After reading back through this thread, I also wanted to comment on the “she spent the whole time talking about her problems” part. For a first cuddle session, I can see how this would be a disappointing experience. I’ve experienced this myself and even gave the pro a second chance. Things did not improve the 2nd session so I moved on.
I would like to recommend that as you start cuddling more and especially if you find someone to cuddle with on a regular basis, that you keep an open ear and remember that mutually confiding in each other is a normal part of growing a relationship. Even when you are paying for a cuddlers time, they are still human and you may find that being an outlet for that person is a rewarding experience.
My personal philosophy for cuddling and any other activity I might be paying someone for their time is that “The better time you have, the better time I have”
Don't tip this is not a restaurant business
Yea... @NQIGCyan if it's a mutual experience and you are both confiding in eachother and connecting.... however, I know how this is going to sound, but some people might do it so that you'll want to help, I would be wary of that, I mean, I don't know if that was the situation here, but what if she was telling her problems hoping he'd tip to help her somehow... And I hope she reads all of this but from how she has been described it doesn't seem like she takes this seriously so I doubt she would be reading the forums just saying.
@cuddle4health I agree. The cuddle professional/client relationship is nuanced. Men are in a different kind of risky situation than the professional is. Theirs is more a psychological and financial risk. Their trust in the professional not only need to be there physically, but emotionally as well. Caution is definitely advised to them. There are plenty of pros here to maximize their own benefit without a real understanding (or even care) to their responsibility to their clients and the potential harm they can cause. 💜
Drop the name of the bad cuddler. Predators need to be exposed. Keep community safe
@panda619 Naming members is against the forum rules.
I was looking for topics on tipping. It's a double edged sword, but I would argue that because the cuddlers set their own hour rate, tipping should not ever be expected, but of course always welcome if given.
@MrAdmirer some do some don’t. Dont think of it as a standard you have to follow but something nice to do on occasion if you feel up to it. Still don’t feel any pressure or expectation.
I’ll tip with cash and/or Order in food or get them an Uber home if it’s late. Any combination of the three.
Pros should NEVER ask for or expect tips, in my opinion - we are independent providers. Yes, we pay a fee to CC to request a booking with clients, however I just factor that into my pricing as I am in charge. Pros do NOT work for CC. For example, just as I factor all business expenses including Square payment processing fees in my massage business, I price my cuddles to factor in for CC fees and other business expenses. I pay rent at my massage studio, my host/incall location. If someone wants outcall/me to be a guest,, there is already stated pricing for that, to cover time + fuel, and if someone wants me to to travel a long distance I state that the price depends on the expenses but it will be at a least $yzx
So yes, a good Pro will absolutely be upfront with her pricing whether that be in her profile or messages or texts, and not ask for a tip. She is 100% an independent provider, she should have all overhead costs factored into her pricing because she CAN control her pricing. Tips are for employees and Independent Contractors who CANNOT control pricing!!!
No one should be tipping when the base hourly rate is as high as it is now. Tipping makes sense for waiters and those making minimum wage who depend on tips to make up the difference. Pro cuddlers are not underpaid and aren't making minimum wage.
Leave your complaints or commentary about Pros and their rates to THAT mega-thread, please. Thanks, @Melancholy . [-Sid]
Why did we resurrect a 6 month old convo whos original poster is a deleted member lol. Just ask a new question. This forum is a mess.
And yet you comment and bump it to the top of the forum, @wrench . You're going to complain about something you just did? Got it. [-Sid]
@Sideon I'm not sure how I could explain that tipping isn't required without mentioning why. I think that is too much censorship if I can express an opinion about tipping but I'm not allowed to say why. Then people won't understand why ? I was simply saying they don't make minimum wage like waiters and valet parking guys. I wasn't complaining. Its quite frustrating trying to thread the needle if what's ok and not ok to say.
They make less than minimum wage if they are only doing CC or don’t have another great job. This isn’t a 40hr work week. Where pros are racking up 100s an hour.
@Melancholy This whole pros make too much to be kind to them junk is just that. And yours is an opinion not a rule. Do some basic math. Tipping isnt required. It is nice on occasion but your reason is your own bias.
Side note: there are plenty of people who control their own pricing who take tips in many industries. I don’t ask for them and you should not base your prices on thinking someone is going to tip you. Im 100% fine not getting tips because I did plan my price. Saying you shouldn’t ever is kinda a downer for those in more competitive markets. The may not be able to up their price. Never ask. Never expect but also don’t generalize one’s own experience to another’s.
Just like anything, a tip shows appreciation for a job well done. I rarely leave no tip for waiter, beautician, massage therapist, etc. However, when a job is subpar and worse yet in the case of OP situation.… not even done, they should not expect a tip.
I do not expect a tip in cuddling. However, when I am left one, I see it as an expression of appreciation. When it comes down to it, appreciation can be expressed in other ways as well. We all know that when a person feels appreciated, we get the best of them. 💫
Agreed @stormydaycuddle We know that regardless of other work, pros don’t make much with the time involved. Tons of behind the scenes time to this. Just putting yourself out here takes so much time. It is a heart work.
@SnugglesRus 🤗
Federal minimum wage for food servers and others who rely on tips is $2.30 an hour.
@stormydaycuddle cuddling isn't a 40 hour work week or more for some or many cuddlers? In many different jobs people work well over that. Perhaps 60, 70 hours or more.
