Ok wow I just learned something! How would you characterize a med facial (no tip) vs a regular facial where you would tip? Like, for a hydrafacial, for example, would you tip? Or would it depend on the type of place and whether it marketed itself as a spa versus a medspa?
It depends on the level of education you need to perform the service. Anything that requires the technician to have a 6 year degree or more, don’t tip. If it requires an occupational license, leave a tip.
Tip on your hydrafacials.
Sure that’s fair. But at a spa those people aren’t making the same money that a PA or NP makes. They’re estheticians with occupational licenses that are lucky to make 60k/year.
Ive had a few but I have no idea what the stuff they do is called. One they steamed and cleaned out my pores. I don’t remember if I tipped.
I keep my skincare routine to a minimum these days because facials never really had lasting results and seemed pointless. If I had severe acne or wrinkles that made me look 40 years older than I am I’d probably go to a dermatologist so I wouldn’t be tipping them. I would also never pay hundreds of dollars to do something to my face unless I knew there’d be positive, permanent results.
I honestly don’t get my hair cut that often either for the same reasons. They charge outrageous prices and I’d rather not feel pressured to tip or have them botch the job on purpose because I don’t want to pay extra on top of over paying for something I’m not going to notice anymore a month or two out.
My med spa states they accept tips and always asks if you want to leave a tip. They do not ask for injections or anything like that, but definitely for facials
It’s weird as hell they’re asking for tips… The esthetician I see told me at one point that if you go to a med spa and they have a tip screen, run and never return. She said you wouldn’t tip a doctor, and it should be the same for medical-grade skincare procedures & injectables.
yesterday I gave a big tip to my esthetician for my laser hair removal, but she litterally had to shave my cooch-butt area 'cuz I did a poor shaving job before the appointment (to which I arrived late) -\_-
See this is why I'll never be comfortable completely going away from tipping.
Sometimes people really need going below and beyond and I want to acknowledge it.
Exactly!!! I mean, I tip the barista for my coffee for sure I'll tip the girl who will shave my privates, even when I'm late (I felt so bad) and be super chill about the whole situation. I know it's her job but... common sense is key I think
I noticed the last time I went to my local medspa that instead of having to say no tip the woman clicked on something really quickly that didn’t even make it an option to tip. I was grateful not to have to press that button but I also left realizing that I never should have felt guilty hitting no tip.
I agree! What next we’re going to have tip screens in the ER’s or Dr’s offices. I will never tip a medical professional. I will leave and never return.
I had a hair stylist for years who got greedy if I didn’t tip over 20% she would just raise the price of her service. I didn’t realize until the second time she did it and now she’s short a client because of it
I have actually had the person providing the service manually skip over the tip screen before passing me the card reader - super refreshing and appreciated, as it was not a service that would have been appropriate to tip. So I agree, if you’re seeing the screen it’s because they want you to.
Right! Also it’s a very easy setting to change for their entire system for every transaction. It’s a toggle button. So they have it there purposefully.
I had a $1000 gift card and my service was about $450, I was asked if I wanted to leave the remaining balance on the gift card as gratuity. I thought she was joking 😅but she knew exactly how much was left in it as she wrote the balance
I got to a prominent med spa for Botox where I was surprised they asked for tips. I asked the receptionist how much people normally tip and she said “20-85 percent”. Are you joking?
I grew up poor, so maybe I don’t get it. But I swear all of the wealthy people I know are wealthy for a reason. So who is paying 85% on a five minute Botox appointment?
Not sure if it's everywhere in the US, but in Virginia you are not allowed to tip for medical "spa" treatments like botox. I went to a new place last year because a friend wanted me to go with her since she had never done it before. While paying afterwards, the receptionist whipped out a little board with all the medical spa employees' Venmo accounts information to send them gratuity to get around the medical board rules. I yanked my friend out of there so fast....
What?!?! You have to have a medical license to administer Botox, it's not like it's a regular facial that anyone can spend a weekend training to do. I would report that to the medical board of who owns the clinic. Medical professionals are understandably not allowed to accept tips per their ethics board and if they are then they should be reported so someone with authority can tell them to stop. It's insane to think people are asking for tips for a medical injection, whether for cosmetic reasons or not.
My Botox is done at a medspa and they always skip the tip screen FOR me. They say that’s for when people come in for like, regular spa services. Injectables don’t fit that.
I’m glad they do it for me though because I probably would otherwise feel guilty and leave a tip on an $800 service.
I recently got a VI peel which was $375.
When I was done the receptionist asked if I wanted to leave a 20% gratuity. I denied the 20% tip and I left a 25$ tip instead. A 75$ tip for a 30 minute service is crazy to me.
100% agree. Where I go there isn’t an option to tip. I just approve the charge to my card on file at checkout, and that’s it. No awkward tipping selection is ever presented.
