Massage payment

[+ Just966]

So I have a newbie etiquette question re payment for a massage. Do people typically pay up front when getting a massage, after the massage or leave the payment in an obvious spot where the masseur can see it from the start and then just add a tip, if appropriate, at the end of the massage. Not a huge issue I realize but when just trying for first time it is always more comfortable to know how to deal with all the small issues although I know there are likely way more important things to be considering!

[toddoles]

If you’re at a spa you will have to pay the counter either at the beginning or end, then hand the tip to the masseur. If it’s a private massage, like from rentmasseur or masseurfinder, then pay at the end, tip isn’t required. I wouldn’t ever pay a private masseur up front, as that can lead to them to slacking on their job.

[Jose Anmo]

I usually hand them the money at the end.

[+ beethoven]

I have been getting massages for a long time, and I always pay at the end. I either hand the money to the masseur, or leave it in plain sight on the table or bed. I've NEVER encountered a masseur who expects to be paid up front.

The only spa I frequent is Utopia, where payment at the desk (and cash tip to the masseur) are given after the massage.

[kenomora]

I hand them the money after I am done cleaning up and putting my clothes back on. It also seems to me that most masseurs (or escorts) I saw did not really like to accept payment directly from my hand. If I put it in their hands they tend to quickly put it down somewhere else and continue to talk to me/sending me out with a goodbye. I think the best way would be what beethoven said - somewhere in plain sight and let them know you have left the payment for them.

[Urbanite]

For me I definitely shower, get dressed and then leave payment. My massuers I visit often have a tray I have used for my watch and ring-I replace my contents with their payment. If it’s a outcall I place in their hands as they are leaving. My two cents in the matter.

[NYCguy10011]

I’ve never paid up-front. I usually fold the cash (including tip) in half and hand it to him as I’m leaving, casually, or if there’s an end table near the doorway, I’ll set it there and tell him I’m leaving it there for him, also casually. Every now and then, a masseur will unfold it in front of me and count it (and express gratitude for the good tip), and that sometimes seems a tiny bit awkward but isn’t a big deal to me. Bottom line, assuming we’ve connected and had a good time, the payment is very smooth and simple.

[+ EVdude]

Funny, the only one time I ever payed upfront was to a very skiddish guy I found on Craigslist offering 90 minutes for $60. He seemed very nervous having me in his apartment. I thought ok, if it’ll calm him down. Indeed he did warm up and admitted that I was his first ever in-call and had just started doing massage. Not trained, but it was ridiculously good for the price. He seemed almost embarrassed when I tipped him (well) on the way out. The next time there was no suggestion of an upfront payment. Sadly he disappeared.

[+ ROBENYC]

Sunny Boy Spa in NYC seems to require payment before services, somewhat a bad practice, especially if you want to extend the massage past the paid amount of time.

[+ EVdude]

Sunny Boy Spa in NYC seems to require payment before services, somewhat a bad practice, especially if you want to extend the massage past the paid amount of time.

Yeah Man is the only spa I’ve been to that requires upfront payment. I paid after at my only two visits to Sunny Boy.

[Dmitri]

Whether it is my first massage session with a masseur .....or I am a repeat client with them, I always pay at the end. After I am showered, dressed and getting ready to leave I will pay then. I do this for a few reasons. I do not pay before, or leave it on a table, etc, since this gives the impression that I feel they might not trust me, so I am pre-paying, which seems tacky. I also do not know the type of session I will have, so I might tip. If I pay before, of course I won't tip then,since I have no idea how the massage session will go. So I wait until I am ready to leave.....include a tip if appropriate....give them a hug....and depart. This helps end the entire encounter on a good note.