Say It With Cash

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Jan, 2001 by Catherine Siskos

Like any investment, tipping is all about timing. Usually, Widzer inquires about room upgrades when he first arrives at a hotel. He says the best technique is to take out money as if you were offering a tip but not hand it over until the employee has fulfilled his or her end of the bargain. (And you must deliver on your promise of a good tip once you've received the service.) Be specific about what you would like, such as a room with a view, but don't demand it.

At hotels, Widzer prefers to tip the bellhop rather than the concierge, who is tipped more often and is less likely to reciprocate by granting you special favors. "The bellhop has connections with the maitre d' and the front-desk people," he says. But a maid, housekeeper or parking valet may be equally worthy. After tipping the person generously when he first arrives, Widzer scales back his tips to more standard amounts during his stay.

Some favors--getting a table at a popular restaurant without a reservation, for example--can't be bought unless you've tipped the maitre d' on a previous visit. For future preferential treatment, try slipping the maitre d' $10 or $20 on your way out, but stop to introduce yourself and chat with him so that you'll be remembered.

When it comes time for the cash to switch hands, "don't just take out a wad of money and say, `Here, buddy,'" says Widzer. Polished tippers are so discreet that only the recipient notices the money changing hands. Carmer, the Las Vegas maitre d', suggests folding the bills widthwise in half and then folding them again to form a slim rectangle that fits perfectly in your palm. As you shake hands with the person you're tipping, he or she will take the bills from you. If that's not your style, just thank the person warmly as you tip them.

Season of cheer

DURING THE holidays, you should tip people who regularly perform a service for you, such as a babysitter or doorman, says etiquette expert Stephanie Horton. Besides occasionally leaving special treats (cheese or a bottle of wine) for her maid service, Horton also tipped each person $40 at Christmas. For the five years she had the service, the company never raised rates for her, a gesture she attributes to tipping. As a holiday tip, Horton recommends an amount at least equal to what the service usually costs; for outstanding service, tip the equivalent of one month's fees.

If you're uncomfortable tipping, offer to write a glowing letter to the person's supervisor. When raises or promotions are handed out, that letter may be worth more than a cash tip. But don't try that approach in a restaurant. Ginsberg has no patience with patrons who "get really effusive and start singing praises in a Hallmark kind of way." Her advice? "Say it with cash."

--Reporter: JOSEPHINE ROSSI

FITTING TIPPING | Guidelines for giving

OCCUPATION                 AMOUNT TO TIP

Dog groomer                15% of the bill, or at least
                           $2 per dog

Hotel manager              Write a letter

Hotel bellhop/desk clerk   $5 to $20 for a room upgrade;
                           $1 to $2 for delivering messages
                           and assisting with bags

Room service               15% to 20%; if bill includes
                           service, 5% or $1 minimum

Chambermaid                $2 per night; leave it on
                           your pillow

Hairstylist                10% to 15% of bill

Shampoo person at salon    $1 to $2

Doorman                    $1 to $2 for cabs and assisting
                           with baggage

Bartender                  15% of liquor bill

Golf caddy                 $20 to $30 per 18 holes

Casino croupier            At least $5 per session

Shoeshiner                 $1 to $2

Tour guide                 $1 to $2 per person per day