Tipping in advance: Ugly American “bribery” or Practical Traveler “insurance”?

[InterestedBystander]

I think tipping up front is insulting and demeaning to all concerned.

I would never tip in advance of receiving a service

I would do it if I really thought it would mean better service

I would do it if it’s standard in that particular locale

I have done it and didn’t see any difference in service

I’ve done it and sometimes it helps

I always do it when it’s important.

I always do it when there will be an ongoing association.

None of these fit---see response below.

What’s really happening when someone makes a partial tip up front? Does it depend on the situation? If you tip only at the end, seeing it as a personal expression of your thanks, do you think you get the same level of service as the up-front tippers?

Do cabin stewards or dining room servers do things differently if they’re tipped at the outset and promised "there’s more to come"? (These people should give you their very best efforts anyway, as part of their employment contract. That, of course, raises the issue of whether they really should be tipped at all – either up front or at the end.)

On the other hand, is it reasonable to tip early if you want a bar server to have your favorite drink in hand by the time you sit down, or for the wine steward to make sure your glasses are kept full, despite how many others need his service?

On a more global scale, what if you’re in Marrakesh and park a rental car so you can go into a bazaar. Is it reasonable to give a boy a few dollars to watch your car, with a promise of more at the end? Or, should the boy trust your generosity to pay him when the service is completed?

If we see someone else’s efforts as a "service", is it reasonable to give partial payment up-front? Would anyone put a new roof on our house without a down payment?

If someone does things to assist us or make us more comfortable, is it because they’re nice and want to do things for us because we’re so nice?

You’re invited to choose a poll response and elaborate on it. If there’s no poll choice that fits, choose the last item and post your own statement in caps, then elaborate in upper/lower case.

[jhannah]

My head hurts!

TIP stands for "to insure promptness." Tips technically disappeared years ago. Our reward for service became a "gratuity." Therefore, again technically, I do not tip. I've never handed out anything in advance. I believe a server should do their best without a "bribe" up front. How they perform will determine if I provide them with a gratuity (or an additional gratuity.) JMO

[RuthC]

At least as long ago as '92 I have heard about people pre-tipping on HAL to receive good service. I have never found it necessary; I've gotten at least the same level of service from the cabin and table stewards. Lounge stewards see me coming and bring my drink---in the past that was without my asking; lately they are more inclined to question "the usual?" first. All the little "goodies" are offered quickly.
This can't be totally because of my winning personality! Can it?

Of course, HAL no longer has a "tipping" policy---it's now a "service charge".

If I were travelling by land, and were in an area where pre-tipping was the norm I suppose I would go along to get along. Does such a place exist?

[InterestedBystander]

Sorry, folks – I put this in poll form but somehow my draft got printed instead of the poll format. Here are numbered choices and points for discussion



1. I think tipping up front is insulting and demeaning to all concerned.

2. I would never tip in advance of receiving a service

3. I would do it if I really thought it would mean better service

4. I would do it if it’s standard in that particular locale

5. I’ve done it and sometimes it helps

6. I always do it when it’s important.

7. I always do it when there will be an ongoing association.

8. None of these fit---see response below.

You’re invited to choose a poll response and elaborate on it. If there’s no poll choice that fits, choose the last item and post your own statement in caps, then elaborate in upper/lower case.

Thoughts to consider:

What’s really happening when someone makes a partial tip up front? Does it depend on the situation? If you tip only at the end, seeing it as a personal expression of your thanks, do you think you get the same level of service as the up-front tippers?

Do cabin stewards or dining room servers do things differently if they’re tipped at the outset and promised "there’s more to come"? (These people should give you their very best efforts anyway, as part of their employment contract. That, of course, raises the issue of whether they really should be tipped at all – either up front or at the end.)

On the other hand, is it reasonable to tip early if you want a bar server to have your favorite drink in hand by the time you sit down, or for the wine steward to make sure your glasses are kept full, despite how many others need his service?

On a more global scale, what if you’re in Marrakesh and park a rental car so you can go into a bazaar. Is it reasonable to give a boy a few dollars to watch your car, with a promise of more at the end? Or, should the boy trust your generosity to pay him when the service is completed?

If we see someone else’s efforts as a "service", is it reasonable to give partial payment up-front? Would anyone put a new roof on our house without a down payment?

[RevNeal]

To post a poll one doesn't put the questions for the poll in the post-field ... one can start the thread with a question (and maybe an explanation of your poll) in the initial post, and then if one has clicked the box to enable the including of a poll, after you've clicked "Submit post" you'll be taken to a screen with your blank-field-inputs for each question of your poll, as well as options for how many poll questions, how the poll will function, and for how long. It's an annoying process to actually have to post the thread FIRST, but it works. One has to be quick, however, because the wonderful people on this board are quick too. I've posted a Poll thread with the question and explanation of my poll, and after I've posted that I have been building my poll while others have already read my question and have started to try and answer or point out that there's no poll (yet) attached. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have never tipped in advance on any cruise line. And we have had great service 99.8% of the time.

[jhannah]

One has to be quick, however, because the wonderful people on this board are quick too. I've posted a Poll thread with the question and explanation of my poll, and after I've posted that I have been building my poll while others have already read my question and have started to try and answer or point out that there's no poll (yet) attached. :)Sometimes the speed of light is just too fast, isn't it?

[BorderLady]

I choose #6 and #7 --

Although I seldom tip upfront on HAL because I rarely want or need something special.

But, if my stay will be more enjoyable every day by a person doing something for me that's above and beyond their job description, I accompany my request with a small amount of money.

Case in point: when traveling with a large group, the largest cabin is usually the gathering point for drinks. Asking the steward to make sure 20 drink glasses and extra ice are ready every day at 5pm is worth a cash honorarium at the beginning and the end, in my opinion.

I suppose that's using the steward like a butler -- and his wages are probably less -- so he definitely deserves something extra.

Entering into such an arrangement usually brings other 'bonuses', too, such as keeping the flower arrangement absolutely fresh, extra pieces of the fruit you like best, a handful of pillow chocolates instead of just one because they've learned I'm a chocolate hound. Those are small things, but I take them as an indication they appreciate the relationship.

In a land-based situation, a small 'gift' to the concierge on the first day usually works wonders. Dinner reservations are magically available at restaurants that booked for months ahead, same with theatre tickets, etc. A warm handshake and another 'gift' as you check out assures you'll be remembered and well-served on your next visit.

Bottom line: I feel everybody is working for a living -- not just for the fun of it. If they go out of their way to make my vacation memorable, it's worth a few bucks up front as well as at the end so they'll know I appreciate the extra effort.

And parking a car (perhaps with all my stuff in it) in many foreign countries, you can bet I'd pay someone to watch that car!!!