... who had worked on me that day was standing there at the front desk. I did not have much money since I was a single mom, unemployed, full-time student. My plan was to hand them the gift certificate, say thank you and leave. However, the receptionist caught me off guard when she took the certificate and said. "Okay, thank you. That will be all unless you would like to leave a tip." I felt put put on the spot and humiliated in front of everyone. I mumbled something about having to go get my purse and left. What to do?
2007-11-15 02:12:23 · 14 answers · asked by Cas 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The receptionist was out of line. Had you not been embarrassed, you could have looked at her and said, "OK....don't bet on horses and learn some manners."
2007-11-15 02:45:35 · answer #1 · answered by Lady G 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I actually worked at a spa in downtown manhattan for a while, and my moms been working as a hairstylist in different salons all over the upper east for years.
Most receptionists, if you dont say "Oh and add 10 for tip" or "Can I get change for a tip"? (for the little envelopes) are TOLD to ask about gratuity. You have to remember the amount of the service isnt the amount the person is getting! They get commission off it, ranging from 30%-60% depending on the place and their seniority etc.
Also, most places allow you to ADD gratuity amounts TO gift certs and cards, so when you give it as a gift the person can just go. Instead of being stuck in your situation.
And while you personally didnt go and splurge, most places that offer LUXURY services that arent neccesity, expect that if you can afford the treatment (even if you have a gift cert, you should be able to cough up about 10 bucks for the most part if youre getting nice gifts like that- this is majority case, not anything against you) so they dont think its EMBARASSING you.
ive had clients run back in from down the block because they forgot to tip, or call in later and ask to run their card through. The beauty industry is a tipping business. When you drop 400 on a haircut or 600 on a day of pampering, you SHOULD be able to drop some cash.
Point is, she wasnt trying to embarass you- but you should have expected it and least had 5 dollars on you=/ Esp. for massage therapists- an hour of hard, manual labor basically...they deserve every penny!
2007-11-15 19:50:28 · answer #2 · answered by Samika 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just forget that incident, not worth for you to worry about. You had given the spa certificate to them and that was the most important, you received their services and you paid for those services with the certificate. You did not do anything wrong.
As for the tips, since you felt that you could not afford to tip the person, it's alright. Tipping is a common thing to do but is NOT compulsary. Maybe you felt humiliated at that time but the whole incident had already over. You probably won't go to that spa and meet those people anymore, so just forget the whole thing.
2007-11-15 02:25:35 · answer #3 · answered by chesney c 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain it is tough. When I was in college things were super tight, however it is appropriate to leave a tip for services at a spa. But I feel that they also tried to make you feel uncomfortable as well. One time when I was waiting in salon I overheard two workers talking about how they hated gift certificates because they never got tipped. Maybe you could go back when you get some money and say I am sorry when I was here before I forgot to bring cash with me and then leave a tip. However It doesn't sound as though they were very friendly so I would not ever use them again. This is a good question because both sides have valid points but I am sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable. Hope it works out. Good luck.
2007-11-15 02:23:36 · answer #4 · answered by feeona 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Tipping is not ever REQUIRED, and the staff person, said that, to embarrass YOU into tipping. Very tacky on her part.
She could have said it quietly, and you might have still not tipped, but you MIGHT HAVE GONE THERE AGAIN.
You will learn over time, to stick up for yourself. You could have said loudly, "I was going to tip, but since you tried to embarrass me, I'll pass!"
Anyway, always, carry a couple of bucks with you-no matter how poor you get-to ride a bus, or pay for parking-to FEEL like an independent person. (It will help you GET THERE!)
People in spas, hair salons, nail salons, shoe stores, even the guy who stops to help you change a tire, would appreciate a tip.
Giving OUT WHAT YOU WANT MORE OF, makes you FEEL like a winner, a relevant element in your own world.
It helps to think like a generous and giving person, instead of I don't have, I am poor, I am a victim.
No one made you unemplyed or a mom, but YOU. You decided to get an education right now. Be PROUD OF YOURSELF, AND KNOW IT IS A TEMPORARY CHOICE for your betterment and your child's future. Embrace it as a positive and loving choice, not that you are a cheap skate, and embarrassed by the whole thing.
I wish you the best of luck! Good for you!
2007-11-15 02:32:49 · answer #5 · answered by Lottie W 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Although tipping is a nice way to show yout thanks and appreciation, but it is not mandatory. The receptionist certainly put you in a bad spot and I can imagine how embarrasing it must have been. Nevertheless, the spa personnel are not like waitresses- tips do not make up most of their income. You didn't do anything wrong by not tipping.
2007-11-15 02:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
It's no big deal, not everyone can afford to be generous. Most of the time people don't ask for tips and when they do I don't give them anything. I only tip when I have the money and the service is excellent to fair.
2007-11-15 02:19:28 · answer #7 · answered by Artscola 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a B***!!!, she had no right to bring that up!! the place already had their money and that's their job!!! tip is your option...I am very sorry that you gave her one, but you could have answer: no, maybe next time if I come back!!
You need to call the store and talk to the manager....and complain about this....tell them how you felt, they don't know your situation or anybody's!! so they should not do that to their customers....tell them that you will mention this to everybody so they will choose another place for their massages!! and tell friends, that at this place they will ask you to tip......so they'll be scare........ this is just to make you feel good and you make their hearts pump faster......hahahahaha! really do it my friend, it will make you feel better!!
2007-11-15 02:42:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tipping is not required in this country, and your circumstances are important. If they are going to demand a tip, they should add it to the prices. Sometimes, its a good idea just to tell them you can't afford a tip and put it behind you. Any spa that humiliates its clients is a crummy place.
2007-11-15 02:15:43 · answer #9 · answered by Steve C 7 · 11⤊ 0⤋
yeah that sucks but i would of pulled the smart a*s card!
not after being put on the spot no!
that's rude! then i would of walked out!
what you could do is make something and send it in to your person or send a card! Money isn't everything
2007-11-15 04:01:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