What's the protocol for tipping for instructors?

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Just the tip. I promise.

 

[sheeper]

As an instructor i say tip only with $100 bills.

But seriously, as i get paid to teach, a little extra tip is always appreciated....but unnecessary. A heartfelt "thank you" note means a lot to me! I just got a wonderful note from a recent DM student. That meant more to me than a $20 tip.
Even better is a good review on social media! Even better than that is when a now former student refers their family and friends!

 

[ontdiver]

The flip side of the tipping culture is that I think many are so conditioned to tipping - ever for mediocre service - that they fear being seen as cheap or worse if they do not tip. Particularly so if they frequent an establishment where they generally get good service and may occasionally be greeted by the owner as if they are "family".

 

[brsnow]

The flip side of the tipping culture is that I think many are so conditioned to tipping - ever for mediocre service - that they fear being seen as cheap or worse if they do not tip. Particularly so if they frequent an establishment where they generally get good service and may occasionally be greeted by the owner as if they are "family".

That is real, was in the hospitality business for 20 years, servers and bartenders remember people for good & bad and likely treat accordingly if people come back.

 

[sandiegoaes]

Instructor here. Absolutely you should tip your Instructor after every course!

 

[Snoweman]

That is real, was in the hospitality business for 20 years, servers and bartenders remember people for good & bad and likely treat accordingly if people come back.

I've always said to tip high early. However, I don't tip at the local liquor store or gas station. And, yes, they have tip jars put out.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I don't tip at the local liquor store or gas station. And, yes, they have tip jars put out.

If I walk up and the card machine asks if I want to tip 20%, 23% or 25%, I usually make sure that there's a "No tip" box to check and verify it's working.

That's my new rule.

 

[DiverDan1975]

What's the expectation for tipping an OW instructor, in the US? yes? no? amount?

The shop we're going through has an instructor do all the pool and classroom stuff.... and the checkout dives will most likely be with another instructor, depending on whatever weekend the student choses to schedule the springs dive trip. I feel ike that if I were to tip, the amount might be a little less since it's only covering the pool work...

I really don't like this tipping culture we have here, and I rarely feel comfortable with it......but hey it is, what it is...
And my understanding from a buddy of mine that used to instruct through this same dive store chain years ago, is that he made a lot less money per student than he did when teaching through other shops.

I currently have three kids and my wife getting certified and I'm doing a refresh.... and our instructor is doing a good job...as is the Divemaster trainee that is working with her.

So what do ya'll think?

I recently went through this with my rescue dive course. I think the tip is greatly appreciated (obviously). I do not think that it would be viewed as mandatory such as it would be implied in other service industries, but I think it is very appropriate. I read that anything from 10-20% is customary for an instructor who did a thorough job. I went with 20%. My instructor was awesome.

 

[TheBullfrog]

I recently went through this with my rescue dive course. I think the tip is greatly appreciated (obviously). I do not think that it would be viewed as mandatory such as it would be implied in other service industries, but I think it is very appropriate. I read that anything from 10-20% is customary for an instructor who did a thorough job. I went with 20%. My instructor was awesome.

Nicely done.