Do I need to tip my massage therapist and how much

Massages can help you relax and soothe sore muscles, so it’s no surprise they’re becoming more common. The rise of massage franchise locations and day spas, as well as modern and creative massage types like hot stone, shiatsu, and Thai massage, all point to a rising trend: People are increasingly incorporating massage and spa treatments into their daily routines.
The therapist is not paid directly by you, but he or she does earn a percentage of your payment. According to Daniel Post, a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, “the bottom line is that your tip helps your massage therapist’s bottom line—they rely on gratuities as income.”
All of this raises the question of how much you can tip for a massage (or other excellent spa treatment). Here are the answers to all of your tipping and etiquette questions.
How Much Do You Tip for a Massage, and When Do You Do It?For massage tipping, the normal hospitality rate is 20%. A 20 percent tip on a $100 massage or body treatment, for example, will be $20. “Depending on how happy you were with the massage, you can tip more or less,” says Schweitzer, who stresses the importance of planning ahead and having cash to tip your massage therapist. “Paying cash directly to the masseuse allows him or her to carry it home the same day, rather than having to wait for the spa to ‘tip out’ on the therapist’s daily paycheck,” she explains.
Many spas have small envelopes in which you can write your tips. Simply write your therapist’s name and a note that it was from you on the front of the card. Are there no envelopes available? Schweitzer says she tucks her planned cash tip into the pocket of her spa robe and gives it to her therapist during her appointment. Also, don’t forget to express gratitude. “It’s worth its weight in gold to tell somebody they did a good job,” Schweitzer says.

When Using a Coupon, How Much Do You Tip

You can tip 20% on the original price, not the reduced price, if you buy a series of massages or an offer from a discount site.

When Getting a Private Massage, How Much Do You Tip

Since massage therapists are expected to receive tips, you can expect a 20% tip in any massage or spa treatment scenario (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive). Are you unsure? Always inquire if you’re unsure, says Post, who adds that tipping is always appreciated.

How Much Do You Tip for a Hotel Spa Massage

Some all-inclusive spa resorts, such as Canyon Ranch or other destination spas, offer gratuity in their prices or apply it to the final bill automatically. Schweitzer recommends double-checking your final bill for gratuity and inquiring about the tip policy with the individual who checks you in or out of the spa.

Should You Give the Spa or Salon Owner a Gratuity

There’s no need to tip unless the spa or salon owner actually provides the service, according to Schweitzer. You’ve just gotten up from the massage table, feeling refreshed and comfortable, when you’re hit with unexpected post-massage anxiety – you have no idea how much tip to leave your massage therapist! They did an outstanding job, and you want to express your gratitude, but you’re still on a tight budget. So, how much do you leave as a gratuity? Tipping is a common practise in Canada’s service industries. Tipping the massage therapist follows similar tipping patterns for the most part. 10% for decent service, and 20% to 20% for above-average and outstanding service. There are a few more details to consider while tipping your massage therapist.

Massage in a spa vs. massage in a clinic

The most important factor in deciding whether or not to tip is where you got your massage, particularly if it was at a spa or in a clinical or medical setting. Let’s begin at a spa. Tipping is common at a spa where the service is close to that of a salon or stylist, where tipping is often required. Another reason to tip at a spa is that the massage therapist is likely a lower-wage employee who expects to make money by booking more clients and receiving tips. Just a small portion of the money you pay for the massage will go to them, with the remainder going to the company. A tip not only expresses your gratitude, but it also provides them with more immediate compensation. You might, however, get a massage at a smaller spa run by a single individual. Another scenario is when a massage therapist comes to you, such as at your home or at your workplace. Even if they’re setting their own prices and likely have fixed rates that they’re happy getting, it’s always common to leave a tip in these cases. Tipping is less suitable if the massage is for medical purposes, such as healing from an accident or surgery, and if it is done in a medical clinic. A massage therapist who works in a salon is no different from one who works in a rehabilitation facility or a treatment centre. Both should be professional massage therapists with extensive experience. However, the reason for the massage and the atmosphere in which it is done make a difference. Don’t be afraid to inquire – and if you do, consider tipping. In any case, don’t be afraid to inquire. You should ask your tipping questions to the receptionists at both spas and clinics. You may also inquire directly with the massage therapist about tipping. If asking isn’t your thing, it’s never a bad idea to tip. If they take tips, your gesture will be acknowledged without hesitation. If they don’t, they’ll kindly refuse your offer with a thank you, but no.