What Kind Of Information Should I Share With My Massage Therapist Before My Massage Begins
In order to get the most out of your massage, Merten recommends being as specific as possible with your health history. Definitely tell your therapist about any major ailments or issues you are having at that time. Information about your daily activities can also be helpfulfor example, are you an avid runner? Do you often travel for work? The more your therapist knows, the better shell be able to customize your experience.
Is There A Tip Norm
Kind of, many time people tip between 10-25 depending on how much the service is and how much the therapist gets per service. Do whatever you can and If you cant dont worry about it! Its not going to effect your service and if it does then you should find a new therapist. Maybe consider finding a therapist that has a private practice or at a place that treats their therapists well.
What Is A Good Tip For A Massage Therapist
Masseuses like a 20 percent tip and like it even more if you give them cash. Most spas will pay you a tip with the therapists name on it, if you tip on your credit card.
How to get the most out of your spa experience: If youre going to be spending a lot of time at a spa, its a good idea to make a list of all the things you want to see and do at the spa.
This will help you plan ahead and make sure you dont miss out on any of the best things.
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Time To Start Taking Tips
Eventually, my client base grew to a point where I needed to expand, and I took a lot of the lessons I learned and policies I adopted as a solo practitioner into my new role as a small-business owner. Including that rare-but-popular no-tipping policy.
Of course, that meant I had to pay my therapists well enough that their careers could be financially sustainable too. Not unlike other professions, massage therapists are often undervalued and underpaid. As a result, we rely on a uniquely American model of tipping to make up that gap and compensate people for their hard work. This model, though, puts the responsibility of the employees paycheck on the consumer, rather than on the corporations which are already profiting from their employees.
Are Massage Therapists Paid Well
The average massage therapist hourly wage fluctuates a bit over the years, but it remains just under $20.00/hour. This hourly average includes wages from the lowest paid massage therapists and the highest paid , which can be from $13.00/hour to $100.00/hour respectively. Weâll be using these widely varying salaries to discuss some tips about tipping in the massage industry.
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Exceptions To The Tipping Rules
While I stand by that 20 percent is acceptable for a tip, its important to remember that some places have tipping rules of their own. Check out some of these less-common rules:
- No tips. These places will either let you know ahead of time or have that distinction posted either on their website, in a brochure, or at the front desk.
- No tipping. Youll usually find medical facilities have these policies. They dont formally accept tips, and they usually wont allow you to add a tip to the credit card but prefer the customer to tip the therapist in cash if they choose to do so.
- Tip included. Destination spas/resorts usually include the tip in the cost of the massage. They are really great at letting customers know that on all their publications but when in doubt, ask. Because most people dont know or read the literature, they end up tipping the therapist in cash. Hence, double tipping the massage therapist.
Do You Tip A Massage Therapist Who Owns The Business
Because massage therapists are expected to get gratuities, you can expect a 20% gratuity in any massage or spa service circumstance .
Similarly, Do you tip when someone owns their own business?
Tipping the Business Owner Tipping a company owner is technically not considered appropriate manners. The gratuity should instead be given to the personnel. If you visit a company, tipping generously is a pleasant gesture to express your gratitude for the services provided and to guarantee that you will get excellent treatment in the future.
Also, it is asked, Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?
Do You Give a MassageTherapist a Gratuity? Although tipping is not required, if you have a massage at a spa or hotel in North America, a 20% tip is customary if you are satisfied with the service.
Secondly, How much do you tip for a 90 minute massage?
A 90-minute massage will set you back between $120 and $150. So, if you follow the standard 20% gratuity norm, youll tip between $24 and $30. Is it considered impolite not to tip a massage therapist? If youre at an all-inclusive spa or massage company with a no-tipping policy, you shouldnt tip a massage therapist.
Also, How much should you tip your massage therapist?
Approximately 20%
People also ask, Should I tip my stylist if she owns the salon?
Related Questions and Answers
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Tipping At Franchises Or Chains
The most common location for tipping is at a restaurant after youâve finished your dining experience, which can be very relatable to the massage industry. Restaurant chains usually rely on moving as many people and product as possible, which means high turnover for the servers. High turnover for servers means they can be paid way below minimum wage, but usually recuperate their legally required hourly rate through the sheer amount of tips. Sort of an ethical gray area, but itâs the way it is.
