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

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[quote=Anonymous]As an LMP who travels to my clients home this topic is of interest to me. Many have differing opinions and that's perfectly reasonable.

I personally should be charging much more for what I do. It's only $75 that I charge and only $10 more for Aromatherapy. I love what I do, deep tissue is a much more taxing modality on the Massage Therapist/Practitioner. I have yet to charge more for that.

I don't expect a tip, but I'm always thankful if I get one.

These are some of the expenditures out of pocket that I pay for as an independent self employed mobile LMP.

Gas/oil and any other services to my vehicle. If my client is 30 miles away that's a 60 mile trip for 1 client in the convenience of their own home where they get to chill after instead of getting in their vehicle and driving themselves after Theraputic massage plus saving themselves a few gallons of gas or more. Depending on the price of gas which is average $3.00 a gal in my State that can run me $25-30 out of pocket.
$75-85 (depending on aromatherapy) 75-25=$50

[b]I don't even know where to begin with this.  So, if your car gets 20 miles per gallon, you've used up 3 gallons or $9.00.  Not sure where you're getting $30 - that's ridiculous.
Second, most MT that come to my home charge more than the spa massages - and that surcharge, I thought, accounts for the gas and your time to drive between clients, rather than seeing clients back-to back.  If you're not doing that, then you are making a big mistake.[/b]

Massage lotions, oils, towels, equipment all cost out of pocket.
I don't use crap product, only the best, I never use anything with any form of toxins, fragrance, or chemical. I know many who do, but I can't and won't. Only the best for my clients because I care about their health on every level. Even my cleaning supplies including what I wash the table/chair with, and the laundry from towells, blankets and sheets are washed in Thieves cleaner completely toxic free, plant cleaners.

How much supply I use depends on the client. I've used as much as $25 worth of product when I broke down my diffuser with the essential oils diffusing in the air, and applied with the carrier and essential oil on the client. But I average about $15 worth including oils (carriers), essential oils, cleaning, washing. 50-15=$35

[b]Again, I've often seen a surcharge for "better" products.  I've often seen (and paid for) up to $40 for better products.  You need to start doing that as well.[/b]

Then often have to count the unpaid time  equalling to about 3 hours. 1 hour for the actual massage, and 2 for preparation and drive time, set up, break down. That time is not paid obviously, lol.

[b]Ugh - LOL - see my first answer.  It's obviously paid for by the client - IF YOU CHARGE for it.  You're an idiot for not charging extra for these things and NO ONE would question why a mobile MT who comes to your home charges more than a spa MT. [/b]

I buy my own massage oil bottles that I often make specific client specific blends for, I pay the tax and shipping as well. Paper towels etc.

Then there is yearly insurance and licensing, and depending on your State I have to provide continueing education hours which can easily cost between $800-2500 depending on the classes to keep my license.

[b]Normal cost of business that EVERY professional pays for.[/b]

I also pay for my website, advertising, and computer, and business phone expenses. That runs me average $200 a month.

[b]Again - normal cost of business that EVERY business owner pays for[/b]

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but I'm thankful for this thread because it's really making take a harder look at cost.

I know when you work for a Spa...unless you are independent and only operating their independently. But if you work for a Spa, usually the tables are already provided for, you don't have to buy your own, or replace parts etc. They generally supply the lotions, oil, towels etc.
And you drive there stay till your shift is over and drive home (pretty much).

Massage work is not easy. It's very hard on the practitioners body. Could you kneed bread for 3 hours straight without stopping? Just something to think about.

[b]I'm sorry, but your reasoning is completely ridiculous.  I could lay out practically the same exact answers as you for my business and guess what???? I don't get tips.  My price to clients takes into account my overhead costs (yes, that's what your last several points fall under) and mine can even include "office space" and "a chair" and "a computer" and even my gas driving to clients for meetings  :roll:   - but that's not a reason for my clients to tip me.  This is INSANE.  I just can't believe some people who demand tips because of their cost of doing business  [/b]
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