Excessive Host Tips

[Took a loss]

I think that some of the host tip suggestions on these forums are getting a bit out of hand. I understand paying a premium for a drastic improvement in table location. However ie. for basic service on a 1k min (booking and walk to table) I am seeing suggestions of $300-$400 tip to hosts. This is on top of a 20% auto gratuity to the waitress, a $50 security tip, and a $50 runner tip putting the cumulative tip around 50-60% of the minimum for the night.

Before I read these forums I assumed that the host tip is built in to the 20% auto gratuity therefore I didnt tip the host that booked my reservation. Never once did I feel that there was any anomosity towards me for not doing this. Nor did my service or table location suffer. I assumed that there is a built in commission to hosts from nightclubs for bringing in clients and dollars.

After reading these forums I now tip 5% of the minimum to the host. I do feel that they are providing a service and should somehow be recognised for it.

Some of these tips however that are being suggested are excessive IMO and I believe forum members would be better to spend their vegas $ on other things.

I guess its really a matter of personal preferance but to suggest that you will be shoveled to a back corner of a club and provided with horrible service if a massive host tip is not provided is misleading.

[Chuck]

I don't think anyone has intentionally implied that a generous tip to your host will automatically land you in a utility closet. Everything I've posted or read has suggested a larger host tip for upgrading your location or to build a relationship with a host, or receive nice little bonus (like free shots). I've read plenty of others that tip less and do just fine without the perks that come with a big tip. At the end of the day, it's a tip, not required, but good to play the game if you plan on using the same host in the future.

[BrianF]

Chuck it it on the head exactly. I don't think there has been anyone that has said you'll get bad service if you don't tip massive amounts. This forum is built from different viewpoints from both ends of the spectrum. The members that suggest a big tip for the host suggest it if you want something more than the average table experience. Plenty of times I've seen them say that if you aren't concerned with table location or anything like that don't tip big. The same goes for security, the runner and waitress. the big tips are to bypass the bathroom line, keep people away from your table or bring them to it. To make sure your ice never gets watery and you always have drinks in front of you. The big thing is people that tip big are trying to experience something others don't and enjoy it that way.

[Sterling]

I havent read anyone suggest tipping the host 300-400.

100-200 has been the norm that I've been seeing

[gamepube]

I havent read anyone suggest tipping the host 300-400.

100-200 has been the norm that I've been seeing

I recall looking at a few threads where there have been suggested tips of between $400-500. Can't recall exactly what context they were in or what the circumstances were though.

[Senseandrew]

I havent read anyone suggest tipping the host 300-400.

100-200 has been the norm that I've been seeing

I recall looking at a few threads where there have been suggested tips of between $400-500. Can't recall exactly what context they were in or what the circumstances were though.

Most of the time, when I see different suggested tips being thrown around, it is proportional to the size of the minimum. It doesn't make much sense to tip $200 on a $5k minimum table, but it would definitely seem appropriate to tip that on a $1k minimum table. It is important to mention that the business of nightclubs is about as service-oriented as any industry gets. Others have mentioned getting free shots, hosts bringing women to the table for you, getting moved to a nicer table where you would normally have a higher minimum, etc. This is not even the most important part of this situation. If you tip generously, and use the suggested contacts provided here at JC, you can set yourself up for future successes when you use the same contact at a later date. This becomes a win-win situation for both parties. You and your group get a more attentive staff, sometimes get free drinks thrown in, better locations with lower minimums, free or comped entry to their establishment on a later date, and women directed to the table. The host gets more money and the good feeling that comes with knowing their clients are happy with the service they provided. In all businesses, it is much easier dealing with happy people, than angry or cold people.

The bottom line is this: Vegas is a mecca to decadence. The people that have money and are willing to part with it are the people that get A+ service and experiences.

[Chuck]

Case in point...my last trip I did a $1400 minimum and tipped $400. My $400 got me 12 free shots and a comped lunch and no minimum cabana offer for Tao Beach the next day and I had an awesome location for the night.

12 shots = $120 (at least)
Lunch for 6 at Tao Beach = $120 (at least)

That's $240 in "bonuses" for my generous tip. Since I would have at least tipped $200 on my $1400 spend I came out ahead IMO.

[BrianF]

Plus great LV contacts are priceless

[Took a loss]

I guess I misunderstood some of the posts. Just seemed like there was a trend towards a massive tip becoming the expectation for a host on this forum. I personally go to vegas once every 2-3 years so developing relationships with hosts is not overly important to me. Especially considering the high turnover in these positions. I am not looking for any special treatment other than express entry in to the club a table and good service from the waitress, security, and runner. I believe that hosts should be taken care of but within reason for the service they provide. 5% of the table min IMO would be adequate.

I would agreee with the other posts however that mention that a huge tip would go to further the relationship with the host if you are going to be a repeat customer. Also if you are looking for other perks like free drinks, improved table for lower min, someone to bring women over if you do not want to do the legwork yourself.

Ultimately I really think it depends on what your expectations are for the night and what services you want/need.