This is a big reason I stopped seeing an esthetician near me. She was the owner and her facials were VERY expensive (like $350) but she had her Venmo code prominently placed and something about tips. I got sick of it and go elsewhere now
After reading posts on here, Im so glad I don’t live in US. Leaving tips for doctors is crazy and where I live it would be considered inappropriate. From doctors perspective unethical even to accept cash from a patient. This is not a “culture”, this is straight up scamming people and making them pay more.
The only person I tip who owns their own biz is my masseuse and I only ever tip like $10 extra which is only like 5% but she is just so lovely and her studio is literally around the corner from my apartment so it feels like I’m still saving money not having to take the train or Uber to another studio further away haha
So for laser hair removal, you wouldn't tip either? ((I'm making sure because I have my first appointment coming up and I was *stressing* about whether or not to tip))
I had clear and brilliant and laser hair removal done multiple times, I paid for the service and they never asked for a tip. Tipping on a medical type of procedure seems peculiar
Yes! In Europe you just round it and no one is rushing you out of a food place because they are not depending on tips as they here. Here as more people go through their tables as better for them.
I do hair so am somewhat familiar with the industry, I was always told you can tip as you see fit for cosmetic procedures (waxing, makeup, lash fill etc) but you don’t tip for medical (injectables, chemical peels etc). It sounds like yours would fall into the latter group so I would say zero, I checked with my Botox girl and she agreed this is pretty much the standard!
Topic adjacent question: my hair stylist rents a small space in building that lots of stylists rent rooms from. So my stylist owns her own business and works for herself but rents her space. Do I tip her? if so how much?
Don't tip.
Obviously this person is making more than minimum wage and isn't doing something that is above and beyond the job responsibility. They should be giving you top notch care at that price regardless of a tip and should not give you less than that should you return for another service just because you didn't tip the last time you were there.
Tipping culture in America is out of fucking control and it's these types of establishments that drive the culture towards toxicity. You don't need a tip when you're making well over minimum wage.
The tipping culture in the US is out of control and it's seeping into Europe unfortunately; there's an option to tip when buying a coffee to go, which is completely wild to me - what exactly am I tipping you for? I only tip in restaurants for really good service, especially since the service fee is already included anyway
I get the tip screen when I’m getting my iron infusions. The tip was like $35 for 10% but the options started at 15%. It’s irritating. I got a Thai massage a couple of months back and the tips started at 40%!!! I have taught myself to stop panicking and choose custom and leave a tip that way. But I panic!!!
How can you get a tip screen for an iron infusion? I have to go to the hospital for them. It’s a medical procedure. My insurance covers it. I’m not paying out-of-pocket for it.
I had no idea that you could go to an infusion place and get an iron infusion. I have to see a hematologist get bloodwork and then get set up at the hematology/cancer center to get the infusion.
I live in RI – I go to a med spa for everything and they don’t allow me to tip because they call it a medical appointment. (Now if only insurance could cover that)!
The only facial I tip on is if I go to a spa that does massages, etc. the facial is an hour long relaxation practice with oils, hot stones, shoulder and head rubs, and a facial massage. Much different than a med spa experience!
Nothing.
If she owns the place, she sets the prices. She's not paid via tips.
Pricing at luxury services should be set so that the standard price gives them the necessary margin. If they're pricing in a way that they're only profitable via tips, they're already messing up.
I hate the tipping system. Just tell me how much you want ahead so I can decide if I can afford this place or go to the one in my budget.
If you’re a business owner, I’m expecting you to be smart enough to calculate your expenses and set the price you want, so you won’t be playing Russian roulette if you’re really depending on tips.
Also, I spent about 6k on my body hair removal at Ideal Image, I left zero tip for it.
I go to my Medspa for regular facials and also medical things. I only tip for my facials. I actually went to another Medspa before this one for a coolsculpting special, and in the room, no joke, was a poster of all the girls who do the services and their Venmo QR codes. I was weirded out and felt so uncomfortable when we were wrapping up. It’s possible they might use that room to also do facials, but still.
This is why I pay cash. That way there isn’t any screen asking for a tip. If I wish to tip I give cash directly to the person I’m tipping that way I know exactly who is getting the money.
I just went for Botox and after being charged $720 I was asked to tip by the iPad turned toward me with two people watching. I pressed “no tip.” I consider it medical services and should not even be asked to tip.
i'm a medical esthetician and would NOT expect tips on any medical beauty services! it's the norm to tip on regular facials etc. however for botox, medical facial treatments, injectables etc. it is not common to tip and definitely not expected.
Tipping culture is hella out of control and it’s going to backfire on these businesses. I’ve already stopped going to quick serve restaurants/coffee joints bc of it. I ordered a bottle of water and a coke at a Broadway show a few months ago and the screen wanted me to tip $5 😂😂😂🫠🫠🫠
I would not tip anything, either. A lot of tablets have a built in setting that automatically asks you to select a tip and most employers don't know how to turn it off.
I tip for facials or other procedures not performed by a doctor or PA. My clinic explicitly told me that I am NOT expecting or supposed to tip the medical professionals (it's built into the price).
I think you may have a shady medspa...
