question about tipping

[Roger Dodger]

I went to a new establishment yesterday to get a massage. On my way across the parking lot I heard two women having a discussion. Appearantly one of them was upset over the "envelopes" in her treatment room. She said she left a note on it instead because it made her feel pressured. I found out what she was talking about when I went into the room, (although I had a good idea). On a shelf in the room was some very pretty envelopes that said thank you for tipping, next to it was a locked box with a slot on top. I personally think this is a good idea as it could help people who are unsure about tipping or not or feel uncomfortable doing it as they leave. I was wondering what everyones opinion on this is and how do you handle tipping in your buisnesses.

 

[Erica Ewen]

Probably she felt pressured because she wouldn't have tipped anyways. I went to a day spa with a friend who was offended that the spa added 15% to the bill to tip. She said she would have tipped anyways but if she hadn't tipped at that point, it was obvious she wasn't going to.

 

[TomTom]

question about tipping

Appearantly one of them was upset over the "envelopes" in her treatment room. She said she left a note on it instead because it made her feel pressured.

Well, you can't please everyone.

I say leave it or not, but no reason to be upset.

 

[Pompal 09.]

That is too bad it upset her, I think that having envelopes and a locked, secure place to leave it in the room is an awesome idea.
I think many people feel awkward handing the tip to the provider. And I have also felt insecure in the past when tipping,,, wondering whether or not I tipped enough( in the more expensive, upscale salons) and doing it anonymously would eradicate that issue.
What I don't like to see is those tacky tip cans and cups when you are ordering take out in places that sell coffee,,, or pretzels and the like.

 

[Elizabet]

Some clients hand me tips, but I truly prefer when they just leave it with the receptionist or choose to include it on a check or credit card. In general I have mixed feelings about tipping. It's nice to get some extra cash, but I do 85-90% medical/therapeutic work and it seems weird to receive tips for that. I've told some people to keep their tips and put that money towards their next massage with me.

The envelopes and box in the room screams TACKY to me, and I would never want that in my facility. I feel it's better not to get tipped than to lose repeat business over something so minor.

 

[ishes]

I think it depends a lot on the type of place you're getting bodywork - a spa or a chiropractice office, a private office or a salon...

I've not worked in the spa/salon setting but from what I understand they are more likely to receive tips than someone in a medical office or an independent practitioner. If the therapists are making $12 an hour, tipping should be encouraged IMO.

The envies and box are a nudge toward getting clients to tip, some do, some don't but if they keep coming back that is a better indicator of my work and I'm okay either way. If one of my clients DOES tip me, it does feel nice but I certainly don't expect it. I charge what the market will bear and I'm sure I make more than $12 an hour.

 

[ConfusedArmyChick]

Maybe if the sign had said "Tipping appreciate but not required" instead of the client feeling like the sign said "You have to put even more money in here". *laughing*

Angela

 

[hopeless4love]

I agree with both empathetic~heart and AngEngland. I would put out a sign stating "tipping appreciated but not required" but only if I was in a location where tipping is usually done such as a spa/salon not a doctors office.

I only make house calls so I never did the tip envelope and box. I wonder how they would feel if I put a tip box in their livingroom t017

 

[M.O.A.B]

question about tipping

I agree with both empathetic~heart and AngEngland. I would put out a sign stating "tipping appreciated but not required"

That's a good idea. I agree it does sound better that way. I also would not have anything like that in a chiropractic or medical type setting. Afterall, I don't tip my dentist, family doctor, etc.

 

[gotcuddles1]

I recently got a great one-hour massage at a chiro's office. There was a sign on the wall that said, " Tips are much appreciated"

I didn't see anything wrong with it, because I think alot of people aren't sure if they should or shouldn't...