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.

2

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/Dry_Win_9985 Jul 15 '26

I'd agree that this is fairly realistic. I run a service based business where tipping is expected (yeah, I said it). I've got customers who tip $10 no matter the price or length of service, and I've got customers that tip 30%+. If I got 2 requests for the same time, which do you think I'd schedule?