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Tinkrock
Supporter
Username: Tinkrock
Post Number: 120
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:21 am: | 
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I think I know the answer to this question, but thought I'd double-check...is tipping customary? |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1583
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:24 am: |
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Yes. Definitely. |
summerbabe
Citizen
Username: Summerbabe
Post Number: 72
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:32 am: |
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I'm actually interested in this as well. I always thought that if you went to a place where the massage therapist is not in business for themselves (like an Aveda spa), you should definitely tip because the house is probably taking a cut of the cost, and in places like that the employees generally work for tips. But I've also heard that if the person is in business for themselves and not renting a space, etc., then it's usually just the straight cost of the massage, and tipping isn't necessary, which feels really weird to me, even though I guess it makes sense. I'd love to know a definitive answer for this. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 3285
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 12:00 pm: |
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From what I hear, most spas split the fee with therapist--anywhere from 25% to 50% going to the therapist. If the therapist brings their own client list and it is significant, they can negotiate a 75% cut, but that is rare. A few spas, like the Hilton, pay an hourly rate (but pay nothing if a client cancels or a spot is not booked). I think it is something like $28-$30 per hour--in that range.
Certainly tipping is customary for when the therapist does not own the shop--like in a restaurant, the house often assumes the tip and pays a lower split or hourly rate accordingly. I am sure it is welcome even if the therapist owns the shop or travels to your house and if you get good service and you think the overall price allows you to give a tip and still pay about what you think is fair. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1584
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 12:10 pm: |
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That's a good point summer. I have heard that too, but I always tip anyway because, like you said, it feels weird not to.
I just sent my friend, who is a massage therapist, an email about what the expectation is (and what people tend to do regardless of the therapist's expectations).
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summerbabe
Citizen
Username: Summerbabe
Post Number: 73
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 3:01 pm: |
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Alright, I've got answers! I just spoke with a woman I work with who works as a massage therapist on the side. She works through both the Swedish Institute and Equinox as well as going to clients' homes. She basically confirmed what I suspected -- that if you are going to a spa or a gym where the house charges a sum (for example $110), she might only see $35 of that fee, so in that case tipping is absolutely necessary. If the massage therapist is in business for themselves and/or they come to your home or work out of their home, then the base price of the massage is all that is expected or required, and no tip is expected. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 6097
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 3:18 pm: |
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How much tip recommended for $80 massage from the owner? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13858
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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I don't tip the owner of a business.
I once tried to tip the guy who pumped my gas, but he refused, because he was the owner of the gas station.
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