Do you tip for horse riding lessons??

[mks18412]

I bought my daughter horse riding lessons thru Groupon. The farm is asking for tax and 18% tip. I can see asking for tax but 18% tip is CRAZY!! I was wondering if charging an 18% tip is normal. TIA!

 

[IUTBAM]

Tax and tip? My DD has taken lessons from three different trainers over the years, and never ever paid tax OR tip.

 

[mks18412]

I thought I had gotten a "deal" now I think I am getting screwed.... After I pay tax and tip it doubles what I thought I was going to have to pay. Paying the extra is not the deal breaker its being told about it while making the appointment. I feel had!

 

[jessicaerv]

I didn't pay tax or tip for my lessons, but that was 25 years ago.

You should NOT pay tax; you are being provided a service and services are not taxable. I can maybe, kinda, if I stretch my mind really far, see how maybe a tip could be given IF one feels the service has been exemplary, but I wouldn't like to be told the gratuity is mandatory.

See if you can get your money refunded by Groupon. Its worth a shot.

 

[scbelleatheart]

A tip on regular lesson prices then no but a Groupon is different. Are they providing the horse, gear, riding arena, liability insurance or is it a just the instructor? Also our state charges tax on all services now. That includes hair stylists, tanning beds, riding lessons, music lessons, etc. so they have to pay the taxes even if you don't.

 

[clh2]

I have paid for private horse lessons for my DD. I would never think to leave a tip. in addition to the cost of the lessons I think the owner is trying to increase cash flow.

As far as the taxes - I would shoot a question to Groupon's customer service. Perhaps they could shed some light on this issue for you.

 

[belle032]

I've ridden for about 10 years and have never tipped for a lesson, even if I'm using their lesson horse and tack. To me, thats like tipping a sports coach or tutor, its just not done. I've only tipped for a trail ride and that was if the leader was really good. Maybe it's a new thing I'm not aware of?

 

[scbelleatheart]

I never tipped for lessons and I was never tipped when I gave lessons. Groupon is a little different though. They want you back as a return customer and that is why they offered it up on Groupon.
Sadly, most people use Groupon as a one time only deal. I am guilty of this but I have found some services I have used regularly after a Groupon. That is what they are hoping!
BTW, what are riding lessons going for now? As a child in the 70's my parents paid $20 an hour. When I taught in the 80's it was $35-40. Going rate in the late 90's was $60-75 an hour. I have no idea now what it costs since I quit the business. DNiece (18) pays a trainer for lessons so that is not comparable.

 

[jvorhis]

I never tipped for lessons and I was never tipped when I gave lessons. Groupon is a little different though. They want you back as a return customer and that is why they offered it up on Groupon.
Sadly, most people use Groupon as a one time only deal. I am guilty of this but I have found some services I have used regularly after a Groupon. That is what they are hoping!
BTW, what are riding lessons going for now? As a child in the 70's my parents paid $20 an hour. When I taught in the 80's it was $35-40. Going rate in the late 90's was $60-75 an hour. I have no idea now what it costs since I quit the business. DNiece (18) pays a trainer for lessons so that is not comparable.

No, I would never tip. I pay $60 for an hour and $35 for my daughter's half hour lesson.

 

[scbelleatheart]

So how much did the Groupon cost you? Curious.

 

[ah1126]

Was there fine print on the Groupon? I know all the restaurant.com coupons have lots of fine print, all including an 18% tip. I have only bought one or two Groupons so I'm not sure about them. I don't know how a company can tell you that you have to tip, unless it was part of the Groupon deal.

 

[mks18412]

So how much did the Groupon cost you? Curious.

It was $65 for three hours. I thought I was getting a good deal. When I talked to the lady she said that does not include the $20 tax & tip. Thats $20 per hr or lessons, an additional $60 . That doubles my groupon...... I guess I will suck it up, use the groupon and move on to a different trainer when groupon runs out.

 

[mks18412]

Was there fine print on the Groupon? I know all the restaurant.com coupons have lots of fine print, all including an 18% tip. I have only bought one or two Groupons so I'm not sure about them. I don't know how a company can tell you that you have to tip, unless it was part of the Groupon deal.

It just said tip not included. Did not say anything about a percentage.. The restaurant groupons say you will owe an 18% tip.

 

[MAD4EEYORE]

It was $65 for three hours. I thought I was getting a good deal. When I talked to the lady she said that does not include the $20 tax & tip. Thats $20 per hr or lessons, an additional $60 . That doubles my groupon...... I guess I will suck it up, use the groupon and move on to a different trainer when groupon runs out.

Is it 65 an hour or 65 for all three hours? An 18% tip on 65 is $12 plus whatever amount tax is. I don't see how it would cost you more than double the amount of the groupon.

For my daughters lessons we pay 140 a month. It's 1 lesson a week for an hour. Plus she comes early to tack up and stays late to unpack, cool down horse and feed them.

 

[Patience]

My daughter took horse riding lessons many years agao and I was never charged tax nor did I ever pay a tip.

 

[ManyMinnie]

No, I do not pay tax or tip for my DD's private lessons.

I pay $35 per hour lesson, no tax or tip.

 

[scbelleatheart]

Wow! I think I would contact Groupon. Tax in our state for services is 7% so that $4.55 but it sounds like they are charging tax on the original value or more (if they are really paying the tax to the state at all). Georgia does have a sales tax on certain services but the max is 8%.

 

[holden]

Our DD6 rides at a small pony farm (owned by a family). They charge $30/hr or $20 1/2hr. No tax and no tip.

We do give them gifts throughout the year, because I can't imagine how they can afford to run things on the little they charge. The parents also go in on a Christmas gift together - 200 bales of hay.

 

[mks18412]

Well we went to riding lessons today. We actually left earlier so we would not be late. We get there and the gate to the farm is LOCKED and not a soul around. My husband calls the lady and she will not be back for 3-4 HOURS.... I had this appointment since last week!!! I was TICKED!! All this talk about mandatory 18% tip and she cant even show up................................. So we leave that farm and find a ranch about 15 minutes from the house. Guess what???? The rancher/trainer was actually there. Super nice lady, she let us sit in on a lesson and walk thru the barn and pet the horses. And another thing she does NOT charge TAX OR TIP!!

 

[holden]

Well we went to riding lessons today. We actually left earlier so we would not be late. We get there and the gate to the farm is LOCKED and not a soul around. My husband calls the lady and she will not be back for 3-4 HOURS.... I had this appointment since last week!!! I was TICKED!! All this talk about mandatory 18% tip and she cant even show up................................. So we leave that farm and find a ranch about 15 minutes from the house. Guess what???? The rancher/trainer was actually there. Super nice lady, she let us sit in on a lesson and walk thru the barn and pet the horses. And another thing she does NOT charge TAX OR TIP!!

THis is more like it! I think you found your place...

Was the other place through a Groupon? You might be able to get a refund if you explain what happened.