I have just completed a long (over two days) discussion with many more people than I care to think about pump out charges, etc. The main question that remains unanswered is: what is the appropriate tip amount for the dock hands that help tie up, pump out, wait during wash out and additional pump outs, etc.??? Some people say "it is part of their job and should not be tipped at all". I would like to hear your varied opinions on this.
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How much or whether to tip depends...
On the marina's policy, local custom. Sometimes it just depends on whether the dock hand went way "above and beyond," whether the marina allows it or not. However-- I would never just turn over the job of fueling or pumping out to a dock hand. It's too easy when they're exceptionally busy for 'em to get distracted and fill or pump out the wrong tank...or let the pumpout run till it cracks your tank if the vent is blocked. Many marinas won't even allow their dock hands to do more than hand boat owners the fuel and pumpout hoses...they're not allowed to touch boats, for the very reasons I just mentioned. You'd be very wise to adopt that policy, whether the marina insists upon it or not. Which should limit the amount you need to tip, too. Still, there are times when we all need extra help from a dockhand...that's when I'd slip him a couple of dollars whether it's customary or the marina allows it or not.
On the marina's policy, local custom. Sometimes it just depends on whether the dock hand went way "above and beyond," whether the marina allows it or not. However-- I would never just turn over the job of fueling or pumping out to a dock hand. It's too easy when they're exceptionally busy for 'em to get distracted and fill or pump out the wrong tank...or let the pumpout run till it cracks your tank if the vent is blocked. Many marinas won't even allow their dock hands to do more than hand boat owners the fuel and pumpout hoses...they're not allowed to touch boats, for the very reasons I just mentioned. You'd be very wise to adopt that policy, whether the marina insists upon it or not. Which should limit the amount you need to tip, too. Still, there are times when we all need extra help from a dockhand...that's when I'd slip him a couple of dollars whether it's customary or the marina allows it or not.
What Kind of Service do you want Next Time??
If there is a service that I would like to have done very well and promptly and before everybody else then I make it a point of tipping very generously. For instance, let's say they have a free pump out boat in Newport Harbor where maybe 1200 boats are on moorings. Scheduling a pump out might take 3 days to get on a waiting list. A hefty tip on that first pump out might make the wait only a few hours on the next one. It might have no effect either but whats a few bucks for the poor person with such a *#@(^y job? Or say you are in a very crowded bar and you want a beer well tipping the bartender well on the first beer might make sure you get good service over the people who think it is included in their pay. Happy tipping Dave
If there is a service that I would like to have done very well and promptly and before everybody else then I make it a point of tipping very generously. For instance, let's say they have a free pump out boat in Newport Harbor where maybe 1200 boats are on moorings. Scheduling a pump out might take 3 days to get on a waiting list. A hefty tip on that first pump out might make the wait only a few hours on the next one. It might have no effect either but whats a few bucks for the poor person with such a *#@(^y job? Or say you are in a very crowded bar and you want a beer well tipping the bartender well on the first beer might make sure you get good service over the people who think it is included in their pay. Happy tipping Dave
Move over, I'm getting up on the soapbox...
It seems like every single service group of people have their hand out. Waitstaff at restaurants are the most visible, but the custom is so widespread one has to wonder if everyone who performs any service at all should be tipped. In some cases, the industry places the customers in the position of paying the employees for service. Waitstaff are paid such low wages that they depend upon tips to make a living. But what should that living be? When restaurants DEMAND that you pay THEIR employees 18% or more, and even add it automatically to your bill, I object. I object to waitstaff clearing $50, 75, or $100 per hour for that type of work. In many top-end restaurants, I believe this is common. Regarding dock hands and pumpout attendents- I boat in RI where we have free pumpout boats that service the harbors. I do feel like I should tip these people for the service that they perform, and I do, typically at $3-5. BTW, not all people in all countries in the world have their hand out. In New Zealand for example, no tip is expected for any service. And restaurant food costs about half of what it does in the US. So if those businesses can obviously pay their employees an adequate wage and charge less than in the US, what is wrong with us? I wonder what my boss would say if I asked him for a tip for that expedited project that I worked on? Let's see, even a 5% tip on that $4000 project would be.... Ok, I apologize to any of you that I have offended with my ideas that are probably in the minority.
