Tipping in the US at dive shops?

[P67000]

Hi,

I've used the search function to get an answer to a simple question, but failed :depressed:

How much is a customary tip in the US at dive shop? Who do you give your tip to?

Using the search, I got the general answer of "do like you do at home" but this was addressed to US divers getting abroad on their holidays. If I do what is customary at home, I'd leave nothing as tipping at a dive shop would be weird here, and as a newly certified diver, I haven't traveled extensively to witness what's usual... Another large number of post stated that tips helps a lot people in the service industry in poor countries, so divers (who are generally taking up an expensive actividy) can spare a few bucks... Then again, I'm going to the US, which are far from being a third world country, so I still really don't know what is expected there.

Do you tip shop owners too? DM? All I know is that tipping in the US is more prevalent than anywhere else and I don't want to seem rude... A range for "regular service" and "good service" would be helpful too In case it matters, I'll be going to Hawaii.

Thanks in advance!

 

[herbdb]

On a dive boat, I generally tip $5.00 per tank. I let the crew decide how they will share it. I don't tip in a shop unless someone does something out of the ordinary for me.

 

[Wookie]

^^^^What Herbdb said. The shop employee would be expected to help fit your rental gear including wetsuit and make suggestions for proper fit. They would be expected to pull cylinders for you and check the gas to make sure they are full, and hand you an analyzer if you don't have one to check the gas. They wouldn't necessarily carry your stuff to the boat, hang it to dry, or take care of it at night (assuming it's yours), I think that warrants a little extra attention.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

In HI, I would tip the dive guide (DM) on the boat or for a guided shore dive, not the shop. Tipping is normally reserved for personalized services. In both cases the guide is in the water using his/her skill to point our critters you would normally swim past.

For really good service, I spring for $10 tank, for average $5, for poor/minimal nothing.

 

[P67000]

Thank you all for these guidelines/advices. :cool2:

 

[SandyRobinson]

Usually 7.50 to 10.00 per tank to the DM. Sometimes I will tip the tank monkey if he has gone beyond the call of duty.

 

[wedivebc]

Don't tip the shop owner, tip the person who is providing the service. That way you know he/she is actually getting the money.

 

[theduckguru]

Typically, US divers don't tip a dive shop. They leave a tip with the staff involved with the dive.

Hi,

I've used the search function to get an answer to a simple question, but failed :depressed:

How much is a customary tip in the US at dive shop? Who do you give your tip to?

Using the search, I got the general answer of "do like you do at home" but this was addressed to US divers getting abroad on their holidays. If I do what is customary at home, I'd leave nothing as tipping at a dive shop would be weird here, and as a newly certified diver, I haven't traveled extensively to witness what's usual... Another large number of post stated that tips helps a lot people in the service industry in poor countries, so divers (who are generally taking up an expensive actividy) can spare a few bucks... Then again, I'm going to the US, which are far from being a third world country, so I still really don't know what is expected there.

Do you tip shop owners too? DM? All I know is that tipping in the US is more prevalent than anywhere else and I don't want to seem rude... A range for "regular service" and "good service" would be helpful too In case it matters, I'll be going to Hawaii.

Thanks in advance!