What’s fair for tipping on massage

[+ Mrprofessional]

So…when hiring through rent masseur you’re obviously paying a premium that costs more than just a massage.  In most cases, MT and a HE are included. 

so if you’re already paying a Premium and nothing else happens (not complaining, just setting up the example) 

Then what is a fair tip percentage for a decent massage?  10,15,20 percent? Any?

Thanks for weighing in!

[+ Mrprofessional]

Not at a spa. Paid $240 as “ base” rate.  I left an extra $20. Fair?

[MikeBiDude]

Try searching "tipping" in subject topics in this spa forum. I got about ten hits on threads discussing tipping.

 

[+ Mrprofessional]

I was hoping to narrow it down to this particular circumstance 

[marylander1940]

36 minutes ago, Mrprofessional said:

I was hoping to narrow it down to this particular circumstance 

You can always ask the "masseur" if HE is included for none, some or all clients, what's included and whether is extra or not according to what he's willing to do with you. 

 

1 hour ago, Mrprofessional said:

Not at a spa. Paid $240 as “ base” rate.  I left an extra $20. Fair?

for 90 minutes or 1 hour? If it was one hour that sounds more like an hour with an escort not a masseur. 

 

 

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by marylander1940

[+ FrankR]

3 hours ago, Mrprofessional said:

So…when hiring through rent masseur you’re obviously paying a premium that costs more than just a massage.  In most cases, MT and a HE are included. 

so if you’re already paying a Premium and nothing else happens (not complaining, just setting up the example) 

Then what is a fair tip percentage for a decent massage?  10,15,20 percent? Any?

Thanks for weighing in!

It depends on the facts (did he travel to meet me, for example), circumstances (late night or last minute appointment; for example) and experience. So if you ask 10 people you will get 9 different answers based on how they read your question and feel about the concept of tipping. 
 

I choose to tip providers when I have a good experience - even if, in your parlance, it is a premium experience from the get go. How much is very subjective. 

[LosAngelesBro45]

11 hours ago, Mrprofessional said:

so if you’re already paying a Premium and nothing else happens (not complaining, just setting up the example) 

Then what is a fair tip percentage for a decent massage?  10,15,20 percent? Any?

Thanks for weighing in!

Based on the exact situation of mrprofessional  - and I do apply it to all.  Just their base price.  If they quoted you $150 and getting just the basics or none at all, it’s $150.  
 

most are starting at $150 and higher now.  I do get inflation, etc. blah blah blah.  But adding a $20 bill or two just made it that much more expensive, regardless of extras or not.   
 

plenty of prior threads on this one and we all can go on and on.  But - whatever feels ok in your mind.  For me, i’ve learned to just pay the initial price.  If I gave more, they’ll eventually think, “i’ve got them, hook line and sinker”.  

[Medin]

12 hours ago, Mrprofessional said:

Not at a spa. Paid $240 as “ base” rate.  I left an extra $20. Fair?

More than fair in my opinion.  If you already paid $240 for a massage with no extras, a $20 tip if more than enough and I would argue not required at all.  Remember-this is all tax free.  The providers are already setting the rate.  It's not like they are restaurant workers who don't even make minimum wage and it's not the same as getting a massage in a spa where the masseur only gets a portion of the overall cost.  

[LosAngelesBro45]

This!  Through the years (well Jan 2022), i’ve learned to ask both directly and indirectly.  “Will it be a fun massage?” Is my go-to question.  Because if it doesn’t go there, safe to just pay the base price. The base price stays.  Why tell me/advertise as such and then none.  Ymmv - i’ve gotten way more and way less in my hires, more dependent on the masseur.  

11 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

You can always ask the "masseur" if HE is included for none, some or all clients, what's included and whether is extra or not according to what he's willing to do with you. 

 

for 90 minutes or 1 hour? If it was one hour that sounds more like an hour with an escort not a masseur.