Is it RUDE to ask for tips or is it Expected of Us to ask for tips?

Do you rent a room or own your own business?  What I have found is when you rent or own your own place, you won't get tipped as often because the client thinks that you are receiving 100% of the profit (yet they dont take into account bills..lol).  I feel like it is a hit or miss, some people will say can you add X amount for a tip or they will ask how do I tip because I use square, or I have clients that will flat out just not tip.  you can always have some sort of sign up but I am not sure that I would come out and ask the client about the tip.  I think although we sort of expect it in our field because we are performing a service, but in reality we shouldn't expect one (although I would be lying it I didn't say I was a little bummed when I don't get one).

I feel the same as Sheila....as owners, we set the price we want to receive and should not expect a tip. It's different if you are an emplyee but even then we should never expect but defintiely appreciate it. We have these little envelopes sitting in a cute business card holder in the treatment room. They say "gratuity" on the outside. This is a subtle reminder about tipping and I'm excited to say it works!

I have worked for others and for myself. I wouldn't ask if they would like to tip, but a receptionist can ask if they would like to include gratuity. If you do rent or own the business many patrons won't leave gratuity, but it is always nice when they do. I think Shelly has a great idea with the envelopes marked "gratuity". Maybe you should try that and put right where they check out.

I'm very interested in what everybody has to say about this topic. I'm hoping to put something in the next ASCP Skin Deep magazine about different ideas and opinions on tipping. It's so important to have some kind of direction for the client, because as a client it can be really hard to tell if a tip is expected or not, especially if they are new.

The absolute most confusing tipping situation I have seen as a client was at a resort spa where some of their materials said gratuity was already included in the price of each service, but others said "gratuity appreciated," and then when I paid at the desk, there was the usual line on the receipt where I could add a tip. I just had no idea whether I had already paid it in the price, or not! I asked, and the receptionist said something about how "It's not expected but it is always appreciated" and again that didn't answer my question of whether I had already paid it or what!? In the end I did leave an additional tip just because I didn't want to stiff anybody if I was guessing wrong, but ... BLAH!

All you should inquire is "would you like to leave any gratuity today?"  Or post a sign that says "tips are welcome and appreciated" in clear sight. If you have a front desk person, they should be the person asking about gratuity. You as the professional who supplied the service should not be asking the client, unless you have a proper way of asking like, "would you like to leave any gratuity today"- they will normally say yes or no- if yes, then you ask how would they like to leave it -Credit Card or Cash. And always follow-up the next week on the service. Follow-ups keep them coming back anyway- this shows a personal interest in them.

Hopefully this works for you- It has for me in the past. A key point is having another person (receptionist) ask fo gratuity. If you don't have one, then present it yourself very well when asking and keep it short! Good Luck!

I like Shareen's suggestions of posting a sign (in a prominent place) that tips are welcome and appreciated, or if you do have a receptionist/cashier, having them ask the client after the session is over. You don't want to risk making your clients feel uncomfortable or embarrassed as they might not return! One more idea for you: if you give clients a receipt or prescription for home care, place a small, attractive sticker (a pastel color, maybe) on whatever you give them, stating "tips are appreciated". It would be hard to miss that, and hopefully, would be a gentle reminder. 

I have seen it done in many ways: 1.  A 10.00 and 20.00 bill are left in a clear jar or basket in the treatment room in clear sight where the client's jewelry is placed. That way when they are getting dressed again, and pick up their jewelry, the client sees that others have tipped and they have a chance to leave something or not. 2. Small envelopes left in the treatment room, on a table, in clear sight, in a small basket where the client can leave a tip or not. 3. Receptionist asks, "Do you want to close it out at ________ (the amount of the service) or they ask outright, "Would you like to leave a gratuity?" I have found that when receptionists get a % of your tips, they are more motivated to ask this of the client at the time of checkout. 

I work for myself and this is my take on it...I would rather have a loyal regular who never tips than a fly-by-night client that tips $20... :)

I think it's rude to ask for a tip...bottom line.  I rent a room and realize that many clients feel that since I'm the business owner I get the full fee.  I understand that. But as Sheila stated, I too get a bit bummed when I don't get one, however I'm much happier to get a return client. 

I also think it is rude to ask for a tip or gratuity.  I have heard someone say ok your all set unless you would like to leave something for gratuity and they finished with their client.   I also rent a room and I use the square I usually just tell them the amount and and say ok I am going to run your card for $ sometimes they will tell me to add some on or they will add it themselves I have it set up with amounts on the bottom.  The only time it gets weird or confusing is when they come in on a voucher and don't have a balance they think they are supposed to leave it with the receptionist so I may use the basket idea with envelopes in my room.

Never ask for a tip! It's up to your client...I work for myself and sometimes people tip and others do not..

because I work alone I think they feel as if why give extra at times because it's 100% my profit..

But it's rude to ask for a tip, people don't like that...