Tipping?

[Manhattan]

54 minutes ago, Hyattsville said:

Asked my favorite masseur (who charges below market rates for his massages) about tipping and how he views it:

"Tipping is not required but definitely appreciated, I see it as a thank you for a job well done.  I do keep track of who tips and how much. It enters into play only when responding to multiple requests for a specific time, yes the guy who tips will get first chance at a spot. I only get miffed about a non tipper when they have abused my time or gotten a lot more than they paid for. If a client is more than 5 minutes early or 5 minutes late, they should tip. If they use my shower before and/or after a massage they should tip. If it took more than three texts/emails to book an appointment, they should probably tip. I do not charge extra for sensual services like some masseurs so if a client gets anything beyond a legit massage, a tip would be nice, specifically anything more than Hand Job. For instance, if they want me naked, I will not charge for that but am surprised when I don't get a tip for that. Same with Prostate massage, I don't charge more, but would be surprised if I did not get a tip. So let's say a client wants it all, mutual touch, me naked, prostate massage, maybe suck my dick, take a shower.... and they don't tip? They would drop to the bottom of my list for getting back on my table. Not saying it wouldn't happen. If they are a nice person, friendly, etc. they will be fine. If they got everything, didn't tip and were in anyway rude or inconsiderate of my time - then no, I would not let them book again. As far as how much to tip? Well, depends on how much the client received and how difficult they were, sort of a cumulative thing I guess. Hope that helps!"

That's a complicated system. He should just change his prices to reflect all the ways he is afraid of being underpaid. If he expects money to allow clients to use his shower - put it in the price list. I think a shower should be a standard amenity and it wouldn't occur to me to tip based on that. 

Things are gray and vague already in this line of work, Pros should provide a clear structure so that client can relax and not think about money.

i don't tip my mechanic, or my weed dealer. They work for themselves, they can charge extra for last minute appointments or unusual requests, but they tell me up front. 

[+ JamesB]

2 hours ago, Hyattsville said:

Asked my favorite masseur (who charges below market rates for his massages) about tipping and how he views it:

"Tipping is not required but definitely appreciated, I see it as a thank you for a job well done.  I do keep track of who tips and how much. It enters into play only when responding to multiple requests for a specific time, yes the guy who tips will get first chance at a spot. I only get miffed about a non tipper when they have abused my time or gotten a lot more than they paid for. If a client is more than 5 minutes early or 5 minutes late, they should tip. If they use my shower before and/or after a massage they should tip. If it took more than three texts/emails to book an appointment, they should probably tip. I do not charge extra for sensual services like some masseurs so if a client gets anything beyond a legit massage, a tip would be nice, specifically anything more than Hand Job. For instance, if they want me naked, I will not charge for that but am surprised when I don't get a tip for that. Same with Prostate massage, I don't charge more, but would be surprised if I did not get a tip. So let's say a client wants it all, mutual touch, me naked, prostate massage, maybe suck my dick, take a shower.... and they don't tip? They would drop to the bottom of my list for getting back on my table. Not saying it wouldn't happen. If they are a nice person, friendly, etc. they will be fine. If they got everything, didn't tip and were in anyway rude or inconsiderate of my time - then no, I would not let them book again. As far as how much to tip? Well, depends on how much the client received and how difficult they were, sort of a cumulative thing I guess. Hope that helps!"

 

 I understand wanting to be appreciated, but this feels a bit off to me. The tone comes across as resentful and borderline petty. Tipping should be a gesture of gratitude, not something tied to a mental checklist or used to quietly punish people. Clear communication and fair pricing go a lot further than vague expectations. Just my two cents.

[Hyattsville]

4 hours ago, Manhattan said:

That's a complicated system. He should just change his prices to reflect all the ways he is afraid of being underpaid. If he expects money to allow clients to use his shower - put it in the price list. I think a shower should be a standard amenity and it wouldn't occur to me to tip based on that. 

Things are gray and vague already in this line of work, Pros should provide a clear structure so that client can relax and not think about money.

i don't tip my mechanic, or my weed dealer. They work for themselves, they can charge extra for last minute appointments or unusual requests, but they tell me up front. 

He did say "Tips are not Necessary but appreciated."  Just don't be rude and wasteful of his time and you are fine. However if you are wasteful of his time, then you should offer some recompence. If you don't want to, he is not demanding it, but may not take you as a client. And now you know that maybe a shower isn't a standard amenity when going to a masseur's home. It's not at several massage businesses I go to. 

Maybe you should tip your mechanic, and your weed dealer...