giving or receiving a massage gift certificate.. tip included ?

Question

if i give a gift of a massage gift certificate is the person im giving it to supposed to give a tip ? i cant imagine getting a 100 dollar gift certificate for a massage and then be expectied to give a 10 or 15 dollar tip this no longer makes it a gift. especially for a person who would never afford such a luxory.

Answer 1

I disagree. You should tip your massage person at least 15%! How many one-hour professional massages do you know of that go for a mere $15.00?! It's still a GREAT gift, so don't be cheap and cough up the lousy tip!

Answer 2

Good question. I hadn't thought of that. My husband and I received a couples massage certificate at Christmas and I know it only covers the price of the actual massage at that particular salon.

I would expect to have to pay a tip in the USA - not all countries have this "tipping culture" though.

I suppose the answer would be to speak to the salon providing the gift certificate and ask their advice. You could offer to pay the tip along with the certificate but that does defeat the incentive to get a good service from the person providing the massage.

I agree though that it does make it awkward for the person receiving the gift if they then have to pay out money themselves.

If you can afford it how about getting a massage together and then at the end you just pay the tip for both of you and the other person will have had the pleasure of your company as well as the massage.
You seem to be a thoughtful person so I'm sure they would enjoy spending time with you. Make a day of it and have fun!!!

Answer 3

The thought of a massage gift certificate is great! The spa or salon gives the certificate for the recipient to enjoy the service, but the gratuity is at the discretion of that recipient. How can you possibly know how enjoyable the service will be until it is done?

It isn't a way out of giving a tip, but tipping is always done after the service. So, if the person wants to give a larger tip than average, it is welcome. If the masseuse is having an off day, if is still at the discretion of the patron to measure that gratuity.

I worked for tips for over 20 years and wouldn't expect a tip unless it was earned and the person had enough to spare. Tips are not assumed, tips are gesture of appreciation for good or exceptional service. If I receive a $100 service gift certificate, I can certainly wait until I have enough money for a tip before I use the gift.

Answer 4

A tip is not included in the cost of a gift certificate. As a massage therapist, I appreciate a tip but never expect one. It isn't like it is at a restaurant, I'm not working for tips, I get paid pretty well regardless. If you've given the certificate as a gift, it's up to the receiver to decide if they want to tip or not. A good therapist won't be standing there with their hand out waiting for some cash.

Answer 5

I have a problem with massage therapists being tipped anyway. They claim to be professionals and should not expect tips.

I used to have a manicurist and I tipped her when I went. I gave my sister and gift certificate one time for a gift and I tipped the manicurist ahead of time. The manicurist told me thank you and said that she would make sure that if a tip was offered she would turn it down and say it was taken care of.

I would just give your friend the gift certificate and tell him or her that everything was already taken care of. Or if you really think a tip is necessary, then tip the massage therapist and tell your friend it has been taken care of.

Answer 6

The money paid for the gift certificate goes to the business. It does not include a tip.
You can give your friend cash to pay for the tip, or let them pay the tip themseves... still a small price to pay for a $100 massage, even if you can't afford the luxury.