Are you sure Robert (did you check with your Mom)? I think the tip is on the total bill, so add the drinks, bar tab etc. but the tip is before tax.

I'll ask her. Whatever she tells me, it'll be the opposite. :-)

In the overall scheme of things, the tip on the tax portion is pretty small so it really doesn't matter. Even on a large tab, say $400, and the tax is 10%, the tip on $40 is not that bag a deal, if you're buying $400 meals.

That's pizza and a beer here in Tokyo, Jeff. ;)

Things have changed.
I used to have to travel with 13 -plus cases to do a show in another city. If I didn't give the skycap at least $80, I'd have a case show up somewhere in another state. It was expected. Here in Atlanta, the skycaps are used to (or..were that is) seeing video gear and spotting a crew. They knew they'd get tipped $30 to cart stuff out to the curb and load it.

Now you pay big bucks to ship every single extra case. Bellhops are still making out pretty good moving gear for shows in hotels. Depending on how much and the distance- about $20 is the norm from the "security room" to loading a van.

Now if I could just get the company to factor that into the expense reports...

my two cents...
Jeff Patnaude

A friend of mine quit his job managing a medium sized retail store (15 employees) with a salary of about $35,000 a year, to take a job as a bellhop in a hotel. With his tips, he makes about the same money. Doesn't seem right.

I kind of felt bad the other day, but not really. I got my car washed and the guy walks up and hands me my keys, and I say "Hey thanks, Man, I appreciate it." He says, "No I appreciate it, I enjoyed working on your car." And, all I could think was, you enjoyed detailing my car? That is the most fake thing I have ever heard, and I didn't tip him. I know, I know, that's wrong, but I hate it when people obviously kiss my a$$ to get my money. I just like it when they kiss my a$$ and don't expect anything. That's when the big bucks roll out! People who are genuine get much bigger tips with me. People who try to make it obvious that they should be tipped now will get little to nothing. Crappy service gets the same, little to nothing. Exceptional service warrants 25% to 50% tip, and I don't have a problem with that. Treat me right and I'll treat you right. What's that saying....do unto others....

<<<-- Originally posted by Jeff Donald : John, the IRS stepped in a few years back and forced stricter accounting of tips. The 10% rule was changed in the mid to late '90's. -->>>

Guess that shows my age? lol