Image: SpaFinder president Susie Ellis

Spafinder Wellness is to expand its Last Minute platform to Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles in November.

The service has been designed to help spas, health clubs and wellness centres more easily fill open appointment times that previously would have gone un-booked by posting available appointment times over the following 48 hours.

According to Spafinder, un-booked appointment rates run at 30-60 per cent industry-wide in the US and the company says un-monetized inventory now represents the biggest drain on spa, wellness and beauty businesses' profitability.

Peter Manice, Spafinder's vice president of partner development, said: "Last Minute represents a far smarter and pro-business alternative to the standard daily deal sites.

"No hefty commissions, no brand dilution and, most importantly, unprecedented control. Businesses can now precisely target discounts at their un-booked times, and use those openings to draw a more price-sensitive consumer - all while maximizing revenue.

"It's a re-imagining of the deal concept, a sustainable way to manage inventory, and we're thrilled to bring it to these three major markets."

Last Minute launched in New York City earlier this month (October 2012) and so far 40 sites - such as Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel and The Spa at Trump SoHo - have joined the service.

A national rollout across major markets in the US will take place in 2013.

With an eye to developing an advanced, last-minute platform to roll out nationwide, SpaFinder Wellness recently acquired bTreated.

Since 2010 bTreated has been one of the leading online services for last-minute deals on luxury spas and salons in New York City.

bTreated's technology platform and software is now powering the company's new product.

Benefits of the platform include quick electronic payment to businesses and exposure to Spafinder Wellness' spa/wellness customer base.
To read more on Spafinder's Last Minute platform, click here.