Why do so many people not realize that it is polite to tip tour guides??

Question

I have worked as a tour guide for 12 years, and I rarely get tipped. I do an excellent job, and often get very nice compliments, but rarely do I (or any other guides) get monetary tips. Most people who work as tour guides get paid less because their management expects them to get tips. It's not like tips are necessary--tipping should never be required unless the service is excellent. But I get paid less because my manager expects me to receive tips on a regular basis, which I don't. Neither do any of the other guides where I work. I guess this isn't a question, really--it's just a statement that many people don't realize that it is proper etiquette to tip your tour guide if you think that he or she has done a good job!

One more thing--my job isn't exactly low-paying. However, my salary is affected by the expectation that I will get tips. I am not the type of person that will hint to get money, as I believe that it is tacky. I live in a very rural area, and I can't exactly leave my job, because very few others are available.

Answer 1

The answer is.....

PEOPLE ARE CHEAP!!!

I tip when the guide was really good. Otherwise, Nada.

I also find that people often follow suit to the person in front of them... if one gives they all start giving. So "plant" a generous person front in the line.... :-)

Answer 2

With 12 years of experience under your belt, is it possible for you to start up your own business? It seems like a shame really to be working for a low wage and tips. And like some of the others here, I didn't know that there was a rule of ettiquette about tips. It's a tricky one because not all of us can afford to tip even if we can afford tours and also some of us might come from countries were we simply don't tip.

I understand that because you rely on tips to help make ends meet it causes you to feel like you really do need to get them but as you've said yourself, it's not a necessity but you also say your service delivery is excellent so therefore it's understandable for you to get tips. Perhaps you can make a joke of it with the clients and talk sadly about how you have ended the tour and now have to go to your one bedroom apartment that you sublet to 50 cats just to make ends meet and even then they hog the bed so you sleep in the litter box etc...? Or would that be completely beneath you? I have to say if i was in such a position (mind you, I am at the moment, perhaps I should come join you as a guide lol) I'd be doing whatever it took even hinting obviously or having a 'tip' box positioned within everyones sight so they saw it as they started getting on the bus and then could use as they got off ....
Good luck buddy!

Meg.

Answer 3

It's never occurred to me to tip a tour guide. I feel for you since you expect tips but most people aren't aware that it's expected to give one to a tour guide. I think that you should talk to your manager and explain that you aren't getting tips like he/she expects and ask for a raise. If you aren't making enough money, you may want to consider going into a field where your job is paid on salary or where most people realize that they're supposed to tip for a service such as a waiter/waitress. It's getting difficult trying to figure out who you should tip: a bus driver, a teacher, etc. They provide services to people but I think someone should never expect a tip and be grateful if they do receive one.

Answer 4

you and your managment are in error. a tour is a prepaid service. Tips normally are for after the service is rendered but before the bill is paid. taxi cab drivers, bell boys, waiters etc. all render their service before the patron pays the final bill. As a prepaid service You only should be tipped if you go beyond what is expected of you. although a discreet sign with a tipping box where your patrons will see it. is allowed.

Answer 5

Maybe it's you. You could drop a subtle hint about how hard it is to make ends meet nowadays, or a not-so-subtle hint about how "Tipping" is not a city in China. BTW: It sucks that your manager pays you less and expects you to compensate through tipping.

Just remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Answer 6

I feel sorry about this, but we can't expect many people to be generous. Report your management to the department of labor or the equivalent agency. Or put up a sign that says, "Tipping is encouraged. Give generously."

Answer 7

Wow, this is the very first time I've heard this! If you've been working at a job that is low- paying for 12 years, the onus is on you! Get another job that does not rely on the generosity of someone else...

Peace.

Answer 8

Actually I had NO CLUE about this. I know that you pretty much tip wait staff, servers in coffee shops, dancers, bartenders, valets, etc. but no one has ever told me about tour guides.

Don't you think this whole salary situation is a bit unfair? I mean if you do a job (any job), you should be paid what that job is worth. One shouldn't have to leave a good portion of their salary up to the fickle public!

Answer 9

first u dont favor excursion handbook, 2d if u take the bus excursion dont supply a tip, in China the chinese human beings dont supply tips if u favor in hardship-free words 3 funds is like in usa in hardship-free words 2 funds tip is sufficient... does it.