A tip by definition is based on the quality of the service
[QUOTE=WhiteRookDown;2861058]The AMP scene has been in a nosedive for quite some time. Anyone who hasn't noticed it simply isn't being honest, especially with themselves. Ridiculous tip demands / expectations, subpar massages, subpar extras. Perhaps the worst is negotiating a tip before anything has happened. That is a ridiculous premise, and one I just won't tolerate. A tip by definition is based on the quality of the service, and given AFTER the service is performed. The overeagerness, high school level puppy dog behavior, and weirdly devoted behavior to non-English speaking, Third World women because they will touch your pee pee is ridiculous. It is also destroying the price and the quality of the AMP experience. I don't need lessons in how to act, advice on taking a shower before I go, romance recommendations, or any of a host of items. I've been an adult for quite some time, and was taught how to act in the world by my father, who also knew how to behave.
That said, I am the customer. While I treat whatever service person in whatever business they are in with respect and manners, it is on THEM to provide service to ME, not the other way around. I don't care about a masseuse's backstory, any more than I care about a server's story at a restaurant, the mechanic's story where I get the oil in my car changed, or that of the woman who cuts my hair. A masseuse can learn how to speak English, and learn about our culture and our way of doing things, since she's decided to be here. Otherwise, she can try another line of work, and I'll just try another place. To me, an AMP is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, vastly different than dining out, bowling, a movie, or karaoke night at a bar. I'm not there for dates or to find a lover, because I date women I can speak and communicate with and who share my values and culture, better known as American women.
This isn't an addiction, a compulsion, or an obsession with me. It is simply what I said, a pleasurable experience. For the most part, over the last half year or so, it has declined dramatically. There are a few places I still go, but if the decline continues, or the places I go join in that decline, I'll simply stop and spend my money elsewhere. I grew up a long time ago, and I'm not in the habit of wasting my time and my money.[/QUOTE]WRD: I agree with you that in many ways the AMP scene is definitely declining. I have not been in the hobby long but I do remember getting good massages as well as additional services when I first started. Prices were also reasonable and the women very attractive. I do disagree with you regarding tipping or maybe I misunderstood your post. If you are only expecting a massage and you give the masseuse some extra money then that is a tip. If you are expecting EXTRAS then that is not a tip, that is paying for additional services which have a cost. I agree that there should be a standard for services and if someone wants to TIP above this based on quality of service, then that is up to the individual. Unfortunately given the nature of our hobby there is no way to regulate what services should cost except to try and share the information on boards like this.
Tip and the rest of the discussion
First off, I agree strongly with DMichaels. Call it whatever you want, it should only be paid AFTER the service. Now that said, I have not seen a decline in quality. Not sure why.
I do believe in Karma. I know that people can stand in front of me spreading positive energy and it is invigorating and enjoyable. I try to be that way. Don't always succeed, but I try. And I think it has tangible and intangible benefits.
I also believe that the reverse is true. Negative energy from a Masseuse or a client is destructive and counterproductive. In essence, it is illogical. Regardless of what should be the case, those massueses and clients are both worse off as a result. Bob.
[QUOTE=DMichaels69;2863529]Its a tip. The ladies at the AMP's I go to refer to that as a tip. I pay after, not before. I had a young little spinner princess want it before. I said no, she threw a temper tantrum and it she got zero.[/QUOTE]
Reflexion Spa And Angel Massage.
[QUOTE=BenBeck;2863545]YMMV. For both locations.[/QUOTE]If you got extras at Reflexion Spa consider yourself lucky. I'm not going back. I found an Indie CMT that's willing to play.