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I wanted to use massage envy for a while because of the low price that they advertise. My sister purchased a gift card for me for my birthday for a 1 hour massage.

The price of the massage was $52 with tax. I went to the ATM before hand and took out $20, thinking I could use $11/$12 for a tip (more than 20%) and I could use whats left over for lunch the next day. When I got to Massage Envy the receptionist was very nice. My massage therapist was also very nice and I had a GREAT MASSAGE.

Really, no complaints. However, when I went to pay the receptionist at the front desk I was taken back by the attitude when I decided that I didn't want a membership. Then, after I gave her the gift card to pay and asked for change for a $20 bill for tip she said, "We usually reccomend 15% which is $15 or 20% which is $20". I was suprised and said that "the price is $52.

20% of $52 is more like $11. She said that since their price was so low they prefer $15 - $20 tip. I felt uncomfortable with the situation. Not that the therapist didn't diserve a $20 tip, but I just couldn't rationalize giving a 40% tip for a massage.

When I put $15 in the envelope for the therapist the receptionist gave me a dirty look as if I was being cheap!! If they are going to advertise such low prices for first time customers they are going to have to suck it up and take a real 20% tip!!!

The situation just made me feel uncomfortable and frankly I don't want to go back there now. If you want a $20 tip then charge $100 for the massage!!!!!

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

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Guest

As a Massage Therapist through Massage Envy, Thank you 1st of all because it's a cash tip, not on card (we dont have to have taxes taken out) 2nd of all a 10 dollar tip would have been fine! We really dont get paid that whole $52 we get maybe 15%-20% of that.

We do what we do because we love to do it.

Don't let those girls bully you. Theyrevare just a cog in the machine that is massage envy

Guest

Greedy. F-them. Sounds more like "Cash Envy".

Caiden Mkf

Even better, tip your therapist directly with cash. They end up with more $ that way.

Guest

how to break the membership agreement

Guest

I couldn't agree with you more

Guest

There's really no reason to tip for a massage because it is a prearranged cost and they're really not doing you a favor you're paying for a service. The massage these days is about $65 per hour.

I really don't care with the arrangement is between the massage envy company.

I think there's a big misconception that people have to tip at all for these prearranged massages from chains. You don't.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

* between the company and the therapist.Massage Envy can sacrifice a bigger cut to pay their therapists. I'm not going to subsidize it.

Plenty of different therapists charge $60 on their own.

Go to them if you actually care about income equality. They actually hustle.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

I have to say, as a massage therapist, we do appreciate proper tips. These franchises only pay $15 to $16 per hour (if you have a client) (OFFICE PAY)?

The therapist are scheduled on the hour and are expected to do back to back massages.

The franchises do great marketing but the pay rate has ruined the industry to make a decent living. This is also a very physical job and can be very hard on the body.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

You don't have to tip for any service. At a massage or a restaurant or anywhere else.

It isn't a law. But the fact that it's a prearranged service has nothing to do with it and is seriously the dumbest excuse I've ever heard to be cheap. You tip for any service provider.

Massage therapist, esthetician, waitress, bar tender etc. Whether it's prearranged or not has nothing to do with it.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

Massage therapists at these cheap chains are paid 20% below industry average. They burn out therapists by overworking them, and therapists are forced to rely on tips for their income.

This means big profits for the parent company, but the workers suffer. This industry requires $14,000 in medical schooling, continuing education, licensure, and insurance, none of which these companies pay for. LMT's provide a physically exhausting and skilled service. If you notice the incredibly high turn over at these companies, this is why.

No one in their right mind will stay at one of these places.

So yes, tipping is expected at these locations, and if you want to support otherwise, find a massage therapist that is self employed and charges a flat rate for their services. They will keep all the profit and won't need to rely on your gratuity.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1598864

@Rachel Massage Envy does reimburse their LMTs for licensure and insurance, and pays for all continuing education for service providers. Just wanted to clarify.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1759935

Not sure where you that information, but it is nowhere near correct,

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

Well its not about the prearranged agreement with the company, its about the service. Therapists work hard at what they do and most do it because they want to not cause they have to.

So the gratuity you give is not for the company its for the therapists that work hard at trying to make you feel better. And if that doesnt deserve something than theres not much i can say about you

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

I wonder if the idea of tipping came from the possibility of a happy ending?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1700165

How naive

Jaylah Okr
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

There is ABSOLUTELY a reason to tip! Are you out of your mind?

Augustine Mwf
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

You are what is wrong with the human race.

Barb L Tjj
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

I have worked in the service industry for 25 years. Your parents must not of told you BUT you ALWAYS tip when receiving a service. ALWAYS!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1491234

Are not the purpose of the gratuity for good service? Since when does the company set the price for a thank you to the server. This is just another way for companies to under pay their employees.

Guest

You received a discounted massage.

YOU DO NOT TIP ON THE DISCOUNT YOU RECEIVE.

The general going price of a massage at a business is $100 per hour.

15%-25% is $15 - $25 dollars.

Your tip of $15 was ACCEPTABLE.

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