A week or so ago I got a notice that one of the services I was using to schedule massages was getting acquired. MassageNow had been acquired by Zeel and instead of booking free spots at local spas akin to a HotelTonight for spa treatments. However, with the acquisition, the model has changed and now Zeel is offering services more similar to Soothe than what MassageNow used to provide. It’s an interesting change, and one that I’ll be interested to dig into as I try out the service and compare it to Soothe.
Here’s what I have learned so far:
- Zeel costs a bit more than Soothe. In San Francisco, a 60 minute Swedish massage starts at $110 with an added 18% tip, whereas Soothe costs $99 and tip is included for the same service.
- (Update from 12/2018)
- Prices have increased since this article was written: 129 + tip for Zeel and 119 + tip for Soothe for a 60 minute massage.
- Soothe claims they never included tip as part of the service despite earlier messaging to the contrary. They now support tipping in their mobile app. Their site/app is a bit confusing about the tipping. Zeel has always included an automatic 18% tip.
- A membership service is available with both companies. This reduces the per massage price by 20%.
- (Update from 12/2018)
- Zeel operates from 8am to 10:30 versus Soothe’s hours of operation of 8am to 12am midnight, which might be nicer to get you relaxed and ready for a nice sleep.
- With Soothe, you suggest a start time for the service, whereas with Zeel, you suggest a window of when you would like your spa service, i.e. start as early as 7pm and end by 9pm. I imagine this gives Zeel more flexibility for scheduling appointments versus Soothe’s model.
If you’d like to try these services, feel free to use the following promo codes and you’ll get some $$ for your service! I’ve tried Soothe and plan to try Zeel though I’m not sure I’ll be interested in sticking with them if their service is more expensive by at least $10 + tip each time. $100 is just a more palatable option.
Zeel Promo Code: $20 off your visit
Soothe Promo Code: $20 off your visit
Note: I will also get a benefit if you use these codes. I hope this gives you an incentive to try something new and please feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
Update:
I tried Zeel this evening and I wanted to give a little update on the experience I had with this service versus Soothe.
- (+) It was one of the better massages I’ve had, maybe in the top 5 or so regarding quality of massage. The massage therapist knew what she was doing, responded to my feedback, and really made sure I had a relaxing experience.
- (-) She indicated that there is an option to request sheets if you don’t have any extra of your own, which I will definitely be doing if I use them again. I don’t like the idea of paying more and then having to do laundry as well. It adds to the overall cost of the massage which isn’t factored into the price. Definitely a negative that can turn into a positive next go around.
- (+) She brought lavender aromatherapy scent to help clear my sinuses and make the experience more enjoyable. This was used when face up and my nose was congested. It really helped and felt super relaxing.
- (+) She asked if I wanted my eyes covered when face up. It is a small thing, but definitely makes the experience more spa-y for me, and it was nice that this was an option.
- (-) She used cream versus oil. For some this might be better, but I prefer oil massages.
- (-) She brought her own music, but it was playing on her phone or something which would ding when she got a message. She noticed that and said she needed to figure out how to turn that off. It was a bit distracting, but thankfully didn’t happen that much that it affected my experience.
- (n/a) Apparently there is an option where they give you a table for free, in exchange for a regular service at a discounted rate. This seems to be a monthly subscription program. Not for me but might be appealing to people who have space for a table and are having regular treatments.
Anyway, I’m not super wild about the higher price, but I wouldn’t rule them out because the quality of my massage was really good. If I can request the same massage therapist, and I can take advantage of promotions, I might consider doing this 2x yearly. If they were cheaper, I’d be likely to use it more frequently. I’m glad I tried something new – it was a good learning experience and a good experience in general 🙂
Spaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
John says
I clicked on the soothe link but it didn’t provide me with any credit when I signed up it seems to provide credit when I refer someone so are u getting a credit every time someone create account from the link on this page ? I’m confused
Priti says
Hi there John. You should have gotten a credit when you signed up if you are a new user. If you have already used soothe, I don’t believe you can get another new user credit.
Milla says
From the things I’ve read about how therapists feel about soothe the majority say they love working for them except they wished Soothe would tell people tip is not included in the price. From my research Zeel pays their therapists better. Probably because they make sure their therapists receive gratuity. A good massage therapist works hard for their clients and it’s important to show your appreciation by leaving gratuity. Your therapist has to lug super heavy (usually 50 or so pounds) of stuff into your house. Many times up stairs…. This takes a lot out of a person and then they have to set it up and rub on you for 60+ minutes then break it down and lug it all back to their car. Even massage therapists at Massage Envy get tips, why on earth would you assume not tipping someone who is working so much harder for you is acceptable? It sounds to me like Soothe is too interested in getting business that they forgot to look out for their therapists… Also who goes to a nice restaurant has one of the best meals of their lives and amazing service and walks out without tipping… same scenario can be applied when getting any service done such as massage, hair, nails, etc… Please everyone look out for your service providers, the majority of us work very hard for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Jasper Koenig says
Thank you for your post 🙂
I’m an LMT soon to be working with Soothe. I’m also looking into working with Zeel. Your experiences relayed herein are somewhat revealing and may help guide my expectations of working for one or the other (or both!). Massage sessions are largely dependent upon the individual therapist and their education, general preferences, professionalism, skills, and manners. I do understand that a therapist definitely reflects upon the face of the company they’re representing, but please don’t attribute the actual massage received as your sole perception of the entire company. Every therapist brings their unique skillset and comfort “accessories” (i.e. lavender, body bolsters/cushions, etc.)…which is why clients are able to request the same therapists over and over again, or choose a random one.
