I don't normally base my decision to patron locations solely on reviews but reviews do help to influence where I spend my money. That being said I should have read the reviews first. I will preface this with that I have visited other businesses with similar services before so I was not expecting a high-end "spa" like experience, I was looking for quick relief of tight muscles.
1. Upon entering this business the appearance is typical of what I would expect for this type of experience. A woman was helping two customers check out. It didn't fully click until afterwards but the customer handed the woman $25 for a tip for both customers. Each of their services totaling $60 x 2 = $120. 20% of $120 would be $24. She handed the woman $25, that seems more than fair especially for this type of location. The woman looked at the customer confused but the customer just proceeded to pay her bill and leave.
2. A woman who had obviously entered after me was serviced before me. I was slightly perturbed but again, I wasn't expecting 5 star service from this type of business.
3. I was placed in what looked like a "couples" massage room. Fine. There were curtains. The gentleman placed what appeared to be a cover on the massage table and left the room. There wasn't a blanket so it was slightly awkward having to undress and lay on a table without something covering my body. I obviously left my undergarments on but as a female with a gentleman as my masseur I would expect a little extra care in modesty/privacy. I looked past this as again, I wasn't expecting 5 star service.
4. The gentleman that was performing my massage was slightly rough but I do have a very high tolerance for pain. It was overall fine and did the job. The squeaky table was probably the most obnoxious to me. It wasn't very relaxing in the sound sense.
5. At the conclusion of my services I re-dressed and went to checkout. Handed the gentleman my credit card and he points to an ATM machine next to him. I look at him and I ask "cash only?" He points to the ATM again. At this point I'm annoyed but then ask him how much it was, he says $65. I only have $40 in cash and I know I need to tip the man so I reluctantly used their ATM machine (I still have serious regrets about this) and took out $60. Handed the man $80 and was expecting him to hand me my change. He did not. He put the money in his pocket, looked at me, said thank you and started walking away. Completely stunned at this point so I ask him for a receipt. He looks at me and looks around himself and says to me "no receipt". I ask again "you can't give me a receipt?" And he says no. At this point I'm so annoyed I just leave.
The audacity of this business with sub-par service and environment to expect their customers to tip MORE THAN 20% is absolutely insane to me. In the service industry tips are discretionary and are a direct reflection of the service you receive. I've worked in the service industry, so if you think your customer owes you a tip, then perhaps you need to consider a different industry to work in.
Not only does this place just pocket your money and not give you your change back, you can't even pay with a credit card or get a receipt for your service. There must be some laws that are being broken here. Save yourself the aggravation and just go to a branded massage location. It will be much more relaxing and ethical. read more
