Everyone fancies the idea of getting a good massage now and then, although not everyone actually goes through with it. Massages are fast becoming popular though, and many places, including hotels and travel resorts, now provide such services. Getting a massage has numerous benefits, such as stress relief, reduction of muscle tension and soreness, aids relaxation, helps to improve circulation, among others. It doesn’t hurt that they feel so good either. If you decide to key into the importance of getting a massage, you may be wondering just how much to tip your massage therapist.
Before you decide that you do not need to worry about tipping your massage therapist, it is worth knowing that it is customary to tip them aside from the money you pay for the service rendered. Massage therapists do not directly receive the money you pay for their services, although, of course, they’ll get a part of the money. However, they get only a percentage of the amount you paid for their services, and even then, they do not get it immediately but would have to wait for a paycheck which will come later.
Considering that massaging is hard work, your tip is really helpful to these people, especially if you tip in cash, as they’ll get to take home the money that day. Tips serve as extra income, which come in handy and for which massage therapists are really grateful. So, if you enjoyed the services rendered to you and would like to tip, but you’re wondering exactly how much is not too big or too little, but just right, read on to find out.
How much should you tip for a massage?
The standard amount to tip your massage therapist for a job well done is twenty percent of the amount you paid for the service rendered. Say, for instance, the spa charged you $80 for the service, then you may give a $16 tip, as that is twenty percent of $80 and so on. Of course, this figure is not set in stone, and you can either give more than that or less, depending on what you have and how much you liked the service rendered.
On the question of whether to use cash or not for tipping, most massage therapists will be grateful to receive their tips in cash rather than from your credit card. This is because if you tip in cash, they’ll get to take home the money that same day, as opposed to when you use other methods, in which case the money will have to be paid with their check. Many spas will usually have envelopes in which you can leave tips, and so if you’re tipping with cash, it is better that you place the money in the envelope and write the therapist’s full name on it.
This way, if it so happens that your massage therapist has the same first name as someone else in the spa, there will be no confusion as to whom the money is meant for. Peradventure there are no envelopes for tips in the spa, you can still tip your therapist by handing the money directly to him/her inconspicuously.
How much to tip for a private massage?
Another major question to consider if you are getting a massage, either because you do so regularly, or if you’re just getting one as a treat to yourself is how much to tip your massage therapist for a private session? For private massages, the amount mentioned above (twenty percent of the amount the spa charges you) is also recommended.
Of course, it is possible that the therapist’s rate could be all-inclusive, in which case, you do not need to tip the person. However, if this is not the case, then you should do well to tip a private massage therapist twenty percent of the service fee. You can ask the therapist about it if you are unsure.
How much to tip for a massage at a hotel spa?
If you’re the type who enjoys going on vacations a lot, you will find that one of the fun activities that many people taking vacations enjoy is getting a massage at the hotel spa or the resort spa. Many hotels, especially five-star ones, now have spas in which guests can get massages. Some of these places may include their tips in your final bill, or they may include them in the amount you pay for the massage.
If you are in doubt, you can ask about the tipping policy to be sure if it will be added to your bill or not so you can act accordingly. Sometimes, you could get a discount on the cost of the massage if you have a gift card or a coupon. In this case, you should still tip the standard twenty percent of the original price for the service rather than the discounted one if you have the cash. After all, the therapist still did the same amount of work.
What if you’re unhappy with your massage?
There are instances in which you may not be all that happy with the service you received. Should you give the customary tip in such a case? Yes, it is important that you do so. Of course, in this instance, you can decide to give less than the usual twenty percent that you would have given normally and give say fifteen percent, or ten percent.
Of course, this does not mean that you should keep quiet about your dissatisfaction. If you feel the service was not to your taste, it is recommended that you talk to the manager rather than not tipping the massage therapist. It could be that the therapist’s style of work is just not suited to you. Talking with the manager, or any other person who is in charge about what you were dissatisfied with will help the spa know exactly what you need and which therapist will be best for you.
Also, it is recommended that during the course of the massage, you talk to your therapist if something does not feel good. Communication will allow you to get the best experience as opposed to keeping mute since everyone has different bodies and what they like. What is enjoyed by one person might not be liked by another.
Is there ever a time not to tip?
Now that we’ve established the fact that it is important to tip your massage therapist, another important question is if you should tip every single time. The short answer is that you should, except it categorically states otherwise in the spa. Such spas will usually make known the fact that they have a no-tipping policy.
In this case, it is better to respect their wishes and not tip, but in every other instance, it is important that you do so. Another case where you may decide not to tip would be if you do not have the money to spare. In both cases, do make sure that you convey your appreciation for their work by saying thanks. Everyone loves to see that their work is appreciated, especially when it is hard work like massaging. Of course, another way to show your gratitude if you cannot tip is to recommend them to other people, especially if you really enjoyed the service.
What if you can’t afford to tip?
Almost everyone gets broke now and then, or is a little short on cash. It happens, even to the best of us. If this is the case with you and you do not have that extra cash to give, that’s okay. In this case, a polite ‘thank you’ to the therapist should suffice in place of the tip. Also, as mentioned earlier, do well to recommend their services to other people if you enjoyed them. Another way to show that you enjoyed the service of the therapist is to leave them a good review online if there is provision for that as this will greatly help to boost their work.
Do you know that you can even gift someone whose work you’re really impressed with something, no matter how little it is to show that you like their work? This is especially recommended in cases where you may not be able to tip the standard amount, but can get them a small gift that costs less than the tip, but that you think they would like.
Final Words
Massages are really good for the body and have many benefits. Having one can leave you feeling good for as long as two weeks after you have it. It is only kind that you offer a tip to the therapist who renders the service. Doing this will not only make the therapist’s day and help with their finances but will also motivate them to put in their best next time. Generally, it is recommended that you give a standard tip that is twenty percent of the service charge to massage therapists whose works you are pleased with.