Day Spa and tipping

brk-lnt · 05-25-2014, 05:55 PM

I think you're way over-reacting.

Including the tip on the gift-cert means that it is truly an "all inclusive" gift for the recipient, and it ensures the masseuse doesn't get accidentally "forgotten" about.

If you/she really thinks the service doesn't warrant the 18% tip, then speak up after the treatment and my guess is the manager will be happy to make it right.

Rusty · 05-25-2014, 06:51 PM

If I bought a gift certificate at a spa and they added a gratuity charge on it I would have asked for my money back.
The amount of gratuity depends on the service rendered and should not be expected.
I'll bet the technician will expect you to tip him/her also because I don't think all the upfront tip goes to him/her. 18% to the owner and then you have to tip again.

brk-lnt · 05-25-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

18% to the owner and then you have to tip again.

I will guarantee you this is not the case.

TiltonBB · 05-27-2014, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I will guarantee you this is not the case.

That is a pretty tall guarantee. You must have some inside information.

I once worked for a company in the service industry that would tell clients that their fee included everything, the service, tip, and tax and then put the total on a credit card. Then the company kept all of the money and told us that the tip money was used for advertising and we got more business because of it. The client didn't tip because they thought they already did when they booked the job.

I worked at another company that insisted that we turn in all of our tips and they then gave us back half of the tip in a paycheck and kept the rest. This was a business with per job tips in the $50 to $300 range so it amounted to a lot of cash for the owner. Before you ask, there were many regular customers so the owner knew what the tip for that job would be.

So............don't be so sure that the employees are well taken care of!

Misha888 · 05-27-2014, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I think you're way over-reacting.

Including the tip on the gift-cert means that it is truly an "all inclusive" gift for the recipient, and it ensures the masseuse doesn't get accidentally "forgotten" about.

If you/she really thinks the service doesn't warrant the 18% tip, then speak up after the treatment and my guess is the manager will be happy to make it right.

I think not. It is a warranted question.

When I purchase a Gift Certificate for services and give it to someone, I include cash in the card so the person can ascertain whether the 18% is warranted.

Personally, I have an all day spa "gift certificate" that was given to me 5 years ago. That's $350 they made without rendering the service . . . and if there was 18% tacked on they're going to get that too?

Just more entitlement speak.

brk-lnt · 05-27-2014, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misha888

I think not. It is a warranted question.

When I purchase a Gift Certificate for services and give it to someone, I include cash in the card so the person can ascertain whether the 18% is warranted.

Personally, I have an all day spa "gift certificate" that was given to me 5 years ago. That's $350 they made without rendering the service . . . and if there was 18% tacked on they're going to get that too?

Just more entitlement speak.

Your 5 year old unused gift certificate is an entirely different matter, and relates to all manner of gift cards, tip-included or not.

I'm not a huge fan of the over-done "tipping culture" in America, but like it or not a gratuity is essentially non-optional in these cases. Unless of course the service was horrible or something totally abnormal. So you could argue it either way about how/when/where a gratuity should be factored in on something like this.

Additionally, we operate in a free capitalist market, if you don't like the business policies, you don't have to shop there.

I also never said OP's question was unwarranted, just that I thought they were over-reacting (which was in response to the post asking for opinions). Try not to assert statements to me that I didn't make.

Misha888 · 05-27-2014, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Your 5 year old unused gift certificate is an entirely different matter, and relates to all manner of gift cards, tip-included or not.

I'm not a huge fan of the over-done "tipping culture" in America, but like it or not a gratuity is essentially non-optional in these cases. Unless of course the service was horrible or something totally abnormal. So you could argue it either way about how/when/where a gratuity should be factored in on something like this.

Additionally, we operate in a free capitalist market, if you don't like the business policies, you don't have to shop there.

I also never said OP's question was unwarranted, just that I thought they were over-reacting (which was in response to the post asking for opinions). Try not to assert statements to me that I didn't make.

Your comment of over-reaction was not warranted. I'll choose my words more closely next time.

phoenix · 05-27-2014, 09:35 PM

I still think part of tipping philosophy relates to the compensation a service provider makes as well as the quality of service. restaurant workers make $ 3 per hour and need the tips to get to a reasonable wage. Some people are getting good wages and maybe the tips should be discretionary and a lower percent . It is not always evident but to me its a consideration

brk-lnt · 05-27-2014, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misha888

Your comment of over-reaction was not warranted. I'll choose my words more closely next time.

His post started with "...tell me what you think of this". I told him what I thought.

