What's an appropriate tip for massage services

[VADave]

I was just wondering what an acceptable rate of tip is for a one hour Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. Is it the traditional 15 to 20 percent that we usually pay to waitresses, or something different. I never know what is really appropriate.

[indigocenter]

The vast majority of tippers leave 5-10 dollars,, some nothing and some 20+ Rather than comparing us to waitresses, why not consider what you tip your other PROFESSIONALS such as your doctor or dentist...Charge what you think you deserve and don't rely on tips unless you work for some sweat shop like Massage Envy or the like.

[LadySinatra]

I don't think the other poster is a massage therapist.
I think he is asking what he should tip his massage therapist.

VaDave, some people tip 5, 10 or 20. Do whatever is comfortable for you. There is no set rate like at restaurants.

[indigocenter]

Ah I see that now...but I still believe in what I stated.

[Healer98]

Actually being a service business reasonable and customary is 15-20% just like a hairstylist or the likes. On the one hand in private practice I don't expect any tips but I do get them, the AVERAGE being $10, however, at the resorts I've worked at the range is from $5-$70. Some of the women have gotten the coveted $100 that was talked about in massage school. So in conclusion tipping is appropriate.

[flashcrimson]

Really, there's no industry-wide standard. It depends upon the venue in which you're receiving your massage. I work in a private multi-therapist office and we receive tips on occasion, usually $5-$10 (which is 10%-20%, approximately). We charge an honest rate and pay our therapists well, so it's not comparable to a waitress who is making well below what she's worth because the industry expects patrons to tip and make up the difference. However, if you're visiting a spa or cruise ship or something where the therapists are paid a much lower percentage of their fee, tipping is much more expected.

Generally, if you're therapist is working out of a medical or sports type of setting or has his/her own private office, tipping isn't "expected." The closer you get to a spa or resort setting, the more "expected" it becomes. But feel free to ask the management what is normal for patrons....we actually get that question all the time.

We tell those who ask that tipping is always appreciated but never expected.

[lotusgirl]

I agree. As a self-employed massage therapist, I don't ever expect a tip from my clients. But I find that many do tip and it is always a nice gesture. It makes me feel appreciated. :D
Cassandra/Lotusgirl

[giwhiz]

a client once brought me a velvet bag with clear stone runes...another brought me caviar :D

[healinghandsJen]

I usually get a $5 to $20 tip with my clients, with the average probably being $10. I have a private practice and I set my rates according to what I feel is appropriate with my experience and skill. I NEVER expect a tip, but it's ALWAYS nice to get. Some of my regular clients never tip, but they come 2-4 times a month, so I'm already getting $100-$250 from them a month. To expect a tip there would be just greedy. :) It is nice if, when you've really put in a lot of effort with a client that needed a lot of work or was really tight or stressed, if they recognize your extra effort and tip.

[SDBliss]

EOM

[Pandoras Gift]

I work in 3 different areas, private practice where I don't expect a tip and charge accordingly, in a gym where I rarely get tips and I can't put anything out asking for them (corporate b.s.), and in a spa where my boss demands that they tip 15-20% but I get a range from $10/hour to $40. It depends upon the person. The gym is in a VERY weathy neighborhood and the people are stingy or they don't know better since they think I am getting the entire amount that they pay for. But I am not, and when I only work 3-4 hours a day, I do count on my tips to make ends meet.

[golfman]

$15-20 is appropriate unless, of course, a "Happy Ending" is involved. In that case, generosity on your part is always a good idea. It also establishes your bona-fides for future appointments and more relaxing times. My regular massuese and I have reached a mutually satisying arrangement that came about only after I had seen her several times and there was a strong comfort level between us. My sessions have become more and more "therapeutic" and her wallet is a little thicker after each time I see her.

So there is no misunderstanding, as I see the flame-throwers standing in the wings, this establishment is a well-known 5 star spa located in Florida. All the therapists are licensed "professionals" and work in a big-time resort/hotel complex. I know, I know...most "legitimate" therapists would never engage is such activity, right? Well, that has not been my experience. Patience in establishing a relationship with the right therapist can have real benefits for both parties. It has worked well for me.

[daizymae6]

My massage therapist' business is having a fund raising event. For 15 dollars we can get a 15 minute massage. The money raised goes to charity. How do I tip the massage therapist and would this be an appropriate situation to tip? This therapist owns the business and I typically don't tip for regular massages. How much should I tip for a 15 minute session?

Thanks.

Daizy

[giwhiz]

To "golfman"

Your post, if not slanderous, is inappropriate in this forum.

IF it remains, it should be instructive to students and new therapists that predators are a part of every social level, and the methods employed by some.

It should also be instructive to them how prevalent the impulse of these predators to slander or "crow" about their "victories"...to directly pull all responsible professionals down to the gutter level they inhabit.

You are very wrong if you believe you were served by a competent professional. At the best, your "massuese" was a sick individual with problems sufficient to have her license revoked permanently...and at the worst, a prostitute who has no understanding or respect for medical protocol, which at some point, if it has not already happened, may be responsible for your contracting a serious disease.

Please do not feel secure that your methods are sound.