It seems like every single service group of people have their hand out. Waitstaff at restaurants are the most visible, but the custom is so widespread one has to wonder if everyone who performs any service at all should be tipped. In some cases, the industry places the customers in the position of paying the employees for service. Waitstaff are paid such low wages that they depend upon tips to make a living. But what should that living be? When restaurants DEMAND that you pay THEIR employees 18% or more, and even add it automatically to your bill, I object. I object to waitstaff clearing $50, 75, or $100 per hour for that type of work. In many top-end restaurants, I believe this is common. Regarding dock hands and pumpout attendents- I boat in RI where we have free pumpout boats that service the harbors. I do feel like I should tip these people for the service that they perform, and I do, typically at $3-5. BTW, not all people in all countries in the world have their hand out. In New Zealand for example, no tip is expected for any service. And restaurant food costs about half of what it does in the US. So if those businesses can obviously pay their employees an adequate wage and charge less than in the US, what is wrong with us? I wonder what my boss would say if I asked him for a tip for that expedited project that I worked on? Let's see, even a 5% tip on that $4000 project would be.... Ok, I apologize to any of you that I have offended with my ideas that are probably in the minority.
Waiter?
Yes, you have never worked as a waiter or waitress. First of all they receive less than minium wage, this is permissable by law, and rarely receive benfits. Then they have taxes witheld based upon a percentage of the tickets they write up, regardless of whether or not any tip was given. And now we have an individual wanting to get up on his soapbox to complain about it. Yes Rich, the pump out boy is trying to destroy your retirement plan. Watch those dimes and nickles. Oh yes, don't forget to pick up another useless piece of sailing gear on your way home.
Yes, you have never worked as a waiter or waitress. First of all they receive less than minium wage, this is permissable by law, and rarely receive benfits. Then they have taxes witheld based upon a percentage of the tickets they write up, regardless of whether or not any tip was given. And now we have an individual wanting to get up on his soapbox to complain about it. Yes Rich, the pump out boy is trying to destroy your retirement plan. Watch those dimes and nickles. Oh yes, don't forget to pick up another useless piece of sailing gear on your way home.
I was a waitress
Cocktail waitress in college, to be precise. It was pretty fun (OLD folks listening to live big band music) but the were sucky tippers. I agree with Rich on some of his points, like automatically adding a gratuity to the bill. This should only be done for large (5+) groups, IMHO. I tip based on service. The base is 15%. If they're extraordinarily awful, rude, etc. = little/no tip. If they're extra helpful or friendly = 20%+. If I really want to make a point (say a waiter was rude to me), I'll leave two pennies. This has only happened once or twice in my entire life but I think it makes a point. At my local Starbucks or Taco Del Mar, I'll tip every other time. They know me pretty well and I think that's sufficient since they're not really "serving" me. But I do know they get paid squat and they're unusually happy folk so... I've never had reason to tip dockhands but it's good to know the etiquette. Here's a true story for you: While in Pleasant Harbor (Hood Canal/Puget Sound) a couple of summers ago, we pulled up to the fuel dock to pump out the holding tank. We weren't buying any fuel, hadn't used the moorage - nothing. The "dockhand" came up & said their electric pumpout was broken but they had a portable one. He pulled it up and started pumping! Rob insisted that he could pump his own poop and wouldn't his boss be mad that he wasn't charging us. "No, he won't be mad. I'm the owner!" The OWNER was handpumping our poop! And from several years experience, they are simply THE nicest, most hospitable people in the world. Ok, where was I going with this?
LaDonna
Cocktail waitress in college, to be precise. It was pretty fun (OLD folks listening to live big band music) but the were sucky tippers. I agree with Rich on some of his points, like automatically adding a gratuity to the bill. This should only be done for large (5+) groups, IMHO. I tip based on service. The base is 15%. If they're extraordinarily awful, rude, etc. = little/no tip. If they're extra helpful or friendly = 20%+. If I really want to make a point (say a waiter was rude to me), I'll leave two pennies. This has only happened once or twice in my entire life but I think it makes a point. At my local Starbucks or Taco Del Mar, I'll tip every other time. They know me pretty well and I think that's sufficient since they're not really "serving" me. But I do know they get paid squat and they're unusually happy folk so... I've never had reason to tip dockhands but it's good to know the etiquette. Here's a true story for you: While in Pleasant Harbor (Hood Canal/Puget Sound) a couple of summers ago, we pulled up to the fuel dock to pump out the holding tank. We weren't buying any fuel, hadn't used the moorage - nothing. The "dockhand" came up & said their electric pumpout was broken but they had a portable one. He pulled it up and started pumping! Rob insisted that he could pump his own poop and wouldn't his boss be mad that he wasn't charging us. "No, he won't be mad. I'm the owner!" The OWNER was handpumping our poop! And from several years experience, they are simply THE nicest, most hospitable people in the world. Ok, where was I going with this?
