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

Anytime I have a personal service completed, either I ask how I should add the tip, i.e. should I add to the initial total or should I add after the fact, etc. Or, the professional asks me if I would like to add the tip. I’m asking, because I am finally rebooking clients (yea!!!), but they aren’t tipping. My insecurities make me think that they hated the service, but then they are returning. Then it makes me think that they aren’t tipping, because I’m not asking. Which is correct? What do you guys think? Thanks!

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Comment by Carrie Patrick on August 6, 2012 at 3:08pm: 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!

Comment by Patience on August 2, 2012 at 7:16am: 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.

Comment by Lugenia's Skincare Studio on July 31, 2012 at 1:22am: Thank you ladies, now I understand! I never even thought about it that way. This is just another reason I love this forum.

Comment by Shelley Hancock on July 30, 2012 at 7:42am: 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!

Comment by Sheila Gordon on July 29, 2012 at 3:48pm: 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).