Sound Reiki: “I’ve given Reiki free for years. How do I transition to charging?”

I received this question in a recent email from a Reiki Master who is planning to start a Reiki business.

Here are my suggestions:

(see below to download a comprehensive article on starting a Reiki business)

• Give your business a name and purchase a domain name.
• Take all necessary legal steps such as acquiring the requisite business licenses.
• Purchase professional liability insurance.
• Create a professional-looking website. (This can be one page to start with.)
• Join a professional Reiki association. (I belong to The International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), and use their intake and informed consent forms.)
• Open a PayPal account, if you don’t have one already, and set up your smart phone so you can take credit card payments.
• Whether renting space or dedicating a room in your home as a treatment room, present the most professional appearance you possibly can. If this is to be the same space you have been using to give free sessions, make it different by framing and hanging your certificates and business license, adding decorative touches, etc.
• Plan an open house to launch your business.

When you are ready to launch your business, send an email or postal letter to everyone who benefited from your gift of free Reiki and say something like this:

Dear Jane,

It has been a great joy to share the gift of Reiki with you over the years and to witness the difference it has made for you and others in our community. I estimate that I’ve given approximately (more than) _________ hours of Reiki (or, ______ sessions) since I began Reiki training ______years ago.

This experience has honed my skills, greatly increased my wisdom and understanding of Reiki, and given me the confidence to fulfill my long-standing dream of establishing an official Reiki business. I’m excited to be offering Reiki in a more formal way that will bring additional benefits to my clients.

As someone who has experienced the benefits of Reiki and knows its value, I look forward to having your support for the success of my new business. As an incentive and a “thank you,” I’m offering you and two of your friends/family members a special discount package.

[State what you are offering: 20% off your regular price; packages of 3, 5, 7 sessions with discounts increasing with number of sessions, etc. Put a time limit on the offer. Think this program through carefully, as you will probably want to offer some discounts as incentive to the general public as well. 

State any changes you are making in your sessions. You may want to establish a different session length, for instance, or state office hours to reinforce the idea that you are now a business.]

Bring your friends and help me celebrate the grand opening of (name of business) on (date and time). Refreshments will be served, and there will be a door prize drawing. Please RSVP by_______. I hope to see you there! Meanwhile, please check out my new website. I’ll welcome your impressions/comments/suggestions.

Your referrals and spreading the word will be much appreciated! I look forward to our continued association through Reiki for many years to come.

With warm regards,
Mary

Mary Smith
My Reiki Business
500 Reiki Ave.
Reiki, USA
www.myreikibusiness.com
523.444.555

Include with the letter a form (or email PDF attachment) listing discount options and means of payment. Arrange for a friend to assist during your open house in scheduling appointments and taking payments for discount packages. This should be someone who is efficient, enthusiastic about your services, and willing to be your advocate.

Note: If you have been volunteering in a hospital or hospice, you can modify the letter appropriately for sending to potential clients by saying you have honed your skills volunteering in a hospital/hospice program, etc.

If you have established a Reiki practice after a time of giving Reiki free of charge, please leave comments below with your suggestions for making the transition.

Free download

Download my in-depth article, Starting a Reiki Practice: Business Basics, which was first published in the Spring 2010 issue of Reiki News Magazine.

©2013 Marianne Streich, Reiki for Living, All Rights Reserved. For re-posting permission, contact Marianne.

Marianne is a Seattle-Area Reiki teacher and practitioner. She is the author of Reiki, A Guide for the Practice of Levels I and II and a former editor, contributor, and columnist for Reiki News Magazine (2004-2010). See her current class schedule.