Am I the Only One Who Doesn't Tip Housekeeping?

[disneychrista]

Honestly, the bottom line is whether you are generous for those less fortunate.

I am sorry I COMPLETELY disagree with you. It is not about "being generous for those less fortunate." Honestly I have no clue what mousekeepers make (excluding tips) nor do I know if they are "less fortune." How do I know why they have decided to work in housekeeping at Disney. Maybe they do it beacause they enjoy it (hard to belive but some people actually enjoy cleaning). Maybe they do it because of some "perks" they get. How do I know that their spouse is not the CEO of some company making 6 figures? In fact I think it is pretty presumptuous of you to believe that they are "less fortunate."

If you want to tip go ahead and do so. But do not do it thinking you are "being genereous to those less fortunate" do it because you want to. If you want to be "geneeou to those less fortunate" donate your trip to a family at a homeless shelter.

 

[mega13]

I don't think it's presumptious at all - they're cleaning toilets, I'm not. They're cleaning hair out of a sink, I'm not. I sit in a cushy office all day, wearing Franco Sarto boots that match my Kate Spade handbag. I go down to WDW to play and spend money, they go there to work. You can be as offended as you please, but I cannot imagine that you are suggesting that Mousekeepers are rolling in the money and completely satisfied with their salary. If that's the case with employees at WDW, then why the recent strike threat? I don't know what you (or your mate) do for a living, but I would imagine that most of the posters on this board are better off. Just because Mousekeepers work in WDW doesn't mean that they are happy to be cleaning. Face it - housekeeping/maid service is not pleasant, nor is it a job of status. Most of the housekeeping I've seen the majority of hotels I've stayed in are minorities. The fact of the matter, and the reality in this country, is that most minorities in blue collar jobs struggle in life. And if I can help contribute to alleviate that struggle, even just a little bit, then I try to do so. I live in the Detroit area, where the poverty level in the inner city is high. And if I am eating in a restaurant, or getting my car washed, or staying at a hotel, I tip. And I tip well. Because I have been there, done that, and seen what they make.

I'm not bashing those who don't tip. I'm just saying that tipping should be out of the goodness of your heart, as an appreciative gesture. Refusing to tip because you didn't get a towel animal, or refusing to tip because you think Disney takes care of them financially is just naive. I simply prefer to be one of the ones they smile and thank, because we smiled and thanked first. It's just who I am.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Honestly, the bottom line is whether you are generous for those less fortunate.

But the question then becomes do you tip the guy at the burger joint (who probably has to clean the restroom there too), The sales people at the mall, the ride CM's, the janitors at WDW or anywhere else for that matter. If the answer is no then you are not living up to this very pointed statement in your previous posts. I gurantee most of the people in the jobs I just mentioned could probably use the extra dough too. If you do tip these people my apologies.....but they like Mousekeepers are untipped positions in most settings and are most likely less fortunate. I guess the question becomes why do people just tip the Mousekeepers and not these other less fortunate people? Why is there the distinction. Other than mousekeepers name 3 other untipped positions you guys tip. Probably none. Disney probably doesn't pay these workers great...but they probably don't pay the guy dropping fries any more...so why is there a distinction.

It comes down to tip if you want to don't tip if you want to. It doesn't mean the people who do are more generous. It doesn't mean the people who don't are cheap. It is a personal preference.

 

[mega13]

I do understand what you are saying. I guess I feel as if I have more of an "obligation" to tip mousekeeping, because they're having to clean up after me. In my rationalization (which I understand may not mean beans to anyone BUT me) these people are (excuse me for being crass) cleaning up my body hair, touching my used towels, wiping away any traces of unmentionable stains on the toilet, and throwing away my trash. In my head, it's a lot different than a person who has to grill a burger for me or fill up a cup of Coke. Okay... that person may have to clean a restroom, but it isn't his responsibility to clean up my personal restroom, and to make sure that when I come back at the end of the day, my personal space is shiny and clean and cozy.

I truly wish I did have the capability to tip each and everyone of these people, but I don't. But I do have the abilty to tip the ones around me who are doing the most to make my stay that much more pleasant.

