My prenatal massage therapist used to work out of the local yoga studio, where she rented space, but now works out of her own home. Should I still tip her on top of the massage price, or do you not need to tip someone who is their own boss? I just want to do what's appropriate.
Thank you for all your responses! The range of responses was wide, and it helped me think about what made me comfortable and what I should do in this case. Thanks again!
When in doubt, ask her! Tell her you want to do the right thing and don't want to offend either way...just ask...I would guess, yes...but ask her.
just because she was renting space doesn't mean she wasn't already her own boss. I don't know enough about the situation, but I would say you are fine either way. I think the tip should be indicative of your gratitude and appreciation, and not whether she pays more or less for her space, or whether or not she owns the business. She could be making other sacrifices in order to work out of her home that you may not know about, and the fact that she is not renting office space anymore could be indicative that she may need those extra dollars now more than ever. My point is that there are no rules, and just because someone's situation has changed doesn't mean that she is more or less financially stable, so I wouldn't use that as a criteria for whether or not to tip. I'm sure by now you've picked up on clues that will guide you on what feels right to do.
Only if you really feel you want to.
I work from home and when a client of mine tips me, it makes me feel great. I already try to provide the best service to my clients, but those who give an occasional tip I always give extra special attention, whether they ever tip me again or not.
Since your massage therapist does work from home and is not paying rent and probably does not advertise or have a staff I would say you do not need to tip her. I get my hair cut from a gal who does it from home and I do not tip her. Hope that helps!
Hello Everyone. I've been a massage therapist for the last 10 year's working in a spa. The majority of clients tip us around $10-$20, depending on the length of service. We greatly appreciate that, thank you. If I were to have a practice out of my own home, I would clearly state that tipping is not required so that there is full communication between myself and my clients. Please note though most MT's that work in a chiropractors office are only getting a percentage of the massage rate so tipping in that setting would be appreciated. Chiropractors, which are indeed wonderful, are adjusting you fairly quickly whereas in massage we are working your muscles and using a lot of our own strength to help you feel better. We work hard and hope you appreciate us. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Good health to all and keep up with your monthly massages and if I may, recommend an espom salt bath once a week with 3 cups of epsoms salts and a few drops of lavender oil. AHHHHHHHH
Did her prices change when she moved?
I'd probably give a small tip.
Hi
Congratulations-I have 2 August babies and I can tell you...you WILL get thru the "heat of the summer" :)
Anyway...I would not tip someone who works out of their home. She is not giving the money to a landlord or a partner so her "hourly wage" is her payment.
That is my opinion!!
Good luck to you!!
As a massage therapist myself, i believe you should tip for excellent service, even if she is "the boss". the idea is of not tipping the owner is a very outdated one, based on the fact that they often charge more for their experience and that if they were "the boss", they were making money from their employees efforts. If you feel a tip is warranted, then you should tip. It should be based on quality of service not on "who's the boss".
My friend is an esthecian and she said the standard tip would apply.
The standard and very old rule is one tips the hired help not the boss.
However......
I for one do not agree with the rule. I believe if one has done a terrific job, they deserve a tip. For me it doesn't matter if they are working for themselves or working for someone else. They are still knocking themselves out in providing a service.
Does this massage therapist do less for you working in her home then she had in the yoga studio or use less supplies??? Are you at all unhappy with the service she is providing for you in her home??
Tips are about showing appreciation for a job well done...
I'm suggestion you do what ever you are comfortable with...
Yes. Particularly so if the massage was helpful as it's good therapy for the mind as it is for the body.
Massage therapists take a lot of stress off our bodies and our minds.
C. K.
www.AdvanceToHealing.com
____@____.com
As always, tips are given for a job well done. As a massage therapist myself, I have gotten tips when I worked out of an office and when I saw clients at my own space. If you have ever worked for tips, you know they are always appreciated!
For someone working out of her home, I think the tip would be built in to the charge. There's no need to give any additional amount.
T
This is a good question...I'm always uncomfortable about how much to tip, etc...but I have heard that you shouldn't tip the owner...I find it's best to be honest and just ask...you could just tell her you're a bit uncomfortable and are unsure of what to do, so would she mind being really honest with you about it.
I have always seen a massage therapist for health reasons. I had never thought of tipping a massage therapist. I don't tip my chiropractor or my physiotherapist. I would tip if I was going for a relaxation massage.