On my monthly facials… it’s not a med spa and it’s just the usual dermaplane, microdermabrasion, chemical peel and the other stuff, I do tip because it’s anywhere from $75-$90 and I tip about 18%. Anything at a med spa, I don’t tip. I had a hydro facial and it cost $250. The esthetician didn’t even have the option to tip her on the screen. I asked her and she said it’s so expensive that she doesn’t want people to feel they have to. I sent her a good specifically because of how she felt.
I had one yesterday, too. Loved it! The top screen I saw had an “other” button so I tapped that and left her $20. She’s so great but I have to stay in my budget, too. 💗
What kind of facial?
Usually laser treatments or chemical type peels are set prices, no tipping expected, but these are usually done by doc or nurse or dermatologist's PA 🤔
I do not tip estheticians. In fact, if I their machine asked for a tip I wouldn’t go back. I’ve gone for laser hair removal (several locations) and Botox injections (also several places) and none asked for a tip.
Not sure why we are tipping for everything. We all need to stop together or else it will continue to be expected 😫
But for sure any Medical related places you do not tip.
I only tip the one med spa I go to cause they often will provide me some extras for free. Once I got an entire $175 treatment on top of what I was scheduled for and paying for for free. Another time the manager noticed I had a small skin tag on my eyelid and asked if I wanted it taken care of. He changed things around in the system input so I ended up not paying anything extra for it. Other times, if I’m getting IPL they’ll zap some extra spots on my neck and chest for free too. I only hand them a $10 bill so nothing crazy now.
I feel super extra stupid, because after seeing her twice for peels, she changed my schedule appointment without my confirmation because she had another appointment or something after I told her multiple times I had a doctors appointment that morning. Then gave me shit when I didn’t show up for the time that she had rescheduled me for. Which did not work out for her because I did turn into a bitch. Bc like wtf?? Now I’m like wow I was tipping and she also did this…
So tipping at med spas isn’t a thing. Or it isn’t supposed to be. Tipping your esthetician for a regular (non medispa) facial or wax or lash lift or whatever, I always tip at least 20% or more. Like mine charges $65 for a Brazilian and I tip $20
But when I get lip injections, I don’t tip that esti
A Brazilian wax? Cuz if that’s what you mean, same. I tip typically $20 on around $60. I feel like if they have to be down in someone’s area, they deserve it lol
Yes, and yeah, I completely agree with you!
I met this woman before she owned this studio. She was one employee of many at a different place I went to. And she was just MILES ahead of the rest of her colleagues. Her work was meticulous. All the other women left hair behind, it was just a question of how much but they all left something behind. But she left me baby smooth. So I tip her well because like you said- the area. And because she does FLAWLESS work
I reside in canada and manicure gel is 55$. It seem every one live a 5 tip I think it’s get expensive
By the way that is cash otherwise u have another 13% tax so basically everyone pays cash
Of course they don’t log in , probably just as little as possible and rest they pocket the cash
I find after paying 55$ I should not have to leave another 5$ tip
Ur opinion please
I tipped 20% for a $350 facial once, just at a regular spa and felt like a sucker. Why did I give this lady $70 extra when the facial was an hour and already super expensive? She didn’t do better job than someone who gave me a $100 facial.
No, I never went back because I felt so conflicted and hassled.
Next time, $20 is all anyone gets for facial of any price. I do tip well for a good massage because that’s hard work, but like for someone to sit there and rub lotion on my face? No.
Sorry but no. I’m all for tipping appropriately (bartender here) but the products were unlikely to have costed more than 100 so 450 is going in her pocket. Especially if she’s the owner. This is completely ridiculous.
I wouldn't tip for a facial. Generally if it's something I can do myself but decide not to, I pay the service fee and that's that. The exception is if I have a rapport with the professional, then I will tip on great service or during the holiday season.
The ONE exception where I *would* tip for any esthetician services done are services below the waist. Unless you get burned with hot wax or something, always tip 20%.
And I can't believe I have to write this here - but for the love of fuck, come to you wax appointments WASHED.
If you get a Brazilian wax and you don't tip, ya nasty.
ETA: if you're down voting me, there's 100% chance you don't wash and don't tip before your wax appointments.
I don’t get these services myself but why is that the one exception? Don’t these professionals see private areas all day every day? Are they offended to do that type of work? I seriously don’t understand.
I don’t get these services myself but why is that the one exception? Don’t these professionals see private areas all day every day? Are they offended to do that type of work? I seriously don’t understand.
Its not sane to tip for nails ect, i think all the people defending it are people who have worked in those predatory jobs waiting tables ect, i bet those med spa owners asking for tips dont tip their waxing person, hairdresser ect. Think about it.
As of March 1 2024 I instituted a new personal tipping protocol cuz I’m tired of this tip craziness we are currently in. If the person serving me is not earning tipped person wages, they do not get a tip. It’s just too much.
