Here's A Tip for You

Here’s A Tip for You

There is always a controversy about tipping in the massage field. Some therapists don’t accept tips at all…many medically-oriented massage therapists who have the attitude that “you don’t tip your doctor, so don’t tip me.” Others may be employed in spas where a tip is automatically added to the bill, or a salon, cruise ship or other environment where it’s expected.

A tip is something that is given in gratitude for great service. Personally, I want the therapists in my office to give great service to everyone, whether they tip or not, and they do.  I like the old saying, “Never expected, always appreciated,” and think it should apply to everyone who does accept gratuities.

Some time ago a therapist on a massage forum asked the question, “How can I let my clients know I expect to be tipped?” I almost spit my coffee on the keyboard. My reply was to raise your price to whatever amount of money you’re expecting and forget about the tips. It smacked me as being on the verge of unethical–like you’re saying “My massage is $60, but in reality I expect you to pay $75, so be prepared to give that to me.”

We should never let the fact that someone is a good tipper–or not–dictate the quality of service or treatment that person gets. The senior citizen on a fixed income, or the person on disability, may be doing all they can do to scrape up the price of the massage, and can’t afford to do any more. They deserve the same good massage and the same courtesy shown to the person who tips $20. It’s the only right thing to do.