If you’ve ever gone to a spa and felt uncomfortable around someone who seems to get paid very little for providing good service, you’re not alone. In fact, many people find they’re not adequately compensated for their time at the spa. If you’re one of these people, you may want to learn how much you should tip a masseuse or salon owner. Here are some things you should know before you step foot in a salon or spa.
There are no hard and fast rules on how much to tip a masseuse or salon owner. Some spas actually have no-tipping policies, which is why it’s good to ask upfront before you ever step foot in the location. But as long as you were satisfied with the service, 10% of the overall total amount is usually an appropriate tip for receiving a great massage. Of course, if the therapist or employee makes you feel uneasy, or if the place is less than clean, you shouldn’t offer to pay more.
There are many websites devoted to determining how much to tip a masseuse, stylist, or beauty salon employee. You can find websites that will actually list out the tips you should give for different types of services rendered by the employee. This can help you determine how much to tip based on your personal assessment of the massage’s quality.
Don’t be afraid, to be frank about how much you want a tip. Many people feel uncomfortable suggesting they’ll pay for a particular type of massage or treatment. But be honest with your friends or colleagues, and don’t be afraid to let them know how much you want a tip. If someone suggests you to give a specific percentage of your bill, be assertive. After all, your therapist doesn’t have to work for your money, and you don’t have to work for their tips either.
Pay attention to the environment, the therapist and other clients are in too. When a room is decorated in a professional, attractive manner, chances are good the customer will feel comfortable and receive good value for their money. The same holds true when a room is filled with scents and the mood is somber. It’s natural for customers to experience a heightened sense of relaxation when surrounded by familiar aromas. When you’re getting a facial or full body massage, make sure the surroundings are relaxing and inviting. It’s also a good idea to pick the massage area or salon out before you arrive to avoid any surprises once you get there.
Be aware of how much you tip other professionals in the same line of work. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that the person who gave you the massage made more than you expected. Don’t feel guilty about leaving a little extra, though. If you have a massage as a gift, be sure to leave a good impression by giving them a good wrap-up gift or wrapping the actual massage in an attractive container. Even if you are making your own decisions on how much you tip, other people will inevitably be making theirs. That’s why it’s so important to remember to say thank you in a way that shows your appreciation without asking for a lump sum.
Some therapists will mark their price according to the type of massage given, while others will base it on the overall time spent on the job. Still, others will take into consideration the therapist’s schedule for the day, which could include overtime if extra work is needed. Knowing how much you tip a massage therapist can help you decide whether or not the price is worth the extra time spent with the therapist on your particular appointment.
While many people believe that there is a fixed price on how much they tip a massage therapist, this is simply not true. There are countless variables that can influence the tips that massage therapists receive, and it would be impossible to list them all in one article. When deciding how much to tip your masseuse, be sure to keep these factors in mind and be aware that some therapists may automatically mark their prices up based on the pressure you’re feeling while having your massage.