Reply to How much do you tip a massage therapist for a 60 minute massage?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I would like to start off by saying that I don't think someone should be unable to get a service just because all they can manage to afford is the service itself and not the tip, its hard enough being poor, and massage, at least, isn't (always) just a luxury, you shouldn't be denied some relief just because you don't have $20 extra on top of the $60 to god-knows-how-much your already spending just so you can sleep without pain. However, I believe if your not hurting for money, you should probably tip, if the massage was good, that is. I say this as someone who is both a massage therapist, and someone who doesn't make much money (yet!) It's a tougher career choice then you might imagine, guys.

Firstly, massage therapists can't (shouldn't, more like) work 40 hour weeks. I know it seems like regular manual labor is harder and MT's should buck up, but its a different kind of strain on the body, and doing too much is a very real risk of burnout and/or injury. Then what does all the money sunk into the degree, the licensing the continuing education the equipment get us? I live in constant fear of carpal tunnel! Or tendinitis. Or a sort of bad cut on the hand. Or a moderate to severe cough. All of these things mean I can't work.  (Side note, kiddies, don't go into massage therapy unless your in very good health, just trust me on this one.)

Second, we usually work on some form of commission, even if it's just a matter of only making the full hourly wage while doing massages, and minimum when not booked. And we are not always booked up solid. Then, if the client fails to show up, that's an hour (or more) less pay.  The earnings can be very inconsistent. So much as the weather looking a bit bad can kill business.

If one starts out working for themselves, or at a smaller place that isn't an already well known and busy spa, it can take years to build up to making a real living, particularly if not in a city, or if you choose to have other work on the side, therefor reducing the hours you can work to drum up business.

I'm one of the lucky ones that makes quite a high commission, but I'm still working on the slow build up of business. When I get there, I'll make good money, but that's not all of us. Not even close. And even for me, though business is building wonderfully, its a slow trudge to the point of a proper living income. I don't demand everyone tip, and tip high, I'm just trying to help you understand why this is generally one of the tipping professions. And If you think that MT's who have a hard time making ends meet without tips should "find a different career" then I guess you must not want to be able to get massages, because that's the kind of life and pay we have to deal with to provide that service for you.

But for the love of god, whatever you take out of this little novel I've written, please tip those poor souls unfortunate enough to work at Massage Envy![/quote]

Very well said. I'm not a MT but typically work the sort of jobs that leave me needing one in order to continue working (so I, for one, am grateful there are people like yourself who enjoy helping others in a way that ends up helping ME!)

As for the hours per week you should be working, you're right about not being able to do a "normal" work week and still be able to function. And for those who feel you're just whining about the hard work, it would only take one hour of their own massaging their spouse non-stop and in the "work out the kinks" fashion that they receive their own massages to figure that out!! 
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