Tipping in America

[becpee]

Another tipping thread, couldn't find any others.
We will be using the Disneyland Express, does the driver expect a tip?
I know all table service places expect them (15% about right?)
Taxi's N/A we aren't using any.
Hotel bellhops per bag? $1?
Any tips to remember when tipping?

 

[redlight]

Table servers expect a 20% tip.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

If he has to put your bags under the bus and get them out for you, then yes, you should tip the driver. If not, it's up to you - appreciated, but not required nor expected.

Generally, people tip 15% for mediocre but acceptable service and 18-20% for good service. You will find some tip lower and some tip higher, but those percentages seem to be the current rule.

$1 per bag for a bellhop is still okay, but only just. I usually tip $2 or $3 for my bag.

It is also acceptable to tip the maid, but not required. A dollar or two per person, if you are tidy, is a good amount.

ETA: Thank you for not being one of those people who uses being from another country as a reason to not tip appropriately!

 

[jlmarr]

Table servers expect a 20% tip.

I missed the memo on that. When did this come about?

 

[Handbag Lady]

Also, don't tip if the service is bad and do let the manager know, especially in restaurants and places where a manager is readily available.

 

[redlight]

I missed the memo on that. When did this come about?

The memo

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...oney/HeresATip20PercentIsTheNew15Percent.aspx

When I waited tables, we expected 20%.

 

[jlima]

The memo

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...oney/HeresATip20PercentIsTheNew15Percent.aspx

When I waited tables, we expected 20%.

In Nevada, tipped employees get full minimum wage.

http://www.laborcommissioner.com/faqs.htm

I tip 15% on the pre-tax amount. I hope I don't get flamed, but the restaurant just collects the tax and sends it to the government agency that levies it, and I don't feel my gratuity should be based on an amount that the restaurant and I have nothing to do with. It drives me nuts when I pay with a cc and the server doesn't bring back the itemized receipt (and then I try to remember or even guess what the tip should be); and it also drives me nuts when there's a suggested amount printed on the bottom of a receipt that is based on the full amount of the bill. I ignore that and figure it out myself.

But if it's excellent service, or I make any special requests then I'll tip more.

 

[aprilgail2]

I missed the memo on that. When did this come about?

about 20 years ago . Seriously I can't remember a time when it wasn't a 20 percent tip....I usually go with 15 if the service was slow or there was another issue but for regular service its 20 percent.

 

[Kath2003]

Y'all need to inform the rest of the world - Orlando is SWARMING with Brits during the school holidays and all our guidebooks and travel agents STILL say 15% for good service...I only know it's 20% because of the endless tipping threads here

 

[Andy B]

Different parts of the US seem to have different norms, when we were in Cincinatti in 2006 taking back my MIL's ashes to be buried at a meal with family from San Fran cisco and locals my SIL from San Francisco tipped at twice the Tax rate as she does at home and she got a talking to from the staff, so snarlingcoyote it's not just those from another country, and I dont think they use it as an excuse it's just that 20% is a lot for a tip in the rest of the world and especially where the servers get a proper wage.

And aprilgail2 when we first went to WDW even they were not suggesting 20% in 1996, 15% was a good norm then.

 

[MIGrandma]

I was a waitress for 12 years, 15-20% tip for good service at a full service restaurant, but 10% for a buffet.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Unless he/she directly handles your bags, you do not have to tip.

I am unfamiliar if they can accept them or not.

Sometimes folks will give an incidental tip as a thank you.

Table service is 15-18% (For example, many places add an automatic 18% gratuity for a group in excess of a certain size--often 6 or more people.)

I tip 20% for exceptional service, but it is NOT standard at WDW (considering their auto tips are less than that amount.)

$1 per bag is good for that to the bellhop who delivers your luggage and picks it up.

Other tipping:

Spa/hair services--typically 15-20% depending on quality of service.

