A woman from Austin, Texas, found herself at the centre of a modern consumer rights dispute after her medspa confronted her aggressively over her perceived lack of gratuity. Valeria Delgado, a regular client, was shocked to receive a text message from the manager of the establishment, which she has chosen not to name for legal reasons, directly challenging her tipping habits.
The Confrontational Text Message
Valeria Delgado had been a loyal customer, paying for a monthly membership costing just over $230 which entitled her to one chemical peel or facial treatment per month. Her goal was to improve her skin with regular professional care. However, the relationship soured due to repeated issues, including unexpected upcharges for additional treatments and mistakes made by the aestheticians.
After deciding to cancel her membership, Delgado was informed she faced a hefty fee for terminating before the six-month commitment period. To avoid this penalty, she reluctantly agreed to continue for two more months. It was during this period that she received the now-infamous text.
The message from the manager stated, 'I have noticed there is a pattern where you have declined leaving gratuity.' It went on to explain that the business 'really stand[s] behind our clients leaving between 15 percent and 20 percent for their aestheticians,' emphasising that tips are a big part of their pay. The text concluded with a thinly-veiled ultimatum: 'If this is not something you feel is necessary we may not be the best spot for you.'
Hidden Costs and Service Frustrations
Delgado detailed how her visits typically unfolded. She would select her primary treatment, but the staff would frequently recommend add-ons—'this, this, and this'—which she often agreed to without a clear understanding that they incurred extra costs. It was only at the payment counter that she learned of the additional charges, which she says were not properly explained during the consultation.
'There goes your f*****g tip,' Delgado remarked, describing her reaction to these surprise fees. Despite her frustration with the upcharges, which amounted to roughly $25 per visit, she insists she still typically left a $15 gratuity. This brought her total monthly expenditure to approximately $270.
Delgado strongly objected to the medspa's approach, arguing that the responsibility for employee wages should not fall solely on the customer through tips. 'Nowhere does it say that it's mandatory to tip,' she asserted. 'If I'm not happy with the service, why are you expecting a tip? It sounds like all you care for is the money and not really your clients.'
Public Outcry and Consumer Backlash
When Delgado shared her experience online, the court of public opinion weighed in heavily, with most commenters siding with her. The outrage was not directed at her tipping habits, but at the medspa's conduct.
One user commented, 'I feel like you're not wrong. $230 for a service a month is a lot. That's what they do for a living!!! Why would you tip for them to do their job.' Another suggested practical action: 'File a complaint with the attorney general. You can do it online.'
Many questioned the value proposition. 'That's a big hell no — what the hell does the $230 cover? Just showing up?' wrote one perplexed individual. Another pointed out the lack of transparency, arguing, 'The manager reaching out to you and letting you know what's expected is wild to me. If that is the case, then post it on the website.'
This incident highlights growing tensions in the tipping culture, particularly in premium service industries where customers already pay significant membership or service fees. It raises important questions about employer responsibility for fair wages versus placing that burden directly on consumers.
