Tipping....how much do you tip?

[enomisdivemaster]

There are no tip jars on our dive boats, and we dont ask for tips, although we do gratefully accept tips if given. I dive every dive of every dive trip which comes out to a minimum of 32 dives a month with the customers who opt to dive with me. In between dives I do the usual customer service things like helping to serve lunch, drinks, changing out tanks (unless asked not to), taking care of whatever problems customers might have, answering questions, general socializing, etc., etc. I have found that the vast majority of our divers come from Europe and they dont tip, period. Then come the divers from South American and the Asian countries, they usually dont tip either. Next come the divers from England and Canada, they tip very seldom. We get very few divers from the USA where they do tip most or at least the majority of the time it seems. Good thing I love what I do and have a retirement from a prior non-diving related job!

 

[Mark_J]

Anyone that works with people day in and day out can get burnt out and it's quite obvious that some of the people posting in this thread might be a bit past burnout. It becomes absolutely critical to anyone that works with people to be able to step back and detach from time to time. Dive boats and their crews many times don't have that luxury, they have seasons where they need to go hit it hard every day. Without doubt this fast pace, non-stop schedule can burn anyone out.

So I've said all that to make this point, when you tip the DM it's not just for the service on the dive you're on that you are supporting. An encouraging word along with a healthy tip will go a long way in supporting the dive staff allowing them to finish their season strong. They provide a valuable service for divers as well as for folks that don't yet share our passions with the sea but are just getting exposed to our sport. There is also not an abundance of quality dive staff just hanging around waiting for a job either.

Now I'm certain that we could all point out the exceptions and find alternatives to using dive boats entirely. On the other hand I'm equally sure we could all find the good in what the dive staff does and give them some encouragement, with our voice of support as well as with our wallets.

 

[Waterskier1]

None of my posts were questioning the value of or need for DMs or any other "tippable" crew. I posted to say that I didn't know that these people were not paid a salary, and depended only on tips to survive, and that I don't think that is right. They should be paid what the market demands, or find another job where they can make what they think they are worth, and leave the tipping for exceptional service beyond the norm. I really don't see how my tipping (or not tipping) at the end of a trip or meal is ensuring better performance. I think I'd get the same performance, since the server/crew has no idea how much or even if I'll tip. That assumes I'm not a regular with a previous tipping record.
As other poster have comments, tell us the full price up front, provide the service you normally would for that price, and let us decide who we'll use, what extras we may want to pay for (guide - which I didn't think was a DM - thought he stayed above water to run the dive) someone to change or tanks, set up our gear, babysit us, or not. Then, if you do a great job at what we contracted for, we will probably still tip you, and you'll be happier since you will have a salary that you can budget your life around.

 

[Garrobo]

My personal feelings about tipping is that anyone who doesn't tip is a cheapskate. Others may disagree.

 

[Stu S.]

It has been my understanding that a DM and crew work only for tips in the area between Jupiter and Pompano Beach, FL. The captain gets paid from the trip cost. A dive trip is $55 to $60 there. To cover me and my daughter, I'll give a $20 tip to a good DM, and it is understood he will divvy it up with the crew.

Only once down there did I not tip. The guy was a jerk. I never went back to that boat, either.

The whole idea of a DM doing an unpaid apprentiship in order to become an instructor seems unusual. I can only assume that those who choose the path have prepared for that unpaid period, in their career plans.

 

[in_cavediver]

Here is why this whole system is flawed.

1) You contract for services - IE charter and pay the agreed rate.

2) You use said services.

3) At the conclusion of said services, you are now 'obligated' to pay again so the employees/crew actually make something. If you don't pay the 'optional' tip, the crew is screwed and you are ostracized for it. Note that the tip IS optional as it was not part of the agreed upon contract prior to services being rendered.

Forget specific expierences etc. Why is OK to base a salary on tips alone? I know the restraunt industry does it and I despise it there too. Charge more upfront to ensure all costs are covered. Then, if you're service is great, then maybe you'll get a tip. If you service sucks, you'll get a bad reputation and may lose your job.

Simple enough? For me, charge more upfront and be done with it.

 

[Stu S.]

Ever own small business? That's what most dive boats are. With a regular payroll, you have to monitor everyone's time. Tax withholdings, unemployment payments and other aspects of a payroll are big work. So much easier to have money go from the diver directly to the help.

If the boat operator has to hire bookkeeping services, the cost will be passed on to the customer.

 

[Scared Silly]

My personal feelings about tipping is that anyone who doesn't tip is a cheapskate. Others may disagree.

Problably best to put this into context. In some countries a tip is not expected. Further, leaving one can be considered to be an insult.

So in someplaces you may be a not be cheapskate but instead a jerk.

 

[ianw2]

Ever own small business? That's what most dive boats are. With a regular payroll, you have to monitor everyone's time. Tax withholdings, unemployment payments and other aspects of a payroll are big work. So much easier to have money go from the diver directly to the help.

If the boat operator has to hire bookkeeping services, the cost will be passed on to the customer.

Actually, I do own my own small business. I have my own private practive as a land surveyor.

Guess what, Stu? ALL of my overhead costs get passed on the my clients! That's how I make money! I don't do this for free. I'm not independently wealthy. I survey land for my living.

Oh, by the way, having the money "...go from the diver directly to the help..." is called independent contracting. Unless these "independent contractors" have their own insurance, pay their own taxes, set their own hours and work times (not your schedule or your boat's), they do NOT meet the IRS definition of incependent contractors. If they have to be on your boat when your boat leaves the dock, they're NOT independent contractors. They're EMPLOYEES.:no

Ian

 

[Stu S.]

Hey, Ian. I believe that around here, the boat help is considered independent contractors, correctly or not. Here is from the website of Splashdown Divers in Boynton Beach:

A Note on Tipping

A 10% to 15% tip to the dive master is appropriate and very much appreciated.
For group bookings a 10% tip will be added to the group bill unless other arrangements are made with the captain.

It is my understanding that the only money they make from the dive trip is tips. Many have other sources of income.

I don't mind tipping. Years ago, there was no divemaster. The more experienced divers were expected to assist the novices. I did this at the time, and I am more than pleased to pay for somebody else to do it now.

Happy diving!