hi I run a small business completely on my own in a large city in the beauty service industry. I come to peoples homes and provide the service for them completely in home. After the service I give them my checkout platform on my phone which prompts a few gratuity options to add to their total. The majority of my clients always send me gratuity- even if it’s only $10. I also have a handful of clients who do not tip me, and purposely click no gratuity as the gratuity option. I provide a great service, and I don’t think this has anything to do with their experience with me because I love what I do & im very close with my clients. I’ve just been ignoring it for now and trying not to think too much into it but it’s starting to affect me. Is this something I need to address? Is it not that deep? It frustrates me because I’m assuming people tip after they get their nails done or their hair done in a salon, why do some people opt to not tip their service providers? If you’ve had any similar experiences I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t generally tip the owner of the business, and that goes for freelancers or independent practitioners. Your prices should reflect the amount you think you should be paid, and you should not solicit additional gratuity.
If you want feedback on customer satisfaction, email them a survey the next day.
Tips in your business model should not be expected. Have that cost in your prices if you are needing it to turn a profit. Now, if someone tips on top of your new pricing then it is totally extra.
As a business owner, I would not expect a tip. Employees are often tipped, but those are not allowed to be shared with owners/managers (at least in California). You are the owner, set your rates at the compensation level you expect so you don’t have to hope for a goodwill tip.
I’d also like to add I think the way gratuity options are popping up EVERYWHERE including drive throughs has severely effected the industries that do rely on gratuity.
For some reason, not everyone thinks business owners should be tipped when providing personal services. The current increase in businesses that have added tipping options at checkout had upset a lot of people. Some people just don’t tip.
As a business owner, you need to charge what you expect to get paid for your services. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having an option to include a tip, but be clear that it is optional