Service Fee

[duroejc]

I'll be diving at Divi in February. They have an added 10% "Service Fee" on all diving purchases. Should I consider this a mandatory tip and not feel obligated to further tip on the dive boat? With the exception of something that went beyond ordinary.

 

[Kharon]

Never heard of this - nor would I stand for it. I use Coco Palm Garden for accomidations and they get me my unlimited air package and truck at the best price that can be had.

 

[Pillpusher]

Hmmm... I would ask them what that's all about. While I would feel bad not giving a tip, I guess it's no different than when a restaurant automatically adds 18%? Or, if that is the case, maybe tip a little extra at the end and explain that it's on top of what they already charged you.

---------- Post added January 6th, 2014 at 07:03 PM ----------

Never heard of this - nor would I stand for it. I use Coco Palm Garden for accomidations and they get me my unlimited air package and truck at the best price that can be had.

Oh, I assumed it was for boat diving... If they want to charge 10% extra for picking up tanks, just consider it a 10% increase in price. If it's no longer a cost effective option, take your business elsewhere.

 

[sphyrnidus]

Sounds like the Dutch tipping system to me. In the Netherlands a tip of 10 % is included in the normal price of services like food and drinks. You can tip an extra 5-10% if happy with the service. In the Netherlands you'll find a line at the bottom of menu's that a 10% service charge is included in the price.

 

[Pillpusher]

What's next, Starbucks baristas will put out tip jars?!? Oh, wait....

 

[duroejc]

Sounds like the Dutch tipping system to me. In the Netherlands a tip of 10 % is included in the normal price of services like food and drinks. You can tip an extra 5-10% if happy with the service. In the Netherlands you'll find a line at the bottom of menu's that a 10% service charge is included in the price.

Went straight to the source and contacted DIVI. This is in essence a mandatory gratuity that is divided amongst the boat crew and staff. I can of course give more if I want.....

 

[ronski101]

soooo, we are paying a tip even if we get bad service??????

 

[wwguy]

Tips and service charges aren't the same thing. (I'm not advocating or discouraging either, just pointing out the difference.)
- Tips are optional. The amount and recipient are determined by the customer, usually after service has been rendered.
- Service charges are compulsory. The amount and recipient are determined by the merchant and communicated to the customer in advance.

It's not just a Dutch custom. It's also prevalent in the US and elsewhere. Just Google "tips vs service charge" and you'll see what I mean. Here's one example.

 

[vladimir]

I'll be diving at Divi in February. They have an added 10% "Service Fee" on all diving purchases. Should I consider this a mandatory tip and not feel obligated to further tip on the dive boat? With the exception of something that went beyond ordinary.

Sounds like the Dutch tipping system to me. In the Netherlands a tip of 10 % is included in the normal price of services like food and drinks. You can tip an extra 5-10% if happy with the service. In the Netherlands you'll find a line at the bottom of menu's that a 10% service charge is included in the price.

Yes. The 10% service charge is standard in Hong Kong, Singapore, and much of Southeast Asia as well. It is, in my opinion, especially appropriate in a place that attracts both Americans and Europeans, two groups with disparate tipping cultures. Pay the 10% (no choice) and consider the staff fully compensated. The Europeans who would have otherwise not tipped at all will make up the balance.

 

[Arubandi07]

Went straight to the source and contacted DIVI. This is in essence a mandatory gratuity that is divided amongst the boat crew and staff. I can of course give more if I want.....

If you wanna believe DIVI, ... otherwise, back to square one ...

---------- Post added January 10th, 2014 at 09:37 PM ----------

Yes. The 10% service charge is standard in Hong Kong, Singapore, and much of Southeast Asia as well. It is, in my opinion, especially appropriate in a place that attracts both Americans and Europeans, two groups with disparate tipping cultures. Pay the 10% (no choice) and consider the staff fully compensated. The Europeans who would have otherwise not tipped at all will make up the balance.

You neglected to mention why the Europeans are 'bad' tippers(BTW, I ain't one of 'em; too much time in the States, I guess)