Costco Massage Tables

[alf the gardener]

Hello,

I'm new to this board and am a student in Massage School.  I've been looking around at different tables and was wondering if anyone has the massage table from Costco.  Any info is greatly appreciated!  Here is a link to see what it looks like:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11006982&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=3895&hierPath=589*3895*

Thanks for any reviews you can give!

Melanie

 

[Nomadic Exile]

Hey Melanie!  The first time I went through Massage Therapy school, I bought one of those Costco tables -- it was only $150 versus the usual $400-600 so I thought I 'd gotten a deal.  It's not exactly the same as the one you posted, but similar.  There were a few things that I didn't like about it -- mostly the fact that the padding on the table was very thin and it wasn't really that comfortable to lay on.  Also, there really weren't any accessories for it.  (although the one from your link looks like it comes with some goodies)All in all, it worked well for practicing on friends, etc., but I would NEVER have used it in my practice.  Have you gone to Costco and checked it out? If not, you might want to see it in person to make sure you like it!Just my experience ... hope it helps some!

 

[Natalia]

One of the women in the class a head of me bought one thinking it was a good idea to save money.  Well, the table actually broke the 2nd time she used it and she had to spend more money buying a decent table.  So definitely put that money into a table that is guaranteed to last you many massages over the years.  The other thing... portable table... weight 48lbs!!!  eek!!!  That would become a stationary table very quickly.  Most portables are around 24-29lbs!!!  So save your back and your money, look at some other tables before you buy this one.

 

[chntlrose]

Costco Massage Tables

Sorry I haven't seen the one you are provinding the link for. I agree, go to a Costco and lay down on it for awhile. *shrug* There's no other way to tell...

But I know a lot of people complained about the weight of the massage table that Sam's Club had offered a few years back.

Have you considered the Earthlite Harmony 3? It's got a really good price for students who are just starting school....

http://www.earthlite.com/massageTables_harmonyIII.htm

While the colors are limited... the price is good.

It has a Lifetime limited warranty on frame, 3 years on foam & vinyl... Not a bad price really.

I have an 8 year old Earthlite Avalon which has stood the test of time Very well IMHO.  When I purchased it, it came with a 5 year warranty... they come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty now.

I'm kicking around the idea of getting a new table... and am considering the Earthlite Spirit. My MT teacher had one and the extra inch of foam padding made a big difference I thought.

The old adage is really true though... you get what you pay for when it comes to MT tables. So definitely get the best table you can afford.

Also if money is an issue you could consider purchasing a used massage table.

 

[Chad P]

Costco Massage Tables

I have one of the Costco tables not quite the same but similar, they are made by Master. The padding is quite comfortable, and I get lots of compliments on it. However it is heavy and should not be used to outcalls.There is a weakness if it have the face cut out, so don't sit directly on this. I did have this area crack on my first table, but Costco was really good about exchanging it with no hassels.I've been using mine for about a year problem free while I was a student. Its not bad for a first table.

 

[betteryawn]

oh and by the way... your table is tax deductable!!! So if you can afford to buy a decent one at the moment, you will be better off.  But you will have to wait for your refund.  I actually bought my table with my refund from the previous year and then reported it as a school/business expense the following year.

 

[...Just Me :)]

Costco Massage Tables

VERY HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

there is a guy in my class 6"4" and about 280 big muscular guy, he has trouble lifting it. He wishes he would have bought another table.. you can get  a nice one for about 299. you just have to look, I compared prices on http://www.bizrate.comor one of those compare price places..

 

[furball123]

Costco Massage Tables

I have an EarthLite Avalon table which I love - cost me more then i was originally going to spend, but worth every penny. I love my table.I have used the Master tables from Costco on several of training courses i have been on. They are heavy, definately not something you would want to carry around too much. But i have found them to be quite comfortable and sturdy - and we really work the tables with a lot of pressure and a lot of energy. And they cope with us jumping on them for a good dance too during courses.Whenever anyone asks me for advice about buying a table I am very cautious of recommending one - for my my EarthLite is the best, for Breathe its Stronglite. Your table is a very personal decision. So I always give two bits of advice:1) Don't cut corners and go for a cheaper option if you can afford it. The table is what your clients will spend their time on, if they aren't comfortable on it no matter how good your touch they probably won't come back. Think about spending more for a better table, the returns in the long-term will be better.2) Try it out. Get the table out, lift it, carry it, put it up, fold it away, put it up again, look at it, feel it. touch it. Examine it all over - top and bottom, and of course lie on it. Think of how comfortable it is - if you wouldn't be happy to have a massage on it do you want your clients lieing on it?Mat xxx

 

[COBHC]

Costco Massage Tables

I bought a Costco table (Master) & used it for about a year & a half for outcalls. It came with a headrest & carry case. I sold it to a student when I stopped doing outcalls all together. It only weighed about 30 pounds I think. The aesthetician at my new place has one from Sam's (also Master). It now comes with a nice arm sling/rest & fully adjustable headrest. She likes hers too. I was just recently on that table, and it was extremely comfortable.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Bees Knees]

Adding a $10-15 egg-crate foam piece from Wal-Mart is always an option; will eliminate any table material concerns.  Also, check your weight restrictions on any table you use.  I encourage my clients to place their arms behind them on the table, this being the ideal position. I don't insist though. If they are uncomfortable in this (unoverstretched) position, I put my stool in front of them, usually right under the facecradle.

