Policies

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Missed Appointments • Cancellations • Rescheduling

I understand that life gets busy and unanticipated events happen occasionally. Thank you for understanding that I make a living by dedicating time specifically to you. I value and respect your time and hope that you value and respect mine! In the event you have to reschedule your appointment, I ask that you notify me as soon as you know of conflicts. The sooner the better! This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment, or for me to fill the availability with someone on the waiting list.

Please call or text to cancel/reschedule only. No email, Facebook messages, or website contact form notices, please- unless you are traveling out of the country. Voicemail and text messaging is accessible 24 hours day, 7 days a week.

Anyone who either forgets or consciously chooses to forgo their appointment for whatever reason will be considered a “no-show.”

  • Please note: Appointment reminders are a courtesy. Clients are responsible for keeping their appointment even if they do not receive a reminder. 

No-shows, late cancellations, and last minute requests to reduce session time result in unnecessary gaps in the client schedule, have a significantly negative impact on my livelihood, and prevent me from being able to serve others in need. In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, I have adopted these cancellation, rescheduling, and missed appointment polices. Please acknowledge and be respectful of the following:

  • Because evening appointments after 3:30 pm are in high demand, a FULL 48 hours advanced notice is required to cancel or reschedule evening appointments.
  • A FULL 48 hours advanced notice is required to cancel or reschedule any appointment longer than 1½ hour. 
  • A FULL 24 hours advanced notice is required to cancel or reschedule daytime appointments.
  • No-Shows and late cancellations, including rescheduling, with less than 24 hours notice for daytime appointments, and less than 48 hours notice for evening appointments or sessions longer than 1½ hour, will be charged a Late Cancellation/Missed Appointment Fee. appointment scheduled.
  • * A single service or session may not be split between two people, or divided into separate appointments.
  • Last minute requests to reduce session time will be charged the full amount for the originally reserved session time. 
  • Payment for the missed appointment or late cancellation must be received within one week of the scheduled appointment. Discounts will not apply.
  • If a gift certificate is being used as payment for your appointment, and you fail to give the required 24/48 hour advance cancellation notice, that gift certificate will become null and void.
  • Please Note: Arriving 15 minutes late or later for an appointment, without notice, may result in a forfeited appointment and considered a “no-show/late cancellation,” which may incur the Late Cancellation/No Show fee. 

*No matter what the circumstance–a phone call or text is always appreciated!

*Sudden illness and serious emergencies will be considered on a case by case basis. I reserve the right to make an exception on those rare occasions, or to determine the appropriate action. 

*If last minute rescheduling is completely unavoidable, and you are unable to give the required advanced notice, you might consider sending a friend or family member to take your place. Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to send a substitute, so that I can ascertain there is no one available last minute on the waiting list. Please be aware, if the person you select to replace you cancels or fails to show up, you (the original appointment holder) will still be responsible for full payment of the late cancellation/missed appointment. 

I consider it an honor and privilege to be of service and hope for a long and mutually satisfying relationship with each and every one of my clients. Please know that your business is highly valued and your understanding and respectful cooperation is immensely appreciated!

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Payments

  • Payment is due at the time of service, unless prepaid.
  • Cash, *checks, or Zelle accepted. (Card payments not accepted).
  • All sales are final. There are no refunds on prepaid services or gift certificates.
  • *There will be a $50 service fee for all returned checks.

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Gratuities

Tipping is a customary practice; a personal decision that reflects your satisfaction with the service I’ve provided.

  • While absolutely not required or expected, gratuity is a gift that is always greatly appreciated and graciously accepted.
  • However, if the added expense of providing gratuity is a financial burden to you, I would much rather see you again, soon and on a regular basis, than have you stress about finances and overextend your budget. It is very important to me that my clients maintain good health and well being through continued and consistent care. The best tip you could give me would be to write about your positive experience on my Away Therapeutic Body Care with Wendi Wells Facebook page, Yelp, and my website, or to recommend Away Therapeutic Body Care with Wendi Wells to your friends and family members who you feel would enjoy, and benefit, from my services.
  • Gratuities will not affect the quality or nature of your service in any way. Please note: Under no circumstances do I perform any kind of service even remotely associated with sexual massage, ever.
  • Gratuities are not included in gift certificates unless otherwise noted.

