Tipping the Providers

[+ Scott Carroll]

So, as noted elsewhere, I am not every experienced with contracting for these services but a few years ago I had a provider with whom I would meet at least twice a month for about 4 months.  It was right after the beginning of COVID and I was working (for free) for Biden/Harris and would spend every other weekend in Orlando trying to get the Puerto Rican diaspora out to vote.  Anyway, he was/is a sweetheart and I thoroughly enjoyed our meetings, although we would only meet for an hour each day I was there (Saturday/Sunday) and then we would sometimes meet up for drinks downtown and sometimes we would meet halfway from our residences.  So, I guess my question is was my tip appropriate or too much?  His rate was $250 per and I would tip him $150.00 for a total of $400 per.  I would, naturally, always also bring him a gift!  I am just curious about what the normal and expected amount is for tipping a provider???  Thanks much - I just found this forum and I am learning so much from you beautiful (mostly) people - THANKS AGAIN!!!

[56harrisond]

Lots of other tipping threads linked in the above threads 

[+ Scott Carroll]

6 minutes ago, 56harrisond said:

Lots of other tipping threads linked in the above threads 

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!

[williamv]

When I have a great time I tip well

[+ Pensant]

On 9/22/2025 at 8:02 PM, Scott Carroll said:

His rate was $250 per and I would tip him $150.00 for a total of $400 per.  I would, naturally, always also bring him a gift!

You’re extraordinarily generous!

[Walt]

With wait staff, cleaning people, hotel staff, barber, etc I generally tip 20%-30% -- but I tip providers the same amount I tip my lawyer, physician, medical specialists, architect, psychiatrist. business consultant, private coach, etc. Once you get an hourly rate in excess of $200 per hour, tipping is not necessary (unless you have money to burn). 

[+ Scott Carroll]

9 hours ago, Pensant said:

You’re extraordinarily generous!

He was a sweetheart.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

On 9/22/2025 at 6:02 PM, Scott Carroll said:

I am just curious about what the normal and expected amount is for tipping a provider???

It is customary to tip at a massage parlor or brothel or strip club where you pay the house at the rate the house charges, but it is not customary to tip an independent masseur or escort who sets his own rates. Offering extra to compensate when time goes over is polite, but also not expected.