Spa phone bookings: couples massages, packages and gift vouchers

Why these calls go to the phone

Online booking works well for one person, one service, one therapist. Couples treatments, packages and gift purchases ask more of the booking: two therapists at the same time, a couples room, services in a set order, or a gift for someone else. Callers also tend to have questions first, about what's included, how long it takes or whether the voucher can be used for anything. That's why these bookings land on your phone, often while every therapist is in a treatment.

Couples massages and side-by-side treatments

• Check two therapists and one room. The slot only works if both therapists and the couples room are free for the full length.
• Ask about pressure and preferences for each guest, including therapist gender if you offer the choice.
• Get both names and a contact for each if they'll arrive separately.
• Take a deposit for the full booking. A no-show on a couples slot costs you two therapists' time.

Spa packages and spa days

• Book services in the right order with the right gaps, for example a body scrub before a wrap, or time in the thermal suite before a massage.
• Say what's included (robe, facilities, lunch) and what isn't.
• Give the total time so guests plan arrival and parking.
• For groups, collect names and treatments for each guest and agree a deposit. See group bookings and spa parties.

Gift voucher calls

Gift voucher calls come in two kinds: people buying one and people redeeming one.

• Buying: offer an amount or a named treatment, take payment, and send the voucher with its terms. Phone sales spike before holidays, so see gift card sales you lose to an unanswered phone and Valentine's Day spa bookings.
• Redeeming: ask for the voucher number, check the balance and expiry, then book as normal.

Gift card expiry rules to know

• United States: under federal law, gift card funds generally must last at least five years, and inactivity fees can only be charged after 12 months without use and if other conditions are met; some states give more time (CFPB).
• Australia: gift cards bought on or after 1 November 2019 must be redeemable for at least three years, and the expiry date must be prominently displayed. There are exceptions, including cards supplied at a genuine discount, such as a card for a massage sold below its value (ACCC).
• United Kingdom: check the terms you print on your vouchers and get advice if you're unsure what applies.

This is general information, not legal advice.

A quick script for a couples booking

"Lovely, a couples massage for two. Is that our 60- or 90-minute option? Any pressure preferences for either of you? I have Saturday at 2pm with both therapists in the couples room. We take a deposit to hold couples bookings; I'll text you a secure link now and your confirmation straight after."

How CallPad handles spa calls

CallPad answers your spa's phone 24/7 and books, moves and cancels appointments in real time on supported booking systems, so a caller asking for a couples massage or a spa day gets an answer while your therapists are in treatments. It books multi-service appointments and packages, can take a deposit on the call by texting a payment link or using a card on file in your booking system, and can transfer the call to a team member or take a message for anything it shouldn't decide, such as a custom group day. CallPad sends missed-call text-backs and texts clients on your waitlist when a slot opens up.

Related guides

• AI receptionist for spas
• Why day spas lose bookings to missed calls
• Salon gift cards: revenue you lose to an unanswered phone
• Group bookings and spa parties
• Valentine's Day salon and spa bookings

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a couples massage over the phone?

Check that two therapists and the couples room are free for the full length, ask each guest's preferences, take both names, take a deposit for the booking and confirm in writing.

Do spa gift cards expire?

It depends on where you are. In the US, federal law generally requires gift card funds to last at least five years. In Australia, most gift cards bought on or after 1 November 2019 must be redeemable for at least three years, with some exceptions. Check local rules and your voucher terms.

Should spas take deposits for packages and couples bookings?

Many do, because a no-show on a couples or package booking ties up several therapists or a room. State the policy clearly and take the deposit while booking.

Can CallPad book spa packages and couples treatments?

CallPad books multi-service appointments and packages in real time on supported booking systems, and can take a deposit on the call. For anything it shouldn't decide, it can transfer the call to a team member or take a message.

Try CallPad

Get a quote for your spa, or hear CallPad answer a real salon call.