Housekeeping is good--but since you will not necessarily have the same housekeeper each day, if you intend to tip, I would leave it in the room clearly marked for that day's housekeeper so he/she can get the benefit of the tip for their service. I do not know what the standard is--I would expect it depends on the type and size of room and what they do for you.

They can accept tips--but just so there isn't question of whether or not it is a tip and not cash left behind, if you opt to do this (completely optional btw)--just make sure it is evident what your intent is.

 

[rgf207]

I don't think 20% is expected. I tip 20% but the rule is 15% - 18% based on service.

If service is absolutly horrible which it is rare, ask to speak to a manager.

 

[JR6ooo4]

aren't gratuities added to the bill automatically at table service restaurants?

or is it just the dining plan that adds them?

Mikeeee

 

[becpee]

Housekeeping is good--but since you will not necessarily have the same housekeeper each day, if you intend to tip, I would leave it in the room clearly marked for that day's housekeeper so he/she can get the benefit of the tip for their service. I do not know what the standard is--I would expect it depends on the type and size of room and what they do for you.

How much would you actually tip housekeeping? $3 - $5 per day too little/too much, it's just a different world over here LOL we really only tip in Aust for good service, I worked in a casino and we were not allowed to accept tips or we were automatically dismissed.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

For the most part the only people who say 20% min. for a meal are servers. Around here it's still 15% standard. I do tip 20% because I almost always get great service. Ok service will get you the 15%.

 

[~disneydiva~]

For the most part the only people who say 20% min. for a meal are servers. Around here it's still 15% standard. I do tip 20% because I almost always get great service. Ok service will get you the 15%.

This is because servers know what its like to get only 15%. For a lot of servers, waiting tables is their only source of income.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This is because servers know what its like to get only 15%. For a lot of servers, waiting tables is their only source of income.

So that makes it okay for them to take the standard and change it b/c they don't like their pay?

If you work a table for an hour and the tab is $80--15% is $12.

And often, they don't work just one table.

Some lower tab places...$20 for 2 people who get waited on for maybe 45 minutes and the server again...has 4 or 5 tables. 15% still yields $3 per table, or roughly $12-$15 an hour.


I can see getting upset at getting shortchanged on the tip--but raising the standard another 5% b/c it is there only source of income? Please.

It would be wonderful if other employees could do the same, but they can't.

For those who can't make $10/hr minimum serving, they might looking at working at a better establishment. Chances that folks going to a low-priced restaurant and being aware of some 20% are extremely slim.


I will tip 20% when warranted, but when I am tipping more than minimum wage for sitting at a table an hour or less while the server has multiple tables, I'm very comfortable with a 15% standard. It is not my job to make up for what other tables might short the server.

 

[rgf207]

Before this thread turns into a huge fight which it looks like it will be there soon. Can't we all agree that anywhere from 15% - 20% is acceptable?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How much would you actually tip housekeeping? $3 - $5 per day too little/too much, it's just a different world over here LOL we really only tip in Aust for good service, I worked in a casino and we were not allowed to accept tips or we were automatically dismissed.

I really don't know.

It's usually a pleasant surprise for the housekeeper.

I do know that what you tip at the All Stars might be less than if you were staying at the Grand Floridian.

I would think $2-$3 would be sufficient. But since you leave it ahead of time, it is hard to say b/c you don't exactly know how great of a job they will do.

Casinos on cruise lines can accept tips, I do not know about land casinos. I think I went to one once in Kansas City and I think they could accept tips.

Very different system in the US, of course. Employers don't like to pay the employees all that much.

I do avoid the change cups on the counter service counters though. That really irritates me for some reason. Not much of that at WDW.

But if you come across change cups off site, it is not customary to tip in those and is considered a mild nuisance by many Americans.

However--again. "It might be their only source of income and they don't make very much..." Well, that is their choice to work there, but it doesn't make it okay to request tips in a non-tipped position. (As it doesn't make it okay to increase the standard just b/c they want to make more money.)