Wanna trade? How I Got Free Spa Services…

The scissors had to come out.

When the time came for me to create a budget and cut out all the extras, I really struggled. I had grown so accustomed to being pampered! I would get manicures and pedicures at least once a month. My hair would always get colored every 8-10 weeks and I would get a monthly massage.

Changes were made.

As it stands right now I have not had a manicure or pedicure since my birthday in 2008 and it was my gift from my boyfriend. I did get my hair colored and cut recently but the coloring was free. I always try to look for when salons are offering classes to their staff and you can usually get a cut or color for free. For a while I was no longer getting massages either.

A chance meeting.

As chance would have it I ended up becoming friends with a massage therapist that owns a spa. I learned that in this type of service industry people will trade each other for services. I never thought that I had any skills to offer someone to trade but I guess I do. The spa owner and nine other people participate in a 24 hour running relay in the mountains. She is the team’s contact/organizer. Last year she was over whelmed and asked if I could help her out with getting everything ready and everyone signed up. She offered to trade me for four hour long massages. These are valued at $60 each.

The POWER of the trade.

Because of the power of the trade I now go in every two weeks to vacuum, dust and any other light cleaning they need. I am normally there for less than an hour and I end up getting one massage for every time I clean the spa.

Be careful!

You can post ads on free sites such as craigslist or call a place you are interested in trading services with and see if anyone is willing to accept your deal. Unless this is someone that you are already acquainted with please use extreme caution when meeting strangers. Also be cautious about what personal information you give out as well.

Best regards,

Maeghen