The service industry is there because we all like certain conveniences and luxuries in life. If you depend on the good service of an individual on a regular basis then it is customary to show some appreciation.
Tipping is not included with your limo rental.
Some companies will actually state that tipping is included in the final bill, even though it is not the case. There are also those companies that will keep the tip if it is paid with a credit card. Keep that in mind and tip cash when possible. The tip should depend on the amount of time and effort involved.
-Quick trips of 30 minutes or less should be a minimum of $5
-An hour trip should be at least $10.
-Hourly rentals mean tipping 15% of the entire bill.
Extenuating circumstances:
If the driver had to wait for you to get in the vehicle, or if they helped you with your luggage, then that tip should be doubles at least. If you had many drunk and belligerent friends that possibly harassed the driver- have each one cough up something extra on top of the bill.
Catering tips are important.
-If you are having a party catered, then tipping the staff is important. While it is easy to give 15% of the bill to the person in charge, handing a few bills to each person working makes sure that they actually get the money.
Extenuating circumstances:
If you throw an event on the date of a big holiday then keep in mind that all of the staff is missing their own celebration to work yours. Giving away some of the extra bottles of wine and sending home leftover treats is a nice gesture too. Nothing says high class like the host that packs up all of the leftovers to take home and does not feed the staff. Tip some extra on the holiday.
And speaking of paying your staff…
Anyone that has people working for them should consider a Christmas or holiday bonus. This could be the babysitter, doorman, mail carrier, or part time staff at a small business. A little appreciation goes a long way. A $15 Starbucks card to your teenage sitter, $5o bonus to regular part time helpers will make the recipients very happy even if it does not seem like much to you.
