Mortified at DME driver

[sonofanarchy]

Add me to the group of posters who think the OP felt embarrassed by the driver when he didn't tip. I make sure to have enough singles for tips. Nothing wrong with smiling and saying something like, I'm not that generous, can you break a twenty.

I wasn't embarrassed about not tipping. I felt bad at first, because I like to tip. But that feeling went away when he chimed in with his snide comment.

 

[sonofanarchy]

I feel for the driver in this place, even if he was a bit out of line. These drivers count on tips to provide for their families. It is customary to tip anyone who handles your baggage - and in this case a stroller counts - $1 to $2 per bag, so in this case, the driver was shorted that amount.

The OP's initial comments appear to indicate that the primary reason for not tipping was because they didn't have any bills small enough, even if they attempted to clarify that later (in general I never buy someone's second reason given as their primary reason as it just doesn't make sense). I'd say both the driver and the OP are in the wrong and call it a wash.

As I said, I had nothing smaller than 20's. But I agree - My bad for just not asking for change. Honestly, not sure why I didn't. Just had a brain fart I suppose. We were getting dropped off at the airport, I was trying to keep an eye on my 3 kids, and things seemed a bit hectic. Just spaced out.

 

[rt2dz]

Here's the thing...Frommers isn't WDW. Disney pays it's housekeeping staff more than most places do....usually above $10 an hour. They do not consider their housekeepers to be in tippable positions. But, still..many of us tip our housekeepers daily. Bus drivers? I have no idea what Mears pays their drivers...don't much care. They are considered to be a tipped position. That does NOT mean, however, that you have to tip, it's up to each person. I will continue to tip for outstanding service. But it had better be 'outstanding'!! A tip should never be expected, pretty much as part of your pay. Sorry, but that just isn't the case.
On the other hand though...the DME bus driver is being paid to drive your to and from your resort. He/she is not being paid to be a baggage handler. If I choose to bring a bag that is too big to fit in my lap, on the floor or in the very small overhead area on the bus, then I plan to tip that driver for handling my bag. If he grunts at me and says nothing, isn't friendly, or welcoming? Well, too bad for him. This is why I have tipped drivers for doing nothing other than giving me a very pleasant ride to my resort!!!

The driver that the OP ran into, and who gave him such attitude? Nope, that wasn't called for. You are never 'required' to tip. Yes, it's nice, but if you choose not to, you shouldn't feel chastised for it! That comment was out of line.

I'm not sure what you are getting at with quoting me. It seems like you're telling me I'm wrong, but then agree. So, to be clear...

Yes, Frommers is not WDW. We know that because they have different names. Frommers business is being a travel resource, not a supplier of luggage handlers, housekeeping, concierge, bus drivers, etc. Certain things are about travel in general. Tipping is one. And if a business has a policy against tipping in typically tipped positions, their employees turn down the tip. Disney's housekeeping, mousekeeping, does take tips, their concierge, including club level, does not and in most place it is custom to tip concierge when they do something beyond giving general information. Disney does have a policy against that.

I never said anyone should or should not tip. I was simply pointing out that one of the most highly respected travel resources for decades about all travel stated that in some areas that we over tip. Touching your bag does not equal tip (nor does it equal "handling" luggage), per this resource that many take as a standard. Basically, I was saying that I agree with the OP about whether or not you tip, official sources says the driver didn't do anything to "deserve" a tip. And, apparently, so do many others because if you know anything about this resource, you know they base things from industry insiders. I'm not advocating against tipping (I pointed out that I do tip), just saying not tipping the driver shouldn't be a reason to be belittled.

I was also pointing out the drivers comments were uncalled for. Another, poster pointed out quite nicely why. People who work for tips understand, or should, that customer perception is everything. It doesn't mean they are right, but it is their wallets that are opening. If their perception is negative--deserved or not--they wouldn't open them wide or even at all. For example, when I was waiting tables, I was sat 2 tables at once. I greeted the first table, got a drink order, grabbed another server, asked them to get the drinks, and immediately moved on to greet the next table so I could get started on helping them. The original table perceived that as not meeting their needs. According to that table, I should have gotten their drinks personally before doing anything else. She perceived that as bad service. I disagree. I met all their needs and was meeting the next tables needs too, all in the quickest manner possible. But it is the customers perception that counts. In this case, it left a bad taste in the OPs mouth, and it may have left a bad taste in other customers mouths.

