Tipping for cosmetic or medical procedures

I'm have a laser hair removal procedure on 11.7.07, and I believe it's being performed by medical professionals.

Tipping in Europe is always a delicate line to cross, trying not to insult by not tipping when you should and tippping too much when you shouldn't.

The procedure is going to cost about 330 Euro. Any ideas whether or not a tip is in order and, if so, how much?

Thanks everyone!

D

This is quite possibly the dumbest question I've ever seen on this site. EVER.

woof.

I'm not sure why it's a dumb question.

In NYC, you would tip. I suspect you don't here, especially if it's being done my medical professionals, but I don't really know if they are medical professionals or just trained in the procedure.

Who the fuck tips a doctor in NYC? No one even tips a fucking ambulance driver and he's at least vaguely "service industry".

woof.

don´t tip the medical staff individually or collectively, but you can leave 5-10 Euros for the nurses´ "Kaffeekasse" at the reception as a sign of your appreciation ... if it makes you feel good

You don't tip a doctor, but you do tip professionally trained massage therapists, hair stylists and non-medical professionals trained in hair removal. It's cosmetic but not considered cosmetic surgery because you don't have to be a doctor to perform the procedure.

Thanks, miwild, I'll do that! It sounds like the best compromise, as I'm still of the mindset that all service workers, including in the non-medical cosmetic industry, should be tipped.

D

This is quite possibly the most typical response to a legitimate question I've seen on this site.

Someone lacking information about some form of etiquette in Germany is asking those living here who speak her native language to offer advice. What's wrong with that?

I don't tip my laser girl, but I did bring her flowers after my last treatment. I felt I was paying enough for the treatment for 20min (90euro) so, I felt instead of a tip, buy her something nice to show I appreciate her efforts.

Tipping should be outlawed, except for cows.

I find it not only preposterous that someone within this very discussion who has admitted to personal pecuniary interest in the receipt of additional monies above and beyond that which is on the bill he presents to a customer should so blatantly and hypocritically deny that others are equally deserving of such remuneration especially considering the relative difficulty and importance of the job of pouring beer into a glass as opposed to that of carrying out a medical procedure.

One should always tip without discrimination. Tipping isn't restricted to waiters, busboys and prostitutes. All persons providing services of any sort should be tipped. Do you not tip the poor fellow at the airport who trundles luggage for you? Why then not the pilots, theír crews, the safety inspectors and passport control guards? They too are service workers and deserving of a tip in the performance of their dutie. They all carry out jos without which our society could barely function, and such positions I would never want to find myself in.

Police should likewise be tipped. Whether one agrees with their handling of a matter, it's being done for one's safety or that of everyone around him. Surely this is at least as important a service as a waiter ensuring he doesn't spash food around on a plate as he delivers it to the table. Some might go so far as to say it's considerably more important. That one disagrees with a summons or citation handed out by that policeman in no way offers any justification for withholding a tip. Discussion of the matter should be reserved for the courtroom. Tipping in the courtroom (judge, prosecutor, stenographer, bailiff) should be done after the case has already been decided so as not to give cause to believe you're attempting to purchase a certain trial outcome. Do tip both your legal representative and that of the opposition (whether private or a public servant); you'll almost certainly see them again.

In conclusion the importance of the practice of tipping should not be overlooked, and those living in glass houses should excercise great caution before hurling rocks at those who are merely inquisitive.

Good day to you, sir.

J. Humphrey Featheringhamshaw-Witherspoon.

Post of the week, and it's only Monday 9.30.

i tip hairdressers and beauticians.
if you are paying 330EUR, i would not tip unless they do a really good job.

and ignore BadDoggie, he is just being himself... the charming poster...

Since when is laser hair removal performed by "medical professionals?" Please, they're just trained beauticians. You're gonna need to tip. And anyway, I think a good rule of thumb when confused about tipping is this: It's always better to tip than to not. I mean come on, who doesn't like free money?

Do not try to tip the volunteer tour guides at Alcatraz. They will be insulted that you offer them money when they're obviously doing it for the love of telling stories. We found out the hard way.

It can be. My dermatologist does it, for example. And I suspect she would be rather taken aback if I tipped her. I like Carm's suggestion - and being a medical professional herself, she probably knows what she's talking about.

Mine was also done by my dermatologist, I wouldn't have had it any other way. No I didn't tip her. I did give my physiotherapists shortbread biscuits though when my treatments ended.

Amen to that!
and speaking of that topic...where's some good cowtipping in berlin?

Mr J Humphrey Thingy-Witherspoon is a gent. Please encourage him to leave more posts like this.

I would give a gratuity for all medical staff except those performing circumcisions - they get enough tips.