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A Little Tip

Big0ne

Shared on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 08:57

From October 4th to the 15th my wife and I were on vacation. We took a nice 7 day cruise through t he Western Caribbean and then headed up to Disney World for 4 days. We had a really good time and were able to do and try a few things we never had the opportunity for ‘til now. The trip was admittedly almost too long. By the last couple of days we had both hit a bit of a “wall” and were ready to get back home. Overall though, it was a great trip. Other than one thing…

When did tipping become so predominate? I must have spent as much on tipping over the week and a half as I did on souvenirs or meals. Everywhere we went another person had their hand out. The curbside check guy, the porter at the pier, the room steward, dinner staff, bar tenders, picture takers, stylists, shuttle drivers, valets, bellmen, and on and on. Who started this ridiculous practice anyway?
Am I crazy to think that if you’re paid to drive me to the airport, then drive me to the airport and do so to the best of your ability? Will you really take the long way or drive dangerously if I don’t give you $5 at the end of our ride? Why am I paying you extra to do your job? No one tips me when I finish installing a siren in their car. Do you get a tip for completing your paperwork on time or digging a straight ditch? Disney even has the audacity to print the suggested tip amount of 18% or 20% right on their receipts for your “convenience”. When did it go from 15% to 20%? Why does a guy deserve a couple of bucks for lifting my luggage exactly 2 feet from a curb to a conveyor belt? 
Why can’t we all agree that this practice is unnecessary and stop? Let’s just pay the “service” people a reasonable salary to do their jobs in a courteous and professional manner and if they don’t, fire them. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to imply that these folks don’t work hard and aren’t underappreciated, just let the employers pay them the way my employer pays me. I shouldn’t have to budget an extra 15% of my vacation budget for tips.

Comments

ATC_1982's picture
Submitted by ATC_1982 on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:01
In other countries I have been to Tiping is not allowed and unwelcomed by visitors. Maybe we should accept this custom.
MikeTheKnife's picture
Submitted by MikeTheKnife on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:08
Unfortunately those other countries are starting to adopt our custom of tipping instead of the other way around.
Automan21k's picture
Submitted by Automan21k on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:11
I'm not sure what to think, I am normally a big tipper if I feel the person went out of their way to make my experience better, but I have also been known to stiff people, and make sure they know it if they make their job as serving us appear to be a burden, or not worth their time....but that's just me.
RagingBull888's picture
Submitted by RagingBull888 on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:30
Be grateful that you are still given the option to tip. In the Bahamas, the 15% gratuity is tacked on (no sales tax though) on to every service bill, whether it is a full dinner or just buying a drink from a stand. I like to think of it along the same lines as Automan. If they have done a good enough job to help my vacation, then they get something. If they act as if they are expecting handouts, then no dice. If an employer pays out those tips the way you are paid, you're going to end up paying for it in terms of flat fee as they raise prices to match the increase in compensation. In the case of tipping, you at least have the option of not paying.
dkhodz's picture
Submitted by dkhodz on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 10:21
Most Asian countries do not expect tips. Vacation in Shanghai or Tokyo... not tropical but still fun, especially if you want to buy cheap DVD's that are less than legal.
Lbsutke's picture
Submitted by Lbsutke on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 10:34
I was at a wedding this weekend, and the hotel had a sports bar attached to it. We got there early had a few drinks and some nacho's (we had a party of 4). When we got our bill, we noticed a "service charge" attached to it...We were like WTF...so we inquired about it, and were told that a 18% gratuity was added when the bill reached 50 dollars or more...uh...what? Yep, so If I were alone bought some drinks, a appy and a meal and my bill was over 50 bucks, I would get charged a 18% service fee... It is now out of control...
Caesar's picture
Submitted by Caesar on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 10:52
i concur

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