Tipping

[jetlag]

Hi All
We are off to Orlando in October, We have been several times before but one area a lot of us Brits are not comfortable with , is the tipping. The first trip we made the brochures said 10% then as years went by it went to 15% . I accept this as a way of life in America but am somewhat suprised when I sit in Restaurants to see that the American people tend to tip far less than the `15% suggested to us. I wonder if there are any American people out there that can enlighten me. Also is it costomary to tip shop assistants that are particlarly helpful? Or for that matter anyone in the Theme Parks? Please accept this as an Enquiry for a stress free holiday and not for an excuse to save money!! Jetlag

[DMC]

Tipping is very much away of life in the USA and whilst we are used to tipping in the UK, it is usually only after a meal / a visit to the hairdresser or after a taxi ride etc - in general the same sort of services get a tip in the USA.

These types of job are very low paid and tips are the main part of their income, being a regular visitor I have gotten to know a few Waiters over the years and I am horrified to learn that they are paid as little as $2 per night in wages, the rest of their income being made up of tips.

That's why, almost without fail, you will tend to get better service and more attention from Waiters in the USA than you will ever get in the UK.

It is of course entirely up to you how much you leave as a tip but as a rule I would suggest the following :

Waiter / Waiteress : 10-15% of the bill ( slightly less if it is for a large amount or party ). But never nothing even if the service has been poor.

Bar Staff : $1-$2 depending on the size of the round / order.

Taxi Driver : 10% of the fare.

Bus Drivers : These can vary as Drivers on the Lynx Buses and the I'Ride Trolley Bus don't accept Tips, nor do any of the Disney Transportation Bus Drivers, but the Hotel Bus Drivers do expect a tip - usually $1 per passenger. Don't worry about knowing which is which, they will have a big sign up at the front of the bus and a collection bin by the door - you can't miss it !!!

Hotel Staff : Usually only the Bell Hops / Door Man / Valet Parking get a tip - this is around $1 per bag.

Shop Assitants : They are usually very helpful, they tend to work on a commission basis, so again they have an incentive to be helpful and pleasant towards you. After all there are plenty of places in Orlando for you to spend your hard earned cash and they want you to spend it in their shop - there is no need to tip.

Theme Park Staff : No need to tip and they don't accept it if you try.

Hope this helps.

DMC

[chrisj]

When we were there I also noticed the americans tipped low, or in some cases didnt
tip at all. For me I hate the idea of being expected to tip. I think it leaves the
way for the employers to exploit the workers.

I was always told that if you got bad service to leave a penny tip ???

[bellaepovera]

I as an American tip from 15-25% Depending on the service. Some resturaunts if you have a party of 5-6 or more will automatically add a 15% tip already to your check so very important to always look at the amount on your check even to check mistakes.

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by jetlag

Hi All
We are off to Orlando in October, We have been several times before but one area a lot of us Brits are not comfortable with , is the tipping. The first trip we made the brochures said 10% then as years went by it went to 15% . I accept this as a way of life in America but am somewhat suprised when I sit in Restaurants to see that the American people tend to tip far less than the `15% suggested to us. I wonder if there are any American people out there that can enlighten me. Also is it costomary to tip shop assistants that are particlarly helpful? Or for that matter anyone in the Theme Parks? Please accept this as an Enquiry for a stress free holiday and not for an excuse to save money!! Jetlag

We tip high if the service is good....going from a few $$ for breakfast...and I find we give more if we go out for an evening meal....leave any coins in the little pots in fast food places....and if you want porters at the airport....make sure you have enough doller bills to tip them......they get pretty upset if you don't.....my mum found that out the first time she landed in Orlando.......lol

[Chris7]

Chrizzy you're making me feel guilty. I've never tipped at fast food places. I always figured that if I've got to get my own food and clear my own table there is no reason to tip - what do others do?

[chrisj]

I wouldnt tip at a fast food place either

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by Chris7

Chrizzy you're making me feel guilty. I've never tipped at fast food places. I always figured that if I've got to get my own food and clear my own table there is no reason to tip - what do others do?

I just throw in the odd change....sometimes its only 50 cents or so.....
Those place are hot to work in.....and most are always so clean....so I don't mind giving a small tip....

[chrisj]

I find this whole subject odd, and dont want to upset anyone but seriously i do not
agree with giving someone a tip for just doing their job. I do my job and dont expect a
tip so why should they . My main reason is that as far as im concerned as I said earlier an employer will exploit their employees and use the tips as part of their wages, when they should actually pay their employees a reasonable salary in the first place.

Dont America subscribe to the minimum wage ?. If they dont then they are in the dark ages
in my opinion.
Someone said earlier people work for $2 a night and tips, well if they get no tips they are prepared to work for approx £1:20, erm I wouldnt even get out of bed, so something is badly
wrong here if the american way of life is based on this ( in my opinion)

Chris

Very odd, If you go to Spain now, they used to live on tips, but not anymore. Since they
signed up to europe they no longer work 7 days a week behind a bar, the avergae working
week is in line with the majority

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by chrisj

I find this whole subject odd, and dont want to upset anyone but seriously i do not
agree with giving someone a tip for just doing their job. I do my job and dont expect a
tip so why should they . My main reason is that as far as im concerned as I said earlier an employer will exploit their employees and use the tips as part of their wages, when they should actually pay their employees a reasonable salary in the first place.

Dont America subscribe to the minimum wage ?. If they dont then they are in the dark ages
in my opinion.
Someone said earlier people work for $2 a night and tips, well if they get no tips they are prepared to work for approx £1:20, erm I wouldnt even get out of bed, so something is badly
wrong here if the american way of life is based on this ( in my opinion)

Chris

Very odd, If you go to Spain now, they used to live on tips, but not anymore. Since they
signed up to europe they no longer work 7 days a week behind a bar, the avergae working
week is in line with the majority

Not all States have a minimum wage......yes its bad that workers work for at some time $1.20 an hour.....but just think what your holiday would be like if everyone stayed in bed instead of sometime working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet.....it would be nice if we lived in a world where everyone was paid a good wage....but we don't....and if we did....the cost of the food would go up...so we'd still be paying out the same amount in the end.....its swings and roundabouts......the normal American works bloody hard for their money.....I see it everyday living here.....I for one am more than happy to carry on giving a tip.....when in Roman do as the Romans.....