Is it customary to tip a massage therapist or aesthetician? What is the right amount for a tip? Should guests tip for medical spa services? Should tips be given in cash directly to the therapist? What about adding a tip to a credit card? Do gratuity policies vary between countries?
These are just some of the questions surrounding gratuities or tipping at a spa. Aside from the nudity issue, tipping is the number one concern for spa-goers - especially first-timers. So here is a quick list of tips on tipping which can serve as a guideline:
1. It is customary to tip massage therapists, aestheticians and nail care providers, basically anyone who has given you a personal service. While not expected, a small tip would be a nice gesture if a locker room attendant has been particularly helpful.
2. There isn’t a black and white solution (unfortunately) for tipping policies. Check the spa’s literature first, as many spas will spell out their gratuity policy there. Some places, like Spa Chakra and Guerlain Spas, include gratuities in the price of the service and adding a tip is not necessary. Most places welcome tips as it is an important part of the spa therapist’s income. In some spas (often on cruise ships) the only money a service provider makes is through tips!
3. The amount of the tip should reflect your level of satisfaction with the service. 15 - 20% is a good guideline.
4. Tipping is not necessary for medical spa services such as injectibles (like Botox ®), laser treatments and other medical treatments which are performed by medical professionals.
5. Although you can give a cash gratuity directly to a service provider, most spas these day make things a little less stressful by providing small envelopes at the front desk in which you can leave cash upon checking out. This eliminates the need to carry cash to services and the need to think about the gratuity during the time you should be relaxing in the spa.
6. Some spas will allow you to add a gratuity to your credit card payment; however most spas require gratuities in cash. The reason? Spas have to pay a service fee to the credit card company (usually 1 - 2%). Paying this on gratuities adds up.
7. When in doubt - ask. Often times, I have gone right up to the front desk to ask: “What is your gratuity policy?” Feel free to ask on the phone before you visit. In the event that they are somewhat vague, saying for example, “It is up to you,” I then ask, “What do most people do?”
8. Tipping policies will most certainly vary between countries so it is very important to check local customs. In many European countries, beauty therapists consider themselves trained professionals and would be insulted if a tip was offered. In other places (like Cambodia) a 15 - 20% tip would amount to more than most workers make in a month. In this case, leaving a group tip is the way to go.
written by
Susie Ellis, President, Spa Finder, Inc.