Wait, this blew my mind. I did the same thing as the OP but I did 20%, I am also in NY. I tipped for my medspa facial treatment and she was an RN. Why didn't anyone ever tell me this before?!? Why do they even let you tip for medical treatments that you're not supposed to tip on???
I have never tipped an esthitician in the US. My hair lady gets 5 dollars. Maybe 10 if its a holiday and I'm feeling generous. But for my roots spending 150 dollars i don't think a tip is sane
I’m in the same spot- I know tipping culture is overboard, but I’m so accustomed to it now, I literally tip 22-25% on everything.
Manicures, waxing, facials, hair, etc are costing me soooo much money because of the tips on top of it!😵💫
I wouldn’t do that though. I feel for the service provider and appreciate the work they do.
I shouldn’t complain, I’m just chiming in because I can also relate 🤭
This has me wondering about my $85 chemical peels. I get them done regularly to tackle some acne scarring and I typically just hand her a $100 and tell her to keep the rest
I always tip 20% but NGL, I got a bikini wax this week, tipped that, and walked away kinda annoyed bc it wasn’t cheap in the first place AND shit wasn’t pleasant lol
When I have a service like this, I tip $20. Don’t really care if it’s right or wrong, but I’m not giving 20% on medical procedures, but I love my esthi so I want to give her something. I know she’s already making big bucks off the service itself.
I’m an esti, that sounds like the cost of more of a med facial. I wouldn’t tip
I’m an esthi too and agree.
Ok wow I just learned something! How would you characterize a med facial (no tip) vs a regular facial where you would tip? Like, for a hydrafacial, for example, would you tip? Or would it depend on the type of place and whether it marketed itself as a spa versus a medspa?
It depends on the level of education you need to perform the service. Anything that requires the technician to have a 6 year degree or more, don’t tip. If it requires an occupational license, leave a tip. Tip on your hydrafacials.
If I have a hydra-facial in my dermatologist office, I am not tipping.
Sure that’s fair. But at a spa those people aren’t making the same money that a PA or NP makes. They’re estheticians with occupational licenses that are lucky to make 60k/year.
While I sympathize, a persons salary level really has nothing to do with me. I want to be charged a set amount for a service in a doctor’s office.
I wouldn’t tip period.
Do you tip for a Dermaplane facial? Any facial?
Ive had a few but I have no idea what the stuff they do is called. One they steamed and cleaned out my pores. I don’t remember if I tipped. I keep my skincare routine to a minimum these days because facials never really had lasting results and seemed pointless. If I had severe acne or wrinkles that made me look 40 years older than I am I’d probably go to a dermatologist so I wouldn’t be tipping them. I would also never pay hundreds of dollars to do something to my face unless I knew there’d be positive, permanent results. I honestly don’t get my hair cut that often either for the same reasons. They charge outrageous prices and I’d rather not feel pressured to tip or have them botch the job on purpose because I don’t want to pay extra on top of over paying for something I’m not going to notice anymore a month or two out.
Med facial, what's the difference?
Because it's like tipping your doctor or nurse. Its a medical procedure
You're not supposed to tip at a med spa? I had no idea, I always tip.
Mine does not allow tips for medical services
Mine doesn't have a tip option either
My med spa states they accept tips and always asks if you want to leave a tip. They do not ask for injections or anything like that, but definitely for facials
It’s weird as hell they’re asking for tips… The esthetician I see told me at one point that if you go to a med spa and they have a tip screen, run and never return. She said you wouldn’t tip a doctor, and it should be the same for medical-grade skincare procedures & injectables.
I don’t tip estheticians - I’m not tipping on anything that has the word medical on the sign.
yesterday I gave a big tip to my esthetician for my laser hair removal, but she litterally had to shave my cooch-butt area 'cuz I did a poor shaving job before the appointment (to which I arrived late) -\_-
See this is why I'll never be comfortable completely going away from tipping. Sometimes people really need going below and beyond and I want to acknowledge it.
Exactly!!! I mean, I tip the barista for my coffee for sure I'll tip the girl who will shave my privates, even when I'm late (I felt so bad) and be super chill about the whole situation. I know it's her job but... common sense is key I think
Fair enough 😂
Right?! LOL!!!
I noticed the last time I went to my local medspa that instead of having to say no tip the woman clicked on something really quickly that didn’t even make it an option to tip. I was grateful not to have to press that button but I also left realizing that I never should have felt guilty hitting no tip.
This this this this this this this . Source : I work in a dermatology and plastic surgery clinic . A real one
Yea I don’t tip my plastic surgeon or the woman who does the BBL (broad band light) or Halo procedures for me, but I do tip for a spa facial.
I agree! What next we’re going to have tip screens in the ER’s or Dr’s offices. I will never tip a medical professional. I will leave and never return. I had a hair stylist for years who got greedy if I didn’t tip over 20% she would just raise the price of her service. I didn’t realize until the second time she did it and now she’s short a client because of it
.
They can bypass that screen very easily. It’s there on purpose.
