Tipping as a Business Strategy
Tipping is a strange practice, especially because it’s common and expected in some professions and not at all in others. As adults, we’re accustomed to tipping in our daily business and personal lives.
However, when it comes to tipping on business trips, it’s best to consider the use of tips as a form of common courtesy within the context of your business trip and how it can benefit you during your trip. To do that, think about tipping as a practice and why we tip. Most of the time, we do it because it’s expected. If we think about how we tip, it’s in the context that tips are part of the waiter’s income and we want to help someone who has done a good job for us.
However, one of the best justifications for tipping is to build a low-level business relationship with the waiter so you can expect good service the next time you need it. On business trips, you develop many very brief relationships. However, you want the best from those who can make your trip and accommodations enjoyable and smooth.
So, if there’s a hotel restaurant where you eat every day, you know you’ll see the waiter and the restaurant staff again. A good tipping policy can go a long way toward ensuring excellent service every time you dine at a restaurant. The same principle applies to leaving a small tip to the housekeeping staff who maintain your room.
I once had a situation at a luxury hotel where I wanted the staff to leave more than one bag of coffee for the coffee machine in my room each day. Sure, I could have just gone out and bought my own coffee. But on a business trip, you depend on service to focus on your mission. So I left a note for the housekeeping staff along with a substantial tip. Every day I got more than the number of bags of coffee left for me. Everyone won in that situation.
Tipping isn’t a difficult skill to master. When tipping for a meal, you can write the tip directly on your bill. When ordering room service, you might wonder if you need to tip the food delivery person. Often, room service already charges for that service. So, in theory, you don’t need to tip the person. But remember, you might expect good service on subsequent nights or in the future. So, it makes sense to tip the food delivery person just to make sure they know you appreciate the good service.
When tipping a taxi driver or hotel doorman, it’s best to fold the money in your palm and hand it to them while shaking hands. If they open the door for you, they’ll look down to see you tipping them as your hand moves. This moment of contact is important so they see you and know you appreciate their good service and remember you for future reference.
Tip amounts are fairly standard. 15% is a standard tip for most meals or for taxi drivers. $1 per bag is standard for doormen or porters who help you with your luggage. If you’re only carrying one bag, it’s a good idea to add a little extra. Never tip with small change; always give folded bills.
Being prepared to tip while traveling is part of your preparation. Make sure you have plenty of small change even before leaving for the airport, as you’ll often need to tip shuttle drivers and airport porters, or even flight attendants on the plane if you buy drinks. As your business trip progresses, monitor your cash balance so you have enough for additional tips. Business travel is a highly tipping-dependent experience, and you should be prepared to avoid embarrassment and the inability to reward those who make your trip more enjoyable.