Yesterday's post got me thinking more about servers and attendants at events. I believe in great service as much as anyone, in fact I pride myself on giving grade A service, but there is always a limit. For instance, I still find it incredibly uncomfortable when I go to the bathroom and finish my business to find a usually very sweet attendant trying to hand me a towel for a tip.
I am always left with the vague feeling that this sweet person was just assigned there to make sure guests wash their hands properly (or wash them at all--seriously men, I’ve seen some of you just walk right out of the bathroom after you exit the stall).
Being from the old school of what goes around comes around, I never know what tip is appropriate. Fifty cents hardly seems enough, a dollar probably about right...but then, of course, partly out of guilt or generosity I end up over-tipping.
How do you feel about bathroom attendants? Do you think it’s a luxurious touch or an awkward encounter?
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I think your suggestion is spot on. It's a nice service to offer guests at a high-end event, and your guests shouldn't be expected to tip for a service that's optional. To be honest, no matter the circumstance, I usually feel odd tipping someone for a towel that was laying right there whether they hand it to me or not.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, I do know several attendants who are required to bring their own additions to their job such as body spray, lotions, mints, etc. For that I think they deserve tips because they are providing amenities that would otherwise not have been there. Usually in this circumstance, the attendant is bringing & purchasing those items out of their own pocket... so your tip is paying for use of those things.
I could not agree with you more. Have one- but ensure they refuse any extra gratuity. The key is ensuring YOU take care of them first. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've actually never gone to an event with a bathroom attendant... but I always thought maybe they were there to keep people from stealing stuff like the complimentary lotions. I worked a prom event where the coordinator put out lotion in the restroom that she had bought with her own money (not event budgeted) and it was taken by attendees. And the bathroom was trashed too, so maybe the attendant is another way to curb that?
ReplyDeleteI concur, if they are tipped in advance then it is a wonderful treat but exchanging money while in the loo is just a bit odd...that's something you expect in a nightclub, and not for washing one's hand but perhaps "powdering" one's nose, at least from what I hear;)
ReplyDeleteI always encourage the client to provide attendants and instruct them to refuse any gratuities from individual guests. (Tough to police.) They are well paid and receive a portion of the gratuities for the event. I love that this ensures that the facilities will be perfect for each guest: well worth any feeling of awkwardness that someone may feel. I always tip in a public facility such as a restaurant or resort restroom and I think that $1 is plenty.
ReplyDeleteThere is another side to consider here and that is keeping the facilities neat and in tact. I run a venue and I am amazed how people leave these facilities, and ladies I am sorry to say but we are by far the worst offenders. I agree attendants should be compensated enough whereby a tip is not necessary nor should you feel obligated to tip. However if the attendant is deserving then why not, it's really not the most pleasant job.
ReplyDeleteSince I am completely capable of getting my own towel, I hate attendants - unless they have to perform an unusual task for me (and I can't think what that would be).
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I grew up in a time and world where the attendants were the norm. But we were taught not to tip. a *guest* should never ever have to pay or tip anyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Preston that it is often very strange to have a person in the bathroom with you!!!! I mean I hate even using public bathrooms let alone going into one where some one is listening to everything!!!!
ReplyDeleteI also think the host should pay the attendant and a guest should never give money to attendants..... It's strange that it is even a topic of conversation... In Europe the would never tip anyone!!!
xxo
Melissa
if you need something that's the only time you tip? Gee... they are helpful.
ReplyDelete