Tipping the guys at the marina?

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Teknav

Having a PITA bread sandwich, with falafel, tahini sauce and a veggie salad. Yum!

Mauritz
PITA is a mid-eastern pocket bread

I'll give ya a tip...no better not.... as it's culturally wrong here to give the tip I was going to give.....

[Teknav]

Deleting Sneeld from my yellow book, green book, purple book, red book...cause: like Wrong, not a tipper...also known as Cheapskate! Continuing eating my PITA sandwich!

Mauritz
No Baksheesh, No Washee!

[psneeld]

Hey you guys...there's a lively discussion in the $500/month cruising thread...just right up your alley!!!!!!

This would be my "culturally acceptable" tip....

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by boatsail

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly
Isn't the "right" answer culturally and/or locationally specific? Just like with restaurant servers or hotel staff, in some places it is the norm to tip, and is others it is insulting. It's hard to believe marina culture is so globally monolithic as to say no tips, never.

Well said!

When in Rome!

Seriously, try becoming a regular at a place without tipping where it is expected. You will make a name for yourself.

Thanks boatsail, I too am bemused by some of the responses, although to be fair, I think most people do agree on this basic point: tip where it is the norm, don't tip when it is not. IOW, respect the local culture.

That said, there does seem to be something else going on here. Wrong and others are expressing an indignation over the practice of tipping. Perhaps in Wrong's case it's simply that he doesn't want prices to rise beyond his means (neither do I!), but it's also been said that that service providers don't deserve more since they've already been paid by their employer. And they've agreed to work, ipso facto they do not deserve to be tipped (or bribed, as the case may be). I sense a mild form of moral outrage being expressed here.

I find this interesting. I would guess that most of those on the no tip, not never side are conscientious cruisers who would never dream to ignore local customs, or to be touristy boors. But when it comes to shelling out cash, the approach seems to change. Why?

Or have I over-analysed this? I do that sometimes

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Thanks boatsail, I too am bemused by some of the responses, although to be fair, I think most people do agree on this basic point: tip where it is the norm, don't tip when it is not. IOW, respect the local culture.

That said, there does seem to be something else going on here. Wrong and others are expressing an indignation over the practice of tipping. Perhaps in Wrong's case it's simply that he doesn't want prices to rise beyond his means (neither do I!), but it's also been said that that service providers don't deserve more since they've already been paid by their employer. And they've agreed to work, ipso facto they do not deserve to be tipped (or bribed, as the case may be). I sense a mild form of moral outrage being expressed here.

I find this interesting. I would guess that most of those on the no tip, not never side are conscientious cruisers who would never dream to ignore local customs, or to be touristy boors. But when it comes to shelling out cash, the approach seems to change. Why?

Or have I over-analysed this? I do that sometimes

No .......you pretty much have it...we have all seen it, met those on both extremes...and most go with the flow...

As one poster said...if some posters think they are going to change the economic habits of the world by not tipping...good luck..

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by Teknav

Having a PITA bread sandwich, with falafel, tahini sauce and a veggie salad. Yum!

Mauritz
PITA is a mid-eastern pocket bread

Coconut ice cream with husks and broken glass for desert?

[Teknav]

Broken glass for deSert? Wrong, bud, you really need a vacation!

Mauritz
Told Captain Bligh: "No baksheesh, No breadfruit!"

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Or have I over-analysed this? I do that sometimes

Yep.