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[rt2dz]

They're talking about the luggage relay:

[*]one person takes your luggage from the trunk and puts it on the sidewalk
[*]another person puts it on the luggage cart
[*]someone else wheels the cart into the lobby/luggage room
[*]yet another person brings your luggage to your room


True, the bus driver doesn't get your luggage all the way to your room. On the other hand, she/he just transported you and it safely a reasonable number of miles, and the bus driver doesn't work. for the hotel (like the luggage relay people do).

Frommer's dropped the ball on this one.

Yes, they were talking about luggage relay, but not only luggage relay. It's a big article I'm very quickly summarizing. They didn't write a blurb.

How many tip the driver if they have no luggage at all? Not many. And then, why not tip regular bus drivers through the resort? Same concept--they transported you safely from point a to point b. like a cabbie.

And I'm going to have to agree with Frommers.

I have no choice but to surrender my luggage to the bus driver who's putting it into a cargo hold for the bus company's benefit - not mine. I'd prefer to have my luggage in sight at all times. Furthermore, I'd LOVE to be able to retrieve my luggage from that cargo hold myself. I'm not allowed to for insurance purposes.

Do I tip the counter person who takes my luggage from me at the airport check-in and puts it on the conveyor belt? Nope. Do I tip the baggage handlers who run it out and stows it under the plane? No, I do not. Do I tip the baggage handler who delivers my luggage to my room when I'm not there? Huh-uh.

In any situation where I can handle my own luggage, I do. When the choice is taken from me then I feel I'm under no obligation to tip. But when a taxi- or limo-driver graciously helps me out by personally taking and stowing my luggage for me in their trunk or a bellman sees me struggling and helps me out in front of a hotel, I then tip handsomely (usually between $3 and $5 per).

Says it well.

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[maxiesmom]

How many tip the driver if they have no luggage at all? Not many. And then, why not tip regular bus drivers through the resort? Same concept--they transported you safely from point a to point b. like a cabbie.

Most people tip cab drivers.

 

[rt2dz]

I can't find that piece of tipping information anyplace on Frommer's site. Every tipping guide I've found is either silent or suggests tipping a shuttle driver $1 or $2, even if they don't handle your luggage. No question the article is talking about "luggage relay".

A few places which talk about tipping shuttle drivers.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/03/28/ultimate-tipping-guide/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/travel/tipping-when-you-travel/overview/tipping-when-you-travel.htm

The closes service I can think of is the complimentary shuttle driver who takes you from the airport to an airport hotel or car rental lot.

Add me to the group of posters who think the OP felt embarrassed by the driver when he didn't tip. I make sure to have enough singles for tips. Nothing wrong with smiling and saying something like, I'm not that generous, can you break a twenty.

1) I'm not fully sure it was Frommers, pretty sure, but not positive. I travel a lot beyond Disney and have many sources that I use. I even stated it could be Travel & Leisure, but I take that with a grain of salt (see 3).

2) it wasn't on the website. Not every print article makes it to the web. But most do. I'm also not sure how recent it was. 2013, definitely, but it could be a while back.

3) Fox is second hand media. You don't ever use second hand media as a source. Sources can not be second hand. News Can not be a source. They take sources and report on them. Frommers qualifies as a source, although barely, because if the type--own research. Basically, they are making the studies. news is reporting on the studies made.

4) consumer Reports is neither. They use customer surveys to determine those types of reports.

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[rt2dz]

Most people tip cab drivers.

My point actually.

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[retlaw_yensid]

Is it that important to be "right"? Geesh everyone..let it go and move on...

