Tipping At The Medical Spa
Monday August 18, 2008
Tipping at the medical spa is creates quite a bit of confusion. "I just had my third glycolic peel and it just occurred to me…should I be tipping?" asked one visitor to the site, Dara. She had not because "it's a very short appointment and very expensive." Another person was getting laser treatments and wondered about tipping the esthetician who would be performing the procedures. There is no hard and fast rule here. Many medical spas don't allow tipping because it interferes with their "medical" image. Others allow it, especially if they offer traditional treatments like facials, massage, even waxing. I would tip 15-20% for traditional treatments and glycolics if they are part of an overall facial. If it's a "quickie" like a glycolic peel and is done by an esthetician I would probably offer a $10. For a more lengthy laser treatment by an esthetician, I would offer $20. But for a doctor or physician's assistant doing Botox injections, I would feel strange tipping. How about you? Do you tip at the medical spa?
Comments
I recently had microdermabrasion performed by an esthetician at a dermatology group’s office and inquired at check-in whether it was appropriate or not to tip. I was told no. That seemed reasonable to me since it was in a doctor’s office.
I don’t tip at medical appts. I don’t tip the doctors, dentists or nurses so I don’t see why I need to tip someone working in the medical field of another speciality.
My membership in a professional skin care association precludes me from accepting tips, however, I would like to let clients know that aestheticians receive little, if any, compensation from the service provided beyond that of an hourly wage (at least here in the northeast). It is my opinion that aestheticians who provide a service that is well done should be tipped.
Tipping has really gotten out of hand. I am a professional and do not get a tip for doing my job, so I do not tip at a Medical Spa. How about at an expensive destination spa? I have visited several recently and think the all inclusive price should take care of the staff too. At $1000 a day tips should not be expected. Any thoughts?
The therapist does not get that much of the money that goes to the treatment — maybe $15 to $20 for a massage or facial. The tip brings that up to $35 or $40. That may sound like a lot per hour, but you’re not getting paid at many places unless you’re working and downtime is a fact of life at spas. So the tip makes all the difference.