So letâs say you decide to get a 60 minute massage session at a franchise or chain where your therapist just made about $15.00 in gross wages for that service. The average cost for a 1 hour massage is about $60.00, so your therapist made 25% of the total cost of your service. In this case for them to make the industry average of about $20.00, a $60.00 service would require at least an 8% tip.
Of course, youâre never required to tip, but these numbers are things to keep in mind if you decide to tip. Letâs take a look at a different situation.
Tip For A Massage At A Hotel Spa
Some all-inclusive spa destinations, like Canyon Ranch or other destination spas, often include gratuity in their pricing or automatically add it to the final bill. Schweitzer says to always check over your final bill to make sure gratuity was not already added, and to ask the person who checks you in or out of the spa what the tip policy is.
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Do You Ever Skip The Tip
The only time you shouldnt give your massage therapist a tip is if youre at an all-inclusive spa where it is explicitly stated that tips are not accepted.
What if the experience wasnt all that wonderful? Its crucial to leave a tip, even if its less than the customary 20%, even if your message wasnt the best youve ever had, advises Post. Instead of not leaving a tip if you had a bad experience, speak to the manager or the front desk.
When You Should Tip
Typically, if you get a massage at a spa, you should always tip. Why? Because the massage therapist doesnt get all of the money you pay him or her for your service. The spa gets to take its own cut. So, if you received exceptional service at a spa, you should always tip.
But an independent massage therapist is working alone. They dont work for a spa who would take a cut of their earnings. So, in theory, an independent massage therapist gets to keep a majority of what he or she is charging you for the service.
However, that doesnt mean an independent massage therapist pockets all the cash you pay. They still have to pay for overhead business expenses, such as marketing, rent, products, and more.
While you certainly wont be scorned if you forgo a tip, it is generally appreciated. Particularly, if the therapist went above and beyond your expectations, a tip is always a good idea. Plus, remember they are small business owners. The tip goes a long way to show them your appreciation.
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Is It Better To Get A Massage In The Morning Or Evening
The best time of day for a massage is in the afternoon. This time of year is the best for those who work full time, and its also the best time of the year for PMSM. The best time to experience this side effect is in the evening before you go to sleep.
If youre a morning person, you may want to consider taking a nap before your massage. This will allow you to get a good nights sleep, and youll be able to wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
The Going Rate For Tips Are 15
If your therapist is working at Dr. or Chiros office doing 10-20 min massages back to back after every client chances are they are over worked and arent getting paid that much.
Same thing with a spa, do you have a different therapist each time? is it hard to find one thats been a while? Chances are they are also being over worked and rely on tips.
If massage therapists dont work for themselves they dont make more that $40/service . Bottom line is do it because you want to, now that you know the breakdown. Maybe even find an independent therapist you like and see them at their location.
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How Much Do I Tip My Massage Therapist
Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. If you feel that you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, the average tip ranges between 15-25%. From a therapists perspective, it is always nice to receive the compliment of a thank you for good service gratuity. If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total. If your therapist is scheduled to provide an outcall massage, and is expected to schlep a table and associated equipment, a gratuity is more inclined to be expected and greatly appreciated. Any tip given with a genuine smile and a thank you is better than nothing at all.
Have mercy!
Have you had a hard day traveling, or at work? Do you feel a little grumpy? Were you sharp or impatient with someone?
Well, guess what! People in service industries dont always have great days either. Show them a little mercy and assume the best about them. Maybe your massage therapist is off the mark because a family member is sick in the hospital.
Instead of skipping the tip, give your therapist a break. We are all human.
Coupons and gift certificates
If you have a gift certificate for a massage, inquire 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.
But the service is already so expensive!!
Tipping the Owner
Do you tip the owner of a company when he or she provides your service. The answer is yes.
Do You Tip Massage Therapists Who Work For Themselves
A lot of people stress over how much to tip a massage therapist, but its really not that complicated.
The general rule of thumb is to tip a massage therapist the same as you would someone else in the hospitality industry.
So, that means 15-20% is the norm.
This is the same if a therapist is employed at a spa, hotel, or some other establishment, or if theyre self-employed.
Of course, there are no hard or fast rules, so its totally up to you how much you tip, if at all.
This is just the industry benchmark or whats the norm in my experience.