But anywhoo... I'm digress. I'll let someone else take over - I think I've sucked up enough air in this room.

Have a good night, folks!

 

[Hippychickali]

I do understand what you are saying. I guess I feel as if I have more of an "obligation" to tip mousekeeping, because they're having to clean up after me.

Just curious, Mega. How much do you tip your garbage man/woman at home?

So basically people have to do something intimate and disgusting to get money from you. I'm glad most people don't share your definition of generosity or most charities would never get donations and, quite frankly, I'd be out of a job.

Ali

 

[mega13]

I live in a condo and we have dumpsters, so we don't have garbage men. But, one of my sisters' ex-boyfriends was a "garbage man" for one of the suburb cities, and he made $18/hour, plus tons of fringe benefits, because he was a city worker. I doubt that Mousekeepers make $18/hour and have BCBS Master Medical for their insurance. And if they do, then I stand corrected.

 

[mega13]

I never said that they have to do something "disgusting" to get tipped. All I'd like to say is to take their place for a month. Spend day after day doing what they do, and for the pay they make. And tell me it wouldn't make your day to get a tip from an especially generous or appreciative guest. I tip as often and as much as I can, and that's who I am. Everytime I walk past a Salvation Army red-bucket-ringer, I drop money in there - regardless of how much I already gave. If I have great service at a restaurant, I tip extremely well (20-25%). If I have mediocre service, I still tip 15% because I know that ANYTHING could be the reason behind why they weren't on their game. On the contrary, I don't tip my hairdresser 20-25% (I tip 10-15%), because I know she already makes a salary of $40,000 a year. (She told me this) Now, if she didn't, then I'd tip heavier. I always give the guy at the carwash a five as well. The bottom line is that I spent 8 years at minimim or below minimum wage. It horrific that in this year of 2005, the minimum wage is still below $6.00 an hour. It costs 3 times that just to fill up a gas tank. So, I just try to help them out. If anyone wants to fault me for that, then so be it. And if Mouskeepers make a great salary, then I'm misinformed. I'm simply going off of what I see in the paper hotels are willing to pay for these positions.

Sorry for fueling such a feud, guys... but I'm just telling you how I feel about it. We are all entitled to our opinions, (wasn't that said like 500 times already in this thread? Lol) and I've stated mine. Now, (again!) I'm off to bed. Have a good night!

 

[Hippychickali]

Mega,

I didn't mean for you to think I was condemning you for tipping. If you want to do it and have the means to do it, go for it. I'll say it again tipping is a choice. However, I disagree with your definition of generosity. Your opinion is noted and I just ask that you don't suggest that us non-tippers are cheap or not generous simply because we don't tip. That may be true for some people but there are lots of reasons that people don't tip and I think many of them have been expressed fairly clearly in this thread.

Ali

 

[mega13]

And I realize that maybe I am taking this too personally because I was once a waitress, and not only did I endure long hours on my feet, but for every 20 nice people I had at my table, there would be one in my day who thought it "fun" to treat me as if I were a slave. It was demeaning and degrading. And afterwards, without fail, this awful person would leave me like $1 tip. I was great at what I did, and for the most part I grinned and beared it and tried to make everyone's dining experience special. But it was exhausting.

This is not directed to anyone in particular, but I'm reminded of a big arguement I once had with my ex. (One of the reasons he's now my "ex"

When I first started dating him, I found out he was a lousy tipper. And I mean lousy. Then he revealed that he would often go out to eat and not tip at all. His excuse? (And I quote) "Hey, I barely had money. Sometimes I only had enough money for a bowl of soup or a salad. I was poor. I worked too hard for what little I had, and I simply couldn afford to hand it out left and right."

Well, to put it simply, I threw a fit. Tipping is part of the dining experience in this country, and I told him that if he didn't have the money to tip, then he shouldn't have gone out to eat - simple as that. We had a horrible fight because he thought that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. He said that he was under no obligation to tip them, and he had just as much right to eat there as the next person because he had the money to pay for his food. He said that it wasn't his responsibility to pay their salary, and if it were, it would be added directly to the bill.

