Spa Operations

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Service Fees, Gratuities and Pricing Structures

September 5, 2023

In an ongoing trend, more spas—especially luxury resorts—are adding automatic service charges to guests’ statements. The additional proceeds largely benefit spa employees, augmenting the general compensation structure that traditionally has included commissions and an hourly rate. Since coming out of the pandemic, some spas are even seeing an increase in the service charge amount.

An ISPA Town Hall session this winter featured a great discussion about the diverse structures of service fees and gratuities that other members are implementing—focusing on what’s working or not working well. Panelists Pat[1]rick McDirmit (Trilogy Spa Holdings), Suzanne Holbrook (Marriott International) and Taylor Fields (PCH Hotels & Resorts) joined ISPA Chair Patrick Huey to share their insights and expertise.

SHEETS 101: A Crash Course in Linen Management

March 26, 2021

If you stepped into—or are currently stepping into—a role in spa management with little idea of how to manage your spa’s linens, you’re not alone.

 

Show and Tell: How Video Will Transform Your Marketing

July 11, 2024

The spa is an intensely personal business, so it makes sense that you should be telling your story in the most personal way—with video. No other medium is so complete, so compelling and so embedded in everyone’s daily lives. You’ve seen the statistics: 92 percent of inter[1]net users watch video, and 90 percent say video helps them make purchasing decisions. That’s why 91 percent of businesses use video for education, outreach and marketing, and 92 percent of those report a positive return on their video investment.

Sleep Tourism Spa Services

November 2, 2023

At the end of a 50-minute massage at the Underground Spa & Wellness at the Logan Hotel Philadelphia, a guest fell asleep; upon waking, he asked if he could stay a little longer.

While that might have been impossible at a spa where every room is booked throughout the day, the Underground told him he was welcome to stay.

He slept for hours.

When he left, he was filled with gratitude, telling them he’s never able to sleep and those few hours were like a dream.

He’s not alone.

 

Social Media In The Workplace- September 2023 Snapshot Survey

November 2, 2023

The September 2023 ISPA Snapshot Survey asked respondents to share details about their spa or company’s social media strategies and policies. The survey response highlights who manages the social media accounts, the most popular social media platforms used, areas promoted on social media and advertising on social media.

THE PLATFORMS AND HOW SPAS POST CONTENT

An active social media presence is critical for spa brands. Used nearly universally by spas and affiliated businesses is Instagram, at 99 per[1]cent. Other widely-utilized social media platforms for spa industry brands are Facebook (91 percent) and LinkedIn (54 percent).

Spa Management Risk Allocation — What is Market & What is Fair?

September 6, 2018

Read Gerry Hickel’s thorough examination of the do’s and don’ts of spa management contracts.

Spa Operations Manual

April 5, 2017

This text is designed to help spa directors, owners, managers and suppliers better understand the full scope of operational procedures that can be implemented in order to run an effective spa.

Spa Operations Manual

November 2, 2022

This text is designed to help spa directors, owners, managers and suppliers better understand the full scope of operational procedures that can be implemented in order to run an effective spa.

Spa Retail Return Policies: Balancing customer satisfaction with minimizing loss

July 11, 2024

Implementing an effective return policy in your spa’s retail sales space can help maintain customer loyalty while protecting your bottom line. Here are some tips and tricks to help you manage returns efficiently.

 

Spa Software Savvy: Unleashing the Power of Super-Users

October 3, 2024

Selecting the right operating software system is a critical part of running a spa. While these systems offer robust business management features, many go underutilized. This month, Carlos Calvo Rodríguez shares insights on becoming a super-user and getting the most out of your system.

 

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