GL: Tipping

[Ralph Yost (home)]

As an ex-waiter and bartender who worked for tips for many years in hotels 
and restaurants of ALL types, I can tell you that tipping is a matter of 
personal choice based upon the SERVICE you receive and your own 
affordability. In restaurants, Americans used guidelines of percentage of 
the bill but its only a guideline. On a cruise ship from Alaska to 
Vancouver, our service was so outstanding we exceeded the guidelines in 
tipping, and gladly so. Other times, when we have had bad service, I am not 
ashamed to chop the tip accordingly.

Remember the differences too between food service and dock hands. Food 
servers are paid a wage that reflects the expectation that they will receive 
tips. There is a lower minimum wage for food servers who work for tips than 
regular hourly workers. Dock hands are being paid as employees without the 
"expectation" of receiving tips and as such, their hourly wage reflects that 
role. Therefore, I do not view tipping dock hands as something that should 
be expected from the boater.

That said, if the guy helps you, and you appreciate it, throw him $5 or so. 
He'll be glad !

R.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John & Judy Gill" <twojscom at quadnet.net>

> There is no set rule that I am aware of.  In our yacht club (on the
> Chesapeake Bay), we generally tip at least 10 cents per foot length
> of the boat, depending on the service (does the dock hand help you
> hook up your electric and water, does he/she tell you about the
> various amenities and welcome you, etc.
>
> Just like in a restaurant, you tip more for a cloth table cloth &
> napkins and fine dinning than in a diner with paper place mats &
> napkins -- and you tip more for excellent service.
>
> John