Do you tip an instructor?

[rstofer]

I don't want a relationship with my instructors so tipping them is out of the question. They're pros and they're paid for the job. If the opportunity arose, I would buy lunch or sodas. Maybe pay for an air fill. But tipping would never occur to me.

I would tip a deck hand on a boat if they helped hump my gear or assisted in my entry/exit. That's service beyond the expected. As to the Captain or First Mate, probably not. They're paid for the job as professionals and don't usually render a personal service. If THEY humped my gear then sure, I would tip them.

Richard

 

[SkipperJohn]

I have a cousin in the bar industry, we went out drinking one day at a place in a small town upstate NY. My cousin made it a point of not tipping. I asked him why, he said the guy was the owner and tipping an owner is insulting.

I agree with much that has been written. I like what ND said about tipping a $100 meal vs a $50 meal (or just as easy a $300 meal). How about a buffet? All they do is buss the table and bring you your sodas (with someone else's used straw I'm thinking).

Anyway, I recall reading Lee Iacocas book he spoke about a waitress in a diner who was smalling the dishes and generally rude. When he left he did so with a tip. He told her she should find a job she likes better. Heck of a tip in my opinion.

 

[swifttank]

I have to agree with the tips going over the top. I went to Halloween Horror nights last night and a bottle of bud light was $6.25! The cart person had balls enough to have a tip jar. I had no problem laughing in her face when she expected me to drop my change in the bucket after buying my GF and I the two most expensive beers I've ever bought to date. Oh, and the b*tch part is, when we walked farther into the park, the beers were fifty cents cheaper and way colder.

 

[Lobstah Slayah]

I tipped my OW instructor a bottle of Patron. I aways give the dive master $10 on the boat. Nothing for the captain.

 

[CoachSteve]

My tip to anyone teaching is 'Don't ever bet on a 3 legged horse'............Why would you tip a professional???........

I agree, it never even occurred to me to tip my instructor. now when I went and snorkeled with the manatees, and dove kings cavern in crystal river, I tipped the DM because he went above and beyond to make the trip fun and educational, and he knew what he was doing.

but for classes, they are getting paid for teaching the class. when I was a college professor for 2 years, I didn't expect a tip for teaching an exceptional class or anything like that. maybe I just wasn't a good professor.

hehe

 

[texdiveguy]

The only tip I leave an instructor is my take on how they might improve their program to others.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

As an instructor, I do not expect a tip from a student. I do get them on occasion ... and it's appreciated when I do, not because I need the money but because it tells me that the student got more than they were expecting from the class.

As a student, I do not generally tip an instructor ... although I will occasionally buy one of mine a meal or a drink after class.

Boat crew or people who work at the resort I stay at on vacation are another matter. If they are helpful, and enhance my experience with their charter or resort, I will tip them generously. Most of those folks don't get paid very much ... or they work for tips completely, depending on the country and customs. I will use money as a way to say "thank you".

An interesting observation is that even in countries where tipping isn't generally a custom ... like Indonesia ... it's becoming more of an "expected" thing to tip the boat crew, DM, or resort employee. I think that's one aspect of western "culture" that's definitely catching on elsewhere in the world ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

As an instructor--- I don't expect a tip. I will build a relationship with each of my students because I need to, in order to teach them properly.
I feel if I am tipped, then they expect some "special" extra good instruction. But I give Everyone my highest level of instruction, not just those who grease my palms.
I will give extra time needed to Anyone who needs extra skills work- because I should. Tipping makes me uncomfortable.

I HAVE told people who wanted to tip me, "Thank you , but that is not necessary. If you want to do something for me, bring me back a frig. magnet or some funky souviner from your next exotic dive trip. But really, I don't need tipping. Teaching you was my pleasure." Unless they offer diamonds. I can completely take diamonds or emeralds.

So, just my two fils. I say no to tipping when I instruct any course. When I guide or divemaster, however, and they offer, I accept graciously and then give it to my boat captain who doesn't make hardly any money.

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

I don't want a relationship with my instructors so tipping them is out of the question. They're pros and they're paid for the job. If the opportunity arose, I would buy lunch or sodas. Maybe pay for an air fill. But tipping would never occur to me.

I would tip a deck hand on a boat if they helped hump my gear or assisted in my entry/exit. That's service beyond the expected. As to the Captain or First Mate, probably not. They're paid for the job as professionals and don't usually render a personal service. If THEY humped my gear then sure, I would tip them.

Richard

Richard, you are right about not tipping us, but not for your reasons. You DO want a relationship with your instructor. That builds trust and confidence that you, as a student, need. Of course, extra money given should not mean better instructor-student rapport. That is very poor professionalism on the instructor's part.

 

[raider11]

My wife and I didn´t tip our instructor but we drived her on our check out trip, she was happy not having to take the bus there (250 miles), and we (and the other 2 students) also paid for every meal and drinks.

Since then (1 year ago) we have became good friends in and outside diving. Next week my sister in law is doing her check out and she offer to do same specialties with us since we´ll be there. So we are driving her as usual, we already book her a nice room on the hotel (the LDS doesn´t pay for travel expenses, only a shared room with the other instructors) and arranged for spa and massages for the four of us. Is not that much but she always go beyond expected for all her students and friends.

My wife and I usually prefer a gift than a tip when possible or when a tip is not expected. And for service it depends on the service, not so much the bill amount.