service indusrty
 

I think the whole issue in reference to tipping could be solved by everyone in AMERICA by everyone working six months in a service position. It would show how people work and what goes into being on the OTHER SIDE of the counter or a business.
Second how the tips are divided up in some businesses. People do NOT have any idea how tips are divided up in the resturant business. My girl friend says if they do not like what they do to get another job, but must people can not get another job. Just think next time as your mother is looking at you in their shoes.
I have learned what goes around comes around. The world is getting smaller and we can't hide.

SCA

Haven't you ever heard of the word: BRIBE. It is still common. Free meals for police officers, large christmas gifts to postal employees, kickbacks to doctors from drug companies, etc.

I see several replies in this thread to the effect of "if they perform a service for me then I tip". I would like to modify that with my own opinion, which is that if they perform a service for me then I pay (through room rate etc.), if they perform something beyond what I pay for then I may tip. I do not generaly ask executive lounge concierges to perform tasks that go beyond their duties.

Obviously this is mostly a question of a clash of cultures. If you are from the USA you probably want to give everyone and anyone your leftover money, but if you are from anywhere else in the world you expect people to perform their job without bribes. (only partially kidding)

I tip for "service over and above that done in the normal business of doing a job" Not to produce a feeling of superiority or because I'm afraid they might say something to me. If the concierge has done something for you - such as get difficult restaurant reservations or booking a theatre ticket by all means tip him. If he just told you where somehting is on a map or called a taxi - no. And if he has done nothing for you - certainly not.