How much tip for massage?

[bounceswoosh]

I'm probably doing it wrong, but --

When seeing a self-employed MT with whom I have a standing client relationship, I don't tip. I figure they set the rate, and my "tip" is in the long-term business. (Sometimes I wonder about this though because ...)

If I see someone at a spa where they are an employee, I do tip, but I don't do that often enough and not exactly sure how much is "right". I tip because I figure the spa is getting a fairly big fraction of the payment.

Would also like to know about any etiquette =)

[bluebug32]

Free! My boyfriend's almost done with his chiropractic degree and always looking to practice.

I do occasionally cook him dinner and buy him bike parts though

[makbike]

I use a student clinic in town and by law we are not allowed to tip. I also use the MT at the chiropractor's office and again since my insurance pays for it I don't tip (I hope that is okay).

[imdeanna]

I have massage coverage in my medical....so I just pay a 25$ co-pay...I've never even thought of 'tipping' her.....maybe because I get it done for 'medical' purposes that I never thought it would be needed? (like tipping your doc after a pap!!) LOL

She seems to really like me....and is very cheerful on my return....so she must not be too offended or 'used' to being tipped!!

[Dianyla]

Usually about 10%. More if I had gas.

[Mr. Bloom]

No gas here, but I still do 15% to 20%...I'm always left with the impression that I'm comparatively generous...but I usually give any service provider a tip in that range...

[crazybikinchic]

Someone once said that they do not tip if they pay cash because the person does not have to report it.

Me being a broke college student, I do not get massages, but this was a dentist that said it.