1. Those who work for tips are paid less than minimum wage by their employer? True.
Most tipped employees are paid as little as $3 per hour because they are expected
to get paid by the customer for the work they do. If you do not tip, you are expecting
that employee to do work for you without getting paid.
2. A dollar is enough to give? False.
The national average tip for a bellman is $1 per bag. The industry standard for 4 and
5 star hotels is $1.50 per bag with a minimum of $5.  As a bellman for a 4 star hotel,
I have dealt with many bellman from other hotels to confirm this.
3. Tipped employees get raises like other hotel employees? False.
I have been working in Central Florida at a major resort as a bellman for 12 years.
The bellmen and valets have not had a raise in that time. This is common. Management
does not understand that tips do not increase with the cost of living.
4. Rich people give bigger tips? False.
The average blue collar worker gives the best tip. He has worked hard for his money
and recognises others who have.  Most executives, doctors, and lawyers have not
worked for tips for any length of time and so they have no understanding of correct
tip proceedures. They have gone from school to a professional office type job.
5. Tipped employees do not split tips with eachother? True.
If a customer gave a $20 or $50 tip to one employee, he is not going to tell the other
employees and give them a share. He worked for his money and will keep it. The
other employees do the same and he knows it. Most company policies do not include
any requirements for sharing tips.  Consider the housekeeper who cleans your room
and then has 2-3 days off. Another housekeeper cleans your room on the day that
you check out. If you leave the only tip on the day that you check out, the second
housekeeper will get it. The industry standard is that you tip each day and for each
service. Likewise, if a traveler does not tip during his stay until checkout, only the guy
who the traveler does tip will get the money. The others worked without pay.
  The point of this web page is to create a better relationship between bellman (and
other tipped workers) and their employer (the traveler). Nobody shakes the hand
of a plumber or other laborer and says, " Thanks. I'll catch you later, I don't have
any money".  Please pay for the service performed or carry your own luggage.
Thank you.
Comments, suggestions? email me