should I tip?

III · 01-16-08, 10:04

I'm going to be taking my wife on a horse and carriage ride and I'm wondering is it custom to tip the driver?

Jason M · 01-16-08, 10:08

Yes. It doesn't have to be a lot but it is nice.

P1et · 01-16-08, 10:50

You're in America: everyone expects a tip!

JohnZ3MC · 01-16-08, 11:02

I'm in a similar biz, so if the driver goes above and beyond, sure, why not.
A bit for a thirst quenching beverage later would be a nice touch.
Finally, if the conversation starts to lull, don't be afraid to ask the driver how they get the nice shine on the carriage, and ask them if they've ever heard of ONR, or possibly suggest a good sealant for long term durability, or maybe a nice carnauba as a show wax.
Maybe take a carrot for the horse too.
Just a thought.

a quick edit: Would it be possible to take a small bottle of champagne and 2 or 3 glasses?
Champagne looks like Sprite in the glass so you probably wouldn't end up in the slammer.
-John C.

III · 01-17-08, 03:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ3MC

Finally, if the conversation starts to lull, don't be afraid to ask the driver how they get the nice shine on the carriage, and ask them if they've ever heard of ONR, or possibly suggest a good sealant for long term durability, or maybe a nice carnauba as a show wax.John C.

I like your line of thinking. Thanks for the responses so far.

todd@bsaw · 01-18-08, 09:30

I was looking to do this in Chicago, and they stated right on their website that "An average tip is 15-20%, which the driver greatly appreciates."

Downtown Chicago Carriage Rides

wytstang · 01-19-08, 03:44

I don't think I would tip much for a carriage ride seeing as the don't depend on tips (I don't think). Now for restaurant servers and military grocery store (commissary) baggers who live off of tips then yes tip well for good service. Something tells me carriage drivers make more then $2.13 an hour (<-servers pay). Companys are starting to get into the habit of having customers pay there employees wages so they don't have too.

smprince1 · 01-19-08, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by wytstang

I don't think I would tip much for a carriage ride seeing as the don't depend on tips (I don't think). Now for restaurant servers and military grocery store (commissary) baggers who live off of tips then yes tip well for good service. Something tells me carriage drivers make more then $2.13 an hour (<-servers pay). Companys are starting to get into the habit of having customers pay there employees wages so they don't have too.

Personally, I don't believe only those making less than minimum wage deserve a tip. For me, anybody that provides a service deserves a tip to recognize service above and beyond the minimum requirement.

Most detailers charge a lot more than minimum wage for their service, and while not expected, a tip to recognize excellent service is always appreciated.

wytstang · 01-19-08, 06:17

The detailers you are referring too are self employed I'm speaking of company's pushing tipping so they can pay less to there employees and customers are making up the difference.

smprince1 · 01-19-08, 06:58

I was just using that as an example to illustrate my point...

... my point is that I tip service people when deserved even if they don't make less than minimum wage.

Just my 2 cents .... to each his own way of thinking.

Jason M · 01-20-08, 06:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by wytstang

The detailers you are referring too are self employed I'm speaking of company's pushing tipping so they can pay less to there employees and customers are making up the difference.

The customers would pay one way or another. If they paid the drivers more they would simply charge more for a ride. The company makes sure that their bottom line is covered no matter what.

wytstang · 01-21-08, 08:37

The point I was trying make is I wouldn't worry about tipping much to someone not working hard and still making a decent pay.

Quote:

The customers would pay one way or another. If they paid the drivers more they would simply charge more for a ride. The company makes sure that their bottom line is covered no matter what.

I would rather pay more for the ride and have the drivers paid more to start pushing the job wages up. Thats my second point. Thats my .02