EXPECTING a Tip?!?

[Makaio]

I stumbled onto a web site for a Massage Therapy Center in CA when doing a Google search. I was really surprised to see this in their Q&A section in regard to tipping:

A wide range of people from waitstaff to cab drivers, including massage therapists, rely on tips for a significant portion of their living. If you are against tipping or feel it doesn't apply to you, we would encourage you to rethink your philosophy before visiting the Center.

It was preceded by this, the part above is what got to me:

What About Tipping?
This is one of the most frequently asked and perhaps most misunderstood questions we get. Just like hair stylists, manicurists, or others providing personal services it is customary to tip massage therapists. Therapists at the Center do not net the full amount of fees collected from clients. A significant portion of the fees collected goes towards paying for the management of the facility.

The usual tipping range is 15-20% of the regular cost of services. Most clients tip $8-10 for a 25 minute session, $12-$15 for a 60 minute session, $20-25 for 90 minutes, and $32-35 for 120 minutes. Please note that gift certificates do not include gratuity and it is still customary to tip your therapist even though someone else paid for your session.

You are welcome to add a tip to your credit card charge at the end of your session and you can leave cash tips for your therapist in special tip envelopes provided at our front desk.

So what do you think about this? I feel it is very inappropriate, not to mention bad business, to basically put out the vibe to a client that he/she is not welcome unless they tip. I was taught in my training that tips are "appreciated but never to be expected".

 

[Philip H]

I totally agree with you. If I were a potential client of that establishment I would be turned off. Tips are appriceated not expected. It's just funny the things that different places will put out there.

 

[msd]

:shock:

WTMI
even if that is how you really feel as a business owner/operator.

 

[Randy]

It sounds to me that the management of this center is trying to justify how little they pay their therapists and how much they take for operating expenses.

Basically what they are saying is... We are a bunch of greedy blankity blanks who choose not to pay our therapists enough to live on. But we have envelopes at the front desk if you would like to leave a charitable contribution to their hungry families.

Don't get me started... hehehe This is why I'm self employed.

-Melody

 

[Peanut Butter]

Basically what they are saying is... We are a bunch of greedy blankity blanks who choose not to pay our therapists enough to live on. But we have envelopes at the front desk if you would like to leave a charitable contribution to their hungry families.

t044 That's exactly how I read it!

One of the receptionists at the office I once worked at actually wanted me to put a tip jar in the room! Yikes!

Shame on them!