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Why I have decided to eliminate tipping

Over the past several years, the rising cost of living, a constantly shifting economy and the ever-expanding expectation to tip everywhere we go feels like a lot.  I feel this adds an undue level of stress to personal interactions, especially in places that are meant to feel restorative.

My work is centered around helping people slow down, soften, and step out of this stress for a brief moment in time. My hope is that all of our bodywork sessions together feel like an easeful and uncomplicated experience, not one that ends with math calculations, uncertainty, or awkwardness about what’s expected of you.

Because I own my own business, I have the flexibility to set my rates in a way that fully reflects the value of my work and supports a livable wage. Rather than relying on optional gratuity, I’m choosing to increase my rates a little and eliminate tipping altogether.

Going forward, my pricing will be simple and transparent:
​One flat rate. No surprises. No pressure.


This shift is also, largely, about how I view the profession of licensed massage therapy. I see this work as part of the overall healthcare field, not as tipped service labor. My goal is to provide consistent, educated, thoughtful care, and to hold my practice to a standard that aligns with this philosophy.

If you're thinking: "How can I show my appreciation and support without tipping?" 

First of all, thank you. I am thrilled to know that our sessions are valuable to you! Your generosity and thoughtfulness really mean a lot to me.

With this in mind, the most meaningful way to support my work is by helping others find it. Sharing your experience with friends or family, or taking a few minutes to leave a review on
 Google or MassageBook, makes a huge difference for my small, independent practice. Hearing what you appreciated about your session also helps me continue to customize my work to find what supports you best.

I’m making this change thoughtfully and intentionally, and I believe (and hope) it will create a more easeful experience for everyone.

Thank you for being here, for trusting me with your care and for supporting a small, local business, that continually strives towards fairness, equitability, honesty and sustainability.
Blue succulent plant
Image by juemi from Pixabay


Further Reading

  • Embracing the No-Tipping Zone: A New Approach to Wellness
  • Why We Don’t Accept Tips
  • To Tip or Not to Tip?
  • NPR - The Land of the Fee
  • Politico - Tipping Has a Racist Past

Meagen Alm-Lunan, LMT (OBMT #19902)  •  [email protected]
4645 SE 67th Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97206
​503-345-5195
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  • home
  • offerings
  • Ashiatsu
  • schedule & rates
  • faq
  • illness policy
  • about meagen
  • contact