Laurie Swanson, LMP

This is a quality venue with a variety of massages. However, there is a 100% fee for late or missed appointments with no leniency. I have never known of a service charge 100% for a late or missed appointment — sure a percentage, even half, but never the full price. And yes, I understand that there should be some sort of «penalty», I am definitely not saying there should be none.
Laurie boasts a «no tipping» policy and asks to be referred to friends/​family. However, due to her strict policy — I gave a gift for 2 massages to my friend and he liked the service so he continued to seek her services — however, my friend was forced into paying the full $ 105 for a missed appointment. I COMPLETELY understand the unfairness of missing an appointment but if the provider or business is not on a tight pressing schedule with a waiting list there should be some slack. Moreover, to pay $ 105, the FULL price of a massage is ridiculous. I am shocked she would expect a repeat customer after going through with a 100% fee? If it was less or even 50% this would have been gladly paid and perhaps continued patronage. But the full price of a massage???
I will NEVER, EVER send anyone there again. This is not supposed to be some corporation with strict regulations greedy for money, this is supposed to be a lovely neighborhood business that thrives on word of mouth. After the 100% fee of $ 105 she had the audacity to ask to schedule next appointment. Really? That will be never and I will make sure none of my friends and family go there.
For a local neighborhood business and for a repeat customer for almost a year there should be slack for my friend, not abuse of service on the part of the customer, but an understanding that the customer will be back based on how we are treated on an individual basis.
I too own my own small business (photography) and have had people miss or change appointments at the last minute and if they are new I give warning, which Laurie does offer. HOWEVER my customers that are repeat I am very lenient and work with them. In fact my services last around 2−6+ hours and I am STILL lenient. But Laurie only does 1 – 1.5 hr massages and still imposes such strict policies. This is NOT my idea of a nice, neighborhood, local business.
This may seem unfair or trivial to some, but as a local business owner and supporter I would never recommend this place for the reasons above. As far as massages go they are decent considering my friend continued service there after the 2 gift certificates, but there are better places in Seattle that are also much more affordable.