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Gift Certificates • Coupons • Sessions

You may purchase gift certificates during your appointment, or order them ahead (call or text) and arrange to pick them up at the office. I will also be happy to mail them for you.

  • You must present your gift certificate/coupon at the time of your appointment or a full charge will apply.
  • Gift certificates cannot be refunded or redeemed for cash, and have no cash value.
  • Gift certificates cannot be used to purchase gift certificates.
  • Gift certificates may be transferred from one person to another.
  • I reserve the right to refuse service or reverse any gift certificate purchase for any reason and return the funds to the purchaser.
  • All gift certificates purchased from Away TBC are valued at the purchase price.
  • Gift certificates are not valid until payment has been received and successfully processed.
  • Gift certificates sold never expire as long as Away TBC remains in business. However, they can be subject to an additional charge if prices have changed or a service is no longer available. Prices and services are subject to change without notice.
  • All gift certificates that are given out for a promotion do have an expiration date. Promotions include, but are not limited to, fundraising auctions and raffles, appreciation events, social media give-aways, etc. Please check the expiration date and use them within that time.
  • Away TBC is not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates. Please treat gift certificates like cash.
  • Any remaining gift certificate value left over after your service is complete will be an open balance that may be used at a later time.
  • No-shows and late cancellations (see cancellation policies) for appointments being reserved with a gift certificate will render the gift certificate null and void.
  • No-shows and late cancellations for a session which is part of a Massage Package or prepaid series, will deduct that session from the package/series.
  • A single service or session may not be split between two people, or divided into separate appointments.
  • Massage Packages consisting of multiple sessions may be shared with other people. Each individual client must schedule separate appointments.
  • Clients may pay the difference to extend a session (upgrade) for a gift certificate, or session that is part of a Massage Package or prepaid series. An upgrade must be arranged in advance.

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Arrival • Late Arrival

I schedule 30 minutes between the end time of one session and the start time of the next, which allows clients to dress in a peaceful and unhurried environment, give feedback about their session, and reschedule if necessary. This allows me to prepare for the next session, which includes sanitizing multiple surfaces, changing linens, etc.

  • Please plan accordingly and be on time. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to ensure the full allotted time for your session.  Allow time for disrobing and communicating with me before your session, as well as dressing and communicating with me after your session.
  • If you are late, I will do my best to have you receive your reserved time on the table. However, I may not be able to overextend your originally reserved session time, and your service may be cut short/adjusted to allow me to stay on schedule. A full payment for the originally reserved session time will apply.
  • If I (the Massage Practitioner) am late, every attempt will be made to insure fairness by allotting more time or decreasing the fee.
  • Please contact me if you are running late to your appointment.

  • Late arrivals due to circumstances beyond your control (ex: inclement weather, family emergencies, transportation issues, canceled childcare, etc.) will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

  • Arriving 15 minutes late or later for an appointment, without notice, may result in a forfeited appointment and considered a “no-show/late cancellation,” which may incur the Late Cancellation/No Show fee. 

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Right of Refusal

I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Any individual who requests or suggests sexual or illicit services. I reserve the right to terminate a session for sexual requests, suggestions, innuendos, or advances. I reserve the right to charge for the session time whether or not scheduled services were rendered. A payment IN FULL, without applicable discounts or reduced rates, will be due immediately, and the local law authorities may be notified. All services provided are non-sexual; under no circumstances do I perform any kind of service even remotely associated with sexual massage—ever! Sexual, abusive, and/or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. 

2. Any individual who arrives for therapy under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. I reserve the right to charge to for the session time whether or not scheduled services were rendered. A payment in full will be due.

3. Any individual currently taking prescribed medications or who possess a health condition which are/is contraindicated for massage therapy.

4. Due to health and safety regulations, I reserve the right to refuse treatment due to illness (cold/flu/virus symptoms), or lack of good personal hygiene. If the session must be postponed due to poor hygiene, the standard late cancellation charge will be incurred.

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Non-Discrimination

All clients are treated with respect and dignity. I do not discriminate against a client’s race, religion, sexual orientation, political views, socioeconomic status, body type, age, or gender.