And you know what? That's fine. That was his opinion. But he didn't have many friends, I certainly didn't stay with him long, and the old saying "what goes around, comes around" will certainly apply at some point. Any point of view can be rationalized - even by the most irrational people.

I am not annoyed or angry or displeased by anyone who has posted on this thread. I am simply here to express my point of view, and stand up for the little guy. If my opinion changed someone's point of view about not tipping, then that's wonderful. And if not, well, then I just vented a bit.

I think tomorrow I'll read trip reports or something a little tamer.

G'nite, folks!

 

[crazy4dizney]

I was'nt going to reply to this to tread again but, Mega13 I'm on your side.You go girl! Like I said, lets keep the economy going and spread the love.Someday it just might come back to you.

 

[disneychrista]

I live in a condo and we have dumpsters, so we don't have garbage men.

So the garbage just sits there? It never gets emptied? That's gross.

 

[jmclester]

This thread just keeps on getting better and better.
mega13, allow me to clarify a possible misconception. Salvation Army is a charity. (Unless you mean you tip the person standing there ringing the bell).
Mousekeeping is not a "tipped position" (for the hundreth time). As far as what they do, think about the ones that clean the toilets at your office, or at the local McDonalds, or at the rest areas along the highway. Those are the restrooms that people will make the largest mess in and not lend a finger to help clean up. I know, I've cleaned office toilets! Who tips these folks? (I would hope that, if you or a family member, had an accident in your hotel restroom you would clean it up and not wait for mousekeeping to come in the next day)!!
I appreciate the fact that you were once a waitress (so was DW at one time). You were also under the understanding when you were hired that your (low) wage was based on being supplemented by tips and gratuities which are also taxable income. I say again that if you want to give your hard earned after-tax dollars to someone who does not likely report them to the IRS, go ahead. As for me, I will contine to pay the going rate for the hotel room which includes TV, phone, pool, security, customer service, ice, parking and maid service, all at no additional charge.

 

[jtdl]

these people are (excuse me for being crass) cleaning up my body hair, touching my used towels, wiping away any traces of unmentionable stains on the toilet, and throwing away my trash. In my head, it's a lot different than a person who has to grill a burger for me or fill up a cup of Coke. Okay... that person may have to clean a restroom, but it isn't his responsibility to clean up my personal restroom, and to make sure that when I come back at the end of the day, my personal space is shiny and clean and cozy.

Do you tip the very well paid doctors and nurses who do these same "chores"?

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have to say that I often eat at fast food restaurants just cause it saves me so much money. My salad tastes almost as good on paper plates rather than china and is much cheaper including the fact that I am not asked to tip there. However I have seen tip jars in the oddest places the past few years, video rentals, gas station attendants and even a few fast food and take out restaurants.

What I really hate is washroom attendants. Is like having a vulture hovering over you while you attend (or try to) to your business and then you are humiliated into giving them money to leave. There used to be places at DW (Jelly Rolls etc.) that had such but I have not seen them lately. Someone told me that they were paid nothing and only got their tips. I have not had anyone need to soap my hands before washing for a very long time and I do not need such now either. Creeps me out.

I also do not enjoy handing the keys to my new car over to some teenager. I did not do so with the ones I raised why should I trust a stranger? Guess I just do not have much class. (grin)

In a perfect world people would earn enough to support themselves on a 40 hour week, including health insurance and not be forced to beg for enough to survive.

IMHO you are not a better person for leaving large tips anymore than you are a bad person for leaving less. It all balances out and if a waiter/ess does not earn enough they will move on to another occupation and if it is harder to find people to perform such tasks the industry will be forced to pay more and just tack it onto the bill as it should be in the first place IMO. If the server gives poorer service because of this difference people will just go to an establishment where they get the food and service they want. Is the American way.

I wonder who determines what is a tipped position or not? I think it is more or less if they can get away with it.

I have left a dollar when given extremely poor service and have left an $100 tip a very few times in unusual circumstances.

