How Much Should You Tip for Massage?

The question of how much should I tip a massage therapist has been disturbing a lot of people. Some find it hard to determine the amount to tip for a massage while others still ask if it is necessary. However, it is essential for people to know the policy behind this culture to attain a good conscience.

Does tipping matter for massage?

For the sake of those who are not familiar with massage etiquette, tipping is the act of giving out a percentage of your massage fee to your massage therapist to show gratitude. Giving a massage is very hard work and takes a toll on the therapist’s joints. A tip would go directly to the therapist to show appreciation for the labor-intensive work that can do wonders for your body and mind.

Although this act of generosity is not compulsory, it is an action that people must long to perform to encourage the therapist for an excellent job. According to massage etiquette, the therapist appreciates 20% of your massage fee, but you may choose to give based on the performance grade.

Practically, it implies that for a massage session that cost $100:

1. A tip of 20%, which equivalent to $20 must be given to the therapist if they meet your expectations.

2. Typically 15% if you are not satisfied with their performance.

3. You can reward with more if they go beyond your expectations.

4. Tipping for Couples Massage would follow the same etiquette as it is per person.

How does tipping work if I am unhappy with my massage?

You may consider tipping less for poor service even for massage therapy. Also consider your part in the communication process. During the massage you should speak up if the pressure is too hard or too soft so that the therapist can adjust and give you a better massage. It is important to also give feedback to the front desk staff so that you can be matched to the appropriate staff for your next massage.

Questions to ask yourself before tipping?

Below are the questions you must answer before tipping a massage specialist.

1. How often do you get a massage?
If you go regularly, don’t feel committed to tip, especially if it may hinder you from getting a quality massage. But if you don’t go often, take it as a must to tip base on the services you were provided. Meanwhile, tipping must not be a prerequisite for getting a good massage if you are using an excellent and honest spa.

2. What does your budget allow?
Yes, your budget has a great deal on the amount you tip for a massage. The advice remains that you should not tip at all if it would prevent you from getting a well-deserved massage. And always strive to pay the massage therapists what they deserve. Consider budgeting appropriately for your mental health and well-being.

3. Did the massage meet your expectations?
Apart from their performance, you may need to put their attitudes into consideration to determine how much you tip. We’re they nice? Did they show their expertise? We’re they appropriate in applying pressure? These questions must be answered to determine how much you tip knowing well that a tip is an appreciation, not an obligation.

To be realistic, people often find it hard to tip because they haven’t included it in their budget. Therefore, you should make an estimation of your massage fee to cover the tipping amount into your budget indirectly. Let say your bill is usually $100, then record a rounded figure of $130 as your massage budget. In conclusion, Tipping should not be out of compulsion; it is just a way of giving out the appropriate sum to appreciate a therapist for a job well done.