATE HATE giving a massag in a room that is anything less than cozy warm)

You can choose to wear shoes that will slip on and off easily, its not a huge deal - but it does just make it a little smoother to exit and enter their house.

I like to bring one extra set of sheets, to leave in the car if anything - *sometimes* someone in the home - husband or a son or daughter - will decide they want a massage too, since you are there. It doesnt happen everytime, but occasionaly I have been faced with this. If I have the extra time I work on them too.

 

[Pompal 09.]

What to bring to outcalls

I'm doing my first outcall this weekend and want to make sure that I bring everything that I might need. Could we put together a list of necessities?

Here's a start:
table, sheets, 1 hand towel, 2 bath towels or bolster, lotion, clock, cd player/music

Thank you!

I have been doing outcalls for over 12 years now and your list covers almost everything I typically bring. It is my personal preference to have two hand towels for each of my outcall clients and I also have something with me for cleaning my hands like disposable handwipes so that I don't have to leave the room to wash my hands for any reason during the session.

Occasionally someone wants me to adjust the thermostat or play one of their CDs for them so I carry a small flashlight in my equipment bag so that I can do all of this without having to turn on any lights if the session is taking place after dark. Another thing that has come in surprisingly handy for me over the years are throat lozenges. Nothing like having a tickle in your throat that is driving you crazy while you are giving the massage. Of course it also goes without saying that you really need to have a bottle of water with you as well.

I wish you the best of luck with your first outcall. I still remember mine quite vividly. I'm a real perfectionist and was somewhat nervous before the session began, but it went extremely well for me and that really helped get my massage career off to a fantastic start.

 

[AnnaBanana[=]

Holster or apron (which ever you are comfortable using to hold your oils/tools), assuming sheets is covering the face cradle cover/etc., and you might want to consider taking along for yourself a nail file/clippers (never fails I manage to break a nail stuffing my table and other things in the car)... possibly bandaids and finger cots/gloves.
You might also need a clipboard, health intake and soap note forms, depending on your location and the type of work you do.

 

[stillababy]

Holster or apron (which ever you are comfortable using to hold your oils/tools), assuming sheets is covering the face cradle cover/etc., and you might want to consider taking along for yourself a nail file/clippers (never fails I manage to break a nail stuffing my table and other things in the car)... possibly bandaids and finger cots/gloves.
You might also need a clipboard, health intake and soap note forms, depending on your location and the type of work you do.

These are all excellent suggestions maestra. I completely forgot about my little kit I take with me that has nail clippers, emory boards, a tooth brush, mouthwash, and bandaids. I also have a hoster in my equipment bag along with unscented lotion and oil for clients who have chemical sensitivity issues, allergies, or simply prefer to have a fragrance-free massage.

 

[Alison H]

Take your appointment book, too, so that you can suggest going ahead and booking the next session!

I have a comb & ponytail holder in my bag, ink pens, so your client doesn't have to hunt one down to fill out your intake form, and breath mints. Brochures, business cards & a gift are nice to leave with them, too.

 

[u d]

Take your appointment book, too, so that you can suggest going ahead and booking the next session!

I have a comb & ponytail holder in my bag, ink pens, so your client doesn't have to hunt one down to fill out your intake form, and breath mints. Brochures, business cards & a gift are nice to leave with them, too.

I also always carry my appointment book with me, because a lot of times the client does want to book their next appointment immediately after the session is over. Having extra pens with you is also a good idea as well as having brochures and lots of business cards.

I have sometimes given clients samples of herbal sports balm or loaned them books and videos, but I don't recall ever giving an outcall client a gift before. What sort of gifts do you give and how has that worked out for you Sharon?

 

[Amanda B]

I've just given very small gifts - often I take a candle (with my label on it, of course) and leave it with them, or a sample of massage lotion. Right now I am giving Valentine's gifts - loofah soaps & a chocolate rose. Someday I'll buy ink pens with my business info and leave those with everyone.

 

[gishkathy]

Giving Gifts

I've just given very small gifts - often I take a candle (with my label on it, of course) and leave it with them, or a sample of massage lotion. Right now I am giving Valentine's gifts - loofah soaps & a chocolate rose. Someday I'll buy ink pens with my business info and leave those with everyone.

Thanks, these are all great gift ideas Sharon! Interestingly enough I recently received a sample pen in the mail with my Nordic Touch business info on it. I think I will go ahead and order some and then just give them to my new clients when they are filling out the client information sheets.

 

[larkinsdelamare]

What company sent the pen? Is it a good deal? I am interested!!

 

[Celina]

Thank you!

Thank you all for your fantastic ideas and "tricks of the trade"! I am constantly amazed at how helpful and open everyone is on this site. (I guess I shouldn't be - we're all nurturers, right?!) It really takes the learning curve out of becoming a new therapist, and this forum has been especially helpful for me since I moved 100's of miles away from my massage instructors and fellow students as soon as I got my certification.

Thank you, again. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!

 

[hits4singles]

What company sent the pen? Is it a good deal? I am interested!!

No pens here but I recieved a second box of BioFreeze samples with brochures attached which had my info on them..FREE.
Last year I ordered(free) their client info kit and I recieved sample packs, a fullsize sample of their spray, roll-on and tube plus the brochures and again stamped with my info.

Go to their site and order. Free is free and I love Biofreeze.

Robyn

 

[Lapara99]

What company sent the pen? Is it a good deal? I am interested!!

No pens here but I recieved a second box of BioFreeze samples with brochures attached which had my info on them..FREE.
Last year I ordered(free) their client info kit and I recieved sample packs, a fullsize sample of their spray, roll-on and tube plus the brochures and again stamped with my info.

Go to their site and order. Free is free and I love Biofreeze.

Robyn

That is great! I have had free Biofreeze samples and have been buying it ever since! I should try again!

 

[takethepain2579]

Follow-Up

Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions - today's outcall sessions went very smoothly! I had everything I needed and then some.

 

[Herr Otter]

Follow-Up

Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions - today's outcall sessions went very smoothly! I had everything I needed and then some.

Thanks for letting us know! I am to the point where I am trying to pare down what I take on outcalls, lol! But as I leave something home, I end up adding something else. Now I am taking along gift certificates, envelopes, coupons and brochures. Just in case!!

 

[ITS A GIRL]

National Pen

What company sent the pen? Is it a good deal? I am interested!!

Sorry I didn't reply to your post sooner. The sample pen was sent to me by National Pen. The offer they made to me was $39 for 100 of their personalized translucent contour pens. For that price you can have up to four lines and 28 characters per line of information.

I've been using the pen for over a month now and am very satisfied with it so far. The spongy grip makes it a lot more comfortable than all of my other pens and this price also seems very reasonable to me. I wonder if anyone else here has had any experience ordering personalized pens from National Pen before?

 

[Alexis M]

Thank you! I'll look for that company!