Typical

I guess, there are different philosophies to go by, and each person/client has to operate on what they're comfortable with. I totally understand clients who would want to ensure proper service, so they tip the masseur.
On the other hand, I can also understand that there are clients who expect a good massage irrespective of the tip as long as the asked rate was met. And should the masseur provide a mediocre massage due to lack of tips, these clients will be happy to take their business elsewhere.
There's no right or wrong along as everything is done respectfully. They're just different philosophies.

This is clearly a lopsided blog. 

It's because the workers at a spa get 1/3 of what you pay. They deserve at least the going rate for providing a good massage. If more is provided , then I tip accordingly. In the end I pay close to what I would pay a private masseur for a service well executed. It's not my concern what their business model is; my concern is whether I'm paying equitably for the service I get. Some private masseurs charge 300 for their masseur service; would that still demand a tip? The market rate for a good massage is 120-150 for 60 min. For me, anything else above that would be a 'tip' based on what else transpires. A 200 fee for a massage is a $150 rate and a built in $50 tip because of the expectations beyond the massage (including eye candy). Again, my 2 cents. Take it or leave it. 

I tip generously at spas, but I won't tip a private masseur. I may round up for conveniece let's say from a 180 to 200, but not a tip when they are already charging more than a typical massage rate. I pay 120 for a 60 min massage to a masseur that comes to my place for a legitimate and excellent massage. For a mediocre massage with MT/HE, 200 should be sufficient. Most of the time these are rub and tugs guised as a massage from an untrained masseur. Now, If it goes into full escorting territory, then I go up accordingly.
For the haters: That's just me and you do what you feel comfortable with. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

Independent masseurs should ask the price they wish to be paid for the services rendered. If the services exceed the advertised labor, a “tip” may very well be warranted. If not, the advertised fee is sufficient. This approach has always worked very well for me. 
 
Let’s not play games. 

I believe MMX on West 14th Street specializes in this desire. 

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

It wouldn’t bother me at all. But if it diminishes your experience then by all means reschedule. You are spending your money and you should be totally comfortable with the situation.  

That’s called marketing. 😉

It’s for screening. I wouldn’t participate in that or help start a trend. 
 
Next. 

Completely overpriced mess of an experience.  The only difference from the other reviewers was that my orientation session wasn’t deducted from my hour.  

OMG. I just noticed he now charges $250 for his silly, bizarre and totally awful “service”. It’s like a prank!  To be clear, the photos are the best he has ever looked in his history. He’s not all that. Whatever….but he (if true to form) will sit you down like a child and go over the “rules” for 10 minutes (which is part of your “massage” time, BTW), and those rules include no touching him (no one who meets him will want to touch him, trust me) and that he does not want to touch or see your privates in any way shape or form (fine with me!) and that if you want to view his flabby belly from a distance it’s going to cost you (no thanks!). I can’t believe I stayed for that freak show. Live and learn. AVOID even if he is offering his “massage” for free. 

OMG. I just noticed he now charges $250 for his silly, bizarre and totally awful “service”. It’s like a prank!  To be clear, the photos are the best he has ever looked in his history. He’s not all that. Whatever….but he (if true to form) will sit you down like a child and go over the “rules” for 10 minutes (which is part of your “massage” time, BTW), and those rules include no touching him (no one who meets him will want to touch him, trust me) and that he does not want to touch or see your privates in any way shape or form (fine with me!) and that if you want to view his flabby belly from a distance it’s going to cost you (no thanks!). I can’t believe I stayed for that freak show. Live and learn. AVOID even if he is offering his “massage” for free. 

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Unless you like to be lectured and quizzed before receiving a lousy “massage” on a hard mat. And this doesn’t even begin to cover all the oddities and idiocy experienced while visiting this guy. 

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Unless you like to be lectured and quizzed before receiving a lousy “massage” on a hard mat. And this doesn’t even begin to cover all the oddities and idiocy experienced while visiting this guy.