Yet another tipping question...

[texbob]

A lot has been written about tipping the divemaster on a boat. I understand all that. However, my next trip to Mexico will be with a group from the LDS led by a couple of the LDS employees. Is it customary to tip these guys as well? If so, how much is suggested?

 

[Steve50]

How large is the group and are these "employees" (work in the shop full or part time) really employees or are they "Instructors or Divemasters" (independent).

 

[trtldvr]

The other question I would have is are they being comped on the trip???

 

[DiveMaven]

In my area, the LDS employees are usually going on the trip for free. When that is the case, I won't tip a dime. If they are paying to come along, that's different and I'd tip based on the service I have received from them.

 

[Diver Dennis]

No, don't tip anyone except the ones who work for the Mexican dive shop.

 

[lazyturtle]

I think if the people are working and helpful to you than you should tip. If they are not, then don't.
If they're going on the trip for 'free', then they aren't working. If they're going to be guides, tour leaders or handle the organization of the trip than it is not free (it's part of the job).

 

[oly5050user]

if they are trip leaders and you want to take them to dinner/drink that would be highly appreciated.No need to tip unless they also do some instructing for a class/speciality/have to dive with you because you are shakey, and do a good job for you that you feel you want to compensate them for..

 

[oly5050user]

I think if the people are working and helpful to you than you should tip. If they are not, then don't.
If they're going on the trip for 'free', then they aren't working. If they're going to be guides, tour leaders or handle the organization of the trip than it is not free (it's part of the job).

If they as you say are "going free" how is it not working? They completed alot of their work before the trip left the country.They still have work to do right up to day of departure and at the island making sure everyone is safe.When I run a group and get a "free trip" it still costs me $..Yeah my land and airfare very often gets covered,but the wife is not(try going without her and it would cost more in lawyer fees),food at island is usually not included,buy travelers drinks,the dogs go to a kennel @$900. for a week.I am not at my job ,so no income there.So it still costs a bit to go for "free".

 

[ReefHound]

If they as you say are "going free" how is it not working? They completed alot of their work before the trip left the country.They still have work to do right up to day of departure and at the island making sure everyone is safe.When I run a group and get a "free trip" it still costs me $..Yeah my land and airfare very often gets covered,but the wife is not(try going without her and it would cost more in lawyer fees),food at island is usually not included,buy travelers drinks,the dogs go to a kennel @$900. for a week.I am not at my job ,so no income there.So it still costs a bit to go for "free".

Oh you poor thing, having to spend something for a week in the Caribbean. It's called "vacation". I'm sure plenty of others would love to take over this enormous burden for you.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

If they're going on the trip for 'free', then they aren't working.

, I say if they are paying for the trip then they aren't a working employee they are just damn nice in which case do what you'd like, tip, dinner, drinks, whatever. If they are going for free (read that as travel and lodging) that is their compensation for working the trip, I wouldn't feel a need to "compensate" any more.

-Garrett