Tipping etiquette?

[flortlebap]

After a discussion with my mum yesterday, I wonder what your thoughts are.

When do you tip and when don't you tip?

For example, I wouldn't tip anyone offering counter service food... is that wrong?

I also wouldn't tip the guy in the airport who told us where to go to find our transfers. He spent about 5 seconds explaining and pointing where to go but then literally followed us for around 10 minutes and wouldn't go away. It was just embarrassing - he didn't DO anything but still expected money?! I wouldn't expect to be paid just for helping someone out...

I would always tip mousekeeping, restaurants, taxi drivers, bellhops etc... is it bad that I don't tip in the above situations?!

TIA

 

[DisFanJen]

I'm going to make this short and sweet as tipping threads usually degenerate into a shouting match.

I don't think many people tip at counter service places but on the fly service personnel like bag handlers valet car personnel, helpers (those people who give you directions, etc) I'd throw a couple of bucks.

Obviously at sit downs I'd tip 18%+ as is advised by Disney.

Now I'm going to run screaming from this thread before it reaches critical mass!

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm going to make this short and sweet as tipping threads usually degenerate into a shouting match.

I don't think many people tip at counter service places but on the fly service personnel like bag handlers valet car personnel, helpers (those people who give you directions, etc) I'd throw a couple of bucks.

Obviously at sit downs I'd tip 18%+ as is advised by Disney.

Now I'm going to run screaming from this thread before it reaches critical mass!

^^^^ What she said!

 

[DISWolves]

I would say ....tip what you think the service was worth
If you are unsatisfied, never go without leaving a tip.......they will assume that you have forgotten.......A reduced tip will show that you were not happy.

 

[kevin harrison]

People that don't tip Servers etc at the expected level when having received a good service are nothing but cheapskates and shouldn't be allowed to set foot in the states and are an embarrassment.

When in Rome...

The pins out - I'm ducking for cover !

 

[flortlebap]

People that don't tip Servers etc at the expected level when having received a good service are nothing but cheapskates and shouldn't be allowed to set foot in the states and are an embarrassment.

When in Rome...

The pins out - I'm ducking for cover !

I hear what you're saying, but that's a semi irrelevance. My OP was about appropriate tipping situations, not avoiding tipping after good service or how to exercise your right to be a tight wad.

 

[wayneg]

More or less as above but I don't tip Mousekeeping unless they go above and beyond regular service, they are not in a tipped position and earn a wage. Its entirely a personal opinion, others do tip.
Servers in the restaurants earn minimum wage for a tipped position in Florida that is $4.29/hr (rises to $4.65/hr 1st Jan 2012) not a great wage so they do rely on tips.

 

[Jordanblackpool]

We always tip in restaurants, I dont mind it. The only time we havent was in Planet Hollywood and realised we only had enough money for food, without breaking into a big bill, so after paying we absolutely legged it. Thats the only time I dont like tipping, *** you feel like your breaking the law if you havent.

When it comes to mousekeeping, we tend to put all the coins we dont want to carry in a cup on the table, then at the end of the two weeks leave it for the maid. Doesnt sound alot, but after two weeks it adds up!

 

[madmumof2]

I tend to tip quite a lot knowing the low wage they're on. Restaurants get 20% for good service. Anyone helping out beyond pointing in a general direction gets a couple of $$.

The last meal of the holiday sees a massive tip, I give the server (if good service of course) all my remaining change which added up to about $30 in poly for the breakfast before our flight! The server came out and hugged me saying I'd made her day

I think people take tips too seriously, it's a different way of earning over there and you should consider that before you leave the UK. Good service, 20%, ad service, ziltch, so so service, 10%. Simple

 

[Pegasus928]

I have never had an issue tipping for any position that I feel has given me good service - whether that is in a restaurant, airport or any other environment, but we do the same at home as well so don't see it as unusual when away.
What does 'irk' me though is when people try to tell me that 'Brits are the worst tippers'. I really feel thatthis is something spread by the US tourist industry to make us feel that we want to redress the balance and make up for all the other skinflint Brits that are getting us a bad name.
I know for a fact that we tip way more than the americans themselves do so anyone going over there should be comfortable tipping whateverthey feel is right for the situation.

 

[canadiankim]

I have never had an issue tipping for any position that I feel has given me good service - whether that is in a restaurant, airport or any other environment, but we do the same at home as well so don't see it as unusual when away.
What does 'irk' me though is when people try to tell me that 'Brits are the worst tippers'. I really feel thatthis is something spread by the US tourist industry to make us feel that we want to redress the balance and make up for all the other skinflint Brits that are getting us a bad name.
I know for a fact that we tip way more than the americans themselves do so anyone going over there should be comfortable tipping whateverthey feel is right for the situation.

I agree totally with this. I am an expat living in Canada now and hate that we get a bad rap for not tipping enough. A lot of North Americans hardly ever tip as much as 10% let alone 18%. Plus they complain so much more than anyone else and expect a lot more of the wait staff.

