tipping your massage therapist

[littlelou]

i have always tipped my massage therapist when I've gone to a spa or salon for a massage.... a neighbor gave me a gift certificate for a 1 hour massage from another neighbor who is a massage therapist in her home.... i am unsure as to if I should tip her or not.... any suggestions?

[arrieros81]

Ask the neighbor who gave you the gift certificate; the massage therapist may not require a tip.

[catfeathers]

yes....if you enjoy the massage, then tip him/her...even if it is in their house. It is a way to express your appreciation.
My friends does massages at home occasionally and I know she is grateful for the tips....she get paid by the massage, so I am sure any extra money is appreciated. My opinion anyway....

[Julie4530]

When I purchase a massage gift certificate, I'm able to add on a tip so that my gift receiver doesn't have to. I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell that on the certificate itself, since it's someone that does it out of her home.

[Miss Hepburn]

Tip the massage therapist...if she doesn't want to except it she will sat,Thank you, but
that's ok....I usually say, Well, I see you're not from Iowa.

[tijlover]

Having done massage myself, for a number of years, dependent on the tip, I thank them by giving them more time and energy the next time they come over, or make room for them when it's very inconvenient for me.

There are exceptions, I realize there are many financially strapped people today than can barely come up with the massage fee alone, and I treat them the same.

[kdubose]

As a massage therapist, I have to say that the majority of us assume that we will be tipped for a job well done, regardless if the service is performed in a spa or out of our/your home.

It would be similar to a restaurant, even if you use a gift certificate or coupon, you still tip the server based upon their performance and the original amount of the bill.