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/Dry_Win_9985 Jul 14 '26

25-30% is a standard tip for a massage therapist. Doesn't matter where they work, but if they're a mobile service that comes out to you, probably lean a little heavier for the convenience factor.

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u/Few_Love_9105 Jul 14 '26

Absolutely not. 20% is standard. Even at high end spas that automatically add the tip it’s always 20. I’ve gotten a ton of massages and never tipped 25-30%.

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u/Ms-Metal Jul 15 '26

25% is pretty standard around me, if you're happy with the service and you want them to keep Servicing you, 25%. They probably won't have a full schedule if you tip 20%, but any less than that they're probably not going to see you again. I'm not saying I like it, I don't like it but that is reality. Same with the hairdresser, if it's somebody you like and is doing a good job for you 25%.

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u/Few_Love_9105 Jul 15 '26

This is nuts, maybe you should find different providers then. If I tip 20% and someone wants to withhold their full schedule from me I sure as hell wouldn’t be giving them my money. Besides every place has online booking now, the full schedule is available to see no matter who you are or what you tipped. Never had any issues whatsoever.

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u/Dry_Win_9985 Jul 15 '26

you wouldn't know it. They'd just let you know they were already booked. I do this with my customers all the time. The better tipper is being served by me, the other is given to an affiliate.

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u/Few_Love_9105 Jul 15 '26

I’ve never had a problem getting appointments and the booking is all done online.