Purpose of giving a "handshake" to a host?

[NYCBeats]

Not trying to be facetious here but I don't get the point of why I have to tip a club host for conducting a transaction

I'd almost equate this to tipping the cashier at saks or bloomingdales for ringing up a pair of jeans that i picked out myself.

What is the "value" of their service being provided here? I see why I would tip the runner or a bouncer that's pulling in some girls or escorting to the bathroom, etc. I can also see tipping the girl that is making me finish my bottles ASAP by pouring shots every 5min.

But as for the host, I'm the one initiating the contact to buy a product. The same product that I can buy by walking up to the door, asking for a table and handing over my credit card as I usually do.

I've contacted several hosts for different venues and each came back with the same "quote". So what differentiates host 1 vs host 2 at club X vs. walking up and getting the bottle requirement.

Just wondering..

[VEGAS88]

You give them the handshake to get a better table in a better position. If you look after the host at the start of the night they will make sure you end up having a good night as well.

[iller]

You always tip the host for a better table position..
You tip the bouncer to watch your table and bring hot ladies to your table.
You tip the waitress for doing not much [lol]
You tip the busser for being on top of things and always keeping your ice ready.
ect. Waitresses don't deserve it.. but everyone else ;p

[redbullvodka]

so you don't get 'bumped' the next time..

[Drew]

build a relationship for future, quicker replies, better mins, get friends in via guestlist, make sure you don't magically lose your table after you're done with your bottles

[Halfshift]

Say you got a table that normally had a $3k minimum for $2k for seven guys and the host said "Look after me." What exactly would you give in terms of the handshake?

Also, if the host had hooked you up with say a cabana during the day and a good table in one of their clubs that night would you go straight in with a generous handshake? Or spilt it up in two decent handshakes? Or give the handshake later at the club when everything was sorted?

[dnix]

For most on here it's about building a relationship because we go often. And most would agree it is beneficial. If your happy with the way your doing it that's great. Vegas should be a care free, exciting, enjoyable experience. IMHO people spend way to much time thinking about stuff like this. FYI I can guarantee your not getting the same deal as some of our members. Your getting the same deal of someone who doesn't give repeat business and referrals. And most host really appreciate referrals. Probably more than a tip.

[miller4vegas]

Say you got a table that normally had a $3k minimum for $2k for seven guys and the host said "Look after me." What exactly would you give in terms of the handshake?

Also, if the host had hooked you up with say a cabana during the day and a good table in one of their clubs that night would you go straight in with a generous handshake? Or spilt it up in two decent handshakes? Or give the handshake later at the club when everything was sorted?

You probably won't see the same host when you get your cabana at 11am that you would see for your table that night at 11pm. That would make a pretty long day!
If you make reservations for a cabana and bottle service with the same host, they will probably give you the name of someone different that you will ask for when you arrive for your cabana.
From personal experience with this exact situation, I give a small handshake to the person that walks me to the cabana, and a larger handshake to my host that set me up with the cabana and bottle service when I meet him or her that night.

[Guest]

build a relationship for future, quicker replies, better mins, get friends in via guestlist, make sure you don't magically lose your table after you're done with your bottles

+1

[phillyjare]

And most host really appreciate referrals. Probably more than a tip.

+1

[KristinK]

Also, it's just the custom. It's what is expected. They are commissioned based salesmen, they earn their living from tips.

[MikeyTantalo]

Not trying to be facetious here but I don't get the point of why I have to tip a club host for conducting a transaction

I'd almost equate this to tipping the cashier at saks or bloomingdales for ringing up a pair of jeans that i picked out myself.

What is the "value" of their service being provided here? I see why I would tip the runner or a bouncer that's pulling in some girls or escorting to the bathroom, etc. I can also see tipping the girl that is making me finish my bottles ASAP by pouring shots every 5min.

But as for the host, I'm the one initiating the contact to buy a product. The same product that I can buy by walking up to the door, asking for a table and handing over my credit card as I usually do.

I've contacted several hosts for different venues and each came back with the same "quote". So what differentiates host 1 vs host 2 at club X vs. walking up and getting the bottle requirement.

Just wondering..

aye... should I even comment??

figure this.. 7 people all have a 3 bottle table.. I have 5 tables.. who do you think will get the table?? and the better of the 5? Hosts HOSTS.. they make sure your having a great time.. they also makes sure they security.. waitresses and everyone else in the staff know you and make sure your night goes off the way it should... just sayin...

tipping a host may not be necessary in portland, Oregon.. (no offense) but in vegas.. it is for sure remembered

[MikeyTantalo]

Also, it's just the custom. It's what is expected. They are commissioned based salesmen, they earn their living from tips.

most clubs dont pay commission.. I do not get paid off commission...

[KristinK]

Also, it's just the custom. It's what is expected. They are commissioned based salesmen, they earn their living from tips.

most clubs dont pay commission.. I do not get paid off commission...

No, you may not, but I know some do. Also, what I meant, was the tips are the majority of the hosts earnings, it's similar to any other service industry profession - valet, bell hop, waitress, bartender, dealer, etc.

[MikeyTantalo]

Also, it's just the custom. It's what is expected. They are commissioned based salesmen, they earn their living from tips.

most clubs dont pay commission.. I do not get paid off commission...

No, you may not, but I know some do. Also, what I meant, was the tips are the majority of the hosts earnings, it's similar to any other service industry profession - valet, bell hop, waitress, bartender, dealer, etc.

that is true.. and yes.. light group.. tao group.. AMG all pay commission.. we do not.. in my hotel.. thus the shakes..