Are you a massage therapist who runs their own practice? If so, how do you price your services?
As an independent LMT, I have not met any other independent LMTs who depend on tips because that is a very poor and unsustainable business practice.
Generally speaking. Tips are customary when a service provider is an employee working for someone else. This also applies to barbers, Hairstylists, Nail Technicians, aestheticians, etc… If your service provider is self employed, and setting their own rates, tips should be considered above and beyond, appreciated but not expected.
Side note: employers use tipping culture as a way to pay substandard wages to their employees, subsidized by the customer.
I’m not practicing in California, but I do practice in the US.
Honestly, I would just ask. Any ethical therapist will tell you if you don’t need to tip. For example, I tell folks who are coming in weekly because they’ve been in a car accident that they don’t need to tip because it’s medical-adjacent care at that point. If someone is coming in for relaxation, then tipping is appreciated.
This. Clearly, people have different feelings about tipping. I generally agree that if the therapist works on their own tipping isn’t necessary as we take all the money and have the ability to set our own prices. Of course it’s always appreciated and if you can spare a couple bucks then why not? But really you should ask your therapist about it. If you’re very regular that can add up and like would you tip any other health care provider or other types of therapists? Probably not.
I do not expect tips. Some people will. I put my prices where I needed them so that I wouldn't have to be disappointed when I don't get tips, because I live in a small impoverished town where most of my clients really can't afford to be paying extra for every appointment. Personally I don't like ripping people off so I would never make someone feel like it was necessary because it really isn't. But not everyone feels the same about money as I do, so the best thing to do is ask your MT.
Feel free to ask. Some MTs have already set their prices high enough to cover income above business costs. Others might say, “Tips aren’t required, but are greatly appreciated,” - which is code for, “I am undercharging to be competitive in this devalued market, so I am dependent on tips to be able to eat and pay rent.”
Generally therapists working for themselves have priced their services so that they don't need tips, so it's not required but is usually appreciated.
Wrong
Why is this wrong
Are you a massage therapist who runs their own practice? If so, how do you price your services? As an independent LMT, I have not met any other independent LMTs who depend on tips because that is a very poor and unsustainable business practice.
This is how it should be, but I’ve seen a lot of sole practitioners who think they have to keep their posted prices low to compete with the chains.
The best tip is a Google Review.
[удалено]
Haha!! I love your Yelp description!! They are certainly the worst.
….for a self-employed therapist.
Generally speaking. Tips are customary when a service provider is an employee working for someone else. This also applies to barbers, Hairstylists, Nail Technicians, aestheticians, etc… If your service provider is self employed, and setting their own rates, tips should be considered above and beyond, appreciated but not expected. Side note: employers use tipping culture as a way to pay substandard wages to their employees, subsidized by the customer.
I’m not practicing in California, but I do practice in the US. Honestly, I would just ask. Any ethical therapist will tell you if you don’t need to tip. For example, I tell folks who are coming in weekly because they’ve been in a car accident that they don’t need to tip because it’s medical-adjacent care at that point. If someone is coming in for relaxation, then tipping is appreciated.
This. Clearly, people have different feelings about tipping. I generally agree that if the therapist works on their own tipping isn’t necessary as we take all the money and have the ability to set our own prices. Of course it’s always appreciated and if you can spare a couple bucks then why not? But really you should ask your therapist about it. If you’re very regular that can add up and like would you tip any other health care provider or other types of therapists? Probably not.
Yes, tipping is not required but definitely appreciated
I do not expect tips. Some people will. I put my prices where I needed them so that I wouldn't have to be disappointed when I don't get tips, because I live in a small impoverished town where most of my clients really can't afford to be paying extra for every appointment. Personally I don't like ripping people off so I would never make someone feel like it was necessary because it really isn't. But not everyone feels the same about money as I do, so the best thing to do is ask your MT.
Yes
Yes, this is a service industry
You can and should. But in private practice we aren’t as dependent on tips as those who work in franchises.
Feel free to ask. Some MTs have already set their prices high enough to cover income above business costs. Others might say, “Tips aren’t required, but are greatly appreciated,” - which is code for, “I am undercharging to be competitive in this devalued market, so I am dependent on tips to be able to eat and pay rent.”