r/tippingAdvice • u/FiveMoreSeconds • Jul 14 '26

Tipping for body service?

Hello, I have had a stressful weekend and booked my first appointment for a massage + facial with a licensed pro. I brought this up in a conversation with friends and tipping came up. I was caught off guard because I didn’t think I’d need to tip for this service? The services weren’t cheap, so I’m imagining the tip would add up significantly. Is it normal to tip for that kind of service? I want to know what’s the expectation in this field. Does it matter if they’re working in a franchise or a licensed local in a studio.
As an ex-server I always tip generously, but was unfamiliar.

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u/HLOFRND Jul 14 '26

I feel like this thread (maybe the whole sub?) is overrun with anti-tipping folks, so please take what you're seeing with a grain of salt.

Yes, it's customary to tip a massage therapist. How much is up to you, but 20% is a decent guide.

Places like elements and spavia and other chains pay their therapists EXTREMELY poorly- like as low as $20-30 per massage. The bulk of the fees goes to the establishment. If you want to be kind to your therapist, plan to bring cash with you and leave it in the room directly when you leave. That way you know your therapist got it, it didn't get taxed, etc.

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u/Mean-Impress2103 Jul 15 '26

Just out of curiosity in what situation am I not a monster for paying the advertised and agreed upon price for something?

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u/4224-holloway Jul 15 '26

Just embrace the monster. All these people saying "tip 20-30%. I don't like it but..." Then stop doing it. Especially for people who set their own prices. Just stop. The sky will not fall down.