At any time, you may be reported to police. This your "therapist" may do with a simple anomymous call.

Be aware that your methods may also work to have you arrested on the spot by any new bodyworker, with responsible objections.

I doubt an STD or a life time listing on a sexual predator list is any sort of a "happy ending"

[golfman]

Originally posted by giwhiz
To "golfman"

Your post, if not slanderous, is inappropriate in this forum.

IF it remains, it should be instructive to students and new therapists that predators are a part of every social level, and the methods employed by some.

It should also be instructive to them how prevalent the impulse of these predators to slander or "crow" about their "victories"...to directly pull all responsible professionals down to the gutter level they inhabit.

You are very wrong if you believe you were served by a competent professional. At the best, your "massuese" was a sick individual with problems sufficient to have her license revoked permanently...and at the worst, a prostitute who has no understanding or respect for medical protocol, which at some point, if it has not already happened, may be responsible for your contracting a serious disease.

Please do not feel secure that your methods are sound.

At any time, you may be reported to police. This your "therapist" may do with a simple anomymous call.

Be aware that your methods may also work to have you arrested on the spot by any new bodyworker, with responsible objections.

I doubt an STD or a life time listing on a sexual predator list is any sort of a "happy ending" :cool:

[golfman]

Where you been? Very disappointed that it took so long for someone to comment on my post. Kind of says a lot about how NOT uncommon my experience is.

I think you infer a bit too much from the phrase "happy ending" as I think transfer of a STD via a "handshake" is more than a bit unlikely. If I am wrong then I guess since you literally shake hands with scores of everyday people throughout your day you are at risk every bit as I am. If other "activities" were involved then perhaps your observation/comments on disease might have some merit. Given that, I'll take my chances. Better watchout next time you are introduced to a new client- no touching--you might get an STD...lol.

By no means am I suggesting that all legitimate massage involves "happy endings". In fact, most of the places I travel to(all 5 star resort/spas) across the country provide the service I am looking for which is a professional one to 1 1/2 hour service. But you are kidding yourself if you think even "professionals" do not sometimes cross the boundaries with "regulars" who are generous, considerate and not pushy. I have never been the one to initiate a "happy ending". Sometimes though, on the flip,a certain swelling has occurred that is hard for the therapist to miss... And on several occasions where I have established a relationship with her over time she just massaged the swollen area until the swelling went down. Nothing said...And every time I am back at that resort/spa, she has a regular appreciative client for life... Is this the rule--no. Does this happen?- absolutely. And if you think otherwise then ask around- more common than you think.

I love your characterization of me. Seeing as we have never met let me fill you in. I love massage, aromatherapy and avail myself of all the available services spas offer. I am very financially secure, mid 40's, considered attractive and despite your characterization, a gentleman. I travel extensively and stay at the best of the best. I have never pushed myself onto anyone nor tried to talk a massuese into anything. I take it as it comes. I expect what I pay for and nothing more. If a "happy ending" becomes part of the service then I, of course, tip appropriately. And let me reiterate, the places I am talking about are some of the top spas in this country- places you would immediately recognize as being the best of the best. And again, this is not the rule, but it happens more than you think or are willing to acknowledge.

I wonder who the real predator is when I am laying naked on a table with my eyes closed and a beautiful masseuse is rubbing my body from head to toe making me feel fabulous and then turns her attention to rubbing where no man can resist- lol...I guess next time I'll call the police and have her arrested!..."Sexual predator"??? LMAO...

[HandsOnU]

Hey Golfman,
You're right in that unfortunately, sometimes, there are "bad seeds" in our profession. Just as there are crooked accountants, incompetent doctors, and...what did you say you did? Massage Therapy is a profession whereby one person exchanges money for therapeutic purposes. I believe what you are talking about is called prostitution. I don't care if the hooker works on a street corner or in the greatest resort in the country. She's still a hooker...thus the definition of prostitution. I'm sure you know it as you seem to avail yourself of prostitutes quite often. And I don't care if you are rich, good looking, or travel extensively. You're still just a john. Paint it any color you want to....it's still black and white. As for the therapist, of course she's wrong and MTs like her give all MTs a bad name. As for you, hopefully, you will start getting the love that you desperately need from someone other than a hooker.

[JMcColleyLMT]

Dave-
I have found in the area i am in you can deffinatly tell who is in the service industry, and who has ever worked for tips in their life.
In school my instructor always said to never expect a tip, but it is a sign of how much the client appreciates your service. Most likely The owner doesn't get tipped as often as an employee...just for the simple fact that the employee works for a % and the owner gets the full amount charged! I think any tip should be greatly appreciated! I have found the average is between $5 & $20, usually about $10, some people may leave you nothing, but some people may not know that they are able to leave you any sort of a tip! I found that a lot when i was in school, they would ask us or the instructor in private as not to offend any one, which is understandable.
Some people think 15%, I think it is a good base and depending on how well the therapist listened to your needs, the tip can get higher or lower depending on the service.
The way i see it, i have been in the service industry since i was in high school, and i have seen others that i have served, i may see somewhere they may be serving me. Believe me you will never forget the person that always tips good, and it will all come back around in the end!!!
Jenny