To Tip or Not To Tip…That is the Question!

Tipping is one of the hardest things to figure out when it comes to paying for events.  You’ll encounter two types of vendors – those who are moonlighting, working for the company you hired, and those who own the business you hired (who are also most likely moonlighting).  None of us are independently wealthy and working gigs because we’re bored.  We’re all working gigs to earn money…but to do that while we’re doing something we enjoy.

You tip your wait staff when you eat out or pizza delivery guy when you eat in because you know they’re working for a low wage and live on their tips. You’ve just signed the checks for your event vendors, though, and know full well they aren’t working for minimum wage…

Here’s the thing. None of us expect tips…at all…ever.  We know how much you’re shelling out to hire us.  We’ve priced our packages so that we can earn a decent amount of money for the services we provide without receiving any tips.

Tips for event vendors should be looked at more like bonuses rather than expectations.  If we do mediocre work, providing only the level of service we guarantee, we don’t deserve a tip.  We met your expectations.  If, on the other hand, we are are incredibly helpful, go above and beyond, or otherwise impress you, a tip is certainly something you should consider.  I suggest you follow the the ‘awwww’ or ‘holy crap’ rule.  If your vendor does something that makes you think ‘awwww…that was really nice of them’ or if your vendor does something that makes you think ‘holy crap – that was cool!’ then tip them. The typical percentages apply – 15% to 20% for a job well done.

I will caution you against tipping before the service is performed.  It happens from time to time – a coordinator, planner, or personal assistant will drop tip envelopes off to all the vendors when the event begins or even before it starts.  Make us work for our money!  Your vendor may suck, leaving you feeling bad because the tip you gave basically ripped you off (unless, of course, if you hire us…).  Or, you many end up feeling bad because you only tipped your DJ 10% when they somehow found a way to keep your dance floor full and guests happy all night long (only, of course, if you hire us).