SG/Linda

 

[hokiefan33]

Here's a "tip" - only tip if you feel the need to.

A tip, by definition, cannot be required; at that point it becomes a fee, something entirely different from a tip. I give a tip voluntarily; I pay a fee b/c I am required to do so.

I tip waiters/waitresses, b/c that is a tipped position. I don't leave 15% regardless, with extra for good service. I begin the meal with a tip of 0%, and work my way up from there. If you keep the drinks at the table filled without me having to ask you, or if you leave me a pitcher of what I'm drinking so I can do it myself, you've earned 10%. If you check back (often) to make sure the food was right, that I don't need anything else, etc..., you earn another 5%, for a total of 15%. That's all I ask. If the food comes out slowly (whether or not it's your fault), your tip % goes down, unless you are apologetic and maybe actually explain what the problem is. It's not my problem that the 2nd cook didn't show up; my tip doesn't have to adjust for your restaurant's problems. I think a good waiter/waitress would be getting their manager to comp me or at least come to the table and explain that there's a problem. If you do a great job, and food is on time and correct, you'll probably get 20%. If you do a poor job, and you're not apologetic about it, and the food is slow, you may get 5% or even less, depending on how snotty you are. I'm not tipping you b/c I ate at the restaurant, I'm tipping you b/c of the service you provided WHILE I ate at the restaurant; I think there's a difference.

What does this have to do with tipping Mousekeeping? Nothing, b/c it's a NON-TIPPED position, so the point is moot. You were hired to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, so you are expected to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, and I will not be guilted into tipping you, or anyone else for that matter, unless I feel like it. I can't afford to tip the maid, the waiters, the person working the cash register at the Winn-Dixie, the person in line behind me at BTMR...I don't have that kind of cash! Wait staff, maybe a bellman or 2, that's about it for me.

Flame away.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

hokiefan33, I like your line of thinking. I get tired of the 'servers' who seem to assume that we should start at 15% and go up from there without giving much, if any 'service". I usually will only go to such establishements once and move on. I am not much of a one for snooty. LOL My idea of formal is to wear shoes. (grin)

I tip the Mousekeeper cause they are so pleased to be appreciated and I am a homemaker and know how hard it is. I would not presume to tell others that they should do as I do. One of our former mousekeepers is now a personal friend and I have greatly enjoyed watching her work her way up in the organization. She is recuperating from a serious illness now and I think of her daily.

Live and let live and smile along the way.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

Here's a "tip" - only tip if you feel the need to.

A tip, by definition, cannot be required; at that point it becomes a fee, something entirely different from a tip. I give a tip voluntarily; I pay a fee b/c I am required to do so.

I tip waiters/waitresses, b/c that is a tipped position. I don't leave 15% regardless, with extra for good service. I begin the meal with a tip of 0%, and work my way up from there. If you keep the drinks at the table filled without me having to ask you, or if you leave me a pitcher of what I'm drinking so I can do it myself, you've earned 10%. If you check back (often) to make sure the food was right, that I don't need anything else, etc..., you earn another 5%, for a total of 15%. That's all I ask. If the food comes out slowly (whether or not it's your fault), your tip % goes down, unless you are apologetic and maybe actually explain what the problem is. It's not my problem that the 2nd cook didn't show up; my tip doesn't have to adjust for your restaurant's problems. I think a good waiter/waitress would be getting their manager to comp me or at least come to the table and explain that there's a problem. If you do a great job, and food is on time and correct, you'll probably get 20%. If you do a poor job, and you're not apologetic about it, and the food is slow, you may get 5% or even less, depending on how snotty you are. I'm not tipping you b/c I ate at the restaurant, I'm tipping you b/c of the service you provided WHILE I ate at the restaurant; I think there's a difference.

What does this have to do with tipping Mousekeeping? Nothing, b/c it's a NON-TIPPED position, so the point is moot. You were hired to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, so you are expected to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, and I will not be guilted into tipping you, or anyone else for that matter, unless I feel like it. I can't afford to tip the maid, the waiters, the person working the cash register at the Winn-Dixie, the person in line behind me at BTMR...I don't have that kind of cash! Wait staff, maybe a bellman or 2, that's about it for me.

