When to tip my host for a table?

[bsterr]

Mixed group planning on a table and 3 bottles when we're in town next month. It sounds like $100/bottle to the host will get you a decent table location and make sure you're taken care of, but when do you hand over this tip exactly? I will be meeting the host that night for the first time and two minutes later we will be sitting down, but it seems weird to introduce myself with a couple hundreds tucked in my palm? Sorry for a dumb question, but thanks for any advice.

[roknroll]

I'm sure the host will really appreciate it, but that seems to be on the higher side of things. Keep in mind that you will be paying $400-$550 per bottle, 8% sales tax, and then 18%-20% tip to the waitress. So you are already paying about $100-$150 per bottle on top of the base cost. Then I'll usually tip the nearest security guard or two standing by the table/booth, and maybe a small tip if there's someone different busing the table. Adding on another $100 per bottle to the host makes for a very expensive night.

But you also get what you pay for and tipping like that will make for a great night and they will really take care of you. If you've got a small group and are only getting 1 bottle, sure, I could see tipping $100. But if you've got several people and are getting 3 bottles then a $300 tip seems a bit much, but not out of line.

If I were in your group I might do $100 to the host, $100 to the security by the table, and $20 per bottle to the guy busing the tables.

[MikeyTantalo]

in some clubs.. security will not do anything for you.. take care of those who take care of you.. your host... or maybe the inside hosts.. who ever is the guy getting you taken care of... Security is great if they are doing something.. remember...

The TOP end clubs.. the more you tip.. the better the table.. and the less you wait.. remember this..

[Sweat_shop]

I'm sure the host will really appreciate it, but that seems to be on the higher side of things. Keep in mind that you will be paying $400-$550 per bottle, 8% sales tax, and then 18%-20% tip to the waitress. So you are already paying about $100-$150 per bottle on top of the base cost. Then I'll usually tip the nearest security guard or two standing by the table/booth, and maybe a small tip if there's someone different busing the table. Adding on another $100 per bottle to the host makes for a very expensive night.

But you also get what you pay for and tipping like that will make for a great night and they will really take care of you. If you've got a small group and are only getting 1 bottle, sure, I could see tipping $100. But if you've got several people and are getting 3 bottles then a $300 tip seems a bit much, but not out of line.

If I were in your group I might do $100 to the host, $100 to the security by the table, and $20 per bottle to the guy busing the tables.

I think $100 to sercuity is a little much I wouldn't tip more then $20 unless he really went out of his way

[TheGooseIsLoose]

When are the tips handed over? At the start of the night to the host... as soon as you meet him? But for the others?

[Drew]

I usually either tip the host a little after he meets me or after I get walk to the table... whenever the opportunity presents itself really.

[KNG]

I tip after the host has walked me to the table, and a good host will come and check on you time to time throughout the night to make sure things are running smooth and that you and your crew are having a good night. It's a good idea to give your host a "handshake" when he/she comes back to check on you. I don't mean every time but I tip gradually myself, for example if I order 3 bottles, I wouldn't give all the ($200 - $300) tip at the beginning, I'd give the 2nd or 3rd portion of the tip when the host comes back to check up on me.

$20 for bouncers are generally good enough, I sometimes tip $20 to the bouncer (if the bouncer actually does anything for me after the first $20) per bottle, but if the bouncer doesn't really do much after the initial $20, then there's no need to tip much more...unless you're feeling generous.

Don't forget to tip your runner (the person who cleans your table, brings you new clean glasses, cleans your drink spills, etc) You can either tip $20 for the runner for the night or you can tip $20 per bottle

[MikeyTantalo]

good man!!!

sad to say I can not walk my tables back.. I help run the door.. but i expedite my tables in. and get em in... i do come by and check on yas a couple time and keep in txt contact with everyone.. girls.. more ice.. what ever is needed is a mass BBM away!

[Breeze]

When he or she persoannly walks you in, when you are shown your agreed upon table to your satisfaction and when they have introduced you to your server....

then you tip them IN FULL.

Do not keep them waiting.

[Breeze]

In that situation (when you book the table) what is the advisable amount to tip the person who is simply escorting said party in?

[Rickdick]

SOOO many people to tip! my head will be wrecked :/

[TheDon20]

How much are table location and tip related to each other? Or is it one of those situations that varies from host to host and club to club?

[Rogan and the Omoplata]

Okay, my confusion is with the door host and the host who actually walks you to your table. If you meet your contact and he or she walks you in, thats simple. However, the "team hosting" concept is more complex. For instance, Mikey and I have been trading PM's about some options for an upcoming Saturday night. He's been very helpful and forthcoming. If he is working the door and another host is actually walking me in, how is that handled? Personally, since Mikey has been repsonding to my silly questions and such I feel compelled to slip him something to show my gratitude. But, the host walking me in should get something also...how should that be split? 50%-50%, 25%-75%?

[TheRealFonzz]

Okay, my confusion is with the door host and the host who actually walks you to your table. If you meet your contact and he or she walks you in, thats simple. However, the "team hosting" concept is more complex. For instance, Mikey and I have been trading PM's about some options for an upcoming Saturday night. He's been very helpful and forthcoming. If he is working the door and another host is actually walking me in, how is that handled? Personally, since Mikey has been repsonding to my silly questions and such I feel compelled to slip him something to show my gratitude. But, the host walking me in should get something also...how should that be split? 50%-50%, 25%-75%?

Yes I would like to know the same question! I'm using Mikey next Thurs for Tryst but I was unaware that there would be another person bringing us in.. Is it necessary for us to tip them? Geeze so many people to give money too lol

[Drew]

Okay, my confusion is with the door host and the host who actually walks you to your table. If you meet your contact and he or she walks you in, thats simple. However, the "team hosting" concept is more complex. For instance, Mikey and I have been trading PM's about some options for an upcoming Saturday night. He's been very helpful and forthcoming. If he is working the door and another host is actually walking me in, how is that handled? Personally, since Mikey has been repsonding to my silly questions and such I feel compelled to slip him something to show my gratitude. But, the host walking me in should get something also...how should that be split? 50%-50%, 25%-75%?

You see Mikey at the door and give him most of the tip before he hands you off to the next guy who you probably should give some to. Up to you the breakdown, but should swing towards Mikey.


Sometimes you don't see the first host at all, then you decide how nice you want to be to the host who walks you to the table depending on how you think he's treating you.