Tipping (or gratuity) for me sometimes feels uncomfortable in certain circumstances.... so I wanted to clarity my feelings on tipping / gratuity.
I'm all FOR clients tipping their massage therapists when the therapist if working for a company or someone is managing many therapists under one roof because the therapist is getting paid only a cut of what the cost actually is (and it's usually on the lower end of a 60/40 or 70/30 split. It's rare for a therapist to find employment with a 50/50 split or more).
However, when the therapist owns her own practice (such as my practice)..... I feel that tipping is not really necessary at all. So, if you are paying FULL price for services, I would like you to know that you do NOT have to tip me. The price is the price... and there is really NO need to tip.
However, if you are receiving a massage at a greatly reduced or discounted price and you truly enjoyed your massage and you would like to offer a tip or gratuity.... I feel in that case tipping is acceptable. But when it's full price.... not so much..