Flame away.

You're good!!! Hee!!! Hee!!!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

Here's a "tip" - only tip if you feel the need to.

A tip, by definition, cannot be required; at that point it becomes a fee, something entirely different from a tip. I give a tip voluntarily; I pay a fee b/c I am required to do so.

I tip waiters/waitresses, b/c that is a tipped position. I don't leave 15% regardless, with extra for good service. I begin the meal with a tip of 0%, and work my way up from there. If you keep the drinks at the table filled without me having to ask you, or if you leave me a pitcher of what I'm drinking so I can do it myself, you've earned 10%. If you check back (often) to make sure the food was right, that I don't need anything else, etc..., you earn another 5%, for a total of 15%. That's all I ask. If the food comes out slowly (whether or not it's your fault), your tip % goes down, unless you are apologetic and maybe actually explain what the problem is. It's not my problem that the 2nd cook didn't show up; my tip doesn't have to adjust for your restaurant's problems. I think a good waiter/waitress would be getting their manager to comp me or at least come to the table and explain that there's a problem. If you do a great job, and food is on time and correct, you'll probably get 20%. If you do a poor job, and you're not apologetic about it, and the food is slow, you may get 5% or even less, depending on how snotty you are. I'm not tipping you b/c I ate at the restaurant, I'm tipping you b/c of the service you provided WHILE I ate at the restaurant; I think there's a difference.

What does this have to do with tipping Mousekeeping? Nothing, b/c it's a NON-TIPPED position, so the point is moot. You were hired to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, so you are expected to clean rooms as a non-tipped worker, and I will not be guilted into tipping you, or anyone else for that matter, unless I feel like it. I can't afford to tip the maid, the waiters, the person working the cash register at the Winn-Dixie, the person in line behind me at BTMR...I don't have that kind of cash! Wait staff, maybe a bellman or 2, that's about it for me.

Flame away.

You're good!!! I also like your thinking, well said!! If you are going to flame hokiefan33, you might as well flame me, too!! It's been a little cold here in NJ, we could use the extra "heat"!!!

 

[BonSchwe]

I had to laugh while reading the response from disneychrista who stated "how does she know that the spouse of someone in housekeeping isn't the CEO of a company with a six-figure salary". Does anyone really believe that someone would be cleaning hotel rooms for fun? Regardless whether it's a tipped position or not I will always leave a little something because I like the idea of putting a smile on someones face.

As for you, hokiefan 33, who starts at 0% and goes from there - things do happen that are out of the waitresses control. Yes, it's not your problem but if the waitress has done all she can (including trying to get something comped for you) but is unsuccessful you should not hold it against them. They have bosses too and have to follow their rules.

 

[hokiefan33]

I had to laugh while reading the response from disneychrista who stated "how does she know that the spouse of someone in housekeeping isn't the CEO of a company with a six-figure salary". Does anyone really believe that someone would be cleaning hotel rooms for fun? Regardless whether it's a tipped position or not I will always leave a little something because I like the idea of putting a smile on someones face.

As for you, hokiefan 33, who starts at 0% and goes from there - things do happen that are out of the waitresses control. Yes, it's not your problem but if the waitress has done all she can (including trying to get something comped for you) but is unsuccessful you should not hold it against them. They have bosses too and have to follow their rules.

I agree, they do have bosses and do have to follow their rules, but as I said, and as you've repeated, it's not my problem. I'm not obligated to tip the poor waitress b/c her boss is a jerk and the place isn't run well. If her tips start suffering b/c of her boss, I would not suggest that people tip her better so she can continue to earn a decent living; I would suggest that she find a different restaurant with better management. If enough people wouldn't tip b/c of bad service, REGARDLESS of who's fault the bad service was, then I guarantee service would improve, either from the wait staff working harder or from management changes b/c the restaurant is suffering b/c nobody is eating there b/c the service is bad, thus the wait staff is quitting. Welcome to our capitalist society.