[rognvald]

One's philosophy about tipping indicates who you are as a person. There are generous people, cheap people and those in-between. There are considerate people, inconsiderate people and those in-between. I have spent uncountable years preparing my boats in working "dry dock" marinas before launch and have always given thanks(either monetarily or in strong spirits) to those who have gone above and beyond their job to help as a means of appreciation for their service. It has given me untold returns to my benefit that have always made my stay productive and pleasant and whenever a favor was needed, I rarely heard the word "no." This is not bribery, but an extra thanks for a job well done and an acknowledgement that they did something for you they didn't have to do. I don't agree with the "food tip" since in some cultures it would be considered an insult since it would be viewed as condescending charity. And, some, like myself, would never accept food from strangers for many reasons. This is why, generally speaking, "sailboaters" are seldom warmly welcomed at many marinas outside the US and why most powerboaters are. You don't have to be wealthy to be considerate and thoughtful of others in a service capacity and many of my cruising friends on limited budgets have used their thoughtfulness and generosity to their benefit. No one said cruising was cheap. One way to avoid the expense is to stay out of marinas. Finally, in response to comments made by my dear friend "Wrong" who has admonished us not to ruin it for him and his tightfisted allies by showing consideration and generosity to others, I would reply "don't ruin it for me and those who share my views when the bow of our boats point straight towards a marina and the word goes out "Oh, boy . . . here comes another sailboater!"

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by Teknav

Deleting Sneeld from my yellow book, green book, purple book, red book...cause: like Wrong, not a tipper...also known as Cheapskate! Continuing eating my PITA sandwich!

Mauritz
No Baksheesh, No Washee!

PITA sandwich... Very appropriate for a PITA! Ha! Bet you thought nobody caught that. Everyone on CF is not a total dweeb.

[fishin4bogey]

Wrong, do you not know how to read??? Should I type slower for you??

My post very clearly said if there are others scheduled ahead of me, BUT AREN'T THERE YET ( that's the important part) they will throw my boat in the water beforehand. There are several reasons for this...one is if you schedule your launch for 0900, but don't show up till noon, your boat has been taking up valuable space for three hours. Other boats may be delayed because there is no room to launch.

Also the launch pad sits between two buildings where there is little if any breeze. In the hot south Florida sun it routinely clears 110 degrees at the pad by 10 am. When I return they help me get everything in order, so my boat goes back on the rack. They don't have to let me flush my outboard, but they do. I don't pay anyone to "get ahead" in life, I give tips because it is my way of saying Thank You. Most of the time a thank you is more than enough. Other times we throw someone a few bucks. In almost every job I've had I've gotten tips. Sometimes it a tall glass of cold water, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Please make sure you feed your high horse....

[fishin4bogey]

Boatsail, you are absolutely correct. Drove a shuttle bus for a rental car company at Fort Lauderdale Airport maannny years ago. We had a list of flights and arrival times. Everyone would take their breaks when Air Canada was landing. You knew they had 10 bags each, and you were getting $.50. Otherwise I made a lot of money at that job.

[PDA1]

"Tips" means- To Insure Prompt Service.

I'd be inclined to change it to, as it really is- "TIS" To Insure Service. (Most "service" in the US seems to be so awful).

We aren't a floating bank and don't want to be treated like one.

Look at it a different way; it shouldn't be a practice to tip anyone for something you're paying for. I take my business elsewhere. There's the "cult of tipping". Tip the trash guy, tip the mailman (for being a clod) tip the paperboy. Where does it end?

If you want to throw your money around in the form of tips go right ahead.

On the other hand, if some marina workers provide excellent service and help in things they're under no obligation to do then I most often tip. It's a way of saying "thank you".

[montenido]

Hi all,

As a former busboy, dishwasher, waiter, etc., I almost always tip. If service is good, I am a bit more generous. I am still learning the sailing and cruising ropes, so I would not presume to know what to do. As a side note, I am participating in this year's Baja-Haha, which is an organized cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas.

I have mentioned this to many people and have received the following responses: First, it is a great experience and I will meet lots of cruisers who are heading to the same areas as I.
Second, this big group of boats descends on these sleepy Baja towns, they throw money around and the next thing you know, everyone has to pay $20 per lobster, which is way above the norm.

I guess we can't/can have it both ways. I like to tip if I am happy with the effort. No effort, no tip. YMMV.

Cheers, Bill

[tamicatana]

When I travelled down the ICW this past fall/winter, I heard a joke:
"what's the difference between canoes and Canadians? Canoes tip."