|
A
Reminder about Tipping
|
*A
monthly column devoted to helping women and men
be their best and most confident in any situation.
Topics include dress, body language, attitude and
etiquette.
|
|
Victoria Seitz, PhD
Image Expert |
|
|
Tipping is a natural and almost mandatory in the US while voluntary
in other parts of the world. What does the word TIP mean? To insure
performance. If we keep this in mind we may be able to sort out
the world of tipping at restaurants, coat checks, baggage handlers
and so forth. Now the usual tip at moderate priced restaurants
is 15 percent while at fancy, expensive ones 20 percent. The difference
is due to more servers catering your eating experience. However,
I heard recently that the tip should be 20 percent at moderate
restaurants as well. Well, if you have the money and have received
outstanding service by all means do so. Otherwise 15 percent is
just fine. Just remember that many restaurant employers deduct
an amount on employees' paychecks to be made up by tips. If you
receive poor service tip less than 15 percent; if it's average,
tip 15 percent. If the food is lousy that is not the server's
fault, rather speak to the restaurant manager or owner regarding
this or send a letter. A final blow to lousy food is never to
patronize the place again.
Overseas restaurant and hotel employees are catching on to the
American way of life and in many sophisticated cities expect a
tip. Sometimes the tip is included in the bill so make sure to
ask if unsure. Otherwise, here are some guidelines that you can
use to steer you in the right direction in the jungle of tipping.
- When dining at a restaurant that features a buffet,
the tip for the person that brings your beverages is 10 percent
since you are basically serving yourself.
- If you are having a party of 8 or more a 15 percent
gratuity will be added to the check automatically. If unsure,
ask the restaurant manager ahead of time. Most menus will indicate
this at the bottom of the page.
- If you want to be remembered when you return to a
particular fine restaurant, or if you are a regular, tip the
maitre d' $5 - $10 when you leave.
- If the bill is brought on a tray, the tip should be
left on the tray. In third world nations, personally give the
tip to your server.
- If you use a credit card to pay, you have the option
of tipping 15 percent on the total bill including tax or 15
percent of total excluding tax. Or if you prefer, leave a cash
tip on the tray rather than putting it on your card.
- At hotels, the bellman that handles your bags is tipped
50 cents to $1 per bag. This is the same for baggage handlers
at airports.
- When ordering room service check to see if the tip
is included. Most times it is.
- Hotel maids are also tipped if they have provided
good service during a stay of 4 or more days. Tip the maid $5
-$10 per week person and put it in an envelop for them in the
room when you leave.
- At coat checks the tip is approximately 75 cents to
a $1 per coat.
- For golf caddies, tip them 15 percent for 18 holes
and 20 percent for nine.
- Taxi drivers are tipped approximately 15 percent.
- If traveling abroad often a 10 percent tip is more
than substantial. In third world countries tips are not common
so still tip since salaries are incredibly low. You will make
a lasting impression that will guarantee great service every
time you return.
- If you are with someone that under tips, give the
waiter a little extra discreetly when you leave.
- You need not tip the valet for pressing or cleaning
since the service charge is added to your hotel bill.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Victoria
Seitz, PhD is a professor of Marketing at California State
University, San Bernardino and is author of Your Executive
Image, AdamsMedia, Inc, 2000 and Power Dressing, DonJon
Publishing, 1991. In addition to teaching, Dr. Seitz was a fashion
coordinator for Burdines, Florida and in retail management for
Saks Fifth Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Clients of Dr. Seitz have included
Abbott Laboratories, Northern Telecom, Texas Instruments, Yellow
Freight Systems, Sally Beauty Company, the United States Armed
Forces, Travellife magazine, YWCA and Accountants Overload, in
addition to law firms, hotels, newspapers, universities, banks,
credit unions, national and local community and professional organizations
nationwide.
To learn more about Dr. Seitz please visit her website at www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vseitz.
Discuss
this topic with others right now at
The Salon!
|
100%
Safe & Secure