Sorry if you disagree with me offering a free opinion in response to solicitation for such.

jrc · 05-27-2014, 11:00 PM

If someone gave me a gift to a service that normally required a tip and the tip was included, I would think kindly on the thoughtful giver. Otherwise my gift of a free service, now cost me money for a tip.

I guess that the possibility of the service being poor enough to withhold a tip does exist but how often does that happen? Do you really buy gift certificates at establishments that frequently give poor service? I doubt it, so we are talking about a pretty rare circumstance.

If your wife comes back from her day spa and complains that the service was poor, then you call the spa and complain. You picked a reputable company, so they will make it right, maybe a refund, or at least a discount on future business.

winnisummergal · 05-28-2014, 11:56 AM

I wouldn't appreciate the business taking my choice away. Tipping is a choice, not a necessity. (For the record, I bartended my way through college and am very aware how important tips are to one's income.) Often, I tip over 20%, sometimes under depending on the level of service I receive.

I like to have the choice to decide what to give my service provider based on the experience I receive at that time.

Rusty · 05-28-2014, 07:36 PM

We have enough laws in this country but there should be one that forces a gratuity charge on anything.

The gift certificate should say that the gratuity is not included. That way whoever goes to the spa he/she can give what they feel they deserve.

I still think that the owner of the spa gets some of the gratuity when it's charged up front. Maybe not a lot, but they'll take some of it.

Pam · 05-29-2014, 10:56 AM

Personally, I love it when a spa or restaurant automatically adds an 18% tip (as long as they tell me, of course- if they don't, that's another matter), since it saves me a little math, and also saves me some money, since I'd usually tip 20%.

If the service was really bad enough to affect the tip amount, I'd bring it up to the management. Otherwise, I'm more than happy to go with what's easiest for me. Of course, I'd love it if tipping became a thing of the past- for all the reasons mentioned in this thread, but that's not likely to happen.

chipj29 · 05-30-2014, 09:34 AM

I was recently at a larger chain restaurant in the area. At the bottom of the printed bill there were some tip calculations based on the check total, 15%, 18% and 20%, intended to show how much tip to leave. The funny thing is, the calculations were way off. I was going to leave a 20% tip on a $60 tab. $12, right? Well their calculation for 20% was a few dollars less.
I wondered if their calculation was based on the pre-tax amount. Didn’t wonder enough to really try to figure it out.

And yes, I left the full 20%. Math isn’t really that difficult, and it is (at least to me) sorta offensive that they feel the need to tell me how much to leave. But whatever, at least it wasn’t a forced gratuity charge.

jrc · 05-30-2014, 10:12 AM

You are supposed to tip on the cost of the food or service. You don't tip on the tax, they didn't serve you tax.

That being said, for food I always double the last two digits and round up to the nearest dollar. I aim for 20% but I can't be bothered with coins on a pricey restaurant meal. Alone at a diner I would be more accurate.

Can we just stop pretending that tipping is optional? Unless your service was outright horrible, you're stealing from the service provider if you tip less than 15%. They earn crap in wages and this is their pay. You don't have to like this system but it is the system. You're not going to fix the system by screwing the lowest paid people in the system. If you don't want to tip, eat at McDonalds and cut your own hair.

Oregonrain · 06-02-2014, 08:37 PM

I guess I don't get out enough... I thought tips were supposed to be 10%. At least it was many years ago. When did it change? I like leaving big tips, I'm just curious when it changed from 10% to 20%.

winnisummergal · 06-02-2014, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonrain

I guess I don't get out enough... I thought tips were supposed to be 10%. At least it was many years ago. When did it change? I like leaving big tips, I'm just curious when it changed from 10% to 20%.

I was being tipped on average 17percent while bartending back in the early 90's.

brk-lnt · 06-02-2014, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonrain

I guess I don't get out enough... I thought tips were supposed to be 10%. At least it was many years ago. When did it change? I like leaving big tips, I'm just curious when it changed from 10% to 20%.

