Tipping in the United States often feels daunting. You might be prepared to leave a tip, then second-guess yourself. Did you tip enough? Was it too much? This guide will help you understand the history and etiquette of tipping in America.
History of tipping
Tipping in the U.S. has it's origins in Europe. Tips were left in European pubs for prompt and excellent service by the wealthier classes. As America's aristocratic elite discovered it for themselves as they traveled and brought the custom with them. Tipping didn't initially take off. But after Congress passed the "Tip Credit" in 1966, which legalized lower than minimum wages for service workers, tipping grew to be customary in the United States. Tipping is seen as a way to reward excellent service for going above and beyond the job itself. It's use has grown to include other traditionally low-wage sectors, the outdoor industry included. The moniker that guides and industry staff are "paid in sunsets" persists.
should i tip my guide?
Should you tip your guide? This depends on the level of service and expertise you received. A typical tip of 20% is customary across service industries. However; did you receive service beyond your expectation? Consider showing your gratitude accordingly.
Let's consider what goes into being a great guide. Education, fitness, trip planning, and communications are all tasks that happen before you ever meet your guide but directly receive benefits from. These tasks are usually unpaid.
Climbing guides are, typically, certified through the American Mountain Guides Association. Depending on the level of certification, this can be seen as having anywhere from a Bachelors to PhD in mountain craft. This takes years of experience and examination to build and perfect the art of ice climbing, rock climbing, and ski skills that a guide requires. Guides have a high degree of fitness built up over years of gaining experience. And fitness and climbing ability is our first line of safety. It's rarely our rope and clients ability to belay.
Trip planning is a crucial task that includes route planning, time plans, checking and rechecking of weather. Depending on the complexity of your trip this process can take minutes to hours of a guides time, and it's always unpaid. The next step is to communicate with clients to find the best day, climbing routes, meeting times and communicate expectations for the day...also unpaid.
Finally! The day of your adventure! Guides arrive early to have gear and waivers ready. They welcome you into the shop, get the group geared up, provide an overview of the plan for the day. A good guide will cover any contingency plans if help is needed from either the office or emergency services. Mitigating risk, to the degree possible, is a guides core responsibility.
During your day out, a guides passion for being outside to create lasting memories will be evident. You'll be able to sense, see, hear, and smell their passion for the outdoors. From the hot tea, to their ability to climb, to stories they tell; they are all about sharing the outdoors space with you. They'll ask you about your climbing goals, why you climb, and get to know you on a personal level. After all your tied to a rope with each other, and they don't take that privilege lightly.
After a stellar day outside they'll know the best local restaurants and breweries to wrap up your weekend!
Final Thoughts on Tipping Etiquette
Though tipping may appear complex, it ultimately revolves around recognizing good service. Adjust your tipping practices based on experience you had with your guide.
Whether you are dining at a popular restaurant or hiring a climbing guide, a simple act of gratitude can go a long way. Practicing respect and appreciation for service workers encourages the same in return.
Remember, when you’re uncertain about whether to tip, consider this: tipping is not just about financial reward; it’s about valuing the effort and connection that enhance your experiences. Understanding tipping etiquette not only improves your interactions but also promotes a culture of respect and appreciation. Happy tipping!
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