 

[sonofanarchy]

Is it that important to be "right"? Geesh everyone..let it go and move on...

Agreed.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If it's not an Internet-accessible article, it would be great if you could provide the magazine title and issue.

Interesting comparison to cab drivers. The customer already pays the cab (sedan/limo) driver for the ride, but then tips an additional 15-20% of the fare - because it's customary, or even because it's 'recommended' as part of engaging the car service. Yet when the ride itself costs the passenger nothing out of pocket, people look for excuses not to tip.

4) consumer Reports is neither. They use customer surveys to determine those types of reports.

This is a little confusing. By "...is neither", do you mean it's neither a news outlet nor a source? Consumer Reports is only not a 'source' when advertisers try to use Consumer Union's positive reviews as endorsements.

Consumer's Union (the group) and Consumer Reports (its trusted publication) rarely if ever uses member surveys. In the link Lewisc provided, they cite experts -just like the ones in 'your' article - not customers.

Is it that important to be "right"? Geesh everyone..let it go and move on...

In the case of apparent misconceptions about Consumer Reports? Yes, absolutely.

And no, based on extensive travel, and tipping experience and knowledge, I'm extremely leery of trusting someone's interpretation of an unsourced/unsupportable article on a subject. I want to be able to read it myself.

I couldn't find anything on Frommer's or Travel+Leisure about who to/not tip related to luggage or transportation.

 

[Lewisc]

3) Fox is second hand media. You don't ever use second hand media as a source. Sources can not be second hand. News Can not be a source. They take sources and report on them. Frommers qualifies as a source, although barely, because if the type--own research. Basically, they are making the studies. news is reporting on the studies made.

4) consumer Reports is neither. They use customer surveys to determine those types of reports.

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Your second hand media comment is utter rubbish. In what world is either Frommer's or Travel and Leisure Magazine the definite source for tipping guidelines? How could either publication be considered a primary source. The only place that might be considered a primary source would be an Emily Post book.

Places like consumers reports and Fox are presenting a consensus regarding tipping practices. Far more informative then the opinion of one publication.

The choice is taken away from you? That means what. You tip a waiter, even though you don't have the option of self service. You tip a bartender, it's probably illegal for you to climb over the bar and pour your own drink. . The fact that you're not allowed to stow your own luggage under the bus is irrelevant.

 

[gmeh1]

And I'm going to have to agree with Frommers.

I have no choice but to surrender my luggage to the bus driver who's putting it into a cargo hold for the bus company's benefit - not mine. I'd prefer to have my luggage in sight at all times. Furthermore, I'd LOVE to be able to retrieve my luggage from that cargo hold myself. I'm not allowed to for insurance purposes.

Do I tip the counter person who takes my luggage from me at the airport check-in and puts it on the conveyor belt? Nope. Do I tip the baggage handlers who run it out and stows it under the plane? No, I do not. Do I tip the baggage handler who delivers my luggage to my room when I'm not there? Huh-uh.

In any situation where I can handle my own luggage, I do. When the choice is taken from me then I feel I'm under no obligation to tip. But when a taxi- or limo-driver graciously helps me out by personally taking and stowing my luggage for me in their trunk or a bellman sees me struggling and helps me out in front of a hotel, I then tip handsomely (usually between $3 and $5 per).

You can. I am specifically referring to the bus drivers that have to take theluggage out of the cargo holds on the bus. Not your other scenarios.

 

[gmeh1]

Ooh I have to disagree that it was your fault at all. Especially with the info that it was a flat rate that everyone knew before you got into the cab. That driver should have had change; there's a flat rate that is $11 and he doesn't have change? That's a CLEAR tip-grab for people who might very well not have any small bills on them.





Me, too.




Oh sure, and they are the bad servers.




Frozen yogurt.

No necessarily bad servers, sometimes it is actually the customer that does not realize or want to tip.
Thanks for defining Frozen Yogurt for me. I had no idea.

