by Grace Wilson
You can greatly improve your chances of having a fully-satisfying, if not spectacular spa experience if you spend five to ten minutes chatting with the one who will be plugging you into the reservation system: The spa receptionist. Of course, this may not apply if you’re calling a large resort spa where the reservationists don’t even work in the same building as the spa personnel. But since most spas and massage therapy establishments are small businesses, the receptionists know the people who work in the spa and how the massage schedules are put together. They have invaluable information that can be useful when making your appointment if you take the time to talk to them.

Here are some simple suggestions that will help you get the most for your massage-dollar:

Be nice. First and foremost, don’t forget you’re talking to a human being who will react and respond to the way you communicate. Just like you should never be mean to anyone who is serving your food, if you want the best spa experience, be friendly. The person on the phone has the power to book you with the best therapists at the best times, or to rearrange schedules to help you get what you want.

Talk when she (or he) is not busy. If she has to keep putting you on hold, ask if she’d prefer to call you back. Though a few people might get booked in before you, you’ll get better service if people aren’t breathing down her neck.

Ask for an opinion. The receptionist probably has a favorite treatment. Ask what it is, and why she likes it so much. If you already have a particular massage or treatment in mind, ask her how most people like it. She could be tired of dealing with complaints about a certain sub-par treatment, and will let you know to get something else. Let her know how you’re feeling (run down? stressed out?) and see what her suggestions might be to balance that kind of physical condition. Information about your budget, the types of treatments you generally go for, and your likes and dislikes is helpful to her in making suggestions.

Once you’ve decided on a treatment, ask who the best therapist would be for you. If you demand “the best therapist” right off the bat, you’ll probably get the standard answer, “Well, they’re all good.” But if the receptionist knows more about your likes and dislikes, and what kind of treatment you’re looking for, she can better place you with the perfect person. She certainly doesn’t want to have to deal with your complaints if you hated your therapist. Give her the information she needs to make the right choice.

Finally, ask for advice on timing. The more flexible you can be as to the date and time of your spa treatment, the better. The best massages are not being given at the ends of the busiest days of the year (e.g. Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day). The therapists are more than likely worn out by then, having worked on five or six people before getting to you. Ask when she can book you close to the beginning of your therapist’s shift, or just before your therapist’s mid-day break when he or she would be less likely to feel rushed to stay on schedule. Also realize that she knows more about the spa’s services than you do, and can order them in a way that makes the most sense. You don’t want to end up getting your hair styled just before a body wrap that requires you to wash your hair.

Remember that it’s the receptionist’s job to help you get the best service possible. Give her the chance to create the best experience for you, and you’ll end up having a better spa day all-around.