Rules of Tipping

We all know that waiters should get somewhere around 20 percent of the final bill. Are you feeling confused about tipping your massage therapists?

“TIPS” is an acronym for, "To Insure Prompt Service." Tipping is not mandatory.
Tipping is a way of communicating just how much you appreciated the services you have received.

Service providers should generally be tipped anywhere from 18 to 22 percent. The 10 to 15 percent tip is antiquated.

Consider that most massage therapists are paid at or below minimum wage and rely on tips in the same way as waiters and waitresses. Some massage therapists are independent contractors yet have to pay to rent the rooms in the spas and salons in which they work. Unless they are the owner of the establishment they do not receive the total of the monies paid to them for their services.

The amount to tip is generally 15 to 20%. Therefore a massage at a cost of $90.00 would receive a tip between $13.00 and 18.00. Depending upon factors such as how much you enjoyed the service, whether you are a regular customer or how effectively you feel the session has addressed your needs.

Tipping is based in the United States upon the REGULAR price of the service. Therefore if you get a gift certificate for a 20% discount, you would still TIP on the ORIGINAL price.

If you should receive a certificate or coupon for a free spa treatment, call the manager before you go and ask if the gratuity is included. If it is not, ask for the estimated value of the gift certificate, and then tip in cash based upon that amount.

Using proper tipping etiquette, the percentages of your tips do not change because of the cost of the service. Of course, you can always tip on the lower end of 10-20%, yet, if you are going to go to a more expensive salon, it is assumed that you can afford the higher pricing plus tip. If this is really a big crunch for you, then I would recommend going less often or finding a salon or spa that is more within your budget.