Tipping.....Host and Waitresses

[dazmac13]

Im sure these 2 questions have been asked so much already but i couldn't find an up to date answer.

How much should you tip a host that you haven't got a pre-agreed handshake with? most that i have dealt with have been helpful in answering my questions, i have requested one or two specific location areas but nothing more than that. our table spends range from around 4-6k with one being only $2k.

The other question was regarding waitress tipping. I'm not a mean tipper but 20% on a 4k+ bill just seems crazy. Now that the hakkasan group have scrapped auto grat. and XS never charge it anyway I just wonder what people think is the right amount for solid service.

Thanks guys

[bigsi26]

waitress 200 dollars for pouring drinks is enough imo

[kp3205]

With no pre agreement $200-300 is our group's number for the host.

Waitress- solid service is 20% or more. I look at it this way. If you go to a high end dinner, steaks, drinks, etc and get solid service, what percentage do you tip? The difference is you are now paying a high premium cost for the spectacle known as bottle service. I don't believe a waitress should have her tip percentage be cut down due to the high prices of bottles.

Using the 4k number, if that is all in after taxes and such, maybe tip off the total for drinks and bottles prior to them adding on the tax, LET, etc.

[ponch62]

Im sure these 2 questions have been asked so much already but i couldn't find an up to date answer.

How much should you tip a host that you haven't got a pre-agreed handshake with? most that i have dealt with have been helpful in answering my questions, i have requested one or two specific location areas but nothing more than that. our table spends range from around 4-6k with one being only $2k.

The other question was regarding waitress tipping. I'm not a mean tipper but 20% on a 4k+ bill just seems crazy. Now that the hakkasan group have scrapped auto grat. and XS never charge it anyway I just wonder what people think is the right amount for solid service.

Thanks guys

As far as the host tip goes, I think it depends on what they actually do for you. I don't really care what my total spend is going to be, I tip on what they actually do for me. For example, I have a 1 bottle min at XS coming up on a Friday and have arranged with the host a table that is normally one of top 2 bottle min tables. Even tho my spend is likely to be $600-700, I am tipping $300 to lock down that location. If location wasn't a factor, I would tip much less on that minimum. I prefer the pre-arranged handshake, maybe reach out to your host and ask if a specific host tip could upgrade you to a better table, takes all the guess work outta tipping, and if you don't get what you were told, downgrade the tip accordingly.

[Chali2Na]

As far as the host tip goes, I think it depends on what they actually do for you. I don't really care what my total spend is going to be, I tip on what they actually do for me. For example, I have a 1 bottle min at XS coming up on a Friday and have arranged with the host a table that is normally one of top 2 bottle min tables. Even tho my spend is likely to be $600-700, I am tipping $300 to lock down that location. If location wasn't a factor, I would tip much less on that minimum. I prefer the pre-arranged handshake, maybe reach out to your host and ask if a specific host tip could upgrade you to a better table, takes all the guess work outta tipping, and if you don't get what you were told, downgrade the tip accordingly.

And, giving the host $300 saves you the extra $500+ (after tax, gratuity and small shake) it'd cost to tack on another bottle for the same location. That's why I tip big on bottle deals. Gets me a lot more bang for my buck than I already have.

[sfnate]

The other question was regarding waitress tipping. I'm not a mean tipper but 20% on a 4k+ bill just seems crazy.

Naw, the 20% isn't crazy.. spending $4k for what you can get at costco for $60 is crazy... Tipping 20% is normal. ;P

[YellowFever]

To be honest, I'm a guy that always tips top notch. 100% or more of the bill is satisfactory IMO.

If my bill was $4k, I'd tip $5k to the waitress just in case she can hook up more ice, pour drinks faster, get a couple towels, etc. Definitely worth every penny.

As for the host? Heck, I'll slam him $8-9 benji's no problem even if we sit in the forest. No exceptions.

*insert sarcasm*

If you're thinking 20% on $4k is likely too much for a waitress to pour you drinks, you're undoubtedly correct, IMO....the 20% rule works in "normal" circumstances...not when you're paying a crazy fortune for location in the club....the service should be equivalent no matter where you sit in the bar....ie just because your table is $4k shouldn't mean your service is 4x better than $1k table....IMO.

But who gives a sh!t what I think....do what you think is reasonable after reading everyone's responses...lol....

[KoolHaus]

To be honest, I'm a guy that always tips top notch. 100% or more of the bill is satisfactory IMO.

