The Only Thing Tackier Than Asking for a Tip in Cash, is an Actual Tip Jar Itself

Imagine the horror when you hear that a therapist is telling new clients that she only takes tips in cash.  The ongoing debate on tips in the spa has reared its ugly head.  Some spas charge the tip automatically giving the entire tip to the therapist, while others split the tip with a percentage going to cover overhead.  Others have even been known to use the tip as part of the therapist’ compensation plan.  The latter, I think has some type of moral repercussions, if not labor laws.

1. Last time I checked, a tip is not required.
2. A tip is an appreciation for super service above the norm.
3. Why only in cash, because you get it sooner?
4. Did you also tell the client that you have to wait until your paycheck to receive your other tips?
5. Did anyone share with you spa etiquette?

Whether your spa collects tips automatically or as a thank you, my southern hospitality tells me that from the dawn of ages, a tip is a special thank you for going above and beyond.   It should not be automatically added to the check unless you have a large party and it definitely should not be part of a compensation plan. 

The client’s motive for telling us about her experience, was that she thought it was inappropriate to discuss tips before having and during the service.  The client also questioned as to whether we actually paid the whole tip to the employee (a practice which some spas use by taking a portion of the tips).  In this particular case, the employee had breached the client/staff line, where something that should be private is aired in public–like airing your dirty laundry.

When approached, this employee, of course, denied telling the client she only took tips in cash.  She said that the client must have misunderstood.  We walked through the inappropriateness of the conversation and why you do not discuss tips with your clients and guests.  Discussing money with anyone except your accountant or a financial adviser is etiquette taboo.