[WT661]

Case in point...my last trip I did a $1400 minimum and tipped $400. My $400 got me 12 free shots and a comped lunch and no minimum cabana offer for Tao Beach the next day and I had an awesome location for the night.

12 shots = $120 (at least)
Lunch for 6 at Tao Beach = $120 (at least)

That's $240 in "bonuses" for my generous tip. Since I would have at least tipped $200 on my $1400 spend I came out ahead IMO.

You did get that, but for the people that read this. DON'T expect it. I think thats what these higher tip posts will do. Is put in peoples minds that there are certain things to expect when doing something like this.

[ItsNotYouItsMe]

Case in point...my last trip I did a $1400 minimum and tipped $400. My $400 got me 12 free shots and a comped lunch and no minimum cabana offer for Tao Beach the next day and I had an awesome location for the night.

12 shots = $120 (at least)
Lunch for 6 at Tao Beach = $120 (at least)

That's $240 in "bonuses" for my generous tip. Since I would have at least tipped $200 on my $1400 spend I came out ahead IMO.

You did get that, but for the people that read this. DON'T expect it. I think thats what these higher tip posts will do. Is put in peoples minds that there are certain things to expect when doing something like this.

+1

[Chuck]

Absolutely...the "ubertip" is a gamble like everything else in Vegas. It does seem to have great odds though.

Case in point...my last trip I did a $1400 minimum and tipped $400. My $400 got me 12 free shots and a comped lunch and no minimum cabana offer for Tao Beach the next day and I had an awesome location for the night.

12 shots = $120 (at least)
Lunch for 6 at Tao Beach = $120 (at least)

That's $240 in "bonuses" for my generous tip. Since I would have at least tipped $200 on my $1400 spend I came out ahead IMO.

You did get that, but for the people that read this. DON'T expect it. I think thats what these higher tip posts will do. Is put in peoples minds that there are certain things to expect when doing something like this.

[durden13]

I guess I misunderstood some of the posts. Just seemed like there was a trend towards a massive tip becoming the expectation for a host on this forum. I personally go to vegas once every 2-3 years so developing relationships with hosts is not overly important to me. Especially considering the high turnover in these positions. I am not looking for any special treatment other than express entry in to the club a table and good service from the waitress, security, and runner. I believe that hosts should be taken care of but within reason for the service they provide. 5% of the table min IMO would be adequate.

Ultimately I really think it depends on what your expectations are for the night and what services you want/need.

Took,

I hear what you are saying and I know this topic is often revisited, but I find it easier to not think of it as a tip. Lets just call a spade a spade ... its a bribe. If this was a restaurant and you were just getting reservations for dinner, well that would be different, but its supply and demand with the clubs. If the place was empty, it would be easy to get in.

Are you going on a holiday weekend vs a Monday in January? Are you there on a fight night? Are you there when the Billboard Awards was happening and you've got multi-millionares in town?

And I know what you must be thinking. "Hey I've got cash and its just as green and valid as the next guy!" But you're competing with people with a lot more of it and a lot higher stacks. And let's flip this on it's head for a second and now you are the host.

You've got tourist coming into town asking for a main table at XS (which is a crazy amount I've heard). I'll guess 10K minimum. You contact the host, book the table, promise a 1K "tip" and things are fantastic in your mind. The day of your event, in walks in the .. oh I don't know ... the LA Kings bringing in the Stanley Cup and they want the same table but tell the you they'll put in a 5K tip and spend a butt load of cash. Are you loyal to a tourist you've never met and might flake out on you or do you follow the cash, bump the tourist, and get in some heavy $$$.

What would you do? And remember, if you don't book it, you know someone else will take care of them.

So that's why I find it easier to consider it a bribe/handshake/greasing the wheels what ever you want to call it.

This might be a twisted way to think about it, but when you are texting the hosts, in my mind, this is what I'm trying to say:

Please "host I just texted you out of the blue and you have no idea who I am", I'm coming to town and want to pretend and get treated like a VIP, so please accept this "offering" so that I may jump ahead of all the general admission and also not get left behind when I'm competing against the likes of movie stars, professional athletes, self-made millionares, all those new Facebook millionares, and basically everyone who can spend like this:

http://forums.jackcolton.com/showthr...ight=post+bill

And as always, the club isn't required. If you are with your friends or meet new ones or just be in the right frame of mind, you can turn the hotel bar into the best night of your life.

[DeX]

There are plenty of hosts who will treat you the same regardless of the tip you give them or don't tip them at all. Deal with those hosts, but just know hosts make notes of all their clients on their phones.

[Jhaulotte]

There are plenty of hosts who will treat you the same regardless of the tip you give them or don't tip them at all. Deal with those hosts, but just know hosts make notes of all their clients on their phones.

Dex brings up a good point, hosts will treat you great regardless of the tip. You do not have to tip excessively just to be treated with respect or to ensure quality customer service. I think some people get confused about that when they see people suggest 200 to 400 dollar tips to get this or get that. Most hosts are top-notch and excel at customer service. That being said, I am a firm believer in taking care of the hosts a little bit more generously because I have always gotten the "perks". And it is nice to have established a relationship with certain hosts over the years.