I had a new client a couple of weeks ago and she returned this week and asked why I didn’t have a tipping option. She was actually a bit stressed about not leaving me a tip. This happens far too often so I am here to set the record straight.
I am a Regulated Health Professional. I follow the same rules as Dentists, Pharmacists, Nurses, Optometrists, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Midwives and many other health professionals. You don’t tip your optometrist or your physiotherapist, do you? I have also heard the argument that the therapist that works for a franchise or a spa and may rely more on tips. They are still a health professional and have chosen to work in that setting.
I have heard many arguments about tipping massage therapists. One is they don’t make as much as a dentist or a pharmacist. What about a dental assistant? You don’t tip your dental assistant and they don’t make as much as other health care professionals.
I own my practice and therefore I set my own prices. If I didn’t earn enough then I would raise the prices. Therefore, a tip is not necessary.
Tipping makes me feel uncomfortable. Partly because it is not common place and partly because I often feel obligated to give more because that person has paid a bit more for treatment.
When clients try to tip, I recommend they refer a friend instead. That goes a lot farther than a tip. Most of my practice has been built on referrals from clients and I am grateful for those referrals. A referral means you think I do a good job. That is the best compliment you can give.
The next time you are at a massage clinic with a tipping option on their debit machine, please question them and tell them tipping a health professional is not appropriate.