AbbyWayne

Don't mess around with Keurig, just buy a Nespresso! I sold Nespresso machines for 4 years and my customers raved about how good the coffee was and how easy the machines were to maintain. Their US representatives are very knowledgable and make it very easy and fast to get coffee delivered overnight!

Strengths: Best pod coffee/espresso machine!

Needs to improve: none.

As a kitchen retailer, I had the please of dealing with Cuisinart. We had few returns on their food processors, a product they are best known for. On occasion we had to "special order" blades and parts, but usually for older models that wore out their blades before the motor! Always received fast, friendly, reliable service.

Strengths: Great product and service.

Needs to improve: none.

As a kitchen store manager, on occasion we would get returns for all sorts of products… rarely KitchenAid. We sold a variety of their products including the classic stand mixer, blenders and kitchen tools. Customers knew they were getting a quality product with great design. Anytime I needed to contact the vendor for replacement parts or questions on a product, they were friendly and knowledgable.

Strengths: Great product, excellent customer service.

Needs to improve: none.

Emile Henry is less known in the US, but it is far superior to any stoneware/earthenware cookware and tabletop design on the market. The product is generally lighter in weight than a Le Creuset cast iron cookware piece, but Emile Henry retains the heat and doesn't chip. Amazing product and amazing US support staff.

Strengths: Beautiful stove/oven to table ware. Quality product.

Needs to improve: none.

For 4 years I worked closely with Reidel as a vendor that supplied glassware to the kitchen supply store I managed. Their representative was always checking in concerning what products were selling and which products were lingering on the sales floor. Not only did their support staff have extensive knowledge about the product, but was also instrumental in ensuring my sales were always growing.

Strengths: Friendly customer service, quality product.

Needs to improve: none.

I've used Kim for catering since my past retail days for all my staff meetings and corporate gatherings. She only uses the freshest, organic, locally sourced, in-season ingredients for her delights. She's easy to connect with, despite her website being under construction. A quick phone call and Kim can tell you her whole menu, prices and when your order will be ready. She also sells her goodies at some local tea shops and cafes if you need a quick fix.

Strengths: Delicious, organic pastry treats.

Needs to improve: Website needs to be built, but Facebook is active.

Organic teas and fresh flowers create the calming ambiance in our waiting room at Tranquility Massage and Spa. Our clients are always asking where we get our fresh flowers from and how we choose our tea selection. They are always surprised when we tell them they're from Trader Joe's. Not only do they have great products that enhance our business, but they also excel in customer service!

Strengths: Great organic tea selection and fresh flowers!

Needs to improve: None.

I found Mountain Mama of Maine at the Portland Flower Show 2 years ago and started using their Oh My Aching… product on my clients. It has St. John's Wort Flowers and Arnica, among other ingredients. It has a soothing lavender scent and works great on hands that have been working in the garden all day or knees that get achy from being old. I love Mountain Mama of Maine. I look forward to seeing her again at this years Portland Flower Show!

Strengths: Oh My Aching…. so good!

Needs to improve: None.

I was introduced to Pure Pro products in massage school and having been using their Peppermint Pandango Foot Cream ever since. This product not only smalls great, but id great for softening calluses. I currently buy my products through SpaTech, but on occasion they are low on stock so I buy direct from Pure Pro. Great customer service.

Strengths: Quality massage products.

Needs to improve: None.

I use Massage Only for bodywork and maintenance. As a Massage Therapist, I need regular bodywork to maintain my ability to work. Massage Only hires the best Massage Therapist, concentrating on therapists who have years of experience with excellent client reviews. They're not fancy, they don't run deals; they just give the best massages. I highly recommend receiving bodywork here. Better yet, if you are a great Massage Therapist, work here!

Strengths: Only hire the best massage therapists.

Needs to improve: None.

I just purchased Russ' Rugged Massage Oil that contains Arnica, Valerian and St. John's Wort among other oils/essences and I love it! First of all, I love the smell, but more importantly it works! This massage oil gently numbs the muscles allowing them to relax and rest. Great after a long day at work or a strenuous hike.
Roberta also teaches classes on how to make herbal spa products and recipes. I am signing up to take my first one in April!