Around the time they stopped making nickels out of wood

05-25-2014, 05:55 PM	#1
brk-lnt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Down Shores Posts: 1,944 Thanks: 545 Thanked 570 Times in 335 Posts	I think you're way over-reacting. Including the tip on the gift-cert means that it is truly an "all inclusive" gift for the recipient, and it ensures the masseuse doesn't get accidentally "forgotten" about. If you/she really thinks the service doesn't warrant the 18% tip, then speak up after the treatment and my guess is the manager will be happy to make it right. __________________ [insert witty phrase here]

05-25-2014, 06:51 PM	#2
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	If I bought a gift certificate at a spa and they added a gratuity charge on it I would have asked for my money back. The amount of gratuity depends on the service rendered and should not be expected. I'll bet the technician will expect you to tip him/her also because I don't think all the upfront tip goes to him/her. 18% to the owner and then you have to tip again. __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

05-27-2014, 09:35 PM	#8
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,563 Thanks: 63 Thanked 276 Times in 194 Posts	I still think part of tipping philosophy relates to the compensation a service provider makes as well as the quality of service. restaurant workers make $ 3 per hour and need the tips to get to a reasonable wage. Some people are getting good wages and maybe the tips should be discretionary and a lower percent . It is not always evident but to me its a consideration __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

05-28-2014, 11:56 AM	#11
winnisummergal Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina and Wolfeboro or Alton Posts: 123 Thanks: 188 Thanked 38 Times in 20 Posts	i like to have my choice I wouldn't appreciate the business taking my choice away. Tipping is a choice, not a necessity. (For the record, I bartended my way through college and am very aware how important tips are to one's income.) Often, I tip over 20%, sometimes under depending on the level of service I receive. I like to have the choice to decide what to give my service provider based on the experience I receive at that time.

05-28-2014, 07:36 PM	#12
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	We have enough laws in this country but there should be one that forces a gratuity charge on anything. The gift certificate should say that the gratuity is not included. That way whoever goes to the spa he/she can give what they feel they deserve. I still think that the owner of the spa gets some of the gratuity when it's charged up front. Maybe not a lot, but they'll take some of it. __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

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05-27-2014, 11:00 PM	#10
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	If someone gave me a gift to a service that normally required a tip and the tip was included, I would think kindly on the thoughtful giver. Otherwise my gift of a free service, now cost me money for a tip. I guess that the possibility of the service being poor enough to withhold a tip does exist but how often does that happen? Do you really buy gift certificates at establishments that frequently give poor service? I doubt it, so we are talking about a pretty rare circumstance. If your wife comes back from her day spa and complains that the service was poor, then you call the spa and complain. You picked a reputable company, so they will make it right, maybe a refund, or at least a discount on future business.

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05-29-2014, 10:56 AM	#13
Pam Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 66 Thanks: 22 Thanked 59 Times in 23 Posts	Personally, I love it when a spa or restaurant automatically adds an 18% tip (as long as they tell me, of course- if they don't, that's another matter), since it saves me a little math, and also saves me some money, since I'd usually tip 20%. If the service was really bad enough to affect the tip amount, I'd bring it up to the management. Otherwise, I'm more than happy to go with what's easiest for me. Of course, I'd love it if tipping became a thing of the past- for all the reasons mentioned in this thread, but that's not likely to happen.

The Following User Says Thank You to Pam For This Useful Post:
brk-lnt (05-29-2014)

05-30-2014, 09:34 AM	#14
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	I was recently at a larger chain restaurant in the area. At the bottom of the printed bill there were some tip calculations based on the check total, 15%, 18% and 20%, intended to show how much tip to leave. The funny thing is, the calculations were way off. I was going to leave a 20% tip on a $60 tab. $12, right? Well their calculation for 20% was a few dollars less. I wondered if their calculation was based on the pre-tax amount. Didn’t wonder enough to really try to figure it out. And yes, I left the full 20%. Math isn’t really that difficult, and it is (at least to me) sorta offensive that they feel the need to tell me how much to leave. But whatever, at least it wasn’t a forced gratuity charge. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

05-30-2014, 10:12 AM	#15
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	You are supposed to tip on the cost of the food or service. You don't tip on the tax, they didn't serve you tax. That being said, for food I always double the last two digits and round up to the nearest dollar. I aim for 20% but I can't be bothered with coins on a pricey restaurant meal. Alone at a diner I would be more accurate. Can we just stop pretending that tipping is optional? Unless your service was outright horrible, you're stealing from the service provider if you tip less than 15%. They earn crap in wages and this is their pay. You don't have to like this system but it is the system. You're not going to fix the system by screwing the lowest paid people in the system. If you don't want to tip, eat at McDonalds and cut your own hair.

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06-02-2014, 08:37 PM	#16
Oregonrain Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region Posts: 144 Thanks: 199 Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts	I guess I don't get out enough... I thought tips were supposed to be 10%. At least it was many years ago. When did it change? I like leaving big tips, I'm just curious when it changed from 10% to 20%.