GRATUITY: SHOULD I TIP?

This seems to be the ever ending dilemma of whether you should tip your therapist or not. It’s really a simple question to answer. It all depends on what type of service you are receiving. Usually in a spa environment it is expected for the client is to tip the therapist. In a medical setting when you are paying insurance tipping is not necessary. When uncertain do not be afraid to ask if gratuity is customary for that business. If service is satisfactory a tip may be in order.

In my business tipping is not necessary but appreciated. It is your choice to give gratuity or not. It should never be opposed or enforced in any establishment.

Sometimes the client does not know gratuity etiquette. The client may assume the gratuity is included in the service fee. Another reason could be the client may only afford the service but not the tip. They might be embarrassed because of the lack of funds for the tip. No explanation is ever needed in why you can not give one. If you received exceptional service, in lieu of a tip you can schedule another session or refer friends and family out to the therapist. I personally would rather for you to be a returning client. Save the tip for your next session.

When paying for your massage session by credit card, my processing company will give you options to leave a tip. This is normal procedure with all credit card companies. It gives you options to choose to tip or not.  The choice is yours to do so or not.

Gratitude is an exchange of energy. It manifests in many ways for both the client and the therapist. I am always grateful of the returning client. In appreciation I give up to 15 minutes to frequent clients (when I am not booked back to back in sessions). I give this freely. I do not expect anything in return for the extra session time nor a tip. It is my gratitude to you for selecting me as your massage therapist.

Suzan Walker, LMT

Connective Integration Massage Therapy

817-966-1020

3100 West Arkansas Lane

Suite 108

Arlington, Texas 76016

Read Full Post »

JUST THE PRICE

I receive daily calls asking this same question…

This is always the first question that a possible client ask, “how much do you charge?”
The question you should be asking what type of massage the massage therapist provides or specializes in, how many years have they been in business business and are they qualified to perform the work on you or a loved one.

Are they compassionate? Do they care about your health and well-being? Will they be there after your massage? Will they tell you what you need to do to maintain your massage? Regardless of the amount you pay, if you have a well qualified therapist that shows compassion and is knowledgeable, the massage worth is priceless.

Price should be the last thing on your mind. You are interviewing a possible therapist to work on your body whether it be relaxation or medical. You are interviewing for a possible long-term massage therapist. Trust must be earned from both parties involved. You are allowing someone into your personal space to perform a massage on you. Massage is intimate. Within five minutes of meeting someone, you are giving them your faith and trust that they are knowledgeable in their craft. You want to be as comfortable as possible with the therapist. That is why you interview before the massage takes place.

By someone calling to only inquire about the price of a massage only tells me that you do not care what my business has to offer nor how I can assist in your long-term massage therapy goals or needs. It tells me you are not serious in booking a massage at all. You are wasting your time including mine if price is your only concern.

If you cannot afford the price of a massage I can always work something out with you. There is nothing that cannot be negotiated in life. Remember, I do perform a service for a fee. I am not a commodity nor a product. You will never see me on groupon nor deep discounting my services. I will not send out daily texts or even emails weekly to bother you about specials. I don’t “do” discounts or specials. My personal view of massage therapy is not that way and should never be treat as such in my opinion. I’m not a fly by night business. I have been in business for nearly six years with fourteen years experience in massage therapy and in the healing arts. I’m a professional and that would be a disservice not only to you but to my profession if I treated massage therapy as a product. A question I pose is that would you treat your doctor the way you treat a massage therapist?

Massage is a life long goal for health and well-being. It will assist in all aspects of life. From relaxation to prenatal to muscle injury but not limited to the every day stress of life. Massage helps to better improve your quality of life. It helps increase circulation, breaks up muscle adhesion, reduce trigger point formation, calms the mind, relaxes the muscles and the list goes on and on. Ask me how massage therapy can benefit your condition. I can give you a answer.

If you are on the fence you are more than welcome to review my web site http://www.massageandhealingdfw.com/ to make a informed choice. There is plenty of information to read for your review. You certainly will get what you pay for when you ask questions and are informed about what massage therapy really is all about. It will make you a informed consumer and client. “You are paying for quality not quantity.” Be a client not a customer.

Massage therapy is a partnership involving both client and the therapist. The therapist communicates and works with you in massage therapy goals and needs. It is vital that you do communicate with your therapist.

Please consider all of this before calling any massage therapist.

Read Full Post »