Appreciate your thoughts!
I've been there, and recently too, at another spa and the initial double take can be jolting. In my case I thought the lady was taking a shot at me in particular as a first time client and as someone who had been quite complimentary throughout the session.
I agree - I've noticed this with a few of my more recent sessions throughout the last year or so. Generally, many ladies seem more intent on securing a high tip rather than aiming for repeat clients where service levels increase naturally and therefore the tips as well. Not to mention, repeats are the essence of this business. Whether it's clients tipping below standard rates more often now (thereby providers trying to make up the difference with other clients), the high inflation economy we find ourselves in now, or simply more legit ladies coming to the semi-legit side to make extra cash, something seems to have changed in the market recently. Whatever the reason, what you said remains true: it leaves a bad taste in the mouth despite an otherwise decent session.
Her disappointment arose with her belief that the entirety of her service was worth $60 tips over the hour. I have seen her regularly and often and I tend to come down on her side when it comes to what her services are worth. I have had sessions where she skipped the happy ending because she was dealing with a particular therapeutic issue, in my case a wonky shoulder, and even then I tip her for her time and usually equivalent to the room fee or more. I do believe she sees herself as a talented masseuse and as you note, she knows what she is doing.
I understand where you're coming from here, and I myself have regulars with whom certain allowances are made from time to time from my side in terms of service expectations that vary from session to session - they may have had a particularly bad client right before me or are simply having a bad day and need a break - but I would say the general sentiment among clients is an expectation of consistency between sessions. I've heard many stories where providers lower their service levels due to the comfort that comes with familiarity with a repeat client and take advantage. Of course, I'm not saying this is the case with you. Just something to bear in mind as it can become a slippery slope.
The only issue I have with what you're saying about her entire service being worth $60 for an hour session is that it creates undue pressure on the client in terms of tipping expectations and the industry as a whole. It dips into the indy market mentality where providers are free to determine their own rates for everything. If a lady is working at a spa, clients defer to market rates for tipping expectations and any variance from that should, in my opinion, be communicated clearly to the client beforehand. Of course, a $20 difference isn't the end of the world, it just leaves a sour tone to the whole interaction. At the end of the day though, it's self balancing: clients will just self filter if they deem her to be charging too much and likewise, clients such as yourself who deem her to be worth it will continue to see her.
All I would say is that I strongly doubt Mia was trying to up-charge you (in particular), I believe that what she asked is what she expects and usually receives for an hour session like yours. I know for a fact she takes pride in her skills, but also that her language skills are less than you might have felt, I find when she replies we are at about a 50% chance of talking about the same thing I thought we were. So I know she gets frustrated at times when trying to converse real time.
Perhaps you're right. I would only say that something in her eyes shifted when I mentioned that the standard for what I received was a $40 tip. To me, it was the look of being called out which is why she mentioned the "deep tissue" massage as a justification. But I will admit cultural differences and lack of familiarity with her could mean it could just as easily have been a look of exasperation, annoyance, etc.
The decision to not repeat is yours, and value for money is entirely subjective. My only aim here is to dispel the notion others imply (not you) that there was some sort of deception or cheating involved. I think your review helps in that regard by honestly presenting your massage experience, and what her expectations are for her tips over an hour. Good luck hobbying and finding value and satisfaction in your sessions!
Yup, 100%. As always, businesses that sell a service rather than a product will always have variance due to factors like chemistry, loyalty, rapport, etc. Hence YMMV is the name of the game.
On a side note, thanks for your contributions throughout the years and all the intel you've provided. You hold true to your signature, that's for sure. One of the few who still knows how to write and express themselves properly.