I am confused as to whether I should be tipping spa therapists. Every now and then one reads conflicting articles and opinions and I wondered what your take on this is? Dana Reed, London

Times Online spa expert, Miranda Allard responds: Tipping always produces heated discussion and to a certain extent both sides of the argument have valid points. With spa treatments as we know them in the modern world of today there is no long term culture of behaviour here when it comes to salaries and tips.

For example, in restaurants we always check to see whether service is included or not and unless the experience was unsatisfactory it is commonly accepted that an extra fee for service is required – whether as cash on the table or added to the credit card payment. It is generally recognised that staff who serve in restaurants earn very low salaries and depend on these tips.

This is also the case in many spas. The problem lies in the fact that salary structures vary enormously between spas which are independently run either as groups or individual businesses and is complicated by local culture and attitude towards tipping. The client has no idea whether their therapist is relying on a tip or is just grateful for the extra bonus and appreciation following a good treatment.

To be safe I would always tip when visiting spas outside Europe. In the US it is assumed a large tip of 15 per cent minimum will be offered at the end of the treatment. This is sometimes already added to the bill, especially in upmarket hotel spas, so check before you hand over more money and remember to build this in when deciding your spa treatment budget. If you are not fully satisfied my advice is to stand by your principles and do not tip – but expect the spa to be suspiciously fully booked if you try to visit again!

What makes this more unfair is that therapists in the US are also paid well compared to the rest of the world and sadly for us it seems, in my opinion, that the profession over there has more respect than here. At the other end of the spectrum in Asia, however, therapists are paid very little for long hours and often live in cramped accommodation.

I know of several amazingly luxurious spa resorts where therapists live on site, four to a small room and away from their families with little or no paid holiday during a two-year contract – this is the norm. So any cash tip they receive is a valuable and much appreciated bonus and does not need to be thought of as a percentage of the treatment cost but a token of appreciation.

It is much more complicated here in the UK and Europe. What I can tell you is that salaries for therapists are appallingly low considering the necessary years and cost of training required by the best spas.

Many spas start newly qualified therapists on a fraction above the national minimum wage (currently £5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older; £4.77 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive) with targets to meet before topping up with bonus structures. Spa treatments are expensive and most clients understandably feel they have spent enough without having to add a tip.

There are some employers who add commission for the therapist into the cost of the treatment. In my view this is the best solution as good therapists are rewarded with full lists from regular clients or recommendations – though this system can be open to abuse through manipulation of bookings.

If the therapist is getting commission for your treatment it is less necessary to consider tipping as well – it is easy to find this out from the spa reception.

To avoid the issue many therapists choose to set up their own practice and remain self employed. They charge a fair rate for the treatment itself bearing in mind their costs are lower than those of luxury spas and high street salons.

As tips are associated with junior members of a team it would not be appropriate to tip a therapist running her own business who is also acting as her own manager and salary setter - indeed this may cause embarrassment However it does not mean a present every now is not appreciated as is common practice at Christmas for professionals such as teachers, nurses and doctors.

I cannot tell you whether to tip or not as it should always remain at your discretion but I hope this piece offers some food for thought to help you make a judgement – a judgement which should be made after each treatment according to your satisfaction as there is no general rule.

Miranda Allard runs SpaContacts.com which features a limited selection of spas invited by her to join

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