Why I Don't Accept Tips (And Why That’s a Good Thing!)

Tipping in massage is a tricky topic, but honestly, it shouldn’t be stressful. Some therapists rely on tips because they work in franchises or clinics where they don’t set their own prices and may not take home as much as you’d think. Others—like me—set their rates to reflect a livable wage, so tipping isn’t expected (or accepted).

I choose not to accept tips because I want pricing to be simple and transparent. No surprises, no awkward moments at checkout, and no worrying about whether tipping affects service quality. I want clients to book their sessions with confidence, without second-guessing whether they need to budget extra on top of the session price.

That said, every massage therapist runs their business differently, and some do welcome tips—that’s totally fine! But if you want to show appreciation for a great session without tipping, there are plenty of other ways:
✔ Rebook your next session
✔ Refer a friend
✔ Leave a kind review

These gestures go a long way in supporting small businesses like mine!

The key is knowing what to expect. If you're ever unsure, just ask—clear communication is always better than feeling uncertain or pressured.