AHEM! IS THAT ALL SIR?!

What's the price of great service? Apart from the bill, it's not simply a smile and a 'thank you'. Yes that's right. It's that extra cash for the people who go that extra mile for you. Most of us know that it's the right thing to do but most have no clue as to how, when or even how much to tip.

It's been said that the word 'tip' started as an acronym for "To Insure Promptness". As such, each one of us should bear in mind that a tip is first and foremost, a reward for prompt and attentive service; not compulsory but always good practice. However, for the times that you receive totally unacceptable bad service and that it was clear nothing was done to even attempt to rectify the situation, you should not feel obligated to leave a tip. Tipping is not only about giving gratuity on the right occasion but also to the right people. You should only tip those in the service industry who has personally and intimately affected you. For instance, when a person goes beyond his duties to meet your requirements, it is polite to leave a tip as a way of showing gratitude. This is because many people in the serive line are not only overworked and underpaid but they are also unappreciated. There are those who question the tipping practice, saying that we should not tip people for doing their jobs. Well, treat it as giving them a bonus for a job well done. After all, what is a bonus if not a very large tip.

Whatever the case, tipping should be at your discretion. It may be expected but not always necessary. Nevertheless, tipping does have its perks; greasing the palm of a manager at an exclusive hotel or restaurant might get you special treatment next time you need reservations. With a generous tip, you can be assured of great service the next time you step into a hotel or knowing that you can get a table even at a fully-booked restaurant. In essence, for things that you do regularly like travelling or eating out, tipping the staff generously can guarantee better service.