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Health • Hygiene • Safety

  • Please inform me if you are pregnant, have serious heart ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure, skin disorders or a rash, any contagious diseases, or any other medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions listed above, it is important to consult your physician before scheduling any massage treatments.
  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time or earlier to insure there is enough time to discuss all health considerations prior to the beginning of the appointment. This allows me to provide you with a full session, tailored to your specific needs.
  • Please reschedule your session if you are ill, especially if you have a virus, severe cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, stomach virus, poison oak, skin rash, ringworm, head lice, conjunctivitis, or anything contagious. Massage can exacerbate the condition, and it puts the practitioner and other clients at risk for infection.
  • I highly discourage alcohol consumption prior to, or immediately following, massage and body treatments. Please do not come to your session under the influence of alcohol or drugs as these things may mask your body’s ability to receive the bodywork safely.
  • If you smoke, I ask that you refrain from smoking at least two hours prior to your session as I have adverse reactions to tobacco and marijuana smoke and it may affect my abilities during your session.
  • Clients are are asked to minimize the use of heavily scented perfume, cologne, or bath/body and hair products.
  • Please avoid immediate sun exposure prior to massage therapy or body treatments.
  • Because of the intimate nature of massage therapy, good hygiene is essential. Clients are expected to adhere to generally accepted standards of cleanliness, and are required to exhibit good hygiene practices.
  • Please shower after heavy physical labor, exercise/working out, swimming in the ocean, a lake, or chlorinated pool, or excessive sweating before coming to your appointment.
  • Ladies, please note: you never have to worry about leg stubble or shaving your legs!
  • I’m happy to provide limited supplies for cleaning feet if dirty from wearing sandals/flip-flops, or walking barefoot.
  • Due to health and safety regulations, clients failing to meet minimal cleanliness standards may be asked to reschedule.
  • Please inform the practitioner of any cuts, scraps, breaks in the skin, or bruises so these areas can be avoided.
  • AwayTBC maintains a professional environment and adheres to these policies concerning sanitation, health, and hygiene: any and all equipment, implements, and linens that come in contact with a client are sanitary; clean and sanitized sheets and towels are provided for each client; massage creams/oils are administered in a contamination-free manner; the practitioner maintains proper hygiene, and prior to working with each client, thoroughly cleanses hands and forearms, and any breaks in the skin are covered with protective coverings; in the case of illness on the practitioner’s part the client will be contacted to reschedule

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Scope Of Practice

I perform services only for which I am qualified and able (physically and emotionally) to do. I refer to appropriate specialists when work is out of my scope of practice and/or not in the client’s best interest. The treatments and services offered expressly exclude the diagnosis, prescription, manipulation, or adjustments of the human skeletal structure or any other therapy, service, or procedure that requires a license to practice medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, or any other medical profession.

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Modesty

Individual privacy is highly respected. Clients are required to be properly draped throughout all services. No exceptions. As each respective section of the body is massaged, it is uncovered and then recovered as the session progresses. The genitals and/or breasts will remain covered at all times during the session and, while most people prefer to remove all clothing, you can elect to wear undergarments as you deem fit.

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Minors (Teens & Children): 

Clients age 17 and younger are required to have a parent or legal guardian sign their New Client Registration Forms or (online or paper).  Teens and children ages 15 and under are required to have a parent, or responsible adult, accompany them to their appointment. Having a parent, or responsible adult, present in the treatment room during a session is left to the parent’s discretion and the client’s preference. Whatever is comfortable for, and acceptable to, everyone is best.

A parent is always welcome in the room during a child’s session, and if the parent is ever to be absent for any length of time, it is made clear that there are no secrets in the therapy room — that the child should feel free to tell the parent any and everything that happens — and that nothing will be done in the parent’s absence that would not be done in the parent’s presence.

Clearly, a parent should always be present during a session with a child of say, 11 or younger. Equally clearly, there is no particular need for the presence of a parent during the session of a 17-year-old, unless the client prefers it.

It’s the in-between ages that get tricky, and my basic policy is to have the parent and the child make the decision. If both parent and child are comfortable with the arrangements, then I am comfortable. If either of them is uncomfortable, then I am uncomfortable.

Note: When a parent of a school-age child is present during a session, I suggest that she (it’s usually a mom) bring a book to read, or something else quiet to do.

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Locked Door & Silent Phone

Because I do not have a receptionist, my policy is to lock the door and to silence my phone while we are in session. I request that you please silence your cell phone as well (unless there are special circumstances in which you must be contacted during this time). This allows for a peaceful session without interruption.

