To Tip or Not to Tip????

Just wanted to add that places that I've been to lately have little envelopes at the front desk where you can leave the tip, rather than have you tip directly. So you may want to ask when you get there.

And definitely take cash for the tip.

Hi S.,

I would ask the spa if the tip has already been included in the gift card. If so, how much and then make sure that the person gets a total of 15-20%. If not, then I would leave 15-20%.
It sounds like a lovely way to spend an hour or so. Enjoy!

J.

Yes. It's like going out to eat-- if you love your service, tip 20%. Most places will let you leave gratuities for the massage therapist at the desk in an envelope so you can do the tips when you check out and avoid the awkward handing of money with the therapist... Enjoy!!!

I have and currently work in a salon. Tips are appreciated but never expected is my moto. It is always nice to get a tip and usually it is 20% of the service.

There are times when it is less and you can tell it is usually beacuse the client doesnt seem to have the means to tip.

I would atleast tip something. In the past I have had clients that used g/c and not tipped and i have myself wondered if they were not happy with there service:(. Which i know is not the case :).

But dont stress about about the tip it is suppose to be a wonderful relaxing experience so enjoy and tip what you think is approiate it is always appreciated no matter what the size is!!!

Have a great time!!

I am a massage therapist and it is common for the person to tip when it is at a spa. I have worked independently prior to my working at a spa and I didn't get tipped often because the money was going directly to me, but when someone is getting a percentage of it I believe it is common that most people tip. I usually get 15-20% of the price of the massage.
Hope this helps.

Definately tip! I'm agreeing with all the other ladies. 15-20 % of the amount is the way to go. I work as a server in a high-end restaurant, and tips are my paycheck. It drives me especially crazy when people who pay with Gift Certificates don't tip. I feel like -"what, just cause you got a free meal/service on someone else, that I didn't work just as hard for you as the next person?" I feel like they think that they shouldn't have to pull out their wallets at all, cause it is supposed to be a "treat". Guess what? If the GC doesn't cover your whole bill, plus a 15-20% tip (depending on svc), you gotta ante up. I know your case is a little different, cause it is for a specific svc, but hey, you're getting it for free, so whats $15? Enjoy your day at the spa!

Hi,
Since the person providing the service is the one who would miss out if you don't tip, the best thing to do is to find out the value of the service and tip at least 10%. I used to work in a spa, and tips are a large part of the income--it stinks to provide a service for someone and have them not tip, it's like not tipping on a restaurant bill.

Hi S.,
Yes, you should tip. :O) The "norm" is 20% of the service. Enjoy, I wish I was going with you! ha-ha :) You also can hand it right to the person or give it to the person who checks you out for the people that provided the services to you. :)

Most places already add a tip to your bill of 15 percent, if that is the case, I would probably just leave an additional 10 dollars or 5% to make it a complete 20%. If your service was great. But definitely tip salon services, you tip your hair dresser right? Most places you can pay and tip on your way out. Some places do not let you use a credit card for your tip, so I would bring cash. Also, ask if you can use the remainder of your gift card for a tip (if you will have $$ left over). Some places won't let you. I would leave the money with the receptionist/cashier when leaving. If you have horrible service, etc. then I wouldn't leave a tip. I went to a place and had a mini facial and a makeup learning session. The facial was great and the makeup sessions was a waste of money, so I called and got a refund. So make sure you get what you pay for (but I still left a tip).

I had a pedicure just the other day, on a gift certificate as well. The pedicure was $25 and I tipped $5, which is the customary restaurant tip of 20%. I dont know that its a rule, especially if your treatments are very expensive (I know a massage can be expensive), but something like $5-$10 is probably appropriate. Use your discretion based on quality too. If its wonderful and the practitioner is nice, give more, but if they are rude like some spa ladies tend to be, tip less.

Hi S.,
I have worked in salons and this is something that does confuse clients. You should check w/the salon ahead of time and find out the cost of the services that you are getting. If you GC doesn't cover tips, you should definately tip in cash. I would say 20% is about right in Mass. although I've definately been tipped better and worse! But if you liked your service and don't want to dissappoint the provider of the service, at least 20%. Hope this helps!
~K.

Yes tipping is an integral part to supporting the person providing you with your service an income. Be sure to tip them directly with cash at least ten dollars each.

yes you should tip. you should give 10-20 dollars, and just to make sure as to where to leave it ask the frunt dest person when you go in.

This one is easy - yes you do tip. As to the amount, I would tip 10-15 for an hour massage....depending on how great it was and how my budget was that week. Tipping for the facial would be similar to when you have you hair done at a salon. And you would give the tip directly to the provider.

Remember that they are getting paid a portion of the cost of the services they are providing for you since they are employed by the spa - and each business calculates that differently.

Enjoy yourself and be sure to let the provider know how you felt about their services.

Absolutely tip - it should be based on the value of the service as if you were paying for it. The spa technician should not lose out just because the service is free to you because you have a gift certificate. 15% is really minimum, and 20% is for excellent service. Ask the spa ahead of time, or when you check in, what the regular cost of the service is. You can give it to the person directly, or you usually can put it in an envelope with the person's name on it and leave it with the desk person when you check out. Most spas and salons to this. I wouldn't leave it in the room in case it's not this person's job to clean the room afterwards. I would put it in someone's hands. If you want to stick with 15%, you could put the cash in an envelope before you leave the house, and then give it to the esthetician before she leaves the room. It can a little awkward if you have some changing to do - even for a facial, they will have you take off your shirt and put on some sort of smock, so it the esthetician leaves the room for you to get dressed at the end, you need to connect with her afterwards. Usually they are good at "hanging out" at the desk when you are leaving, but in very large spas, sometimes they move on to their next customer and leave the administration to the receptionist. In those cases, there is usually a pretty honest and foolproof system to leave the tip in an envelope (they provide it) at the desk.

Gee, you'd think I go get this done all the time, wouldn't you??? ;-) Not really, I have a friend who owns a skin place, and that's how she does it.

Whatever you do, get this settled beforehand so you can totally relax during your facial and not be stressing out about where to leave the tip!

S., Lucky you!!

Yes you would tip on those services. The customary amount is 20% but just like in any restaurant; you tip according to service. I normally hand the money directly to the provider after the services have been completed.

I usually tip 20% (if I don't like the service, less). Usually with a massage or facial, where you have to get dressed and meet them outside, I tip at the front desk. If its a manicure I give it directly to them at the table.

Good for you, S.!! I would tip 20%.

Happy pampering!!