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Wedding Etiquette Forum
100yroldblinddog
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Tipping vendor/owners
Hi Etiquette Mavens!
I know that it's not common practice to tip vendors who own their company (unless exceptional service), so I'm wondering if that extends to small operations like hair styling. When I get quotes from hair stylists who happen to work independently as company owners (like Lisa Smith of Lisa Smith Artistry, for instance), they are a bit higher than I was expecting.
I understand that the actual number is a matter of geography, but I'm wondering if this pricing is a bit padded to include tip since the vendor is the owner. (To clarify: I'm not opposed to tipping if that's appropriate.) Has anyone encountered this and have some insight? Thanks!
I know that it's not common practice to tip vendors who own their company (unless exceptional service), so I'm wondering if that extends to small operations like hair styling. When I get quotes from hair stylists who happen to work independently as company owners (like Lisa Smith of Lisa Smith Artistry, for instance), they are a bit higher than I was expecting.
I understand that the actual number is a matter of geography, but I'm wondering if this pricing is a bit padded to include tip since the vendor is the owner. (To clarify: I'm not opposed to tipping if that's appropriate.) Has anyone encountered this and have some insight? Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Tipping vendor/owners
However, I will usually tip an owner of a business because even if they charge enough that they don't NEED it, it's still a gesture of appreciation of a job well done. That owner will be able to use the tip for something extra, like a dinner out, if she doesn't absolutely need it to supplement her income (as staff too often do).
Does your stylist have to travel?
@SP29, the hairstylists I've been getting quotes from do traveling hair as what I believe is a side business for some, without a home base and a specific range in which they will travel. I think that aspect is also part of the reason I'm confused. Since there's no studio space cost, almost all of the fee is profit.
Wedding services are inherently more costly and there is the convenience of having the artist come to you, so that was what prompted my original question.
Remember, most hairdressers are using salon quality products - so they may be buying $30 bottles of hair gel while we're buying $10 ones, for example. Add in having to purchase your own travelling studio (capes, brushes & combs, irons, etc., which need to be replaced regularly), and the wear & tear on your car, and it can be hard to break even.
I agree, this person isn't paying to rent a physical office space, but travelling to all of his/her clients vs. having clients come to them is expensive.
I was also thinking in the case of one person, that stylist is entirely reliant on them self for the whole business' profit, where as a salon has many staff that can bring in multiple people at one time in the same space, plus buy products in bulk.
If you're not happy with prices, I'd keep looking. The place I got my hair done for my wedding was a salon, and even though it was a "bridal up-do" it was a similar cost to any other place I've seen list prices for up-dos and even styling. I also got my make up done at the same salon and found their prices to be on par with any other salon or even the make up stores in the mall.