Polite way to ask for tips

Ok...so I work in a chiropractor's office doing massages. The Dr. and I are trying to come up with a creative way to let the clients know that the massage therapists in the office accept tips. I'm begining to think that most clients that get massage through an office versus say a spa, don't know to tip because it is a dr's office. Does anyone have an ideas or recommendations???

People who go to a doctor's office for a massage, consider it massage therapy, and it is paid for by their PIP insurance or health insurance.

They are not going there for personal pleasure (such as service in a restaurant), or a massage at a resort. Before you even "get creative" and bring up tips to the doctor's office (a chiropractor is a doctor), you should ask the doctor what he thinks. Otherwise, you could be looking for a new job soon.

mary in Tampa, Florida said: People who go to a doctor's office for a massage, consider it massage therapy, and it is paid for by their PIP insurance or health insurance.

They are not going there for personal pleasure (such as service in a restaurant), or a massage at a resort. Before you even "get creative" and bring up tips to the doctor's office (a chiropractor is a doctor), you should ask the doctor what he thinks. Otherwise, you could be looking for a new job soon.

Well, like I said...both the Dr. and I are trying to come up with a creative way to let the clients know.

Maybe you should check your State Statutes to see if it's legal. Tipping for a medical service (even if it is massage)may not be legal.

I can't imagine anyone going for a medical service, and then being expected to tip for it.

IMO, it's never alright to ask for tips. I find it annoying and impolite all these cheesy little foreign shops with non-speaking massage practitioners always asking for tips.

The appropriate thing to do is place a tasteful, decorative container on a table in the room or at the front desk. Place a label "Tips appreciated" or "Gratuities accepted for Joe". Slightly bolder, the front desk receptionist can hand the client an envelope indicating it is for gratuities.

Other than that, don't ask for tips. I have several clients that don't tip me. I simply count my blessings that I have a loyal following and am happy I get paid for doing something I love.

Peace,
Eric Eisenmann
The Art of Japanese Massage
sunflowerhealing.net

Asking for tips is very difficult, and I actually think it could backfire. I recently was at a restaurant sitting at the bar and when the waitress handed me the bill she said "we prefer our tips in cash, by the way". I was of course planning on tipping her, but that comment still did not sit well with me.

I would put the energy towards "being great" and so nice that people WANT to tip you, versus asking for tips.

Mac Martine
Evergreen appointment scheduling software
www.evergreenhq.com

Asking for tips is a little tacky, and a good portion of regular clients feel that they pay enough by coming regularly that they shouldn't have to tip also. I agree with a previous comment, and I too am grateful that my clients have chosen me as their MT.

I do massage therapy in a chiropractor office and tips are minimal. I primarily do medical massage, but have 'spa-type' massage clients as well. I have a little sign for my room that says tips are not expected but always appreciated. When I'm doing a medical massage, I put it in the drawer, but make sure to leave it out for the patients that are just coming to relax. Some medical massage patients do tip anyway, but if they are seeing me 3 times a week for something specific like sciatica I tell them it's not necessary. It's hit or miss. Some I've done very deep tissue full body relaxing massages for an hour and no tip ever. Others patients I enjoy so much that I don't care or want them to tip because I know they value me.