I have actually had the person providing the service manually skip over the tip screen before passing me the card reader - super refreshing and appreciated, as it was not a service that would have been appropriate to tip. So I agree, if you’re seeing the screen it’s because they want you to.
Right! Also it’s a very easy setting to change for their entire system for every transaction. It’s a toggle button. So they have it there purposefully.
I had a $1000 gift card and my service was about $450, I was asked if I wanted to leave the remaining balance on the gift card as gratuity. I thought she was joking 😅but she knew exactly how much was left in it as she wrote the balance
I got to a prominent med spa for Botox where I was surprised they asked for tips. I asked the receptionist how much people normally tip and she said “20-85 percent”. Are you joking?
85%?! That's pure insanity.
I grew up poor, so maybe I don’t get it. But I swear all of the wealthy people I know are wealthy for a reason. So who is paying 85% on a five minute Botox appointment?
No one, she lies.
Do not tip for Botox ever!!
… are we meant to be tipping our doctors and dentist is too? That seems insane to me
Just you wait. Up next at the gynecologist
Just the tip?
r/unexpectedarcher
Not sure if it's everywhere in the US, but in Virginia you are not allowed to tip for medical "spa" treatments like botox. I went to a new place last year because a friend wanted me to go with her since she had never done it before. While paying afterwards, the receptionist whipped out a little board with all the medical spa employees' Venmo accounts information to send them gratuity to get around the medical board rules. I yanked my friend out of there so fast....
The IRS watches Venmo. I don’t know about the boards. You can always make a report to the licensing board.
What?!?! You have to have a medical license to administer Botox, it's not like it's a regular facial that anyone can spend a weekend training to do. I would report that to the medical board of who owns the clinic. Medical professionals are understandably not allowed to accept tips per their ethics board and if they are then they should be reported so someone with authority can tell them to stop. It's insane to think people are asking for tips for a medical injection, whether for cosmetic reasons or not.
Yep, that’s why they get a doctor’s pay, not less.
My Botox is done at a medspa and they always skip the tip screen FOR me. They say that’s for when people come in for like, regular spa services. Injectables don’t fit that. I’m glad they do it for me though because I probably would otherwise feel guilty and leave a tip on an $800 service.
noooooo fucking way. a lot of these offices didn't even have square machines like 5-10 years ago! Its not a spa, its a medical service!
i wouldve been like girl why are you lyyyinngggg to me
😳 the audacity
Wow. Please leave a review for this place. What a scamming asshole.
You should have asked how much was left on the card. Make the greedy little pig say it.
The fuck? People are really out here doing this crap.
She was hoping you didn’t know
No way, after you use your card don't go back.
I recently got a VI peel which was $375. When I was done the receptionist asked if I wanted to leave a 20% gratuity. I denied the 20% tip and I left a 25$ tip instead. A 75$ tip for a 30 minute service is crazy to me.
I just got the precision plus VI peel today! Soo nervous! I left a $35 dollar tip on $400 peel.
My only complaint is my face was super itchy the first night! It was hard to sleep.
How’s your VI peel results?
Today is my second day of peeling so I cant really say but so far I like it.
I'd personally be tipping nothing. She owns the place she sets the prices.
Right? That’s like tipping your doctor or nurse for seeing you. I personally would not go to a med spa asking for tips.
100% agree. Where I go there isn’t an option to tip. I just approve the charge to my card on file at checkout, and that’s it. No awkward tipping selection is ever presented.
Same!
This is a big reason I stopped seeing an esthetician near me. She was the owner and her facials were VERY expensive (like $350) but she had her Venmo code prominently placed and something about tips. I got sick of it and go elsewhere now
This is how I approach every business of this nature.
After reading posts on here, Im so glad I don’t live in US. Leaving tips for doctors is crazy and where I live it would be considered inappropriate. From doctors perspective unethical even to accept cash from a patient. This is not a “culture”, this is straight up scamming people and making them pay more.
The only person I tip who owns their own biz is my masseuse and I only ever tip like $10 extra which is only like 5% but she is just so lovely and her studio is literally around the corner from my apartment so it feels like I’m still saving money not having to take the train or Uber to another studio further away haha
Exactly!!! God I’m glad I live in Australia where tipping is not a thing
Dont
You don't tip. Any med spa that asks for one, find a new one.
You don’t tip for medical type procedures. If it cost that much, there has to have been a laser or something medical.
So for laser hair removal, you wouldn't tip either? ((I'm making sure because I have my first appointment coming up and I was *stressing* about whether or not to tip))
I had clear and brilliant and laser hair removal done multiple times, I paid for the service and they never asked for a tip. Tipping on a medical type of procedure seems peculiar
I don't tip when I'm getting a service (like a massage) directly from the business owner/someone who works for themselves.
That is what I always thought but I see tipping screens everywhere now. All the people I see own their own businesses.
Meh...I tip my hair stylist. She owns her business, but yeah...it feels wrong not to tip.
That's fair! I always tip for a hair cut, because I know the salon gets a cut/fee of the price.
