Ahhh, your old tip question. People want to know, no one wants to be the CHEAP guy who doesn’t tip.

But first the story…

I ordered a gluten-free pizza the other day, and the guy went up to the 23rd floor. He had the “I’m barely getting through the day” look on his face. He handed me the bill and pizza, I took my pizza and gave him a $20 tip.

His eyes lit up like Christmas.

I figured most people weren’t very generous with it, and when I see the cost of gas these days, I jump out of my skin. I can’t even imagine how low his hourly wage is.

Let me ask you something, Is it customary to tip $20 for a $10 pizza?? No it’s not, but I did it anyway because I thought beyond myself. I put myself in his world, I imagined what a normal day would be like for him.

If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a tip of 15% to 20% is standard if you were satisfied with the services.

On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or standards when it comes to massage in a medical setting. Some massage therapists say that tips are not appropriate in a medical or clinical setting.

I work in a rehabilitation center and I receive tips, I work in a clinic and I receive tips. I don’t work in a spa, where that is expected.

I’m going to include some insider secrets to help you decide:

• Most RMTs have a 60/40 split with the clinic they work at. The RMT receives 60%. So even though you pay $80 for a one hour massage, the RMT gets $45.
• At many day spas, RMTs are grossly underpaid; at a spa, they may only make $22 per RMT message. I have friends who work in spas, so I know.
• Same for rehab centers, most rehab centers pay a maximum of $30 for 1 hour of massage to your RMT.

As you can see, companies are keeping most of the money you pay. The RMTs don’t even get a shred of the money.

Here are some questions to help you:

1.) How would you feel if the situation were reversed?

two.) Would you like to receive a tip? If so, how much?

3.) How would you feel if someone didn’t give you a dime?

4.) How would you feel if someone was extraordinarily generous with you?

That’s your answer in a nutshell. If you tip, it will make our day, it will make our lives. It’s that little extra we don’t expect.

Giving good tips improves relationships, because it makes the other person feel special and important. Next time they will want to do more for you.

If you get a discounted massage, definitely tip because the therapist is working with you for half their normal rate.

If you make a profit and everything is essentially free, why not? Why not brighten someone’s day?

I tip well because I know the value of appreciation, I know it will make a difference in that person’s life, so I do.

Lindsay Tietz, RMT, homeopath