Private transport to port - tipping question

[harrowgirl]

Our group (6 adults, 3 babies) have arranged for a private shuttle to and from the port. On the way TO the port, we will be stopping for 30 minutes or so at the Walmart to pick up supplies. On the return trip, they will be bringing us to the airport to drop off 3 people, then the rest of us will be continuing on to POP Music.

Just not sure what appropriate tip amounts are for each way. Our transport is $280 round trip.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our group (6 adults, 3 babies) have arranged for a private shuttle to and from the port. On the way TO the port, we will be stopping for 30 minutes or so at the Walmart to pick up supplies. On the return trip, they will be bringing us to the airport to drop off 3 people, then the rest of us will be continuing on to POP Music.

Just not sure what appropriate tip amounts are for each way. Our transport is $280 round trip.

The traditional amount is 20% of the price. We pay each way separately because we don't always have the same driver. Personally, if I were one of the 3 being dropped off at MCO post cruise, I'd give my share of the tip to the 'tipper' who'd be giving the tip at the resort, Pop or Music or both. The last one to leave the vehicle would give the tip on behalf of the group. kwim?

I think 20% is generous and if they charge additional $ to make multiple stops, then extra tip would result since it's calculated as a % of the total.

 

[Edd]

Tipping depends on how the drivers take care of you. The is no standard percent for a gratuity which is given to someone who performs extra services for you. Tipping a standard percent makes many who are serving you lazy. Make them serve you for the extra amount of money or don't tip. It is easy as that.

 

[mmouse37]

A tip should never be given for bad service but it is customary to tip 20% for service....if they really go above and beyond then you could tip more.

MJ

 

[kcashner]

6 adults, 3 babies...so the driver will be installing, removing, and cleaning car seats as well as loading luggage, etc. I agree with both of the above posts--while a tip of about 20% is expected, the driver should earn it. If DH loads the luggage into the trunk, etc. well, that's just not being on vacation.

Also as above, tip each way as you probably will not have the same driver. If driver arrives and car seats are dirty, or are not there....well, you know what will happen to any tip I'd be giving!

 

[Edd]

I just really hate to push it, but give a mediocre driver the so-called 20% customary tip and he will continue to be a mediocre. To me there is no standard or customary rate. All drivers ask for the 20% but not all drivers are worth it. Some companies overcharge so much they really aren't worth spending another 20% on.

 

[kcashner]

Edd, I basically agreed with you saying that the driver should earn the tip.

One more thought--read the fine print. Some companies include the tip in what they charge, and your driver will never point that out to you!

 

[Edd]

Passengers must be aware the company will usually include the gratuitiy if they prepay a transportation company. Most of the limo companies charge the extra gratuity. 20% is actually the amount of money a company usually charges a driver when the ride is subbed to the driver. Naturally the company is trying to get that money back for the driver by requesting you pay them a 20% gratuity. You are actually helping the company with their payroll if you succumb.

A lot of drivers normally expect the amount without providing any extra service whatsoever. I don't think they deserve it and would not pay it.

 

[lovethedream]

The traditional amount is 20% of the price. We pay each way separately because we don't always have the same driver. Personally, if I were one of the 3 being dropped off at MCO post cruise, I'd give my share of the tip to the 'tipper' who'd be giving the tip at the resort, Pop or Music or both. The last one to leave the vehicle would give the tip on behalf of the group. kwim?

I think 20% is generous and if they charge additional $ to make multiple stops, then extra tip would result since it's calculated as a % of the total.

20% sounds a bit much. Would not 15% be more typical? I usually tip the recommended amount no matter the service (what if the guy was just having a really bad day or something completely out of his control) and add to that for the good service. I tip the guys on the boat no matter if I use there services or not, but I add to that if great service is given. Would not the same apply here?

 

[lovethedream]

A tip should never be given for bad service but it is customary to tip 20% for service....if they really go above and beyond then you could tip more.

MJ

Does this strictly apply to limo service? I typically give 15% for service at restaurants and tip more if great service. I think some of the servers I have had at restaurants have worked harder than some of the limo drivers I have seen, and I am not trying to take anything away from Limo drivers. I may need to go back and adjust my tipping...

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

As I said, I think 20% is generous and I don't think it should be automatic or mandatory. If service was truly mediocre, I wouldn't go that high but the 3x that we've used Happy Limo to the port, they gave us a free upgrade from a stretch limo to a super huge stretch, an Escalade or something like that. Then I don't mind.

Dh is always a big tipper. Not to show off but his mom was a waitress and knows that plenty of people barely tip at all, despite working his/her butt off. Same with DCL dining room I guess.

 

[peachygreen]

I emailed my limo company to get an idea of what is customary and this was the reply.

"Greetings,

The customary tip would be 15-20% on the round-trip. Some people prefer to split that
between the two trips, or if you tip on the round-trip, please let the driver know.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. "

Just like any other tipped position I agree that tips should be earned but like tipping in a restaruant, on board, etc there are customary values so I asked as I don't typically use limo services.

 

[tinkerone]

something i was reminded about when i asked the question, its 20% of the total so don't tip 52 dollars one way and 52 on the way back. it would be 28 to the first drive for the first round and 28 to the second driver for the second round of your trip.

 

[lovethedream]

As I said, I think 20% is generous and I don't think it should be automatic or mandatory. If service was truly mediocre, I wouldn't go that high but the 3x that we've used Happy Limo to the port, they gave us a free upgrade from a stretch limo to a super huge stretch, an Escalade or something like that. Then I don't mind.

Dh is always a big tipper. Not to show off but his mom was a waitress and knows that plenty of people barely tip at all, despite working his/her butt off. Same with DCL dining room I guess.

I went back and re-read your post. Sorry, I missed the second part of your post.

A friend of mine from a long time ago was a waitress. She did the same thing, she always tipped well above and beyond and is probably why I continue to overtip (and tip even for poor service) even to this day.

 

[clawmachine]

Not to hijack this thread but you all sound like you have a lot of experience with car service companies. Is there a general place to go to see reviews/testimonials about various car companies? I was interested in using Spaceport Transport because their rates are great and they were very pleasant and prompt on email, but between here and Cruise Critic I've barely been able to find anything....

 

[lovethedream]

something i was reminded about when i asked the question, its 20% of the total so don't tip 52 dollars one way and 52 on the way back. it would be 28 to the first drive for the first round and 28 to the second driver for the second round of your trip.

Now I am going back and trying to remember what we did when I rented a limo in Vegas. Paying 20% for half and half would make sense. Otherwise, your paying more like 40%??? right?

 

[tinkerone]

Now I am going back and trying to remember what we did when I rented a limo in Vegas. Paying 20% for half and half would make sense. Otherwise, your paying more like 40%??? right?

right and i think sometimes the limo drivers love the fact some people don't think of this. its a bonus for them and i doubt many would say anything.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Yes, if you tip as a %, be sure to calculate each leg, so you're not tipping RT amount each way.

I know Happy Limo includes the tip and it's prepaid unless you tell them you're a mousesavers.com subscriber, then you tip at your discretion. I always prefer to tip the driver directly. Somehow when it's prepaid, I feel like I'm stiffing the driver to just get out and not tip. I know it sounds weird but I felt that way at my 1st cruise, just getting up every night from the table and not leaving anything there. Takes some getting used to.

 

[volleymom14]

Could you tell me who you are using for private transportation?