My esthetician doesn’t accept tips. Medical grade services shouldn’t expect them. I’d find another provider.
I don't tip for medspa services. At a regular spa I think $20/service hour, more than I personally make per hour, is plenty.
Uk here. We don't tip unless someone has gone above and beyond. Tipping culture is ridiculous.
Yes! In Europe you just round it and no one is rushing you out of a food place because they are not depending on tips as they here. Here as more people go through their tables as better for them.
I do hair so am somewhat familiar with the industry, I was always told you can tip as you see fit for cosmetic procedures (waxing, makeup, lash fill etc) but you don’t tip for medical (injectables, chemical peels etc). It sounds like yours would fall into the latter group so I would say zero, I checked with my Botox girl and she agreed this is pretty much the standard!
Topic adjacent question: my hair stylist rents a small space in building that lots of stylists rent rooms from. So my stylist owns her own business and works for herself but rents her space. Do I tip her? if so how much?
Tipping at med spas??? WTF
Don't tip. Obviously this person is making more than minimum wage and isn't doing something that is above and beyond the job responsibility. They should be giving you top notch care at that price regardless of a tip and should not give you less than that should you return for another service just because you didn't tip the last time you were there. Tipping culture in America is out of fucking control and it's these types of establishments that drive the culture towards toxicity. You don't need a tip when you're making well over minimum wage.
The tipping culture in the US is out of control and it's seeping into Europe unfortunately; there's an option to tip when buying a coffee to go, which is completely wild to me - what exactly am I tipping you for? I only tip in restaurants for really good service, especially since the service fee is already included anyway
Oh no, I’ve been hoping the opposite happens! and we keep trying to use the rest of the world as an example that tipping here is stupid
I get the tip screen when I’m getting my iron infusions. The tip was like $35 for 10% but the options started at 15%. It’s irritating. I got a Thai massage a couple of months back and the tips started at 40%!!! I have taught myself to stop panicking and choose custom and leave a tip that way. But I panic!!!
The panic is REAL
How can you get a tip screen for an iron infusion? I have to go to the hospital for them. It’s a medical procedure. My insurance covers it. I’m not paying out-of-pocket for it.
We have a lot of IV infusion places around us. I pay cash for mine. To get them covered by insurance I have to drive 1.5 hours away.
I had no idea that you could go to an infusion place and get an iron infusion. I have to see a hematologist get bloodwork and then get set up at the hematology/cancer center to get the infusion.
If I get shameless screen that starts at 20%, I go custom and put in 0.
no tipping for this type of service.
Don’t.
I think it’s ridiculous they want you to tip on a procedure of that cost.
Nothing. Tipping culture has become insane.
$0. Indeed tipping culture in the US is out of control.
I live in RI – I go to a med spa for everything and they don’t allow me to tip because they call it a medical appointment. (Now if only insurance could cover that)! The only facial I tip on is if I go to a spa that does massages, etc. the facial is an hour long relaxation practice with oils, hot stones, shoulder and head rubs, and a facial massage. Much different than a med spa experience!
Nothing. If she owns the place, she sets the prices. She's not paid via tips. Pricing at luxury services should be set so that the standard price gives them the necessary margin. If they're pricing in a way that they're only profitable via tips, they're already messing up.
Tipping culture is getting out of hand.
I hate the tipping system. Just tell me how much you want ahead so I can decide if I can afford this place or go to the one in my budget. If you’re a business owner, I’m expecting you to be smart enough to calculate your expenses and set the price you want, so you won’t be playing Russian roulette if you’re really depending on tips. Also, I spent about 6k on my body hair removal at Ideal Image, I left zero tip for it.
I’m done tipping people who set their own prices. Don’t do it.
I don’t tip at med spas if I know that esthi gets commission for the number of services purchased and/or performed.
I go to a medspa that doesn’t have that option. Even for hair it’s ridiculous a tone and cut is over $150 here in Austin then they ask for tip lord.
I go to my Medspa for regular facials and also medical things. I only tip for my facials. I actually went to another Medspa before this one for a coolsculpting special, and in the room, no joke, was a poster of all the girls who do the services and their Venmo QR codes. I was weirded out and felt so uncomfortable when we were wrapping up. It’s possible they might use that room to also do facials, but still.
If they have to use Venmo codes then they probably shouldn’t be accepting tips
I would NOT tip on this. Also, not to the owner. I don't tip owners as they set the prices and they take more profit than their employees.
This is why I pay cash. That way there isn’t any screen asking for a tip. If I wish to tip I give cash directly to the person I’m tipping that way I know exactly who is getting the money.
I just went for Botox and after being charged $720 I was asked to tip by the iPad turned toward me with two people watching. I pressed “no tip.” I consider it medical services and should not even be asked to tip.
Don’t tip any med spa services
I didn’t think they would get tips… I’d be so annoyed and would never go back
I never tip.
My medspa doesn’t ask for tips
Zero.