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Privacy Policy

Away TBC collects information as needed to personally identify you. Such information is collected when, for example, you schedule an appointment, make contact regarding services, gift certificates, (etc.) or when registering as a new client. This personal information can include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number (s) and medical/health information, as applicable. To provide appropriate, effective, and safe massage treatment it is vital to disclose all medical conditions, treatments, medications or supplements to your practitioner.  This information will help determine what therapeutic treatments will be appropriate.  I am H.I.P.P.A. compliant and your information is confidential. Away TBC will never sell your personal information to any person or company. Your massage therapy records are kept in the strictest confidence in a secure place, and your records will never be released to third parties, including health care providers and insurance companies, without your express written consent. Records may be surrendered if required by law.

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Client Agreement

By scheduling an appointment at Away Therapeutic Body Care with Wendi Wells you are agreeing to acknowledge and comply with all of the above policies, as well as agreeing to the following terms and conditions:

 It is my choice to receive massage therapy (or body treatments). I am aware that massage is therapeutic for stress, muscular tension and soreness, and increased general circulation. I understand that the services provided are for the well being of my body and mind, and to enhance my body’s natural healing processes. I also understand that treatments involving heat, which may include but are not limited to heated-stones, lava shells, and steamed towels, may subject my skin to burns due to my skin type and condition, and will not hold the practitioner/owner liable. If I experience any pain or discomfort during a session, I will immediately inform the practitioner so that the pressure and/or techniques may be adjusted to my level of comfort. I agree to communicate with my practitioner any time I feel my well-being is being compromised.

I understand that any information or instruction provided by the massage practitioner is a for educational purposes, or a recommendation, only. I understand that massage practitioners are not qualified to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical or mental illness; nor do they prescribe pharmaceuticals or perform spinal or skeletal adjustments; and that nothing said or done in the course of any session should not be construed as such. I realize that there is no stated or implied guarantee of effectiveness for massage therapy and body treatments.

I understand that massage or body treatments should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment and that I should see a physician, or other qualified medical specialist for any mental or physical ailment of which I am aware. Because massage and body treatments should not be performed under certain medical conditions, I affirm that I have disclosed all of my known medical conditions, and answered all questions accurately and honestly. I agree to keep the practitioner updated as to any changes in my health status, and understand there shall be no liability on the practitioner’s part should I
fail to do so.

I understand that the client/practitioner relationship will be held in strict confidence. I understand that client services and registration information are confidential, and that written authorization is required from the client to release any information. I will not ask the practitioner to to do anything that is against her professional or personal code of conduct. I understand that my unclothed body will be draped properly at all times for warmth, sense of security, and as a mark of massage therapy professionalism. I also understand that any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks, innuendos, or advances will result in immediate termination of the session and refusal of service by the practitioner. I agree that I will be liable for full payment of the scheduled appointment, regardless if the massage is completed or not; and will be refused any future service.

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all of policies terms and conditions. I hereby assume all responsibility for receipt of massage, and release and discharge the practitioner/owner from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, actions, or causes of action arising from the massage received hereunder; including, without limitation, any damages arising from acts of active or passive negligence on the part of the practitioner/owner, to the fullest extent of the law. I hereby give Wendi Wells/Away TBC permission to contact me by mail and/or email with occasional newsletters, upcoming events, special offers. Wendi Wells/Away TBC does not share or sell mailing lists.

I understand that appointment reminders are a courtesy, and that I am responsible for keeping my appointment(s) even if I do not receive a reminder. I have read, understand, and agree that I will be responsible for the full amount of my scheduled service in the event that I neglect to show up for my appointment or fail to provide a full 48 hours advanced notice of cancellation for evening appointments or sessions longer than 1-1/2 hour, or a full 24 hours advanced notice of cancellation for daytime appointments. I hereby give Wendi Wells/Away TBC permission to contact me by phone call and/or text with an appointment reminder prior to any scheduled appointments.

Payments are due upon completion of service. Please make checks payable to Wendi Wells. Returned checks will be assessed a $30 charge.

By submitting a registration form and scheduling an appointment, I am acknowledging that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all policies, terms, and conditions of Away Therapeutic Body Care with Wendi Wells.

These policies, treatments, services, packages, and prices are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Away Therapeutic Body Care without notice.

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