Why couples bookings need their own rules

A couples massage or spa programme isn't an ordinary booking. Two people come together and expect to start and finish at the same moment. That needs two masters and a suitable room free at the same time.

If even one of them is missing or running late, the other client waits, and the whole visit feels spoiled. That's why it pays to write down in advance how you take and plan these bookings.

Decide exactly what you offer

A couples service has to be clear both to you and to the client. Before you advertise it, answer a few questions:

  • One room or two? If you have a room with two tables, that's the best option for couples. If you don't, say honestly that the couple will be in two rooms next to each other.
  • The same duration. Both services should take the same time so the couple finishes together. If one wants 60 minutes and the other 90, agree what the first one does in the meantime.
  • What's included. Tea before or after, time to relax, extra treatments. Write all of it into the service description.

We wrote in detail about scheduling long treatments in this article.

How to take the booking

A couples booking is really two bookings: with two masters, at the same start time. When you take one:

  1. Check that both masters are free at the same time and the room isn't taken.
  2. Write down both names, but agree on one contact person you'll message or call.
  3. Ask about each person's preferences: pressure, the master's gender if it matters to them, and anything else the master should know.
  4. Confirm both bookings together and send one clear message with the time, duration and address.

Plan the day around couples

A couples booking takes up two masters and one large room at once. If you drop these bookings in at random times, the rest of the day gets harder.

  • Pick a few fixed times. For example, keep one or two slots around midday or in the evening for couples, on days when two masters are working.
  • Leave time for the room. Getting a two-table room ready takes longer. Add that time to the booking's duration.
  • Masters start together. Agree that both are in the room a few minutes before the start. If one runs late because of the previous client, the couple waits.

Price, payment and cancellations

Decide how you show the price: per person or per couple. A per-couple price is simpler for the client, but remember that two masters are working and their pay has to be accounted for.

Think ahead, too, about what happens if one of the couple can't come. Can the other come alone, or do they move the visit together? If you have a late cancellation policy, say clearly how it works for couples. For how to set one up, see here.

Gifts and holidays

A couples visit is often a gift: for a wedding anniversary, a birthday or New Year. Demand for these bookings usually rises before February 14, so it's worth planning your couples slots ahead.

If you sell gift certificates, offer a couples version too, and print on the card that the booking must be made in advance. We wrote in detail about gift certificates in this article.