Strengths: Quality product, knowledgable herbalist.

Needs to improve: None.

When you become a Massage Therapist everyone tells you to "save your thumbs"! I took a shortcut and bought the Thumbsaver! I love it. I've been a Massage Therapist for over 3 years and have had no thumb injuries. I have colleagues that have had surgeries, injections and PT for their thumbs, but not me! I highly recommend this product and company. They care about Massage Therapists.

Strengths: Useful massage aid.

Needs to improve: None.

$69.99 may seem expensive for a heating pad, but this is THE BEST heating pad! It has a 20 minutes auto turn off feature, ensuring you don't over treat your injury/pain. It gets super hot (I recommend a barrier), but for a heating pad this isn't a negative feature. I have started carrying them at my massage studio for clients to purchase.

Strengths: Quality product.

Needs to improve: None.

Constant Contact has been a great marketing tool for promoting new massage therapists and daily specials at the spa that I work in. When clients see that the marketing product used is Constant Contact, they know that our company is paying to use a quality product that makes our advertising look good and professional. As my own personal massage studio business grows I will be using them to connect with my clients.

Strengths: Well known marketing product with good reputation.

Needs to improve: None.

I keep Biofreeze on hand when working on my massage clients. I prefer to use all natural products, but sometimes the only thing that works to relieve aches and pains is Biofreeze. This product leaves a cooling sensation on the skin, numbing the muscles allowing them to rest and heal… it is a bit smelly though. Biofreeze has a strong menthol smell which some people like. Biofreeze is a standard in the massage industry and that's why I use it, but I don't sell it because it's not all natural.

Strengths: Effective product.

Needs to improve: Smelly.

I bought an Earthlite Massage Chair secondhand a year ago to start my mobile massage business. I travel to offices and events with my massage chair and I love it! It's lightweight, durable and easy to keep clean. My clients comment on how comfortable it is, which is rare for a massage chair.

Strengths: Great, lightweight product.

Needs to improve: None.

I've used MindBody for the last 3 years working in the spa industry for booking appointments, time tracking employees and customer database. Overall it's a great product, but it needs an overhaul on its mobile app. Clients seem to be able to navigate the site well enough to book an appointment, but practitioners also need the ability to see future appointments and manipulate data on mobile devices with ease. It's also pricey. With all the new online scheduling companies emerging, MindBody will need to up their game.

Strengths: Good customer database tool with options to scan documents.

Needs to improve: Poor mobile app.

I work in a spa that uses Full Slate for scheduling. I love that clients can use the online app to book sessions, making it quick and easy for clients to book and get payment confirmations in real time. They have the best mobile scheduling site, much better than MindBody.
Full Slate has the best options for scheduling a business that not only has multiple employees, but multiple rooms and scheduling needs. We have a massage therapist that only works twice a week and can only see two clients a day, but is available all day. Full Slate made it possible to put restrictions on her scheduling options to better suit her needs.
The client database is also very easy to use and access on a mobile device. I can add client notes and alerts to keep my clients needs met.

Strengths: Lots of scheduling options for both big and small businesses.

Needs to improve: None.

I bought my Oakworks One massage table 3 years ago and I love it! When my clients get on my table they always comment on how comfortable my table is compared to other tables they have been on. My table is easy to adjust and light weight for travel. The headrest has several height adjustments, creating comfort for all my clients. I'm also impressed with the travel case for my table. I shove table in may car regularly and the case keeps my table secure and scratch free! When I'm in the market for a fancier table, I will be buying Oakworks!

Strengths: Quality products.

Needs to improve: None.

Total support! This is not just an insurance company. ABMP is a professional organization that helps you build a business, soup to nuts. Their website is easy to maneuver whether you are looking to participate in an information webinar or use their website building service. They have a great magazine that goes out monthly that includes supportive article on all aspects of the massage and bodywork field. I have been a proud member of AMBP since 2010 and will be for life!

Strengths: Customer service and reliability.

Needs to improve: None.