21h • General discussion
My tip about tips
ever wonder what might be contributing to your tips or lack thereof? While tipping in the US is customary with some spas or luxury bodywork spaces even requiring a certain percent, with massage and bodywork, tips can be hit or miss. Especially if you have a private or even an at-home practice some common things may be affecting how often you receive tips and the amount.
1) Payment method: believe it or not, the payment method you use can have a big impact on tips. While you may be tempted to be flexible and allow things like apple pay, venmo, zelle or even just manually enter their card into your square on your phone, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Easy pay options usually do not have controls that allow you to prompt for tips and in a world that is becoming increasingly transactional, even if they intend to leave a tip, if you don't remind them or make it easy, it probably won't happen.
2) Taking the payment yourself: I know this one sounds counter intuitive especially in a private practice, but who takes the payment and how they do it can also play a role. While you can be the driving force for initiating payment, having the customer complete it on their own gives them the flexibility to decide how much they want to pay. Even if it's on your ipad/tablet or phone handing them the device give them the responsibility for the payment. And there really is something to be said of getting value out of effort- much like building Ikea furniture. While processing all of the payment stuff for them may sound easier, and quicker, having the client do the swipe/tap/chip and then complete the process (including tip prompt) to the end creates a sense of connection to the action and allows them to feel a sense of generosity if they choose to leave a tip. Which is the whole pint of it in the first place.
-Just make sure you're okay with them handling whatever device you hand them.
3) Where possible, Have the payment processing be near someone: Particularly if you rent an office space or work in someone else'e practice. 9 times out of 10, if someone is checking out near you, near a receptionist or even near another staff member who isn't even connected to you or your practice but works there, people feel like they might be judged if they don't leave at least something unless they really didn't like your service. If tips are important to you or your bottom like, make sure you pay attention to when and where payments are processed and who might be around.
4) Provide a discrete method of tipping: Something as simple as a tip envelope in the room and again at the front desk may encourage someone to leave a hearty tip especially after a really good massage session. People like the idea of potentially leaving a surprise gift that would brighten someone's day.
Conclusion: Tips are meant to be something given above the stated value for receiving value above the expected value. Many factors can come into play including the local cost of living and subsequent income level. If you rely on tips but find you are lacking, consider raising your prices to make sure your income meets your needs. The above tips can help you to consider controllable factors but remember they are intended as a show of gratitude not an obligation.
also: don't underestimate the power of a good sign. It doesn't hurt to remind them that tips are appreciated.
1
0 comments
My tip about tips
powered by
skool.com/massage-ground-zero-9986
Level up your massage game with knowledge and techniques that elevate both your skills and your business.Turning what you know into pro material.
Suggested communities
Powered by