I tip15%, sometimes a little bit more. I've been going to the same massage therapist for a long time and sometimes she does a little extra for me.

Yes, always. Typically 20%, more in some cases.

20% for me. Although, if it's the owner maybe less?

Yes, 15-20%

20%

I get a reduced rate and tip 20% on the full rate. Sometimes a little more.

typically 15% here, sometimes more - never less.

There are certain professions/jobs where compensation is partly based on tip. If you are going to someone whose salary is dependent upon tip, you tip.

Perhaps a paradigm shift where you consider the cost of the service is service+tip=cost.

Sometimes at spas/resorts they will include the tip. You could look at that as not tipping, but actually i find it annoying when tips are explicitly included.

I think of all the tipping situations, massage is probably the one that doesn't bother me in the least. I'm always in such a good mood after ...a good massage seems priceless. If it doesn't make you feel expansive and generous maybe the massage wasn't so hot after all. LOL

I can't imagine tipping a dentist; heck you don't even "pay" them really, right? Insurance does.

I pay the dentist. I don't tip her.

I agree, charge me what you want me to pay. A massage in some places is $150. And add $30?

I don't go often. When I do I try to go to sole proprietors. I may give them $10 more than they ask for.

"I can't imagine tipping a dentist; heck you don't even "pay" them really, right? Insurance does." If you're lucky enough to have dental insurance! I do, but there are many, many people who do not. It's not a part of Medicare, so seniors (unless they can afford to pay privately for insurance) and poor people don't have it and I think fewer and fewer employers offer it and definitely not lower paying jobs.

My interpretation of what I will call the "owner tipping loophole" is that is applies to someone who is providing a service but who is also the owner and thus more "senior"and who has earnings beyond his own clients (ie a cut of everyone else's). Personally I have never quite understood the logic of it so I ignore it and tip anyway.

But even if one adhered to such a rule, I think a sole proprietor of a massage business is not where I would apply it. It's just them, there is no business per se. I am not sure why they would not be tipped?

Tipping discussions sure can be arcane!

Hmmmm - what if your massage is paid for by insurance? Still tip if it's considered a "medical" treatment? I've never really thought about it before. My insurance pays 80% of "therapeutic" massage provided t's done by a registered massage therapist, up to $400 per calendar year. I get a similar amount from Hubby's insurance. The spa I go to even direct bills my insurer - I pay about $20 out of pocket for the treatment, but I tip on the original total amount.

I think whether the facility takes insurance for massage, it depend on the therapist's compensation structure. If it's still based in part on tips, then tip.

I would ask if tipping is expected at such a facility.

I generally tip 20% for a massage. Money well spent IMO.