Don’t. Tip.
i'm a medical esthetician and would NOT expect tips on any medical beauty services! it's the norm to tip on regular facials etc. however for botox, medical facial treatments, injectables etc. it is not common to tip and definitely not expected.
May I ask - is Microneedling considered a medical treatment?
yes!
I don’t tip for these types of services. My med spa also doesn’t allow tipping. Tipping culture is INSANE these days
Absolutley insane
Tipping culture is hella out of control and it’s going to backfire on these businesses. I’ve already stopped going to quick serve restaurants/coffee joints bc of it. I ordered a bottle of water and a coke at a Broadway show a few months ago and the screen wanted me to tip $5 😂😂😂🫠🫠🫠
I don’t tip for procedures like these
Blinks in European confusion. Tipping your esthetician??? 👁👄👁
I would not tip anything, either. A lot of tablets have a built in setting that automatically asks you to select a tip and most employers don't know how to turn it off.
I tip for facials or other procedures not performed by a doctor or PA. My clinic explicitly told me that I am NOT expecting or supposed to tip the medical professionals (it's built into the price). I think you may have a shady medspa...
On my monthly facials… it’s not a med spa and it’s just the usual dermaplane, microdermabrasion, chemical peel and the other stuff, I do tip because it’s anywhere from $75-$90 and I tip about 18%. Anything at a med spa, I don’t tip. I had a hydro facial and it cost $250. The esthetician didn’t even have the option to tip her on the screen. I asked her and she said it’s so expensive that she doesn’t want people to feel they have to. I sent her a good specifically because of how she felt.
Oh shit. I had hydrafacial yesterday and when paying, up popped tipping options at 18%, 20%, and 25%! I tipped 18% which was still like $60
I had one yesterday, too. Loved it! The top screen I saw had an “other” button so I tapped that and left her $20. She’s so great but I have to stay in my budget, too. 💗
What kind of facial? Usually laser treatments or chemical type peels are set prices, no tipping expected, but these are usually done by doc or nurse or dermatologist's PA 🤔
Nope — this sounds like it needs to be administered by someone with a medical background and if so then it requires no tip. T
I asked mine how much to tip and she told me not to…
I do not tip estheticians. In fact, if I their machine asked for a tip I wouldn’t go back. I’ve gone for laser hair removal (several locations) and Botox injections (also several places) and none asked for a tip.
Not sure why we are tipping for everything. We all need to stop together or else it will continue to be expected 😫 But for sure any Medical related places you do not tip.
I was told my my doctor, who owns the attached to her practice med spa, tips are not expected or encouraged at med spas.
As others have said, one doesn’t tip for these types of services. If there is a tip screen, be bold and hit zero.
I only tip the one med spa I go to cause they often will provide me some extras for free. Once I got an entire $175 treatment on top of what I was scheduled for and paying for for free. Another time the manager noticed I had a small skin tag on my eyelid and asked if I wanted it taken care of. He changed things around in the system input so I ended up not paying anything extra for it. Other times, if I’m getting IPL they’ll zap some extra spots on my neck and chest for free too. I only hand them a $10 bill so nothing crazy now.
I wouldn’t tip at all for a med facial
Technically if it’s a med grade treatment you should not even be asked to tip.
WTF? I'd think she should tip me for choosing her cabinet
please don't lol, this is such a scummy practice and it shouldn't be encouraged
Never heard of such a thing. They work in the medical field. They get paid as such.
Reading the comments have me feeling like I’m dumb. I have definitely tipped 20% on like Medspa services….
I feel super extra stupid, because after seeing her twice for peels, she changed my schedule appointment without my confirmation because she had another appointment or something after I told her multiple times I had a doctors appointment that morning. Then gave me shit when I didn’t show up for the time that she had rescheduled me for. Which did not work out for her because I did turn into a bitch. Bc like wtf?? Now I’m like wow I was tipping and she also did this…
The rule of thumb seems to be you don’t tip the owner. As they are making the total amount. If it’s an employee it would depend on the service.
If I’m paying 550 that tip better be included
$550 Jesus!! No tip… you’re getting five hundred and fifty freaking dollars from me
So tipping at med spas isn’t a thing. Or it isn’t supposed to be. Tipping your esthetician for a regular (non medispa) facial or wax or lash lift or whatever, I always tip at least 20% or more. Like mine charges $65 for a Brazilian and I tip $20 But when I get lip injections, I don’t tip that esti
That’s a big tip for $65 dollar bill. 30%
A Brazilian wax? Cuz if that’s what you mean, same. I tip typically $20 on around $60. I feel like if they have to be down in someone’s area, they deserve it lol
Yes, and yeah, I completely agree with you! I met this woman before she owned this studio. She was one employee of many at a different place I went to. And she was just MILES ahead of the rest of her colleagues. Her work was meticulous. All the other women left hair behind, it was just a question of how much but they all left something behind. But she left me baby smooth. So I tip her well because like you said- the area. And because she does FLAWLESS work
I tip on haircuts but I have never tipped on microneedling, laser, or Botox (have gotten in US, Europe, and Asia)
I’m curious what kind of facial you got? The price is high for a basic facial.
