Just booked Bobs Balloons - Do we tip?

[minijaffacake]

Hi, I have just booked a private flight for 2 for my boyfriends birthday with Bob's Balloons. The price quoted on the web is $420. Does anybody know if there is tax on top of this and also should we tip the guy who takes us up and the crew and if so how much?

Thanks

[Mortgage Jason]

I've never been to Bob's Balloons but I would bet there will be tax.....sales tax in Florida (the whole state is 6.5% and counties can levy .5% to 2% on top). Tax is on both services and goods, with minor exceptions mainly food. At least it beats 17.5% VAT!!!

As far as tipping I'd suggest two things 1) if you get the best of the best absolute royal treatment I'd tip the guy who takes you up in the balloon, no one else........2) If they do something very special in the balloon I'd say $10 to $20 would be appropriate.

Tipping is so varied here in the states its tough to tell exactly when to tip. Even for those of us living here........I usually go by a feel, but also if you're paying with a credit card and they hand you the slip to sign you'll sometimes see a tip line.......in that event usually I tip. (however some places do it for no reason).

Don't feel obligated to tip except at restaurants. I tip for GREAT service all over the place (car washes, cafe's, bellmen, taxi drivers, anyone who offers good service or advice) but restaurants always at least 15% (everyone serving in restaurants is on very low salary, usually 2.13 and hour and works only on tips).

Hope that helps........

Jason

[minijaffacake]

Thanks Jason thats great. Are there any instances where tipping is inappropriate?

[Mortgage Jason]

Minijaffacake.........There is only one instance I can think of where tipping is discouraged and thats the "bag boys" at Publix supermarkets (a grocery chain in the southeast US). When I was young my mother used to tip these fellows but somewhere along the way Publix people were told they must refuse.......

Some people leave tips for the maids at hotels / villas but I'm not sold on that either. If they did something EXTRA special then I'd leave something at the front desk but most hotels would refuse anyway.

The places you would not tip in England would be places not to tip here as well. I think if someone gives you directions, serves you food, carries your bags or gives you the royal then its appropriate to tip.

other than that I can't think of a place where it's "inappropriate". Maybe others can chime in and help........

Jason