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Need some wording advice on a sign for gratuity.  Any suggestions?

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WOW...
I totally agree, Julie! The original comparison was apples and oranges...

Julie Onofrio said:

Comparing tipping doctors to Massage therapists is not very comparative.  Doctors go through 8 year of medical school (or whatever it is) and can see 20 people in an hour and hire other people in an office to see even more patients and are paid by all the major insurance companies.

 

Your feelings about tipping are a good reflection on your beliefs about money and having money - whatever that might tell you.

 

Julie

and no one answered the question, just argued about if it was ok to tip or not.

look at the first page. there were several suggestions.



Elizabeth (Cassie) Christensen said:

and no one answered the question, just argued about if it was ok to tip or not.
i have found in my experience that those that will tip will tip and those that don't won't...and it won't matter if there's a jar, sign or other item advising clients. therefore, i don't have any sign and just allow clients to be who they are. I figure any business is better than no business. i would much prefer the client that never tips but comes in weekly/bi-weekly, versus the client that tips great but only comes in once every month or so.

My average client comes every other week. They feel they are doing something special for themselves to improve their health. They rarely spend on themselves and do not do much for vacations. They do not tip but the fact they come in regularly and regard the massage as important as their diet (many even more since they cheat on their diets ;-)), I feel even more appreciated than if they came less often so they could tip me.

 

Lis, simply put I agree. LOL

I think a sign is tacky. No offense to those of you who use them..and I did see some signs that were worded in a "non tacky" way...still I just think it's tacky. If a client wants to tip you great if not great. I have at times considered raising my rate a little and insisting on NO TIPS but haven't done it yet. I see it as an exchange of energy...money is energy and it all seems to work out. Sometimes I do go over a little so if my client wants to pay over a little I see it as an even exchange and it feels good but I would never ask for more from them. I have a lot of happy dedicated and consistent clients so I think it's working for me :).
I just read a couple of the responses and I realize I fall into the category of not answering the question...except that I think I did haha...no sign.
In my opinion if you are the one setting the prices for your sessions then tips shouldn't be expected and if you need them and live off of tips then you should raise your prices to where you don't have to worry whether or not a client tips. I worked with a Chiropractor for a year and a half and I had a few clients tip and I was very appriciative towards those but I didn't get upset when someone didn't tip. If you feel that you need a sign I would go with: Gratuities Welcome, Never Expected.
Unless you are working for one of those chains or salons, where tipping is pushed on customers, I don't think it is very professional to ask for tips.  We are professionals, trying to work in the health field, not the entertainment field.  We are not waiters or dancers.  Would your physical therapist or your doctor expect a tip?  Set your prices accordingly and then just act professional.  If clients insist on tipping, be gracious and appreciative.  This is part of the problem with getting the massage industry to be taken seriously.

Marilyn,

I work in a chiropractic office and I am creating a sign tomorrow reason being if they aren't told then they don't know. Just like when I was old enough to go to the hairdresser alone I didn't know I was suppose to tip her. I don't get paid from my chiro I merely rent space so that is why to me it's not that big of a deal. My tips pay my gas so I need them. Now when someone asks how much to tip I tell them that's on them and do it as they see fit. 

Marilyn St.John said:

I just wouldn't feel right about placing a sign or tip jar in my space.  Maybe it has a little to do with my location (inside a chiro office)--I mean, we don't tip our dental hygenists, do we?  Many people see my service as adjunct to their chiro visit and leaving a gratuity would never occur to them.  On the other hand, people who come in just for massage almost always leave extra--and I always feel gifted, ESPECIALLY because no sign nor jar had to prompt them to do that!
I work in chiro office.  I get paid per massage/hour.  I don't "expect" tips.  Especially from the clients hat the dr has sent to me as part of their treatment.  BUT there are clients that come in on their own for a relaxation massage.  Or because the place is running a promotion.  And I am disappointed when I am not tipped.  I guess it's because if they went to a spa they would tip the therapist?  

I am not the only therapist there that feels that a sign would be helpful.  Or maybe the receptionist should ask about a tip when the client leaves?  (just the clients who come in on their own- those are full hr vs half)



Stephanie Keffer said:

Marilyn,

I work in a chiropractic office and I am creating a sign tomorrow reason being if they aren't told then they don't know. Just like when I was old enough to go to the hairdresser alone I didn't know I was suppose to tip her. I don't get paid from my chiro I merely rent space so that is why to me it's not that big of a deal. My tips pay my gas so I need them. Now when someone asks how much to tip I tell them that's on them and do it as they see fit. 

Marilyn St.John said:

I just wouldn't feel right about placing a sign or tip jar in my space.  Maybe it has a little to do with my location (inside a chiro office)--I mean, we don't tip our dental hygenists, do we?  Many people see my service as adjunct to their chiro visit and leaving a gratuity would never occur to them.  On the other hand, people who come in just for massage almost always leave extra--and I always feel gifted, ESPECIALLY because no sign nor jar had to prompt them to do that!

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