We are taking a week long coastal navigation and bareboat cruising ASA course in a couple of weeks. It's costing about $3,000 for my wife and me. If I pay a professional trainer to come to my business, or go to a professional training session, I pay a fee up front with no additional gratuity. Someone suggested I should give the instructor a tip. Is a tip for the instructor expected? If so, what is the appropriate gratuaty for the instructor?
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Jeff D
Tip
I think that a tip is not necessary. I guess I am a little tired of everybody "expecting" a tip for providing a service which you are already paying. I exclude wait staff since they operate under different wage laws and do not even get minimum wages and their tips are factored into their witholding these days. If you feel that the instructor went out of their way to help you then by all means tip them but I do not think you are obligated.
I think that a tip is not necessary. I guess I am a little tired of everybody "expecting" a tip for providing a service which you are already paying. I exclude wait staff since they operate under different wage laws and do not even get minimum wages and their tips are factored into their witholding these days. If you feel that the instructor went out of their way to help you then by all means tip them but I do not think you are obligated.
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Trevor
Tipping instructor
I agree with Jeff that you are paying for a service and don't need to tip if you get what you expect. However, if you feel the instructor is especially helpful or that he/she is going over and above the call of duty (i.e. exceeding expectations), you may want to tip. As Jeff said, I don't think you are under any obligation to do so - if you are very pleased you may just want to tip. If not, then don't! Have a great time - and please share your experiences in the forums when you are done. Trevor
I agree with Jeff that you are paying for a service and don't need to tip if you get what you expect. However, if you feel the instructor is especially helpful or that he/she is going over and above the call of duty (i.e. exceeding expectations), you may want to tip. As Jeff said, I don't think you are under any obligation to do so - if you are very pleased you may just want to tip. If not, then don't! Have a great time - and please share your experiences in the forums when you are done. Trevor
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Steve
Tips Depend
Jeff - I think it depends. Is the instructor also the business owner? If so, then I wouldn't tip. However, if the instructor is an employee of a larger organization, you can be sure that your instructor isn't seeing the whole $3K you shelled out. In this case, I would tip. How much? I've only hired captains twice, each for about 2 days. We tipped each of them around $100. They were both exceptional gentlemen and took their time to ensure we all understood what they were telling us. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Fair winds, Steve S/V Options H380
Jeff - I think it depends. Is the instructor also the business owner? If so, then I wouldn't tip. However, if the instructor is an employee of a larger organization, you can be sure that your instructor isn't seeing the whole $3K you shelled out. In this case, I would tip. How much? I've only hired captains twice, each for about 2 days. We tipped each of them around $100. They were both exceptional gentlemen and took their time to ensure we all understood what they were telling us. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Fair winds, Steve S/V Options H380
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Gord May
Tip for personal service
I agree /w all previous responders - I wouldn't tip for the professional training services. If, however, the "staff" provide personal services, such as food service etc., or other extraordinary pro' services, a tip might be in order. Enjoy your training cruise! Gord
I agree /w all previous responders - I wouldn't tip for the professional training services. If, however, the "staff" provide personal services, such as food service etc., or other extraordinary pro' services, a tip might be in order. Enjoy your training cruise! Gord
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Les Blackwell
I'm an ASA instructor
I am retired and hold a 100 ton CG license. I have taught for the past three or four years basic ASA courses and have taught new owners some things about their new boat. Normally, I get about $125 per day--a bit more if it is a weeks work. But the company takes some for the chartering of the boat, some for management (cleaning up the boat, advertising, upgrades, etc.) and then profit. I taught for 32 years at an university and never got a tip. I don't think a tip is necessary for teaching a sailing course. However, it is nice when the students are going out for dinner during the cruise/class, to take the instructor (at least an invitation--he may want some space from you for an hour or two) and pay for his dinner. I generally buy my students a book on cruising the San Juans--seems like a fair turn about.
I am retired and hold a 100 ton CG license. I have taught for the past three or four years basic ASA courses and have taught new owners some things about their new boat. Normally, I get about $125 per day--a bit more if it is a weeks work. But the company takes some for the chartering of the boat, some for management (cleaning up the boat, advertising, upgrades, etc.) and then profit. I taught for 32 years at an university and never got a tip. I don't think a tip is necessary for teaching a sailing course. However, it is nice when the students are going out for dinner during the cruise/class, to take the instructor (at least an invitation--he may want some space from you for an hour or two) and pay for his dinner. I generally buy my students a book on cruising the San Juans--seems like a fair turn about.
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steven f.
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Hayden Jones
During my last sailing course
we (the students) bought the instructor, Capt. M and his wife dinner one night at a nice resturant. As I recall we also shared our personal ration of rum (we brought it, it was not supplied) each night with the Capt. while we watched the sun go sailing into the western sky. I don't recall giving him a tip but I do recall it as a great learning experience.
we (the students) bought the instructor, Capt. M and his wife dinner one night at a nice resturant. As I recall we also shared our personal ration of rum (we brought it, it was not supplied) each night with the Capt. while we watched the sun go sailing into the western sky. I don't recall giving him a tip but I do recall it as a great learning experience.
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David Knauer
Tipping
I have taught the course you mentioned as well as several others for about 15 years in ASA schools and charter companies. I never expected a tip. Sometimes I got a nice tip, sometimes dinner or a drink (after the course) and sometimes nothing but a handshake. It was nice but not necessary.
I have taught the course you mentioned as well as several others for about 15 years in ASA schools and charter companies. I never expected a tip. Sometimes I got a nice tip, sometimes dinner or a drink (after the course) and sometimes nothing but a handshake. It was nice but not necessary.
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