I think you should get a good meal when you go to a restaurant, I think you should always expect good service (you are paying for a meal out after all!)so a tip shouldn't be mandatory or expected....BUT, when you get exceptional service this deserves to be treated as such and a good tip, plus telling the server how good they were should make it better for everyone.

 

[Jordanblackpool]

I think the summary of tipping is everyone has different methods. I dont think there is a right or wrong ammount

 

[wayneg]

I think the summary of tipping is everyone has different methods. I dont think there is a right or wrong ammount

The taxi driver my Brother encountered thought he had been tipped the wrong amount. It was his first visit to NYC quite a few years ago now, he tipped a couple of dollars in coins for a short journey, the taxi driver wound the window down and threw it at my Brother.

 

[madmumof2]

I agree totally with this. I am an expat living in Canada now and hate that we get a bad rap for not tipping enough. A lot of North Americans hardly ever tip as much as 10% let alone 18%. Plus they complain so much more than anyone else and expect a lot more of the wait staff.

I think you should get a good meal when you go to a restaurant, I think you should always expect good service (you are paying for a meal out after all!)so a tip shouldn't be mandatory or expected....BUT, when you get exceptional service this deserves to be treated as such and a good tip, plus telling the server how good they were should make it better for everyone.

I agree with this completely. I only had one meal which was poor so I didn't give a tip and I could see the waiter assumed it was because I was a Brit rather than the fact he was crap! I did write a note on the receipt why I wasn't giving a tip though so that assumption would have been corrected!

 

[cheryl.UK]

Puts on her shame face and admits.....

We were in a non WDW restaurant once and had terrible service, worst I've ever had in Florida so I simply wrote 'Here's a tip... be polite!' on the napkin and left it in the middle of our table.

 

[Jordanblackpool]

The taxi driver my Brother encountered thought he had been tipped the wrong amount. It was his first visit to NYC quite a few years ago now, he tipped a couple of dollars in coins for a short journey, the taxi driver wound the window down and threw it at my Brother.

Haha no way! Bet that gave your brother a shock! Taxis are always hard to tip in....because they are always expensive for the journey they take you.

 

[nemmie]

Funny, this subject became a big discussion point between myself and my husband this trip.

Here's my problem.
Tipping has now become expected.
Orlando is absolutely hands down one of the worst places in America for the ''expected tip.''
And what they (mostly) expect is 20% for medicore service. Doesn't fly with me anymore I am afraid. I have no problem whatsoever rewarding good service and we go above and beyond any guild lines set out by any guide book etc for exceptional service. I appreciate they are on min wage for a tipping position and am more than happy to thank you with a nice juicy tip IF you serve me well. If you really can't be bothered and do the bare minimum, sorry pal 15% for you.

My point is, it is up to YOU and you alone what you would like to give for the service you receive. Sure there are general rules people follow. Mine tend to be
15% for average, run of the mill service (18% in a Disney resturant because we use the TIW card and it includes it)

20% for excellent service (I.e. the server actually recognises me as a person not just another table and has a chat etc plus the service is great)

and anything above that if a server goes above and beyond for me.

I can only remember one occasion where we did not tip but we asked to speak to the manager and explained why we were not tipping and our problems with the server. Other than that time we have always left something. In general even if its been a bad meal, we still tip the server if they were good. Same thing if mistakes are made but apologised for and made right.

Taxi drivers we tip heavy. They have to pay a RIDICULOUS amount of money to rent those cars/vans and work their butts off week in week out to make a living. They are much worse off than servers and often get overlooked. Every time we tip a taxi driver, even if they haven't said a word to us all trip they express their thanks and tell us hardly anyone tips them.

The list of ''should tips'' keeps getting longer:-

Bartender: $1-$2 per drink or 15%-20% of the tab
(I do $1 for a beer/glass of wine or the like and $2 for a mixed drink)

Food Delivery Service: 10% to 15% of the bill and no lower than $2
(Usually tip $5 on a pizza delivery)

Food Pickup from a restaurant: 10%
(I've only ever picked up chips and dips from Chilli's but I didn't tip)

Anything beauty related, salon or hairdresser etc 20%
(I do this in the UK so no big deal to do it there)

Bellhop: $2 first bag $1 for each additional bag
(We only ever have 3 bags but I never tip lower than $5 and more if he's knowledgable about the local area, hotel etc)

Doorman: $1-$2 to hail a cab
(This was a new one on me and I've never done it but I prob will now I know)

Valet: $2-$5 given to the guy who opens the door for the driver.
(We always give a couple of bucks to the guy who brings our car back but I guess its 6 and two 3's)

Coffeeshop: $1-$2
(I usually throw the change in the tip jar. Could be close to a dollar or just a couple of cents. I mainly do that to not weigh down my purse because baristas and servers in Starbucks etc are not on tipping wages but the normal min wage.

