Gratuity Envelopes

When I was at the Vegas Show I saw these small gratuity envelopes and purchased them for the gals working for me. I've placed them in cute business card holders in each of my two treatment rooms. It's paying off! They are getting tips like crazy in these little envelopes. We have a Groupon and a Living Social running and people have been pretty generous with tipping but it seems to have gotten even better since I placed the envelopes in the rooms. Everyone is putting the money in the envelope and either leaving it on the treatment bed or handing it to them directly. It's an unobtrusive way to remind them that we much appreciate their tips. I highly recommend giving this a try!

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Bruss on July 25, 2011 at 8:30pm

Where are the envelopes placed in the treatment rooms and what do they look like do they say anything on them ? It certainly does soumd like a very good idea .Thanks again for your info on the business It can be frustrating just strating out . How long do you think it truley takes to be making enough money at this ? :)

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Permalink Reply by Shelley Hancock on July 26, 2011 at 7:55am

I place the envelopes on a small table where they put their keys, jewelry, etc.

Here's the link. You can see a picture: http://www.appointmentbookco.net/category_18/Gratuity-Envelopes.htm

How long does it take to truly be making $$ in this industry? Hmm.....I don't think there is any one answer to that question. I've seen gals right out of school hit the road running and they're doing great very quickly and I've watched other more seasoned Estys struggle like crazy. I don't think we need to keep using the excuse that the economy is bad. If that were really the case, then all Estys would be struggling right now and they're not. Decide what you want your career to look like, focus and stay focused amd most of all....be postive. Please feel free to call me if you'd like to chat!

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Greenwood on August 2, 2011 at 4:41pm

I have been getting plain ones from Staples...they are called coin envelopes.

I really like the idea of putting them in the treatment room.

We have always just left them on top of the reception desk.

Clients like using the envelopes a lot - some people don't know what to do...this gives them a clue plus they can keep the amount more private.

I suggest leaving a pen by the envelopes too - my clients like to write me little notes on them.

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Permalink Reply by linda w on August 3, 2011 at 6:43am

we use the smallest size white coin envelopes from www.uline.com, and pay $13-15 per #500, depending on qty of boxes purchased. i had a customized rubber stamp made for decorating the outside with a TO_____FROM_____ & THANKS! customers appreciate these!

i love the idea of setting them at the work stations, as we've always had them at the reception desk with a drop box...we're looking for ways to help clients KNOW to tip, and this can help!

anyone have ideas in suggesting proper % of tipping to clients?

thank you!

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Permalink Reply by virginia speranza on August 3, 2011 at 6:10pm

we have that too in our spa and it is 'friendly reminder" to our guests!

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Greenwood on August 4, 2011 at 10:57am

Oh so I called them to order those cute envelopes Shelley, and saw a few other things that I liked.

The Tax Binder and the profile cards...

But they are out at trade shows until next week...darn it!

Seriously though - check out the link Shelley posted.

I like that Linda decorates her own though - she is the Martha Stewart of estheticians!

We never suggest a % tip to clients - they can figure it out what they are comfortable leaving without "suggestions". I typically get from 10-20% on average with a few falling above that. The non-tippers have increased dramatically during these economic times, but the majority still like to say thank you in this generous way!