Tipping the Massage Therapist?

[sparrow]

Hi Ladies!

I had my first professional massage today, courtesy of my DH, who treated me as a surprise because I have been training so hard. What a sweetie! Anyhooo....I used a gift certificate so I was not sure how to handle the tip. I didn't even know if one does tip a massage therapist? And, what is the etiquette of tipping when one has a GC? I actually opted *not* to tip because I felt so awkward about it.

I hope I have not made a faux pas. This kind of tipping situation can be confusing.

Sparrow
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www.scifichics.com

 

[Bobbi]

The rule of 15 to 20% of the cost of the massage. More if you feel inclined and really like your MT. I usually do at least 20% and will give bigger tips if I end up drooling or too relaxed to drive home for awhile. I read that one does not tip the owner of a spa if the owner does the massage but I wasn't sure if that true. It's never come up so...

Edited to add that tips are most often included in a gift certificate so you most likely did the appropriate things.
Bobbi http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"

Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -Mary Oliver

 

[Granny Sue]

I think it depends on whether you went to a spa or the MT's home. My MT works out of her home & I don't tip her. I do give her a Christmas gift - maybe 60-100% of the cost of a massage. At a spa, I think the 15% rule is a good one, & more if they are really great - just as others have said... Now get a nice glass of scotchwine & go to bed...;-)

 

[Kit_]

In general your suppose to tip them 15-20% And you tip just like you would the hair stylist. If they do a good job and are happy, then 15-20% of the whole fee. If your not, then don't tip. It's simply a *thank you* tip. As they do make money from the fee you paid, depending on where they work, they can lose a lot of the profit from the fee, as they have to rent the room, the towels, and sometimes even have to share you with someone else. So that $80, can turn into $15 for them very easily. Which is a big drop, but $15 an hour isn't too bad of a wage.

Kit