 

[ilovemk76]

Just got dropped off at MCO by ME. We checked our bags in at hotel. All we had on bus was stroller. Unfortunately I had no bills smaller than a 20 on me, and I wasn't going to tip the driver $20 for getting our stroller. As I thanked him he gives me a dirty look in front of a dozen other passengers and says "Thank you sir. You're very kind." I felt bad enough about not having any small bills on me, but that was completely unprofessional of him. That's the feeling of Disney I was left with aftet just having spent thousands of dollars on vacation.

Why did you not ask if he could change your $20?

I am another who would not have notice what face he gave you. I would have not thought about it the second step I took away from the bus.

 

[sonofanarchy]

Why did you not ask if he could change your $20?

I am another who would not have notice what face he gave you. I would have not thought about it the second step I took away from the bus.

Answered that earlier. Just a plain old brain fart I had.

 

[mamabear0222]

Even so, there is no way someone should under pay for a service. You either over pay, or you find a way to get change. I would have given the driver the $20 and thought nothing of it, outside of oops I need some smaller bills on me.

And yes, if the ME driver stows your stroller for you, they should be tipped. On vacation you should always keep a few small bills on you for just those sorts of occasions.

Wow a $20 tip? I'd love to be the driver of your bus.

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[sonofanarchy]

Wow a $20 tip? I'd love to be the driver of your bus.

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We took a limo from the airport to Universal and I tipped the driver $20 on top of the gratuity I had included with the upfront cost. He deserved it. He was super friendly. He carried all of our luggage from the carousel at MCO to the limo and packed it up. He was great with our kids, so much so that they gave him a hug when he dropped us off. He went out of his way. And we were his only fare for a good couple of hours. The bus drivers have dozens of customers every hour. If ME worked differently and the drivers handled all our luggage, I'd tip them the same amount. Alas, it simply isn't set up that way. Doesn't change the facts - I was wrong for not having smaller bills, and he was wrong for the comment he made.

 

[mamabear0222]

We took a limo from the airport to Universal and I tipped the driver $20 on top of the gratuity I had included with the upfront cost. He deserved it. He was super friendly. He carried all of our luggage from the carousel at MCO to the limo and packed it up. He was great with our kids, so much so that they gave him a hug when he dropped us off. He went out of his way. And we were his only fare for a good couple of hours. The bus drivers have dozens of customers every hour. If ME worked differently and the drivers handled all our luggage, I'd tip them the same amount. Alas, it simply isn't set up that way. Doesn't change the facts - I was wrong for not having smaller bills, and he was wrong for the comment he made.

I agree however the post I was quoting said you shouldve given the DME guy $20 since it was all you had and I don't agree

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[JAM113]

I wonder if this was a "had to

DW & I were in Cozumel for a cruise. We took a cab to a local park. It was supposed to be $11. We got to the park and I had a couple $20s. The cabbie didn't have change. Fortunately DW had a $10. He took the $10 but I could tell he was upset. My fault.

Even so, there is no way someone should under pay for a service. You either over pay, or you find a way to get change. I would have given the driver the $20 and thought nothing of it, outside of oops I need some smaller bills on me.

And yes, if the ME driver stows your stroller for you, they should be tipped. On vacation you should always keep a few small bills on you for just those sorts of occasions.

I agree however the post I was quoting said you shouldve given the DME guy $20 since it was all you had and I don't agree

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I think maxiesmom was quoting the above post, which was a different story about paying a cab driver $10 for an $11 fare when they only had a $10 and a $20 and the driver claimed to not have change; saying they owed the entire fare of $11, so would have just given a $9 tip rather than shorting him a $1. Not saying in this case, she would have tipped $20 for the storage of a stroller.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure what you are getting at with quoting me. It seems like you're telling me I'm wrong, but then agree. So, to be clear...

Yes, Frommers is not WDW. We know that because they have different names. Frommers business is being a travel resource, not a supplier of luggage handlers, housekeeping, concierge, bus drivers, etc. Certain things are about travel in general. Tipping is one. And if a business has a policy against tipping in typically tipped positions, their employees turn down the tip. Disney's housekeeping, mousekeeping, does take tips, their concierge, including club level, does not and in most place it is custom to tip concierge when they do something beyond giving general information. Disney does have a policy against that.

