Do any personal trainers get tips after sessions? If not, why since this is a service?

Your questions is a very interesting one.

While I would never expect a tip, I wonder why many in the fitness industry feel obligated to give something away for free when a client or member refers a new client to them.

Just as doctors, lawyers, nurses, etc. don't receive tips nor give away free visits, I would not expect a tip or give a free session.

Great question.

Businesses where tipping is customary often factor the expected tip into the pay structure of the employee. Those also tend to be lines of business where the person would go once in a while rather than two or three times a week.

Also: just because a business is in the service industry does not automatically imply that tipping is part of it. You would not tip an accountant or a lawyer, for example.

I have never gotten a "tip" nor would I expect one

I agree that a 'regular tip' after sessions is not expected by most trainers. Since our client is already paying a 'fee for our direct service' there really shouldn't be any expectation of an additional tip for that same service in my opinion. This is a little different from some other service situations such as a food server since we as the diner are not automatically paying them for their service, but instead for the food, and so the tip IS their pay for service. But, as Karin points out, I view our service more in line with that of other professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and doctors.

I hope this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

/agree with the above posts.

I havent really come across a client that tips because they are already paying for our service, and a portion of it goes to us.

I don't expect tips because it is my own business, and I don't tip my massage therapist because it is her own business. But it is an interesting question as I would tip a massage therapist in a health club, but not expect one if I trained in one. But I think Karin answered it best by mentioning that we see clients 2-3 times a week versus once a month or more for a massage therapist or hair stylist.

Tips would be nice though... sometimes I go WAY beyond my "set" 30 minute sessions.

I have known some trainers that have received tips while working at some of the large chain gyms. I have never expected a tip from a client though.
The response from Joanne is a very thought provoking provoking one. I have also offered a free session for a referred client. When I refer someone to a doctor, lawyer or dentist I get a sincere thank you. Perhaps this will be my response in the future.

I agree with Joanne and give a sincere thanks when I get a referral, not a free session. I do however give my long time clients a gift certificate from a wonderful massage therapist every few years as a thank you for staying with me.

I have received tips, occasionally, over the course of my career. Usually it has been a bonus for a job well done when a client stops training with me for whatever reason.

That being said, I never expect a tip; and the best "tip" I could receive is a referral which shows that I not only did a good enough job for them but they trust me with others as well :)