It’s a common question with no easy answer. How much should you tip your massage therapist? Check out our blog post for more information.
Checkout this video:
The Case for Tipping
It’s not uncommon to feel a bit conflicted about whether or not to tip your massage therapist. After all, they are providing a service that you are paying for, so why add an additional gratuity? But tipping is always appreciated, especially by service providers who work for tips. Here are a few reasons why you should consider tipping your massage therapist.
The quality of the massage
The quality of the massage is, of course, the primary reason to tip—good or bad. If you receive an excellent massage and the therapist went above and beyond to make sure you were comfortable and relaxed, it’s a good idea to show your appreciation with a 20-percent tip. The standard tip for a massage is 15 to 20 percent.
On the other hand, if you receive a subpar massage, you are not obligated to leave a tip. But if you do decide to leave something, five to 10 percent is appropriate.
The extra services provided
In addition to the massage itself, many therapists provide extra services such as comfortable linens, soothing music, and candles or incense to help you relax. These amenities can add to the cost of your massage, so be sure to ask about them when you book your appointment.
While tipping is not required, it is always appreciated by massage therapists. If you receive exceptional service, a gratuity of 15-20% of the total bill is appropriate.
The Case Against Tipping
Many people wonder if they should tip their massage therapists. The main argument against tipping is that massage therapists are already paid for their services. They should not have to rely on tips to make a living. Furthermore, some people believe that tipping creates an imbalance in the therapist-client relationship.
The price of the massage
The price you pay for your massage should include the cost of the therapist’s time, training, and overhead costs. The price should not fluctuate based on whether or not you give a gratuity. When tips are expected, they create an environment where the service providers are in essence working for tips and not for a set wage. This can foster an environment where service providers feel they have to cater to those who give more gratuities in order to make up for lower wages. It also devalues the service itself by putting the focus on money instead of on the quality of the massage.
The lack of extra services provided
In the United States, it is customary to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and taxi drivers. However, there is no obligation to do so, and many people choose not to tip for various reasons. One common argument against tipping is that it is simply not necessary. After all, these service providers are already being paid for their services; why should they receive additional money? Furthermore, many people believe that tipping creates an unfair system in which those who receive tips make significantly more money than those who do not.
Another reason why some people choose not to tip is that it can be seen as a form of bribery. For example, if you do not tip a waiter, he or she may give you poor service in return. This is especially true in countries where tipping is not customary; in such places, service providers may feel entitled to a tip even if they do not provide good service. Finally, some people simply do not like the idea of giving extra money to someone for doing a job that they are already being paid to do.
How to Tip
It’s customary to tip your massage therapist 15-20% of the cost of the massage. If you received a discounted rate or service, it’s still appropriate to tip on the full amount of the massage. For example, if you paid $60 for a 60-minute massage, a 20% tip would be $12.
If you decide to tip, how much should you tip?
There is no definitive answer, and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. A common range is 15-20%, with 20% being the standard for exceptional service. You can always ask the front desk staff for their recommendations.
What is the best way to tip?
There is no one definitive answer, but there are some things you should keep in mind when deciding how much to tip your massage therapist.
First, consider the quality of the massage you received. Was it a relaxation massage or a more therapeutic, deep tissue massage? If it was the latter, your therapist likely worked a bit harder and may appreciate a higher tip.
Second, think about what kind of establishment you went to. A high-end spa will likely have higher prices (and therefore, tipping expectations) than a smaller, independent studio.
Finally, consider your own personal budget and what you can afford to spend. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 15-20% tip for a good massage, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what feels appropriate.
When Not to Tip
If the service was not up to par
If you didn’t have a good experience with your massage therapist, then you are not obligated to tip. The same goes for if you felt the pressure was too light or too heavy, the music was disruptive, or if the environment was not clean or relaxing. If you had a disappointing experience and choose not to return, there’s no need to tip.
If you did not receive extra services
If you did not receive extra services, such as a hot stone massage or aromatherapy, you should not tip. The price you paid for the massage included the gratuity for the therapist, so no additional tip is necessary.