 

[Erma B]

I bought a costco table before entering school. I'm glad  did, two of my classmates bought the expensive ones( 700-1000) and they are not happy with the weight of theirs. Mine does not weigh that much and have not had any problems with it. I will be starting work soon and I will be having a table supplied so I'll use mine for promotions. ;D

 

[RedNinja]

Costco Massage Tables

I bought a Costco table during school to do my log hours on outside of the school. HOnestly it has served me well. Yes i did outcalls with it, and yes it is freakin heavy-- my table differs from the one in the picture, but i do know that at some point after i bought mine they offered a lighter version. I'm surprised to hear about all the problems people had with their tables. i guess was just lucky. I am still using my table with no troubles. As well as a friend of mine who i discovered also had the same Costco table i had, which she still uses in her office for massage and acupuncture. Luckily it's being semi retired due to the office i am renting actually has it's own table, so i don't have to lug it anywhere. I could have bought one of the more "acceptable" massage company tables that were a bit more expensive. but starting out i didn't know what i wanted in a table, or what i needed to look for in a good table since at $500 and up it's an investment. And here i am still a year out of school, in practice, and right now i don't find a need for a new table -- but at least i know what i want and i've seen my classmates to know what i like.Michelle

 

[Trixzter]

I own 3 tables.  My first two table are costco tables and I have had them for 6 years.  They served me very well and I still use one for occassioal house calls or spa parties.  The other is stored in my bedroom for personal use.  I thought they were great.  I did add an eggcrate when I usee my costco table at my office, but I finally needed a table that was wider.  The costco tables are not too bad for the price, but they didn't accomodate my bigger clients very well.  They love my new table.  Now they can lay their arms next to them while supine.  All in all, if you need a table and can't afford $550+, then the costco table will do, until you can afford a better table.  Also, I wanted to say that there is some type of warranty on these costso tables.  Their customer service dept. was great and they wanted to do whatever they could to help me.  Once, I needed to order a new stap for the table cover and sent me one right away with no problem.

 

[Armund Steele]

Costco Massage Tables

I do not have a costco...I have worked on several tables (even a wood kitchen table)...as long as the legs are strong I put enough stuff (sheepskin, blankets, towels and sheets) on my table that you never know what the table is underneith...the one I use at present is an earthlite Avalon...I like it alot...when I started I bought a chair...my first table was a cheap one...I learned about padding it well and never had a problem...if I remember right I got it at a Sams Club...I used it till I could save enough gor a good one...I live in florida and set up an outside room in the summer and now use the old table for that...do you have a store near you...can you go check it out...can you call and find out what the specs are for the legs or the weight load the table can handle.....

 

[Elle Z]

I live in florida and set up an outside room in the summer and now use the old table for that

Hey dorraine... this is totally cool.  Can you show us a pic of this?  

 

[Kernow Lady]

Costco Massage Tables

we just tore the old one down and are rebuilding the new one...I will have pics shortly...it has a table and an outside shower...I used 8' wood pannel fence that has a pretty lattice top...this year I am adding a sail top awning...here in FL...I get to use it all year except: July due to heat and January due to cold...it is a great place for scrubs...the floor is made of gravel and stepping stones...I made the stones myself...some clients love it and I have my office in my house for those who don't...

 

[fish_in_dish_water]

You may check the small print on your Costco table.  They say that they are not for professional use.  They don't come with a 5 year guarantee like Earthlite, Custom Craftworks, Oakworks, and golden ratio.  They also cannot hold heavier weights like the professional models.  Costco limits are 250-300 .  I know that Custom Craftworks and golden ratio can hold 500 -1000lbs.  Not that you would have a 1000 lb client on your table but it speaks to quality and a company standing behind their product.  I teach at a school and we bought 2 costco tables ( 3 years ago) just to see the difference and so our student could see the difference.  They both cracked 1 within 3 months and the other in 6.  The latter fell down while one of the students was on the table.  None were hurt but I wouldn't want to take that risk on a client in my office.  In addition, if they are marked not for professional use, your liability insurance would not cover damages. I am sure that not all of them break, but I've got 2 that did.  On the flip side, we have used Custom Craftworks and Earthlight tables in our school and I have a golden ratio in my practice and all have been very solid tables for lots of students and clients of all weights and sizes.