in percent terms (tip/total session rate), at what point does a tip go from bad to okay, from okay to good, and from good to generous? are there other non-pecuniary factors that drive or shape this assessment, such as the client's wealth/class or your level of personal enjoyment from the session?
There's no such thing as a bad tip! Any amount is appreciated if it's your preferred way of saying thank you and showing gratitude. Even 10$ is fun since I'll think of you the next time I buy my latte with your 10 dollar bill.
any thoughts on the effect or advantages/disadvantages of pre-tipping vs post-tipping (meaning clients who only pre-tip vs clients who only post-tip, not clients who do both, who I assume, all else being equal, are preferred)?
I can only speak for myself, but unless you are a regular client, I find pre-tipping weird, or simply a way to manipulate me into giving a better service. I am always wary when this happens with a new client.
Tipping post service shows genuine gratitude for what happened between us and an authentic desire to tell me you loved your session since you are under no obligation to tip me. For these reasons, it feels more personal and is cherished.
rank in order of preference (assume all are of the same monetary value, even if they vary in fungibility):
- gift card - physical object delivered in-person - physical object shipped - cash - wishtender purchase (almost the same as cash)
I as said before, any physical gifts that I never talked about or are not on my wishlist are usually not wanted and, therefore, not as appreciated. Cash is always useful. Sending your monetary gift through my Wishtender is also quite fun since I have savings accounts dedicated specifically to my school fund and my wellness retreat. When you send it under one of those items, I can instantaneously redirect this money into said accounts and really (as opposed to virtually) see how close I am to achieving my financial goal!
A fun gift to be shipped is a
bouquet de fleurs from "socialflowers". Other than that, offering your gift in person is much more enjoyable in my eyes.