Gratuity
Always an uncomfortable topic. Never a direct rule or a clear answer.
Here are my guidelines for tipping (if you liked your session and choose to do so) to help make it feel comfortable so you don’t ruin your post massage buzz.
Your Massage Therapist should never ask for a tip. Nothing makes me more upset when someone expects or demands a tip. Tipping should be a token of appreciation for the service provided. Is it standard in the Massage Industry? Yes. What may you ask, is the standard amount? Majority of our clients leave 20% (honestly, I think it’s because it’s easier math wise to round to that number). However, the standard range is between 15%-20% (based on mediocre service to excellent — at least that’s what Google says). It used to be you tipped pending on the service, and now it’s kind of a standard tipping regardless. You do you. Here at Massage Studio of Philadelphia, quality and personalized service is what we do — so you should expect the highest quality of service every single time. (IF you don’t, please email me).
Why is cash best? Cash is king (or maybe not so much anymore), but it just makes things easier by allowing independent contractors to do accounting in the manner that works best for them without adding a middle man/hurdle. I try my best to always tip in cash. I like to put a $20 (or whatever the amount is) in my pocket or somewhere super accessible so that when my brain is foggy, mascara smudged down my face, body feels like jello — I can simply grab it and hand it to the MT. Here at Massage Studio of Philadelphia we take your payment at the end and wrap up the session — so handing it directly to your MT or leaving it on the counter in front of them is totally fine.
How about that Venmo? Sure! That works fine as well. Your MT will have a little plaque out for you to scan or you can simply ask them what their Venmo is so you can directly send it over to them. They may even prompt you with a “…and if you feel like leaving gratuity I can give you my personal Venmo…” My goal is to make it simple and easy for you so you can float on with your day and not have to deal with the awkwardness.
What if I’m coming like every week and adding that tip each time just adds up? Well — if it comes down to budget I would much rather you come in regularly and tip once or twice or just a lesser amount, than feel like you can only afford to come in every couple of months simply because of tipping. Massage Therapists prefer a regular client, who schedules in advance, comes in on time etc. Don’t let “tipping” keep you from getting what you need. We don’t offer packages at the moment (and I know that sometimes helps). Chat with your MT — they can help come up with a schedule with keeping your financial budget in mind. Maybe they think (whatever current area they are focusing on etc) can be helped with 2 sessions back to back and then spaced out from there etc. Communication is key. We’re here to help you, not rob you blind.
Do I have to tip the owner? I get asked this a lot. I’ve heard in the past that it’s been a no. But most of my clients tip anyway and I will be honest and say I appreciate it very much when someone tips me. Running and managing a business is different for every person and oftentimes that owner is putting their money back into the business or working around the clock without “getting paid”. So any little extra 1) makes me feel appreciated 2) It helps me rationalize all that extra time I am working (aka 24/7) answering emails/rescheduling you/getting you in last minute/giving you that full hour even though you were late/emailing you exercises or other info/basically all the personalized stuff that I think is extremely important that has you coming back again and again!
I’m paying so much for a massage, why do I have tip on top of it? Again… it’s the service factor. We are providing a service to you — so it’s kinda the norm. Also — the tip goes to the Massage Therapist not the business. The business costs are calculated into the rate of your session (rent, linens, laundry, supplies, booking system, credit card fees, taxes, contractor pay yada yada yada) so the tip is what’s going directly to your Massage Therapist. Most MT’s calculate their tips into their overall monthly income because it makes a huge difference if they didn’t. We don’t work 8 hours a day/5 days a week because we physically can’t in this field. This is why things are priced the way they are and why MT’s really count on tips to help make up the average daily income rate.
But that’s not my problem… I didn’t tell you to become a Massage Therapist… Well, that’s whole ‘nother article. :)
I hope this helps answer some of your tipping questions and concerns! Have another? Email me and I’ll add it to this list with an answer (or an “I don’t know…”)
We love our clients! Let us help you maintain your movement through massage, stretch and yoga!
Laura Jenkins, LMT
Owner // Founder
Massage Studio of Philadelphia
