TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP
It can sometimes be difficult to relax when you have so much on your mind. You may spend the first few minutes of a massage just trying to clear your mind and let go of the worries of the day. The last thing you need to be worrying about is if you brought money for a gratuity, if you should tip or how much you should leave the massage therapist at the end. We want to help you take the guess-work out of tipping your massage therapist so you can fully relax and let go of all worry.
STANDARD IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Massage therapy performed in a hospitality setting such as a spa, studio or retreat is considered a service and therefore, it is proper etiquette to tip your massage therapist at a hospitality rate of 20%. A portion of your payment for the massage goes to the overhead costs including facilities, equipment, and other business costs. A massage therapist receives a portion of your payment, but your therapist is not being paid directly by you. Of course, gratuities are a personal decision and are considered a “thank you” and are not required.
YOUR SATISFACTION LEVEL
A good massage therapist works hard to ensure you are getting the most out of your experience. Through creating a calm and relaxing environment and spending time with you beforehand to understand your personal needs, your massage therapist aims to give you an unforgettable, customized massage. Your tip should reflect how satisfied you are with your experience. If your therapist went above and beyond, let them know you are highly satisfied with a more generous tip. If it was average or not what you were expecting, tip accordingly. If you weren’t satisfied at all, Elements Massage® offers the Elements Promise™ which guarantees that if you aren’t completely satisfied with your massage, you will receive the next massage free.
CASH or CREDIT?
Most service providers are going to prefer cash since they can take that home with them the same day, whereas a tip on a credit card may be added to the provider's paycheck later. If you pay in cash, most massage therapy locations will provide an envelope for you to place it in and hand it personally to the therapist. If there are no envelopes, it is perfectly acceptable to hand the tip discreetly to the therapist with a warm “thank you.” Sometimes clients may prefer to hand it directly to a therapist after they leave the treatment room as an immediate show of appreciation.
A gratuity is a great way to show value and say thank you to your massage therapist. Other ways you can appreciate your massage therapist are referring them to your friends and giving them a good rating on review sites like Yelp and Google. Your feedback is valuable and when you take the time to share how the massage therapist has helped relieve your pain or help you to relax, it is appreciated. Your words and acknowledgment of their service can have a huge impact on their day.
There is no limit to the way in which gratitude may be expressed. A gratuity is just one of the ways appreciation may be shown for the value your massage therapist adds to your life.
