Where can a student find out about massage products?

[muggs]

I am about to make a very big business decision in my life, and I would like your insight as massage students to help me decide.

heres my story....

I have been sacrificing and working extremely hard(ever since I graduated from massage school 2 years ago) to start a company offering visual learning resources for massage students in Canada.


I introduced my company to students in Canada, and the response has been incredible.

Its created such an unexpected buzz in the industry, that Ive been approached by some very recognizeable and influential massage companies in the US, all wanting exclusive rights to market and sell my products to students in the US.

I am very excited by the fact that these big companies have the resources to make big things happen... but at the same time, exclusivity means that I will lose all control of being able to market my own company in the US. The thought of handing over a company I sacrificed and worked so hard to build up really scares me.

I am hoping your answers to this poll will help me decide which company would do the best job at marketing my company and creating student awareness about my products (or whether I should continue to try to do it on my own with somewhat limited resources)?

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this, an for giving your input

I have edited this post on Dec 4th, 2005...

Since posting this thread, I have received requests from students asking about what services my company offers. At the risk of this coming off as a marketing strategy, I decided to include the information for those interested about my company RMTStudents.com Inc and the services we offer.
You may or may not find it to be helpful to you, but here is the information anyways.

At this point, we offer...

1. - A FREE online study guide for students. You can use it as a covenient one stop location to review information when studying for your exams (some of the info is still under construction). Here's the link...

http://www.rmtstudents.com/studyent.html


2. - The worlds only fully interactive Massage Therapy Student DVD Guide.
(Specifically designed to help students prepare for their exams. includes over 2 hours worth of fully interactive detailed video instruction from 7 of Canada's top massage instructors. Also comes with a 20 page student handbook, with over 100 full colour images, and a student technique quiz).

I hope this helps you all in your studies.And if you haev the time, I would welcome any feedback (Psotive OR negative), as well as any thoughts or insights.

 

[spicerjoe]

My friend, when a marketeer claims their sales pitch is not a sales pitch, I walk away.

 

[JackaLxM]

I casted my vote for Other. Explanation...aside from my school, the best resources for me as a student, were: practicing massage therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, as well as, Reiki and Polarity practitioners.

 

[Captain Awesome]

i'm an "other" poster too. i used my husband's old exercise phys books as well as shopping on amazon.com. i picked up travell's trigger point books, trail guides to the body, and another trigger point book.

 

[gymnast2014]

Because merlescuz pointed out that this appears to be a marketing ploy, Ive removed any reference of my company name.

I really am trying to practice due diligence in doing some research before I make this big decision.

thanks for pointing that out Merlescuz...

(I have since gone back and included information about my company, because of inquiries from students).

http://www.rmtstudents.com/studyent.html

It is FREE information, so if you find it useful, feel free to use it.

 

[chrissybabie]

well so far im the lonely online supply store shopper. I used an online place that my teacher recommended and for me they were great. very friendly and helped me make my decision on my purchase. I was pleased with the outcome and plan to use them again for furthur purchases. Though shopping through Amazon is a good idea too im sure you can find some great deals there as well Good luck!

 

[Terrex C]

Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. I definitely appreciate your taking the time to help me out with this... It is definitely appreciated!

 

[poppy1]

Does anyone else have any input?
(Again, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to this question, I cant express how valuable your input is).

Dwayne

 

[Halema]

I went with "other," as well. I am very kinesthetic, and I like to see, feel, etc. something before I buy it. If it is a book, I will look at it in a bookstore or library. For products I find that using them, or having them used on me (i.e. borrowing some from a friend, teacher, or at school, or from another practitioner) is key to my decision making.
The internet is a nice source if I know exactly what I want, and cannot find it locally.

 

[27PurpleRoses]

Good Luck Deciding

I love the DVD I got from your company. I know which one, because I spoke to you about a thread about one of your early posts. I can honestly say I only found it because of a link from here one time. I usually look through catalogs or recommendations for products and supplies. I am a massage student, BUT i am an esthetician and a nail tech as well, so I am used to looking for and buying supplies. I also do ordering for our spa....if it's hard to find, I may not find it. I would say whatever gives you the most exposure may be the way to go for you. Maybe speaking with someone in the marketing industry would help you with your decision or talk to other small business owners who have made transitions of that sort.

Best of luck to you...just a reminder...i ONLY found it from a thread awhile back. I would have never found it otherwise. Cheers, Deb

 

[Tay C]

Thanks Deb for the great feedback and the excellent advice!
Im glad you like the DVD. (And I do remember talking with you a couple months back). Our conversation was a great encouragement. Thank you!

And thanks to Palpable, Space Vixen, Jillith, Massagehound and Merlescuz.

All of your answers, suggestions, and encouragement have been very helpful. I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions.

 

[Ann O]

seek legal advice

I use magazines and periodicals.

Also, I wanted to say that just because they are big business, don't let them dictate how to run yours. Get some legal advice and negotiate a deal that is fair for both parties.

I would suggest that you have very thorough record keeping about your endeavor and when you were contacted by the big companies. If you've never read the book "Blue Mountain" by Susan Polis Shutz, I'd recommend it. (I can tell you after reading it that I will never buy another Hallmark card, but that's beside the point.)

Congratulations, good luck and be aware of your rights

 

[Travis P]

And thanks to...Massagehound and....

You're welcome, I wish you much success in your endeavor!!

 

[bananaberry]

I am also an "Other":

Though not a student per se anymore, I am a student in that I am ALWAYS learning something.

I especially use the internet to take on searches, and travel where they lead me. I usually find out all sorts of new info this way.

Getting to know other practioners, seeing what they use and touch/feeling their lotions has always been helpful to me.

Samples are exactly what everyone needs.

Christmas gifts of sample after sample that my mom would give me for gifts, were just perfect. All companies should have samples in my opinion! Even samples of things like foam from the face cradles. Anything you can get your hands on is always helpful!

 

[dottiesunfish]

I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to answer my question, offer encouragement, and advice.

Becuase of your help, I have found the right distributor for our student learning tools. Although there are always risks, I am going into this situation with as much peace of mind as is possible for a deal of this nature.

Your help means the world for me and my family, and it is very much appreciated.

Thanks a million!!

 

[missdancerxx]

good luck with your distributor. i hope it works out beautifully for you. i wasn't able to post before you made your decision but my answer would have been lots of sources. sometimes for me, it depends on the product. some just sell themselves from a description in a magazine or article, others are sold with a good review from other mt's, and some from a hands on experience.

ok, i'm not sure if i'm the only one curious but i'd like to ask what your product is! you can pm me if you'd rather not post it but i say go for it! who cares if others aren't interested....i am and can't be the only one.

 

[kimmywimmy]

Sorry i didn't get to this post sooner. But texas gal had a good point, I love samples and the one way to get out there for a good resource is to get your name and your product out there so others can see.
Another great thing is just asking others for help or an opinion like here for instance obviously you get a good reply
~Jennifer McColleyLMT

 

[Allison M]

Massage Products

'Buyer's Guides' are really good for finding and learning about massage products. 'Massage Magazine' has a very good Buyer's Guide which I believe comes out in February.

 

[J&JLove]

Does massage magazine just send out those buyers guides or do you have to request them?
~Jennifer McColleyLMT

 

[the_unluckiest]

Cool, thanks for the quick reply
~Jennifer McColleyLMT