Excessive Host Tips

[carajas]

I guess tipping more means more chances on getting extras.. but the problem is when tipping the right/fair amount and you dont even get a good service, because the host was expecting a bigger tip... then what? ..tip more? ..and more?

[Jhaulotte]

I guess tipping more means more chances on getting extras.. but the problem is when tipping the right/fair amount and you dont even get a good service, because the host was expecting a bigger tip... then what? ..tip more? ..and more?

I honestly do not believe that would happen. Would the host be disappointed? Of course, but they would not ruin a night and give shitty service because of a bad tip. Sure the "perks" might not happen, but some people on here have said as much that they are not interested in that. It is different than most tipped professions in that tipping is done up front. If a host was tipped at the end of the night the customer can determine based on performance, but that is not always the case for many reasons. Usually the tip is done right away at least that is the way I do it which does not mean it is the right way, I am just saying

[TKM399]

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.

Took, what if we don't have friends and that's why we tip hosts? Don't be so mean, I'm just a lone wolf in Vegas!

[Zmursh]

Las Vegas is all about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

[WT661]

Not saying specifically in the nightlife industry. But I know of other places where tipping has been so excessive, that it doesnt even feel like its a gratuity anymore. Its becoming more of a required payment to get proper service. I think thats what people are concerned about when tipping big for hosts. Would the norm get so high that they would expect it and expect more to actually get decent service.

I dont mind giving a good tip, but I like giving it knowing the person didnt expect it and is grateful about it. I dont expect anything in return for it or even "perks". I would actually prefer giving more of a tip at the end for exceptional service. If lets say the table is $1000-1500. I would give the $200 tip for the host off the bat. I know some say why not just tip extra at the beginning to get better service and just in case you dont see the host again that night. Well if the service is good and the host actually comes back around a few times before we head out for the night, then I'd like to tip extra then and there. If the host doesnt come back around, thats the hosts' loss not mine. I'm not going to go out of my way to give tip in the beginning for the host to keep coming back. They would have to show they want to provide that service to get more in the end.

At the same time, for my extra tip, I'm not going to require the perks such as free shots, etc. That is for their exceptional service and not to bribe them to get free shit.

[Senseandrew]

Not saying specifically in the nightlife industry. But I know of other places where tipping has been so excessive, that it doesnt even feel like its a gratuity anymore. Its becoming more of a required payment to get proper service. I think thats what people are concerned about when tipping big for hosts. Would the norm get so high that they would expect it and expect more to actually get decent service.

I dont mind giving a good tip, but I like giving it knowing the person didnt expect it and is grateful about it. I dont expect anything in return for it or even "perks". I would actually prefer giving more of a tip at the end for exceptional service. If lets say the table is $1000-1500. I would give the $200 tip for the host off the bat. I know some say why not just tip extra at the beginning to get better service and just in case you dont see the host again that night. Well if the service is good and the host actually comes back around a few times before we head out for the night, then I'd like to tip extra then and there. If the host doesnt come back around, thats the hosts' loss not mine. I'm not going to go out of my way to give tip in the beginning for the host to keep coming back. They would have to show they want to provide that service to get more in the end.

At the same time, for my extra tip, I'm not going to require the perks such as free shots, etc. That is for their exceptional service and not to bribe them to get free shit.

A lot of wisdom in this post. You are right about gratuities becoming required to even get decent service. You see this at bars and restaurants often if you are a regular.

I like to tip excessively most everywhere I go (provided the service is good) because I view club-going/restaurant-attending/etc as a very self indulgent activity. I like to maintain a situation in my life where I try and make things easier and better for all those around me. I am almost always more polite than those who are serving me in a customer-service capacity on a day to day basis. I also will tell supervisors and call corporate offices to sing the praises of good employees when I am treated well.

[NoahRam]

From the other side of the fence...

I never expect a tip as I know most good host also don't, but yes it is highly appreciated. And if I'm dealing with 10 different groups in one night, don't be shocked if I spend a little extra time and focus more energy on the one that's tipped. You won't get a bad table location due to no tip, and you never have to tip to get the table fitting your minimum. If you'd like that extra time and dedication and more then just someone who puts in a reservation and never helps you beyond that, please help us eat and add a little love also, lol! The $100 a bottle that became the forum standard is a bit excessive though unless the host is planning your whole trip.