Guide to tipping
Have you ever experienced service that was simply excellent? Recently while dining in a restaurant you couldnât help but notice how attentive the waitress was. She kept the water glasses filled, ensured all the meal orders were correct, checked on us periodically to see if we needed anything. She was knowledgeable about all the items on the menu and made recommendations on what was particularly good and why? When she learned we were not local to the area, she even offered suggestions on what to do in the city. Now that was service and yes she received a very nice tip.{{more}}
People in the service industry are not paid large wages so wait staff, hotel bell men, delivery staff and transportation experts like taxi, limo and shuttle service drivers rely heavily on offering great service in order to take home their desired income. Unfortunately, some patrons overlook this fact and some workers leave cash on the table by offering mediocre or even bad service. The savvy business traveler must be aware of tipping guidelines to avoid embarrassment and get better service especially when entertaining clients.
⢠What is a tip? A tip is a reward given above the financial obligation for service. In other words, it is a way of saying thanks after you paid your bill. Itâs also called a gratuity. Although itâs mostly financial it doesnât have to be.
⢠When should you tip? You should tip when you have received good service and be a little generous after receiving exceptional service.
⢠How much should you give? There are stories of wait staff receiving cars and large sums of cash but those are very rare cases. Depending on the country you visit, the tip could run from 10 per cent – 20 per cent of your bill. Again depending on the country and the size of your group your tip or gratuity could be included in the bill so read carefully.
⢠When not to tip? When you experience poor service you do not feel obligated to tip. However speak up and explain why, never leave without saying something. At the first sign of trouble in your service experience, express your concerns but do not be rude. If your matter is not addressed ask to speak with the manager and a good manager will try and rectify the situation instead of losing a customer. Unfortunately, there are some who abuse this and use their complaints about service to get freebies from the manager.
Other service professionals you should tip: airport and hotel baggage handlers – $1 per bag, if you have a very heavy bag give something extra.
If the valet parks your car $2 – $3. Give the hotel maid, room service or take out food delivery person a few dollars and the bar tender $1 per drink.
When traveling you never know when you will need help and yes in many instances money does talk.
⢠Karen Hinds President/CEO
Workplace Success Group
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)
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