[MovingTarget]

Just came back from Batam for a 2 days 1 night stay at iBaloi Hotel. Nice hotel, spacious and comfortable with good spread of breakfast.

Went to in-house spa called Theraz Spa on the 3rd level. While booking for a 2 hours time slot, saw a therapist who is slightly plump walking in with her food. Talked to her and she can do "kuat" massage. I kind of like it because this plump massage lady has meaty hand and when massage your neck and shoulder, you will feel very comfortable. I then told the counter staff that I book her at 2.30 pm. No comment from counter staff and I thought I had booked her.

Went to take lunch and after some rest time, go to the Spa at 2.30 pm. Was told that she cannot massage me by the same counter staff. I asked why. She said it was not her turn yet. So they picked another therapist who was in rotation for me. Then came the rotation therapist who is the opposite of plump and does not has meaty hand. I told her I am not keen to do if the plump lady was not massaging me.

She went to talk to Spa Manager who came out to reinforce the same idea saying no and I can't have the therapist that I chose earlier. They were on rotation. (I suppose each therapist deserve a chance to earn commission from the Spa itself).

Fine, I thought to myself because it is their management and they get to decide. It is whether I take it or leave it. Can't help but to wonder what kind of business model it is as competition is so keen in Batam massage environment.

Say, put in prospective of the customer where customer pays, cannot choose therapist and subsequently not happy. Customer will not come back - one time business. If customer chose himself and not happy, he can't blame the spa because he chose himself. He will still come back to try other therapist. Apparently, the Manager won't buy this idea.

I, of course can understood their position. But for my own comfort level, the money I have to pay and the value I hope to receive. I asked myself do I actually have value for money. And the answer probably No.

So, I called Sakura Spa and checked that my usual therapist was available. I cancelled the booking and took a taxi to Sakura Spa.

Theraz Spa has 4 single rooms and 2 double rooms. During the day, most of the time, it is empty even with 30% discount for staying guest. (I was there last week but did not stay). Perhaps, from strong competition from nearby massage shops and hotel in-house spa such as Reborn, universals, BCC service apt, Indo-Thai, Swiss Inn, Hotel 89, Gideon hotel and also with just a short taxi ride to Nagoya.

I am wondering how long can they last if they are not flexible with their business model. They are operating completely different from Reborn business model which the boss encourage their therapists to build rapport with their customers and hope the customers can come back to chose the same therapist. The therapist will still maintain their position in the queue. In this case, Reborn get quick repeated business and therapists get commission from shop and tip from customer, and when their turn comes, they continue to do their massage. It is a 1 stone kill 2 birds strategy. That's why Reborn opens another shop opposite BCS mall and is looking to open the 3rd shop.

Sorry, this is really boring stuff and should not be here.