LaDonnaI'm with Peggie
I always pump out myself. First off, I want to make sure that it gets done right. Secondly, I prefer to handle my waste myself. In a way, I'm kind of bashful about it, so I'd rather be the one taking care of it. I always tip nonetheless - I was once a lowly service worker too, and those tips got me through some tight spots. What's a couple of bucks gonna do to your sailing budget? Anyway, the guys at our local pumpout are nice kids, and have to work in 95 degree heat every day. They need the money for water alone! Rob
I always pump out myself. First off, I want to make sure that it gets done right. Secondly, I prefer to handle my waste myself. In a way, I'm kind of bashful about it, so I'd rather be the one taking care of it. I always tip nonetheless - I was once a lowly service worker too, and those tips got me through some tight spots. What's a couple of bucks gonna do to your sailing budget? Anyway, the guys at our local pumpout are nice kids, and have to work in 95 degree heat every day. They need the money for water alone! Rob
tip reflects service
Good service= good tip (20%), Mediocre service= average tip (15%) however if the server impacts your meal negatively then he/she has forfieted ANY GRATITUDITY! Bottom line, it comes (as a token) from the patron..Servers should expect a tip with average to good service and the opposite too if they don't do the job.............
Good service= good tip (20%), Mediocre service= average tip (15%) however if the server impacts your meal negatively then he/she has forfieted ANY GRATITUDITY! Bottom line, it comes (as a token) from the patron..Servers should expect a tip with average to good service and the opposite too if they don't do the job.............
Does Not Have to be Cash
It is truly amazing how grateful and how far it will get you tipping with a cold drink, or hot ones when needed, doughnuts, cookies, or some pizza. Especially in places where they are hard to get. I have gotten guys to help get planes launched in some truly ugly weather when they did not need to help us out at all just because I brought them a couple of dozen doughnuts.
It is truly amazing how grateful and how far it will get you tipping with a cold drink, or hot ones when needed, doughnuts, cookies, or some pizza. Especially in places where they are hard to get. I have gotten guys to help get planes launched in some truly ugly weather when they did not need to help us out at all just because I brought them a couple of dozen doughnuts.
PS: Not in all states.
Not all states allow the wait people to be paid BELOW minimum wage based on "anticipated" tips.
Not all states allow the wait people to be paid BELOW minimum wage based on "anticipated" tips.
I'm not going to get into the argument for tips
for waiters and bartenders. (sometimes it isn't deserved) But when it comes to someone sucking your waste from the boat and doing it all day in the hot humid summer...Come on !! Dock boys/girls deserve a tip if they are doing this..whats a couple of bucks? Also if I ask for a couple of bags of ice I'll, throw them a buck or two. I typically won't tip for helping to tie up if I'm docking (never actually called them but they are available at my marina for people that need them). I know that we sometimes pay alot for use of our marinas but I really doubt these kids are making any money. It all goes into the pockets of the people that own the marina.
for waiters and bartenders. (sometimes it isn't deserved) But when it comes to someone sucking your waste from the boat and doing it all day in the hot humid summer...Come on !! Dock boys/girls deserve a tip if they are doing this..whats a couple of bucks? Also if I ask for a couple of bags of ice I'll, throw them a buck or two. I typically won't tip for helping to tie up if I'm docking (never actually called them but they are available at my marina for people that need them). I know that we sometimes pay alot for use of our marinas but I really doubt these kids are making any money. It all goes into the pockets of the people that own the marina.
Rick, that's called Southern Hospitality...
And you're 100 percent correct. It goes a lot further than currency. It shows you care. Rob
And you're 100 percent correct. It goes a lot further than currency. It shows you care. Rob
Reminds Me Of a Story
Seems there was a county bridge that had an unwritten rule that the bridge tender would not open the bridge until you had either waited an allotted amount of time or there were a specific number of boats waiting to pass. One nice lady would always make biscuits for the tender and pass them to him as they went by. They never waited at that bridge.
Seems there was a county bridge that had an unwritten rule that the bridge tender would not open the bridge until you had either waited an allotted amount of time or there were a specific number of boats waiting to pass. One nice lady would always make biscuits for the tender and pass them to him as they went by. They never waited at that bridge.
I look at tips as investments
. . . and small ones at that. You never know when someone will remember that you took the time to thank them for their services. As far as how much, I almost always try to tip with something other than money if possible - food, drink, a ride, whatever. For people who help me ashore I have a stack of gift certificates to a friend's restaurant here in town. I get a discounted price, they get a nice dinner, the friend gets exposure - we all win. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
. . . and small ones at that. You never know when someone will remember that you took the time to thank them for their services. As far as how much, I almost always try to tip with something other than money if possible - food, drink, a ride, whatever. For people who help me ashore I have a stack of gift certificates to a friend's restaurant here in town. I get a discounted price, they get a nice dinner, the friend gets exposure - we all win. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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