Regarding your comments of massages received — generally, all therapists should bring both oil and cream and allow their clients to choose for themselves; phone “dings” are usually eradicated by simply turning the ringer volume off (this is separate from the music volume); I don’t believe sheets should ever be the responsibility of the client, but I know that the models are different as far as price breaks if you use your own oil/cream, sheets, tables, etc.
Thanks, again, for the comments and for your blog 🙂
Priti says
Thank you for your unique perspective and feedback! I am glad I wrote something that was helpful in your consideration of both services. I think both have their merits and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors with them!
Priti says
Thank you for your unique perspective and feedback! I agree it is very important to reward good service with an appropriate tip.
anonymous bosch says
Hi I am an anonymous contributor to this message board. I am a massage therapist who works for both zeel and soothe. Soothe was started to make money. By a young business man who enjoys massage but not super in touch with the art of massage or the needs of therapists. Zeel came along later, created by massage therapists who really understand the modalities, the level of work involved, the needs of the therapists etc. They created a more dynamic app that fulfills each parties needs with more options. It also creates a way for client and therapist to build a better lasting relationship if they want, and each party provides a review of every single encounter. They pay their therapists a lot more. In my opinion a higher quality company, which will earn the loyalty of higher quality therapists. And the previous comments are right. Massage therapy, especially in home with traveling, is hard physical work and deserves the pay/ tip, because you can only do so many massages in a day, physically. So the prices are appropriate. I think the main reasons therapists work for soothe over zeel is that soothe started first so could provide more clients to grab. But Zeel is catching up!! I am rooting for them and feel much more loyal to them.
Rose says
Massage Envy, Zeel, And Soothe. I work for all three companies and the way you tip does make a difference. Being mobile should pay more you have to do all the work and your service shouldn’t be cheapen. 100 +tips is appropriate considering that the mobile companies take a percentage out of the money your getting. Plus safety is something to be considered if your a female working at night on a male client. We work hard and deserve better pay.
Wendy says
I am a massage therapist registered with both Soothe and Zeel. The extra money Zeel charges goes to your therapist as gratuity. Up until now Soothe claims they give the therapist gratuity, but they do not – just a flat rate per massage, which is about $15 less per hour than Zeel (when including the Zeel gratuity). In addition, this week Soothe just announced that they are cutting therapist pay by an average of 10% per massage. For those of us working with both companies, we will almost always take Zeel clients first. I feel we are more fairly treated and respected by that company. So, if you are watching your finances closely, Soothe is cheaper. But if you prefer happy and fairly-compensated therapists, go with Zeel. Finally – Zeel is much more user-friendly once you find a therapist you like and want to rebook with them hassle-free.
Priti says
Thank you for sharing your perspective. It’s nice to hear input from someone who works for these companies to have a picture of the whole product.
Priti says
Thank you for sharing your perspective. It’s nice to hear input from someone who works for both companies to understand the whole story.
Chris says
Very interesting feedbacks!
I thought that both platforms included tips.
In France, there is not such habit, so it is easier…
JJ says
Anonymous Bosch’s statement above is not true. Both are great companies, but don’t be fooled by erroneous claims.
Zeel was also started by tech pro (to make money) in conjunction with his other online businesses. Zeel has recently hired some former spa industry directors, but they focus on the hotel spa staffing business and its training.
Please learn the real facts before touting this kind of false claim. It’s misleading and unfair to therapists looking for answers.
“anonymous bosch says
July 25, 2017 at 5:43 am
Hi I am an anonymous contributor to this message board. I am a massage therapist who works for both zeel and soothe. Soothe was started to make money……. Zeel came along later, created by massage therapists who really understand the modalities, the level of work involved, the needs of the therapists etc.”
Sara says
I work mostly for Zeel. I am registered with Soothe, but I took only one appointment so far. Why? Because Soothe pays less, I have to bring sheet for the client, and I do not receive gratuity. The payout is far below the real price. And most of the massage therapists would prioritize Zeel clients. Most of my friends( good therapists) are not even registered with Soothe.
DissatisfiedMT says
I’m an anonymous contributor. I have a thriving home based massage practice but once in a while I have a time slot that I can fill with an on demand request. I’m registered with both zeel and soothe for this purpose. In 2018, I decided to stick with zeel and took very few soothe requests. While zeel pays a little bit more than soothe does, I think both companies are ripping off therapists. Without therapists, these companies make no money yet they take more than 1/3 of what clients pay. In my opinion, it’s truly astronomical what clients pay and how much the company keeps for simply connecting a client with a therapist. Recently both companies have increased their pricing to clients but not a corresponding increase in therapists pay. I had a zeel client a few nights ago who confessed to me that he felt priced out with soothe so he booked with zeel for that night. The fact that soothe pay rate ($65/hr in my location) does not include a tip and clients are for the most part unaware that the price they paid doesn’t include tips so they don’t add a tip afterwards. This really short changes the therapists who are largely underpaid to begin with for doing all the heavy lifting in the transaction while the company collects the money and remits therapists’ pay afterward, most of this “work” is automated these days with IT. So what do I think the referral fee split between the company and therapist? The company should keep max 20% and the rest should go towards therapists pay. Given that zeel and soothe have lots of competition in the on demand massage referral space, I really think they would consider paying therapists more equitably and taking a smaller % as referral fee.. By taking better care of the worker bees, the queen bee would bring in more honey in total – a win-win proposition.
Priti says
Thank you for sharing your unique perspective and contributing to the discussion.