Above all, like I said earlier, tipping is at YOUR discretion and in my opinion there's no wrong and no right because tipping is optional not obligatory.

I also totally agree with the PP that is fed up with Brits getting a wrap for being tight and bad tippers. I really hate those obnoxious cards with ''suggested tipping'' info too that restaurants include with the bill. As someone with many American friends I can tell you that we tip VERY well indeed. They expect much more for a big tip than we do.

 

[flortlebap]

Funny, this subject became a big discussion point between myself and my husband this trip.

Here's my problem.
Tipping has now become expected.
Orlando is absolutely hands down one of the worst places in America for the ''expected tip.''
And what they (mostly) expect is 20% for medicore service. Doesn't fly with me anymore I am afraid. I have no problem whatsoever rewarding good service and we go above and beyond any guild lines set out by any guide book etc for exceptional service. I appreciate they are on min wage for a tipping position and am more than happy to thank you with a nice juicy tip IF you serve me well. If you really can't be bothered and do the bare minimum, sorry pal 15% for you.

My point is, it is up to YOU and you alone what you would like to give for the service you receive. Sure there are general rules people follow. Mine tend to be
15% for average, run of the mill service (18% in a Disney resturant because we use the TIW card and it includes it)

20% for excellent service (I.e. the server actually recognises me as a person not just another table and has a chat etc plus the service is great)

and anything above that if a server goes above and beyond for me.

I can only remember one occasion where we did not tip but we asked to speak to the manager and explained why we were not tipping and our problems with the server. Other than that time we have always left something. In general even if its been a bad meal, we still tip the server if they were good. Same thing if mistakes are made but apologised for and made right.

Taxi drivers we tip heavy. They have to pay a RIDICULOUS amount of money to rent those cars/vans and work their butts off week in week out to make a living. They are much worse off than servers and often get overlooked. Every time we tip a taxi driver, even if they haven't said a word to us all trip they express their thanks and tell us hardly anyone tips them.

The list of ''should tips'' keeps getting longer:-

Bartender: $1-$2 per drink or 15%-20% of the tab
(I do $1 for a beer/glass of wine or the like and $2 for a mixed drink)

Food Delivery Service: 10% to 15% of the bill and no lower than $2
(Usually tip $5 on a pizza delivery)

Food Pickup from a restaurant: 10%
(I've only ever picked up chips and dips from Chilli's but I didn't tip)

Anything beauty related, salon or hairdresser etc 20%
(I do this in the UK so no big deal to do it there)

Bellhop: $2 first bag $1 for each additional bag
(We only ever have 3 bags but I never tip lower than $5 and more if he's knowledgable about the local area, hotel etc)

Doorman: $1-$2 to hail a cab
(This was a new one on me and I've never done it but I prob will now I know)

Valet: $2-$5 given to the guy who opens the door for the driver.
(We always give a couple of bucks to the guy who brings our car back but I guess its 6 and two 3's)

Coffeeshop: $1-$2
(I usually throw the change in the tip jar. Could be close to a dollar or just a couple of cents. I mainly do that to not weigh down my purse because baristas and servers in Starbucks etc are not on tipping wages but the normal min wage.

Above all, like I said earlier, tipping is at YOUR discretion and in my opinion there's no wrong and no right because tipping is optional not obligatory.

I also totally agree with the PP that is fed up with Brits getting a wrap for being tight and bad tippers. I really hate those obnoxious cards with ''suggested tipping'' info too that restaurants include with the bill. As someone with many American friends I can tell you that we tip VERY well indeed. They expect much more for a big tip than we do.

Wow, now that's a complicated list. Am I going to need to carry a calculator?

 

[kamik86]

I don't worry so much about this stuff I tip when I feel like the service was worth it. Like I didn't tip the time at BWV where they brought up 3 bags to my room, all of which had a tag that said there should have been 4 (yes I know AKV didn't send the 4th bag but what is the point of the tags if no one checks them!!).

I have tipped very well in most disney resteraunts because I have had amazing service. Raglan road sucked though. I had a bit of a cough that was well controlled as well as I had a drink, yeah she sucked at filling it. (Filled my husbands at one point and not mine even though mine was empty and mom's only half full) strong contract to Tutto Italia where we each had two drinks (water and ice tea) and they managed to keep all 6 glasses from going empty.

I have never tipped a taxi more then having them keep change... then again I have rarely used taxis only when I went home on the bus from college before I got a car.

I only tip at some counter places if they do a good job. Well besides giving them my change because I don't want to carry it (and I worked in a place like that with a tip jar in high school and loved that most didn't want to carry the change, it added up at the end of the night and I liked that I got money at the end of each shift. It wasn't great money but I was in high school I didn't need much)

 

[nemmie]

Wow, now that's a complicated list. Am I going to need to carry a calculator?

Why do you think I normally do 15% or 20%? MUCH easier to work out
But I do have a calculator on my phone if I get stuck (read have one too many to drink and can't think straight)