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What Do Massage Therapists Hate
The Top Ten ThingsMassage Therapists Despise The client does not express their desires. Clients who are exposing themselves a little too much. Clients that are too eager to take off their clothes. Clients that are wiggly. Indecisiveness. Theres no such thing as too much knowledge. Disrespect for the profession. Coworkers who arent willing to put in the effort.
Do You Tip A Barber If He Owns The Shop
Tipping the Business Owner While most business owners do not anticipate gratuities, they always appreciate them. Though the salon owner is cutting or coloring your hair, it is normal to tip them 15 to 20%, just as you would any other stylisteven if they own the company, they are still delivering a service,Abramite explains.
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Should You Tip The Spa Owner
Morgan believes that since spa owners are already taking part of the revenue, any tip should go directly to the massage therapist.
No, I dont feel that would be appropriate in a spa or employment setting. I would never take a cut of my employees tips, its not my money to take, said Morgan.
She added that sometimes clients at her spa will tip the reception team.
I think that is absolutely awesome too, but certainly never expected, she said.
Some places may charge significantly extra for getting a service from the spa owner. Gordon said that a facial with the owner at one spa that she knew was priced twice more than the regular treatment.
But the clients still left tips for her, Gordon said. Here at Great Jones, we think its a good gesture to leave tips for the services which were performed, and it doesnt really matter the owner or not was performing it.
Do You Tip A Massage Therapist
Although a tip is never required, if your massage is at a spa or hotel in North America, a 20 percent tip is standard if you were pleased with the service. If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary.
In the event a spa or clinic provides envelopes for tipping, place the money in the envelope and write the therapists full name on the envelope to avoid confusion. When there are no envelopes provided, you can either give the therapist cash or add the tip when you are paying for the service.
For massages at medical or clinical environment, tips may not be expected or even accepted. If youre unsure, ask the clinic receptionist or massage therapist whether tipping is customary. If you dont want to ask in person, call ahead to ask.
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Why Would Insurance Cover Massage Therapy
Insurance will cover massage therapy if its prescribed by your doctor. This indicates that there is a medical problem that can be treated with therapeutic massage.
If a medical professional doesnt provide you with a massage prescription, insurance usually wont cover you. However, there are some instances where this isnt the case.
Depending on the type of insurance you have, it could automatically cover massage therapy without a doctors approval. You might want to check your insurance plan beforehand to see if this is possible.
Leaving Your Massage Therapist A Tip At A Spa
Most spas are chains either a local chain or a bigger one like Massage Envy, Hand and stone, and others. Bigger chains take more of a cut but it has set the norm for pay in other areas like local chains and independent studios. If you are a chain chances are the therapist isnt making more than $30/service. I have interviewed in a few of these places and quickly realized that $17/hour is the starting norm!
Massage is an intense and personal experience that takes a lot out of the therapist and when you need to work 30+ hours just to pay bills and the license fees to work youre left with little to live off of.
Tipping in Spas and chains is more common because they rely on those tips.
But what about chiros and dr offices?
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When Should You Use The Steam Room And What Are You Supposed To Bring In With You
Arriving early enough to use the steam room before your massage is ideal, as the heat and steam helps loosen up muscles and tension, perfectly prepping the body for massage, said Benge. Many spas, including Exhale and Canyon Ranch, offer aromatherapy in steam rooms, where scents like eucalyptus help signal the brain to relax on a deeper level.
If you dont have enough time to steam beforehand, you can certainly still steam afterward to enjoy the benefits. And you can always use steam rooms in a spa whether or not youre getting a massage. Its a great way to unwind at the end of the day or relieve sore muscles after a hard workout, said Hittleman. If youre sweaty from a workout, just be sure to cool down for five to 10 minutes first and limit your maximum time to 20 to 30 minutes, which can be broken up into shifts.
The ideal way to experience a steam room is in the nude, but you should always take a towel to sit on for hygienic reasons. Benefits of steam include increased blood flow and circulation, reduction of stress and tension and clearing skin by softening and removing impurities if you have clothing on, its just another barrier between you and the steam, explained Hittleman.
However, your comfort always comes first so if going naked makes you feel embarrassed or self-conscious, its totally fine to enjoy the steam room with a towel wrapped around your torso, said Benge.