Host tip

[ratchelor]

A host is giving my group a low minimum table at daylight (~$750) on Friday, and we are getting a table at Light Friday night ($~3,000) minimum spend. What is the right amount to tip and when do you recommend I give it to him? Do I tip part at daylight and part at Light? Do I give him the whole tip at Light (maybe he will upgrade us to a better location or something)?

Never tipped a host before so any help would be great

[Brooklyn Marc]

I would discuss with the host what he is looking for in the way of a tip then come back to the forums with the numbers, for two reasons: you'll be surprised how efficient coming right out and discussing the tip can be, and also people on the forum will tell you if what the host is asking for is out of line. Also I would split the tip up myself, never know what he can do for you the day of, at the pool. Same with light, might be able to do you a solid later in the evening (table wise) because you gave him cash in hand earlier in the day...

[iamkhai]

Also find out if that 3k min spend will be a T1 or T2 table. It won't be a dancefloor, but 3k should get you the next tier up (T1).

[Chuck]

Agreed...I'd discuss location with them and say what I plan to tip. Assuming you'll be getting some "priority" as far as your location I'd tip $75-100 at the pool and $200-300 at the club. That will make you a priority compared to other weak tippers dropping their hosts $20-50. If those amounts scare you just tip what you can or whatever feels appropriate for your situation.

[ratchelor]

I discussed location, it's tier 1, I believe he said 1 or 2 rows from dancefloor. He didn't mention tip, I just said thanks and I'll take care of you. I was thinking $100 during the day, $200 at night? Does that seem fair?

[Chuck]

That sounds good. I would still tell them what you're going to tip. They hear "I will take care of you" all the time. Only to get hit with $20 and a wink.

[Brooklyn Marc]

Agreed those numbers sound more than reasonable, and letting him know what your tipping, depending on what others are discussing with him just might bump you up another notch.

[Kinar100]

All of the above are correct.

You can throw out the handshake amount and ask what it could get you. If you don't like the table # or location you can ask if tipping more will get a better chance. I've done it before and received truthful answers (worked when there).

I would tip each table as a separate event.