How expected is it to "tip" masseurs?

[imma]

Let's say at regular massage place you can find on Yelp? How about masseurs at masseurfinder?

[+ sniper]

At a salon where they aren't the owner you're expected to tip. They are only getting a fraction of the fee. Independent massage therapists are a different story - the higher their rate the less likely they expect one.

[+ LodoB]

@imma See this recent thread about tipping: https://m4m-forum.org/threads/tipping-masseur.156280/

 

As one member comments in that thread, the search button at top of page is your friend. This topic has been discussed a lot and he provides a couple additional thread links on the subject, too.

 

Personally, I always tip if massage and overall service is great. If exceeded my expectations I may tip more. If it’s just okay or didn’t meet my expectations, I don’t tip.

Edited October 7, 2020 by LodoB

[RuffLeatherPig]

I think a tip for an escort is truly at the clients desire. Fees can go up with things such as fetish request, etc. However, a nominal tip of 5-10 percent is greatly appreciated.

 

I believe that full payment covers the whole transaction. A tip should be considered for going above and beyond.

[Bluefin]

I think a tip for an escort is truly at the clients desire. Fees can go up with things such as fetish request, etc. However, a nominal tip of 5-10 percent is greatly appreciated.

 

I believe that full payment covers the whole transaction. A tip should be considered for going above and beyond.

 

Outside of a spa this is my philosophy as well. To freelance providers I let them know what I am looking for and they can name their price. If it meets expectations or goes above I’ll usually add another $20 or so but nothing dramatically over the agreed price.

 

In a legit spa setting 20-25% assuming great service.

 

NYC style spas I think it’s customary to leave upwards of 100% as the masseur generally only makes tips and the cost of the massage is generally very low.

[urbanfetish]

Outside of a spa this is my philosophy as well. To freelance providers I let them know what I am looking for and they can name their price. If it meets expectations or goes above I’ll usually add another $20 or so but nothing dramatically over the agreed price.

 

In a legit spa setting 20-25% assuming great service.

 

NYC style spas I think it’s customary to leave upwards of 100% as the masseur generally only makes tips and the cost of the massage is generally very low.

 

"NYC style spas" ? How diplomatic!

[RandyVue]

If they do a great job, then I always tip.

Edited October 8, 2020 by RandyVue

[handiacefailure]

I always tip. My favorite massage therapist in Chicago works for himself but has a studio in a medical office and has to pay rent. He charges $80 and I always give him $100 since he does a great job which is a 25% tip

 

I normally tip about 20%

[jharrison10343]

You're not expected to tip a business owner, i.e. anyone who sets their own prices and keeps 100% of the proceeds.

[handiacefailure]

You're not expected to tip a business owner, i.e. anyone who sets their own prices and keeps 100% of the proceeds.

 

I thought you were still expected to tip but not as much. Escorts sure expect to be tipped and they set their own prices and keep all the proceeds.

[Monarchy79]

Massage guys in a spa, I tip

Independent massage guys, I tip

 

I tip both for different reasons.

 

I tip both for their time

 

The Spa guys get tipped because they only get a percentage of the rate I’m paying.

 

The Independent guys get tipped for all of the expenses they pay out of pocket to operate....

massage linens, hotel rooms/Air BnBs (if they’re traveling), gas, etc. (if I’m hosting).....Plus they always usually are generous with the time with me. Plus, they are generous with all of the other things we talk about on these threads too ?

[PetetKsfo]

I never expect a tip, nor fell slighted by a client who does not tip, but always apprecaite when someone does.

I also don't make any up-charges, and so my hope is that guys who like what I offer will offer something extra in return, particularly if they think I went above and beyond what they were expecting.

[filmbuff78]

You're supposed to tip for good service. The business structure is none of your concern nor is your area of expertise. You have no idea how much it costs to run a massage business, especially if your only exposure is as a customer. Independent guys pay for their own insurance, studio space (some guys get a larger, more expensive apartment to accommodate clients), they pay for all supplies, business taxes, business bank accounts, marketing, legal and accounting fees, larger and more expensive phone plans, PLUS they do all of their own scheduling, answering questions, etc. There's no admin assistant setting everything up for them. They spend more time on you before and after the massage than someone in a spa, who is given their schedule for the day and then goes home.

