What are the guidelines about tipping the massage therapist?
Tipping is a sensitive subject. A lot of people are quite unsure about proper tipping etiquette regarding massage. So here's some general guidelines about tipping:1. When you go to a spa to get a massage, this is when you want to leave a tip, only if you were pleased with your massage. This is because you know the therapist is only getting 30% - 40% of what you paid at the end of the massage. If you were happy, give the therapist a little extra to let them know you think so.
2. When you go see a independent therapist, tipping is optional. Here's some things to consider:
A. Tipping is OPTIONAL. Independent therapists usually charge what they need to charge to make the money they need. You are never required to tip - EVER. Don't let any massage therapist make you feel like you should. B. In some cases, therapists offer discounts, specials, and work on sliding scales. Keeping that in mind, if you are in a good financial position, can afford to tip, and you feel the massage you received was excellent, tips are always appreciated by the therapist. But only if you are in a position to do so. It can make it a little easier to do the sliding scale, I know some therapists who have told me that. One client's little extra made it a little easier to give a starving, but stressed out student a massage at a discount. C. In massage, tipping is a way to express your gratitude with a little extra money if you like - and that's all. But you never have to. A simple "Thank you" is all the gratitude that is necessary. You decide however you wish to show how you feel. The fact that you picked us out of the lot of massage therapists is wonderful - and we are the ones that are grateful!!One of the reasons I am writing this is because I feel that some folks out there feel like they are required to tip, can't afford to, and therefore do not get the massages they need. Or some folks just don't know what to do. I also think that some people feel that it is insulting if they don't tip - and that couldn't be further from the truth. I wanted to clear this up - that it is an option, not a requirement!! Don't get me wrong - I love tips and appreciate getting them. But I also love doing massage - and appreciate the business all the same - tip or no tip!!
So go get your massage, don't stress about the tip, and enjoy!!
