Do you tip your massage therapist?

[Jennasis]

Dfi, and a friend of ours were discussing this today. All three of us go to the same massage therapist (who is just GRAND by the way!). It's $60/hour and there are multiple practitioners so that Dfi and I can get massaged at the same time (different therapist in different rooms). We never know if we are expected to tip. We are the type of people who tip when appropriate (cabbies, bell hops, salon techs, tow truck driver, wait staff) and always generously, but we are stymied by this one. Dfi and I agree that a massage therapist is much like a doctor or chiro, who we do not tip obviously. BUT, it is possible that at this particular place, the therapists "rent" out the therapy rooms from the owner (who is also one of the practitioners)...so it may be appropriate to tip. there is no sign that says "gratuuities appreciated" or one that says "please no tipping". I'd feel wacky coming right out and asking, but I want to do the right thing.

Any help?

 

[grinningghost]

My massage therapist is located in the hair salon I go to - so I give her the same rate tip as the hair stylist. I'm not certain how it works if you go to a massage therapist who has their own office.

 

[jipsy]

I don't but he works on his own out of his house.

 

[diznygirl]

I went to one that had a basket of small envelopes next to the cash register for placing tips in to give to the therapist. A pretty subtle reminder.

 

[Mimi Q]

Yes, I always tip my massage therapist.

 

[Chris2597]

I am never sure how much to tip... The massage therapist that I use rents her own stall in a spa and in a sense works for herself...I dont know if I can justify 15-20% in addition to the 60.

 

[aprilgail2]

I tip between 15-20.00 each massage.

 

[SeaSpray]

We tip 20%.

 

[skiwee1]

Always. I tip 20%.

 

[Figment22]

Absolutely! 15%-20%.

 

[lajones81]

Yes, I tip.

Can you call and simply ask the receptionist? He or She should know...

 

[Laurajean1014]

Yes, between $5 and $10 for her services.

 

[LuvTigger]

I think there are basically two kinds of massage therapists: those who are in a spa/salon facility, and those who truly massage for therapeutical reasons (perhaps back injuries, etc.). I think the spa/salon massage therapists almost always receive tips, but the ones who have a massage therapy practice (not in a spa) are a little more vague.

I recently went to see a massage therapist who works on her own - she doesn't even have a receptionist, and when I gave her a tip, she honestly said that it wasn't necessary, but I insisted because she really helped me feel better (I went because of headaches, not for pleasure). This particular therapist advertises her services to those with workers' comp claims, etc. (here, insurance covers massage for certain workers' comp injuries).

I would offer a tip, especially because you think so highly of the therapist!

 

[mrsstats]

A person I work with has a son who is a massage therapist & I had her ask him this question. His answer was in a medical setting, no tip, spa setting tip.

 

[disneyworld!]

yes, I always tip between $5 to $10 dollars (depends how much I have that week)

 

[Pop Daddy]

It depends on how it ends

 

[skiwee1]

It depends on how it ends

looking for a " A happy ending"?

 

[twojo21]

we tip our masseuse at the spa.

 

[crz4mm2]

No. Never have. Never even considered it.
She doesn't tip me when I deliver her babies. I don't tip her when I get a massage.
Medical setting. Both medical professionals.

 

[shortbun]

Yes I do