 

I used to massage for many years. The vast majority tip. I never treated anyone as less than if they didn't tip, but if you want to be a priority and get VIP treatment, it's a good idea to tip. These guys can only take so many clients. If I had to choose between the guy who tips and the guy who doesn't, well, you can guess who got the appointment.

 

At the end of the day, I feel withholding a tip because you feel the provider already gets enough is inappropriate and being cheap. I'd never go to a small, family owned and operated restaurant and not leave a tip because they also own the restaurant.

[MmM]

I am all for giving tips if they are well-deserved. Being in NY, we are already paying $180-200 for mediocre massages in studio apartments. (Sometimes the massage tables are even next to the kitchen counters!). Regular massages in spas would be $60-90 for typical asian parlors, and $120-150 for more upscale locations. The reason for the up-charge is because the masseur is good looking or in great shape. I don't recall the last time I didn't pay cash so I doubt taxes are being paid. @filmbuff78 you sound like you were running a more legit business the way you have described your previous stint with massaging. For my taste, masseurs who will deserve a tip above $200 are few and far between.

[jharrison10343]

Escorts sure expect to be tipped and they set their own prices and keep all the proceeds.

 

Why am I not surprised

[CatDaddy]

I always tip for quality services. In fact, I've only not tipped once. The masseur was let's say...... disgusting. His bathroom was gross, house smelled like dog shit, and he looked grungy. I cut it short and RAN!

[SamMiller213]

I’ve always felt strongly that if a masseur is doing an outcall to me, there is no reason to tip and they shouldn’t expect it. When they’re already charging $150 - $180/hr, why would we be tipping beyond that?

 

An incall to a spa where the therapist only receives a percentage of the sale absolutely warrants a tip.

[MmM]

I’ve always felt strongly that if a masseur is doing an outcall to me, there is no reason to tip and they shouldn’t expect it. When they’re already charging $150 - $180/hr, why would we be tipping beyond that?

 

An incall to a spa where the therapist only receives a percentage of the sale absolutely warrants a tip.

That's not a hard and fast rule. I have hired self-employed masseurs who have gone well above and beyond , and warranted a tip. #dontassumeitsjustchemistry

[TracerMain]

My take is this: I am always ready to give $150 for one hour massage, including tip. If the masseur is charging less for an hour, I give the full $150 so long as it was a good massage at the very least. If a masseur is charging $150 for an hour, then I give him the $150. I rarely see masseurs who charge more than $150 for an hour of service.

[xyz48B]

When I lived in Philadelphia, I regularly saw a guy who charged $285 for a 90 minute massage with “release.” I think he charged that because he expected guys to round it up to $300. Because he was good looking and actually very good at the massage, genuinely good at the massage, I was happy to tip $15.

[xyz48B]

I always tip for quality services. In fact, I've only not tipped once. The masseur was let's say...... disgusting. His bathroom was gross, house smelled like dog shit, and he looked grungy. I cut it short and RAN!

Wow. Nope. Good call.

[Richardbl]

Looks every one tips differently . You can give 5 or 100 up to you. But generosity must be always priority

[CheckCar]

I tip independent masseurs $30-$40 if, during the first visit, I decide I want to cultivate a good rapport for future visits.

 

I tip $10-$20 if the massage was fine but, for whatever reason, I doubt repeat visits.

 

If I don’t tip, it’s because the massage sucked.

 

These are based on 1 hour massages in the $150-$160 range.

[urbanfetish]

In a spa, I tip about $40 for an hour, $60 for 90 minutes when there are extras. And the more extras, the higher the tip.

For private masseurs at their place, I tip less because they keep all of the money, but I still tip roughly 20%, especially with extras. I like to let them know I appreciate the extras. For example, I like for them to be nude during the whole massage. If the massage isn't very good or they don't offer any extras, then basically I don't tip and I won't see them again.

[BeefyDude]

Some really great comments... I tried to read them all so if this was already mentioned I apologize

 

In a spa setting you the masseur is NOT getting the full fee (obviously the spa is getting their cut). However when you go with RM or MF to get a masseur, they are getting 100% of the money.

 

I almost always tip and my standard amount is usually 20 However, sometimes I feel those who charge in excess of say 150 are really getting paid too much anyways. I mean that is upwards of $2.5 a min

 

But as mentioned tip is meant to show appreciation for a job well done. Rarely have I not tipped

 

Just my $,02