I never said anyone should or should not tip. I was simply pointing out that one of the most highly respected travel resources for decades about all travel stated that in some areas that we over tip. Touching your bag does not equal tip (nor does it equal "handling" luggage), per this resource that many take as a standard. Basically, I was saying that I agree with the OP about whether or not you tip, official sources says the driver didn't do anything to "deserve" a tip. And, apparently, so do many others because if you know anything about this resource, you know they base things from industry insiders. I'm not advocating against tipping (I pointed out that I do tip), just saying not tipping the driver shouldn't be a reason to be belittled.

I was also pointing out the drivers comments were uncalled for. Another, poster pointed out quite nicely why. People who work for tips understand, or should, that customer perception is everything. It doesn't mean they are right, but it is their wallets that are opening. If their perception is negative--deserved or not--they wouldn't open them wide or even at all. For example, when I was waiting tables, I was sat 2 tables at once. I greeted the first table, got a drink order, grabbed another server, asked them to get the drinks, and immediately moved on to greet the next table so I could get started on helping them. The original table perceived that as not meeting their needs. According to that table, I should have gotten their drinks personally before doing anything else. She perceived that as bad service. I disagree. I met all their needs and was meeting the next tables needs too, all in the quickest manner possible. But it is the customers perception that counts. In this case, it left a bad taste in the OPs mouth, and it may have left a bad taste in other customers mouths.

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I do understand how tipping works. Truly I do. Disney has a set policy about tipping. There are, in fact, some housekeepers that will not take your tips. They will leave it sitting there. If you ask them why, they will tell you that they are doing their job and have done nothing out of the ordinary to warrant a tip. I have asked at many front desks, at many resorts, and have been told the same thing...Disney does not consider housekeeping to be a tipped position. I prefer to go with what Disney says, regarding Disney CMs.
The Mears/DME driver is being paid to drive the bus. He is not being paid to take care of your bags, strollers, car seats. If you choose to bring them to the bus, that is your choice. DME takes care of tipping when you tag your bags and have them sent, magically, to your resort room.
As I said earlier, I have tipped the bus driver merely for driving the bus. He was so great and added so much to the start of my trip, that he got tipped. He was extremely grateful!! On the other hand, I have had a bag stowed beneath the bus and decided not to tip since I was asked for that tip!!! Not to mention that the driver never said a word other than announce the resort and to ask for tips.
It is up to each person to decide how and when to tip. I usually tip much more than the accepted amount at restaurants. Anyone going to find fault with that? I doubt it.
On the other hand? If I overheard a driver saying what that driver reportedly said? I would put my tip money back in my pocket...telling him that his attitude just cost him $3!! Yep, I would have said that. I can not abide a snotty attitude!

We took a limo from the airport to Universal and I tipped the driver $20 on top of the gratuity I had included with the upfront cost. He deserved it. He was super friendly. He carried all of our luggage from the carousel at MCO to the limo and packed it up. He was great with our kids, so much so that they gave him a hug when he dropped us off. He went out of his way. And we were his only fare for a good couple of hours. The bus drivers have dozens of customers every hour. If ME worked differently and the drivers handled all our luggage, I'd tip them the same amount. Alas, it simply isn't set up that way. Doesn't change the facts - I was wrong for not having smaller bills, and he was wrong for the comment he made.

That towncar driver is supposed to meet you in baggage claim and help with your luggage. That's his job. As for it was his only job for the next couple of hours? How it that your responsibility? So you get to augment his finances because he doesn't have enough work booked? You tipped him $20. Terrific..that's pretty much what I tip my car service driver. But, the bus driver is getting a whole lot less, believe me. If he gets $20 on one trip, I would be surprised.
But we can agree that you dropped the ball and didn't have smaller bills. AND that the driver was rude with those comments. A tip shouldn't be something automatic!