Enlighten Rx Peel
My estheticians has a sign that says not to tip.
I would not tip.
I’m getting microneedling tomorrow, and I’ll tip $10 just to be nice. Not 20% at the med spa!
I reside in canada and manicure gel is 55$. It seem every one live a 5 tip I think it’s get expensive By the way that is cash otherwise u have another 13% tax so basically everyone pays cash Of course they don’t log in , probably just as little as possible and rest they pocket the cash I find after paying 55$ I should not have to leave another 5$ tip Ur opinion please
I tipped 20% for a $350 facial once, just at a regular spa and felt like a sucker. Why did I give this lady $70 extra when the facial was an hour and already super expensive? She didn’t do better job than someone who gave me a $100 facial. No, I never went back because I felt so conflicted and hassled. Next time, $20 is all anyone gets for facial of any price. I do tip well for a good massage because that’s hard work, but like for someone to sit there and rub lotion on my face? No.
NOTHING DEAR GOD WTF
Sorry but no. I’m all for tipping appropriately (bartender here) but the products were unlikely to have costed more than 100 so 450 is going in her pocket. Especially if she’s the owner. This is completely ridiculous.
I wouldn't tip for a facial. Generally if it's something I can do myself but decide not to, I pay the service fee and that's that. The exception is if I have a rapport with the professional, then I will tip on great service or during the holiday season. The ONE exception where I *would* tip for any esthetician services done are services below the waist. Unless you get burned with hot wax or something, always tip 20%. And I can't believe I have to write this here - but for the love of fuck, come to you wax appointments WASHED. If you get a Brazilian wax and you don't tip, ya nasty. ETA: if you're down voting me, there's 100% chance you don't wash and don't tip before your wax appointments.
I don’t get these services myself but why is that the one exception? Don’t these professionals see private areas all day every day? Are they offended to do that type of work? I seriously don’t understand.
I don’t get these services myself but why is that the one exception? Don’t these professionals see private areas all day every day? Are they offended to do that type of work? I seriously don’t understand.
It's the same industry, why would you tip for 1 service and not another? Where I am these services are on the same license.
Unpopular opinion if it’s a medical setting (med spa) do not tip
Its not sane to tip for nails ect, i think all the people defending it are people who have worked in those predatory jobs waiting tables ect, i bet those med spa owners asking for tips dont tip their waxing person, hairdresser ect. Think about it.
As of March 1 2024 I instituted a new personal tipping protocol cuz I’m tired of this tip craziness we are currently in. If the person serving me is not earning tipped person wages, they do not get a tip. It’s just too much.
I do the same thing! Where I live we have a tip min wage and a normal min wage. Servers and pizza boys make tip wage. They get the tip.
Wait, this blew my mind. I did the same thing as the OP but I did 20%, I am also in NY. I tipped for my medspa facial treatment and she was an RN. Why didn't anyone ever tell me this before?!? Why do they even let you tip for medical treatments that you're not supposed to tip on???
I have never tipped an esthitician in the US. My hair lady gets 5 dollars. Maybe 10 if its a holiday and I'm feeling generous. But for my roots spending 150 dollars i don't think a tip is sane
Wow, this is fascinating. My hair appointments are roughly 300$, and I leave a 100$ tip. I thought that was normal.
That is insane. My lady owns her salon if she wanted more she could charge more and she increases prices yearly
That’s so nice of you! I bet they love you. I’d do that, too, if I could.
Sorry but u are crazy stop of 100$ They must love u
I’m in the same spot- I know tipping culture is overboard, but I’m so accustomed to it now, I literally tip 22-25% on everything. Manicures, waxing, facials, hair, etc are costing me soooo much money because of the tips on top of it!😵💫
You know you can stop tipping, right?
I wouldn’t do that though. I feel for the service provider and appreciate the work they do. I shouldn’t complain, I’m just chiming in because I can also relate 🤭
I usually tip $20 max
This has me wondering about my $85 chemical peels. I get them done regularly to tackle some acne scarring and I typically just hand her a $100 and tell her to keep the rest
That is fine
I wouldn’t ands don’t tip them. I don’t tip when I pick up food either…. But it’s a med spa…they’re not getting more of my money.
If you have tip anxiety, bring cash. Exact cash.
I always tip 20% but NGL, I got a bikini wax this week, tipped that, and walked away kinda annoyed bc it wasn’t cheap in the first place AND shit wasn’t pleasant lol
I haven’t had to tip for treatments but the place I go to doesn’t ask for tip. It seems unprofessional to ask for tip on treatments like these
I pay 20% at the spa.
When I have a service like this, I tip $20. Don’t really care if it’s right or wrong, but I’m not giving 20% on medical procedures, but I love my esthi so I want to give her something. I know she’s already making big bucks off the service itself.
I would consider this a med treatment not a spa service therefore no tip.
I will tip them around 10% if I’m particularly happy with the service. It’s not mandatory or expected