I hope I tipped enough, was I cheap?

[DisneyDreamer1974]

Now around here, I only go to the foreign nail salons. Those are extremely common in this area. I have never really enjoyed going to another place.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Wow it is so funny how some tipping threads are allowed and others are not even though supposedly no discussions of tipping are allowed here in the magical world of DIS.

 

[mjkacmom]

People have choices for their careers, so the "poor person who has to scrub feet" thing just doesn't hold up for me. Just because it isn't my career of choice doesn't make it something that I am sitting around pittying people for having to do. They get paid an hourly wage on top of that tip so it isn't like the tip is their only income.

I live in an area that has one of the highest COL in the country. We pay a 5 figure property tax bill on a modest home. A mani/pedi costs around $23, and takes at least 45 minutes. I'm somewhat convinced that the people who work at these Asian nail salons are slave laborers. I am, without a doubt, going to tip AT LEAST 20% for someone to kneel before me, and scrub my feet!

I think these employees are here to live a better life - I don't think they decided that this would be a wonderful career - it's how they survive.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I know 15% is the standard jumping off point for tipping on services like this but I would have at least rounded it up to $4. Actually, I would have given them $5 for touching my feet*, but I don't give change as a tip.

*(my feet aren't gross, just that they are working on them)

 

[DisneyDreamer1974]

Wow it is so funny how some tipping threads are allowed and others are not even though supposedly no discussions of tipping are allowed here in the magical world of DIS.

There is a tipping thread here on the Dis, but it focuses on tipping at while at Disney.

 

[DizMe]

A tip is an extra. A thank you. A bonus for a job well done. It is, therefore, completely up to the person giving as to how much should be given. You met the minimum, and if you feel it was fair, who cares what everyone else tips? I personally think we have all become slaves to tipping. I do it, but I resent the way it can feel like extortion with the proliferation of tip jars and expansion of who should receive extra compensation. Salon services have always included a tipping expectation so I'm not begrudging that, but to feel you MUST add 20% or more to your bill almost everywhere these days certainly bothers me.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

I think 15 % is outdated. I never tip less than 20 % unless something was wrong.

 

[pfp258]

I would not go to a cheap nail salon as they cut corners with cleanliness. I would never risk getting an infection. My manicurist used to work at a big name salon where it cost about $80 for a mani/pedi but she recently opened her own shop. I now pay $62 for my mani/pedi's. I always tip her $20 when she does both and I tip her $5 for my $20 manicures. I think you get what you pay for...I get an nice 45-60 pedicure with hot wax and an equally relaxing manicure. And, although my nail person is Vietnamese she only speaks English at the salon and with her employees.

 

[Tiny Disney Dancer]

I go to a location that is normally $25-ish for a basic manicure, but they have a student discount (which I am able to use) that takes it down to $15. I tip between $12-$15, depending on how long they take (i.e. if they don't zip through it.) I have friends who work in industries that involve tips, and I know how poorly some customers treat them (even for great service.) Is it my job to make up for the cruddy tippers? Nope. But, as long as I am able to do so, I will.

Just my 2-cents and a personal decision, of course!

 

[dminnie]

This is such a strange thread.

Especially since it's on a budget board. I tip 20% for haircuts and that's probably what I would IF I ever got a mani/pedi. I save money and do them myself anyways. I know it's a luxury that many people really enjoy. For myself, I just can't see spending our money on that except maybe for a really special occasion(as in when my kids get married).

 

[nugov2]

Ok, I can see your point in that way. I was just trying to determine it on the actual "number" percentage. I will give them a $5 bill from now own, and I think a $5 bill will be sufficient as well even if I get a extra $5 design on my big toe too.

But this has my interest up. Our basic pedis are around $23, with a design on the big toe around $28. I think if you have it on all toes it may be around an extra $8. What is everyone else paying around the country. I'm in the Chattanooga area. They also showed me a menu with a deluxe pedi on it for $35, but I did'nt have time for it, but I do want to try it next. It had extra time and scrubs and such with it.

I wouldn't tip less than $8-10 for a design. That takes time and talent. It has nothing to do with COL...time/talent is the same. That is just me though. I live in a suburb of Chicago. The nail salon charges $25 while a spa$40+ depending on what you want. I disagree with a pp that "cheaper" places are dirty...that is akin to saying people with less money live in dirty homes. It doesn't cost a lot of money to be clean. I have been going to the same place for years and they are extremely clean, but I will also hit the higher end spa for massage/mani/pedi (one of my husbands frequent gifts) and they are no cleaner than the other place. Both of them are in excellent condition and keep their equipment in sterilizers that are in view so you know.

 

[Alexle2007]

I got a pedi on Wed and she talked me into the deluxe version for $45 and I am not sure the paraffin on the feet and leg scrub were worth the extra $10. I ended up tipping $8.

 

[Straitlover]

I have always read not to shave on the same day as a pedicure because you have little nicks in the skin where bacteria can enter and cause bad infections.

 

[aprilgail2]

I have always read not to shave on the same day as a pedicure because you have little nicks in the skin where bacteria can enter and cause bad infections.

You are correct- that is a BIG no!

2. Don’t shave your legs before a pedicure.
You’ve likely heard the story by now: In 2000, 113 California women made the news after contracting Mycobacterium fortuitum—a bacterial infection caught via open wounds that results in purple, pus-filled bumps—from infested pedicure tubs. After some investigation, it was determined that all of the women had something in common: They had shaved their legs before their appointments, creating superficial nicks and wounds that left their skin susceptible to infection. While nail salons are required by law to rinse and disinfect their tubs with hospital-grade solution after every client, it’s a good idea to protect yourself by holding off on shaving until after your appointment. Infections aside, shaving also strips the legs of a thin layer of skin, increasing the chances of irritation caused by perfumed creams or exfoliating beads used by most salons. Nail technicians urge customers to delay shaving until after a pedicure, and insist there’s no reason to be self-conscious about prickly legs. Says Yankee, “I don't even notice whether a client has smooth legs or not! My focus is on caring for the feet, not the legs.”
http://www.womansday.com/style-beau...your-nail-technician-wants-to-tell-you-123064

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

So I have to ask... what would you tip on a $100 bill?

I am curious, too...you tip less than $15 on a $100 bill at a restaurant???

I think $3.50 is a weird tip amount, why not just round it up to $4?

 

[BuddyThomas]

If you tip less than $15 on a $100 bill in a restaurant, I would very strongly advise you never to eat in that establishment again unless you are in disguise. Waiters remember terrible tippers, and you might end up with an extra special meal prepared especially for you. A very entertaining book entitled Waiter Rant will tell you all about how waiters get revenge on lousy tippers.

 

[Missy29]

I tip $5 and my pedi is $25.

 

[Debbie Jean]

People have choices for their careers, so the "poor person who has to scrub feet" thing just doesn't hold up for me. Just because it isn't my career of choice doesn't make it something that I am sitting around pittying people for having to do. They get paid an hourly wage on top of that tip so it isn't like the tip is their only income.

Just an FYI since it appears you are not actually familiar with the profession there is no hourly wage in most establishments... it is commission only, usually around 35-40% and tips. Some nail techs pay a monthly rent for chair in a salon and then receive fees for all services and tips.

And yes, this is something I am very familiar with from personal experience.