If the clinic bills insurance but requires the client to pay at the time of service, making this clear at the time the appointment is scheduled will avoid any confusion or discomfort later. If there are services the insurance may not reimburse, the client should be informed.

Selling additional products and services at the time of service is a common practice in some industries, such as the beauty field. In the massage bodywork industry, this is not so common. If not done with good intention, it can come off looking like high pressure sales and greed. Assure the client the other product or service is only an idea and not an expectation; that this service or product could always be gotten at a later time. This lets the client know that their interests are being looked after. The price of any subsequent service or product should be identified at the time of offer. One shop has prices posted on a web site which also accepts payments. If the client has to ask, "How much is that?" it could appear the therapist is just a salesperson looking for "deep pockets."

Brochures or other written material should contain prices. If prices change frequently, a separate price sheet can be inserted into the brochure.

Other unethical ploys such as skimping on the time or treatment, leaving the client unnecessarily, utilizing other time fillers such as five minutes of back- slapping, or switching services, are irritations for the client. If the client has agreed to a massage, twenty minutes of hot stones and solitude are inappropriate.