Tip of the Month for July 2004
Summer Fun

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy traveling and dining out. A vacation experience can be enhanced by receiving good service at a hotel, restaurant or airport. A tip or gratuity is an amount of money given voluntarily as a token of appreciation for good service. The word “tip” is also an acronym for “To Insure Promptness” or “To Insure Prompt Service.”

According to the Domestic Travel Market Report, 55% of overnight trips in the U.S. are spent at hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts. The tips you give while traveling on vacation can make the difference between good service and great service. Her are a few suggestions to help you navigate your way through the maze of vacation tipping procedures.

Tipping at an Airport

Sky Caps: $1-$1.50 per bag. Tip more if the bag is bigger or heavier.

Taxi drivers: 10-15% of the bill.

Tipping at a Hotel

Concierge: $5-$10 for special services or favors like securing hard-to-get theater tickets or reservations to popular restaurant.

Housekeeper: $1-$2 per night. If you ask your housekeeper to perform any type of special service, such as bringing extra towels or toothpaste and toothbrush, tip an additional $1-$2. Everyday place the money in an envelope, label it “housekeeping” and put it somewhere it can easily be seen.

Tipping for Valet Services

If you elect to use a hotel, restaurant, or shopping mall’s valet service, tip $2-$3 each time the valet attendant retrieves your car. Overnight parking charges may be additional.

Tipping at a Restaurant

If you check your coat, hat or umbrella, tip $1 per item.

Tip the Maitre d’ between $10-$100 depending on the occasion, the restaurant, and the level of service you wish to receive. Remembering to give the tip before you sit down at your table.

Wine Sommelier: 15% of the wine bill.

Server: 15-20% before taxes.

Etiquette on the Green: Five Protocol Points for Golf

Golf has long been the sport of choice for business professionals around the globe. It is a social game that allows you to become better acquainted with business associates and even negotiate big business with a new client. Good manners on the course are essential to flourishing business relationships and a winning day of golf. Here are five guidelines to keep in mind the next time you tee off:

1.                  Keep up the pace. If you can’t play well, play fast. Proper etiquette requires the player whose ball is farthest from the hole to hit first. However, when the course is busy during the summer season proper etiquette would be to exercise “ready golf” to keep the game moving

2.                  Don’t offer advice. Unless someone asks, never offer other players tips on improving their game.

3.                  Keep quiet. Golf is such a social game that some conversation is natural. However, a player should never talk when someone else is making a shot. It is permissible to shout “fore!” if other players are in the way of a wayward ball.

4.                  Don’t talk shop. When golfing with a boss or client, refrain from discussing business on the links unless they initiate a conversation about work or a project. Focus on building relationships.

5.                  Dress appropriately. Collared shirts and long pants are appropriate. Shorts and skirts should be no more than two inches above the knee. Be sure to check with the club, since many clubs have their own dress codes.

I give you these golf tips with no actual experience of the game. If you are experiencing trepidations about picking up this sport, there are several books available to introduce you to proper behaviors. Local courses almost always have an individual who gives private lessons and will have knowledge about golf etiquette. As with all business outings, follow the host’s lead. If someone is hosting you on the course, go with the flow of conversation. If your host is talking business, you should be prepared. Do all you can to not show your temper if your game is not going as well as expected. Often times our anger in a competitive situation shows a side of our personality that does not blend well into business. Your actions speak louder than words, and may give your opponents more information about you and how you conduct business through your behavior on the course.

Have a great summer!

Mind Your Manners specializes in seminars and consulting services in business etiquette and international protocol. For more information, please contact Amy Palec at (262) 376-0515 or visit her web site www.amypalec.com.
 

© 2004 Amy L. Palec