@snugbuddy i don’t want to say no one but I have yet to see a cuddler consistently pull in 40hr a week. I can get a good 16 on a good weekend but that’s not even my norm which is lower. And at home ESPECIALLY in January when the Christmas rush just happened it’s not even a 5 hour work week for many. The money isn’t consistent and while some pros do better than others and are fortunate quite a few aren’t due to dozens of factors. And to be clear I am in the mid-high range booking. So think of those who aren’t. Be kind realize we aren’t all sitting back making $$$$. A week. Some make 0 It is a great platform to build a business and client base. One of if not THE best. I think there are unrealistic views on pros sweeping in cash.
Wow that little huh😳? I never realized... and the STUFF yall have to put up with... thank you for sharing from a successful pros perspective @stormydaycuddle . AND THANK YOU for your service! 🪷
Without tagging certain people on here who wish to parse out every dime a pro makes and conclude you make more than Jack did with his beans, I suggest you begin your post by stating how much you make a week so we can analyze that as well.
Tip if you want or not, but breaking down someone’s income is acting like a busybody and really none of your business. Do you go to a waiter after a meal and say “how much do you make if you don’t get a tip?” I really can’t believe grownups need to be told to mind their own business and go Windex their fingerprint saturated glass house.
Rant over.
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Just to make a minor point that may not be well understood in the USA. In many industries, in many parts of the world, offering a tip is really quite offensive. It suggests that the service provider does or may offer a different level of service to different clients, instead of doing their best for every client. It therefore comes across as a bribe to obtain favourable treatment, which is an insult to the service provider's integrity. This is a cultural thing and obviously doesn't apply in the USA.
In past lives I have been offered tips and both accepted graciously and gratefully, and been genuinely offended (and declined, obviously). It depends on the circumstances.
I've never heard of a professional cuddler here in the UK being offered a tip (although to be fair I haven't asked). Some I suppose would accept; some would decline; and some would be upset.
My understanding of professional cuddling in the USA is that a tip is never, ever expected. But if offered is usually accepted and appreciated.
This is unfortunate. So sorry you didn't get the cuddle experience you were looking for, but I think there are many of us out here that would've been much more present with you. Tips are not customary, but it is a nice gesture -- especially when they are driving to you & you thoroughly enjoyed the session. Also, the site takes a percentage of our fee so it actually doesn't all go to us as professionals. I would charge the same rate for a healing session, without the same degree of physical affection, and I often get tips for those. That said, I generally do not expect tips. But when I do, it's because I just gave an undeniably memorable experience to someone who really needed it. 😇🫂💞
Hope your next one is so much better! 🙏
I don’t really support the concept of tipping in general - people should just charge for the service in whatever industry. If a tip is expected, then it’s like there is a hidden fee at the end.
I don’t get a tip for doing my job well, and neither do most people. What happens when someone does their job well (hopefully) is that they see continued and increased business, raises/promotions if they are not self-employed.
That said if someone feels inclined to give a little extra, and the receiving person isn’t in a position where it could be seen as a bribe (or it isnt seen as insulting in that culture), l don’t see it as a problem.
I did work as a server, and it was nice to bring home $300 + dollars on holidays in tips alone in one day, but I still don’t support tipping culture.
Tipping..? Never heard of it in regards to cuddling! ABSOLUTELY NOT required!! I’d never even consider charging OR paying for cuddling, but I’m being told that’s the only way a lot of males can get a female to show up. I don’t understand that either.. If you want to, go ahead, but I don’t think it should be asked for. I’ve seen “professional” cuddlers advertise for as much as $180 per hour and just thought, “There’d better be a hot tub involved”!!
The moment you feel uncomfortable with the conversation, change the subject. If that doesn’t work, end the session. You’re a cuddler, NOT a therapist and you’re supposed to get comfort out of it too, so if you’re not, I’d report the person and block them from contacting you again. I want to believe no one’s “here” for drama, but I’ve been on this site for YEARS now and I’ve come across more than a few people who’ve allowed their personal life to spill over into our cuddling conversations (even got verbally belligerent with M-E over it) and just No!! Stand up for yourself and YOU keep YOUR budget on track!
I just had a random thought. People with cushy salaries get bonuses every year. Isn't that just like a tip from your boss? I know how much people like those, but people who are poor are supposed to give them up? 🤷♀️
My response to tipping with cuddling (with me) is always the same. It's important to me to reject the continual rate climb. It's important to me to be attainable for anyone to afford (albeit not at the regularity we would all love, but attainable). Some people could afford more, but I treat everyone the same. Tipping when people can afford those higher more typical rates helps support my continuing to do this work, which helps me continue to be available to them (and everyone else). I don't treat people different depending on how much people can afford, it's just appreciated and goes towards my survival. 🤷♀️
I tip but not after every cuddling session but as my budget allows. Platonic Cuddling me and attending to my emotional needs is far from easy. When tipping always ask myself two questions: Do I have the money in my budget and what was the cuddling worth to me? Tipping for anything is very personal choice. Don't allow anyone to make you believe otherwise; It is your nomey.
@craM i tried to dm you but you’re on a break atm. Hugs. Ty.
Write her a bad but honest, accurate and detailed karma review. That sucks.
I'm not going to tip because it's tough to figure out the right number nor it is expected, but I do round up slightly to cover planning time or gas money