Honestly that scalp massage gets people every time. I always keep the room quiet and ask if they want the neck and shoulder part too, cause some folks just need that touch and dont even know it till they get it. If someone starts crying I just keep my hands moving and dont make it weird, let them have the moment. Nine times out of ten they tip better and come back every month after that.

Did you try a wet shot? I got a way better look at a Jesus face on a water tower once after it rained, the darker concrete made the whole thing pop.

Oh man, that hits home but I gotta push back a little. Being rushed and being honest about time aren't the same thing, some places are just understaffed and you can feel it no matter how nice they are. The plumber thing sounds more like he just took the time to do right by you, not that he was "honest about time.