Tips about Tipping

Tips about Tipping

Before studying nail technology, I never knew what the appropriate amount of tip should be for a well done job at the nail salon. I would always get ready to pay and then try to rush for my Tip Calculator App to make sure I gave the right amount. But what really is the right amount?

For your nail tech, the standard tip is 15 to 20 percent before taxes. 

This rule applies to both high-end spas and discounted nail salons. Unfortunately though, discount shops cheat you, and it is usually in regards to the products. For example, they may be using an cheap non effective off brand lotion, or skimping on cleaning supplies by using cheaper and also less effective chemicals for disinfecting. (But don't get me started on that topic! Another post, for another day!)

However, if you are receiving more complicated services, like a pedicure, acrylics or nail art, Or had an amazingly wonderful experience, consider tipping above 20 percent. 

Well, what do you do though if you didn't like your services or results? Instead of skipping the tipping altogether, consider tipping to be a courtesy, but keep it less that 15 percent. If you were unhappy, you should also let the manager or owner know why. By doing this they will realize that they do not want to lose your patronage and will most likely offer a redo on the services.  However, if you frequently use the same nail tech and are upfront and honest with her when she starts your services, she will most likely perform them to your expectations. 

If you have to have a redo on your services because you were displeased, you only need to tip 15 to 20 percent of what the total would have been for the service. If this keeps happening though, and you are continually not happy with your results - consider going elsewhere.  

At discount salons, many people find that they have multiple nail techs that provide them with services. This makes for tricky tipping.

• If you receive a pedicure and a manicure:
• Take the price of the pedi and tip the person who gave you the pedi a 15 to 20 percent tip. Then for the mani, check out the price of the mani and tip the tech that gave you the mani 15 to 20 percent. 
• Only tip on the value of the service that was given to you by that tech. 
• But what if the price is a package deal? 
• Lets say the package is $65. Keep it easy and split the entire cost in half and tip based on $32.50. 
• However, normally a pedi costs more than a mani. If you want to get into all of that math you would tip 1/3 of the total price for the mani (about $21 from the example above) and 2/3 of the total price for the pedi (about $43 from the example above). 

Did you know that it is not customary to tip the salon owner? That's right! But if you really enjoyed your service, it is always kind to give a tip. 

I have a coupon for a discount on my services, now how how do I tip? You should always tip based on what the bill before the discount would have been. 

If you find out that a student or apprentice has given you your service, there are a couple of things you need to know before tipping and paying. 

1. A student or apprentice should never provide you with a service without your knowing or permission. 
2. If you are asked to receive your service by a student or apprentice, it is up to your discretion as to whether you take the risk or pass up the opportunity. 
3. Services given by students or apprentices should always be discounted and basically cheap compared to the salon's average service rate. You would tip based on the student price, not the actual service price if a licensed tech was giving you the service. 
4. If you find out after you have received your service that the tech was a student or apprentice, you can do one of many things. 
1. Raise holy hell. No student should provide you a service without your knowing. (although if you did enjoy your service, you could still tip the poor girl)
2. Kindly request the appropriate discount. Tip on the discounted price. 
3. Turn the salon in for malpractice. (If you're choosing this option, it probably means you didn't tip anyways.)
4. If you return to this salon, either always request the student (it is cheaper!) or always request a Licensed nail tech (you can ask to see their license; it should be on hand at all times anyways for you to see.)

You should never feel obligated to give extra tips for the holidays. However, a nice note, gift, or extra tip is a nice way to show your thanks to your favorite nail tech! 

On a final note, you should always remember that to leave a tip is always your choice. Leaving a tip is never mandatory, but it always the best gesture to make if you have enjoyed your time in the salon. Depending on the salon, nail techs usually only get to keep about half of what the services cost, and sometimes less. Their money goes back into supplies, booth rental or they only make an hourly wage or work on commission. Should you not tip, then you should at the very least let the salon know why so that they can improve. 

Be Radiant!

Amanda