If my bill was $4k, I'd tip $5k to the waitress just in case she can hook up more ice, pour drinks faster, get a couple towels, etc. Definitely worth every penny.

As for the host? Heck, I'll slam him $8-9 benji's no problem even if we sit in the forest. No exceptions.

*insert sarcasm*

If you're thinking 20% on $4k is likely too much for a waitress to pour you drinks, you're undoubtedly correct, IMO....the 20% rule works in "normal" circumstances...not when you're paying a crazy fortune for location in the club....the service should be equivalent no matter where you sit in the bar....ie just because your table is $4k shouldn't mean your service is 4x better than $1k table....IMO.

But who gives a sh!t what I think....do what you think is reasonable after reading everyone's responses...lol....

The best way to tip is by expressing your appreciation verbally to the kind ladies(waitresses) and gentlemen(host). Say...Thank You I greatly appreciate your help and service...here's $400 for the $400 min spend as we previously agreed to.

[YellowFever]

The best way to tip is by expressing your appreciation verbally to the kind ladies(waitresses) and gentlemen(host). Say...Thank You I greatly appreciate your help and service...here's $400 for the $400 min spend as we previously agreed to.

Valid point @KoolHaus...although, I do believe some tipping is necessary, I think in North America it's gotten outta control....I party in Asia frequently and in many of the clubs I get bottle service, there are often times 2-3 smokin' waitresses standing at your table 24/7 to serve you....from changing your ashtray after every cigarette to wiping your table down after every time you put a drink down....Keep in mind that they don't even expect a tip and are incredibly grateful when you do....just sayin'....

Oh, and if you're still livin' in your mom's basement while debating which tipping % is appropriate, I'd probably follow KoolHaus' advice....LOL

[KoolHaus]

Valid point @KoolHaus...although, I do believe some tipping is necessary, I think in North America it's gotten outta control....I party in Asia frequently and in many of the clubs I get bottle service, there are often times 2-3 smokin' waitresses standing at your table 24/7 to serve you....from changing your ashtray after every cigarette to wiping your table down after every time you put a drink down....Keep in mind that they don't even expect a tip and are incredibly grateful when you do....just sayin'....

Oh, and if you're still livin' in your mom's basement while debating which tipping % is appropriate, I'd probably follow KoolHaus' advice....LOL

man how did you know?! im totally rocking in my mom's basement still...but since everyone is tippn so large, now i know what they meant when they say its a "high rollers" club

[Kinar100]

Valid point @KoolHaus...although, I do believe some tipping is necessary, I think in North America it's gotten outta control....I party in Asia frequently and in many of the clubs I get bottle service, there are often times 2-3 smokin' waitresses standing at your table 24/7 to serve you....from changing your ashtray after every cigarette to wiping your table down after every time you put a drink down....Keep in mind that they don't even expect a tip and are incredibly grateful when you do....just sayin'....

Oh, and if you're still livin' in your mom's basement while debating which tipping % is appropriate, I'd probably follow KoolHaus' advice....LOL

I want to come with you to Asia

[dazmac13]

My main question though is the host. Where i have locked down specific mins and table upgrades for a pre-agreed handshake then thats clear but with someone i have just got prices from and requested a certain area and nothing more, then what kind of tip is acceptable e.g. i've booked a bungalow over LDW for $5k and requested to be in the ones as you enter on the right as opposed to the ones away from the action....

[YellowFever]

My main question though is the host. Where i have locked down specific mins and table upgrades for a pre-agreed handshake then thats clear but with someone i have just got prices from and requested a certain area and nothing more, then what kind of tip is acceptable e.g. i've booked a bungalow over LDW for $5k and requested to be in the ones as you enter on the right as opposed to the ones away from the action....

So, let me get this straight. You have already determined your location and presumably the price you are expected to pay is no different than what any other random would pay, and now you're asking how much to tip the host to walk you to your table?

I think you already know the answer to that...lol...

[KoolHaus]

So, let me get this straight. You have already determined your location and presumably the price you are expected to pay is no different than what any other random would pay, and now you're asking how much to tip the host to walk you to your table?

I think you already know the answer to that...lol...

I think what he meant was one scenario vs. another...he's referring to what if instead of having a solid agreement, its just a verbal conversation w. a host and if it does go as planned, how much should he tip out of good faith from both parties. I would tip a decent amount, but everyone's definition of 'decent' various by a big degree.

[feegs]

Yeah I've seen anywhere from $200 - $1K depending