Tipping etiquette for massage services, bodywork or spa treatments

Tipping etiquette for massage services, facials, bodywork or spa treatments is generally 18-20% of the service total. Of course, as with any gratuity, when it comes to how much to tip for any particular service, this is simply a general guideline.

How much to tip may vary from the standard suggested percentage. For example, if your massage therapist or service provider has made special arrangements or accommodations for you, please keep this in mind when considering how much to tip.

Or, if they were not scheduled to work that day and came in just for you, this would be an excellent reason to adjust how much to tip them.

Tipping etiquette is important to both the client and the therapist. Most clients wish to show their appreciation for their relaxing massage, purifying facial, releasing bodywork treatment, etc.

The best way to show appreciation to the hard working therapist is to leave an appropriate tip, in addition to letting them know how much you appreciate their efforts. Of course, requesting them on a return visit and referring others to them is the best compliment any provider can receive.

Tipping etiquette for attendants

Tipping etiquette for attendants is quite often overlooked. If you have enjoyed the service of a locker room, bath or pool attendant at a facility, please tip them.

Tipping an attendant is an excellent way to show appreciation for their attentiveness to your spa experience. The service provided by attendants complements your spa treatment and sets the stage for your time of relaxation. Whether it be for an hour or the entire day, their goal is to make your experience stress free.

If your attendant has been attentive and accommodating, they would appreciate your recognition. Gratuity for an average spa visit would be between $2-$10. Of course, this may vary with how much service they provided and how long you were there.

Tipping etiquette on discounted services

Tipping etiquette on discounted services is often poorly communicated between the entity offering the discount and the client. Referring to the above statement of how clients wish to do right by their providers, this concern has been raised.

Discounts add confusion. When one is provided by the establishment or an entity selling services at reduced prices, the appropriate tip amount would be based on the original service price. Not the discounted or sale price that you paid. Keep this in mind when going for your massage and remember to tip on the regular price.

What is a service charge?

What is a service charge and who does that go to? We hear this question combination frequently and feel it needs to be clarified.

The service charge that has been recently introduced in the spa industry has created great confusion among clients. If a spa uses this, it is a charge that appears on your bill and is generally applied to all services.

The fee is not optional and quite often falls with the range of the standard tipping amount of 18-20%. One can see how the percentage causes question and confusion.

The service charge is often used by the spa to pay the employees. It is separately categorized and identified for accounting purposes. The separation on the bill provides for easier allocation of funds and budgeting.

Although it is often described as funds that are dispersed among the staff (alluding to the interpretation of a gratuity), the service charge is not a tip for the service provider.

If you want to know the cost of your spa treatment before receiving it, ask if there are any additional costs, such as a service charge. Then inquire as to what the final price will be to alleviate any surprises at check out. Finally, if you wish to follow proper tipping etiquette and feel your therapist has served you well, please allow for the additional 18-20%.

Cash tips

In addition, note that some entities provide tipping envelopes. These are for cash tips and must have the attendant’s or provider’s name on it for proper delivery. If possible, consider handing it to them personally.

You may also wish to review Spa Etiquette.

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