Tipping on Excursions

[Nacho1229]

This is after the fact but curious for next time.  We took an excursion that included Tequila tasting and Chocolate tasting stops. Both had a guide that was very friendly and informative. There were obvious Tip jars out but the point was definitely trying to get you to buy the product. We did.. Spent over $100 on Tequila and about $35 on chocolate. It was a private tour so there were only 2 of us if that makes a difference. 

 

I feel like if we didn't buy anything, I would have left a tip for their time. Since we did spend money in the shop, we didn't leave an extra tip. 

 

Wondering what the rest of you think the "right move" would be. 

[ducklite]

So are you saying that you got off the ship and were accompanied to a location where the person who accompanied you served you tequila in one case and chocolate in another?  IF that was the case I'm going to assume they got a commission.  

 

I'm guessing that it wasn't the same person, and the person who accompanied you also gave you a narrative about the place you were visiting, pointing out things along the way, talking about the history and modern day culture.  In that case I'd have given them a tip.

[Nacho1229]

No driver/ tour guide for the day was someone different (He got his own tip at the end). We got to each stop and one of the sales people gave us a little background/ taught about the harvest and whole process with the tasting. About 20-30 minutes. I think if you walked in off the street they would have changed $5-10 for it but was "included" for us. 

[sanger727]

If it was a salesperson giving background I would do exactly what you did. Not feel that at tip was required if making a good purchase but might have left a dollar or two otherwise if I felt it was worth that much.

[cb at sea]

If the guide is fun and informative, then we give a tip.  If the "excursion" is merely transportation, then we don't tip.  It's certainly  not a requirement.  And, if the guide or driver is constantly hawking for tips, then they get less than they normally would have....that's so annoying.

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, cb at sea said:

If the guide is fun and informative, then we give a tip.  If the "excursion" is merely transportation, then we don't tip.  It's certainly  not a requirement.  And, if the guide or driver is constantly hawking for tips, then they get less than they normally would have....that's so annoying.

We were on a shore excursion once where the tour guide actually asked to be tipped.

[cruiserking]

I always tip the guide a minimum of $20 and the driver around $10 to $15. 

 

Jonathan

[George C]

We normally tip extra between 5 and 20 depending on guide and length 

[wowzz]

Surely it depends which country you are in. In Europe a $20 tip would be excessive.