James Bond College proper tipping

Why is tipping a lesson for living like James Bond? It is because tipping is an essential part of being a gentleman and in living the James Bond lifestyle. In the movie Dr. No, when we first see James Bond, he is playing baccarat. When he leaves, he casually leaves a tip for the dealer. When he walks out the front door, he more casually gives a tip to the doorman. Tipping and tipping with style is the inherent manner of all “00” Agents and must be yours also. You need not only to tip, but tip properly. A “00” Agent always has tipping cash available (by planning ahead) and he always tips. It is a part of his personality just like how he wears nice clothes yet he never talks about how much they cost.

The term "tip" was originally a British acronym that stood for "To Insure Promptness (or politeness)." While the tip you leave should reflect the service you receive, there are other gratuities you offer out of courtesy.

Tipping is one of those things you'll need to master in order to ensure you always look cool and respectable and also that you're remembered by those who matter most: the service providers and the company you keep. It is important to not only know when to tip, but how much. Use the rest of this chapter and local customs as your tipping guide.

Tipping in any casino game is in good taste and a good idea if you are a winner. The amount is up to you but it is always a chip, not paper money with the dealer. Also, try not to use a one dollar chip. It is better not to tip at all than throw a one dollar chip. However, tipping in baccarat is different than in other games, like craps, blackjack or roulette. The etiquette of the game demands a certain amount of class. Casino baccarat players are often high rollers and players are expected to tip generously, especially if the cards are favorable. Since everyone is sharing a hand, casino baccarat tipping doesn't offer the advantage it would in other games. At a blackjack table, a generous tipper will often find that the dealer will make "mistakes" in his math in favor of the player once in a while. This sort of thing won't happen in baccarat, if a dealer makes a "mistake" everyone will notice, and it helps everyone regardless of how they tip.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. Casino baccarat tipping doesn't hurt and it is actually expected more so than other games. Plus it is considered good etiquette to do so. If you are looking for an advantage from tipping, you might find better luck at mini-baccarat if there are no other players.

In the hierarchy of the food service industry, the maitre d' is literally the "master of the house." It isn't compulsory to leave him a tip, but if you feel that he went out of his way to secure you the best seat in the place or got you in when you didn’t make a reservation, you should give him anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on the status of the restaurant or the service he performed. Alternately, you can give him 5-10% of your bill at the end of the night. If you're a regular customer and the maitre d' knows you, you can simply give him a tip every few visits. Whatever amount you offer, make sure you tip him inconspicuously. Tipping the maitre d' with as class is a great way to ensure that he'll remember you next time.

When tipping a waiter or waitress, tip 15% of your bill before taxes. Tip 20% of your bill if the waiter went out of his way to make your dining experience memorable or if it's a fine dining establishment. Also tip 20% if you have a large party (seven or more people) or had many special requests and the gratuity is not automatically included in the bill. If you are dissatisfied with the service, still leave 15% and tell the manager about your distaste, or leave less than 15% depending on the service. If you're dining at an average restaurant and your waiter practically ruined your evening, leave him a penny for his thoughts and poor service. (Do not do this in a classy restaurants or when entertaining that special lady friend).

The coat check attendant gets tipped $1 or 100% of the fee.

The washroom attendant gets tipped $1.

The valet parking attendant gets tipped $2.

If you're lounging at the bar while waiting to be seated in a restaurant, make sure to tip the bartender for his service. Do this even if the drinks are added to your final dinning bill. The easiest way to tip a bartender is by leaving anywhere between $1 and $5 (depending on your generosity) per drink. Of course, the more you leave, the greater an impression you make.

If you are in a larger group at a nightclub and you know it'll be a long night, make it known that you'll be running up a tab and leave the bartender who served you all night at least 15% of the bill.

If you were ignored by the bartender, he was rude to you, don't be shy, leave a penny (again, don't do this in front of your special lady).

When it comes to the people that make your cappuccino every morning, leave $1 in the tip bowl by the cash register. If you're seated at a coffee shop, leave anywhere between $1 and $2, depending on how many times your coffee was refilled and how long you sat there.

Of all the service providers out there, your barber or hairstylist is the one who will spend the most time on you, and is also the one you'll most likely visit every few weeks, so you can't be cheap. Regardless of the price of your cut, leave your hairstylist $5. If you visit your barber every two to three weeks and he does nothing but trim your hair, you can leave $3. Don't forget to leave the person who washed your hair $1 or $2, if it was a separate person.

When tipping in a hotel, the amount you tip the hotel staff depends on the hotel's rating and location. A small-city hotel will not call for the same tipping etiquette as one in New York or Paris.

Tip the bellhop every time he provides a service, rather than leaving him a total tip at the end of your stay. The bellhop will carry your luggage as you arrive to the hotel, so tip him $5 or $1 to $2 per piece of luggage (use the one that works out to a higher amount). If you're staying at a 5-star hotel, add $1 to the $5 total, for every piece of luggage he's carrying.

Give the bellhop $5 even if he's just showing you to your room for the first time without your luggage. (It is recommended that you always carry small bills on you while staying at a hotel so that you're prepared to give staff members $2 or $3 for doing anything like showing you where the pool is.) Whenever a staff member comes to your room, no matter how small the service, you should give him $1 or $2.

Most hotels add a 15% gratuity to your room service bill, but if you notice that it wasn't added, give the room service waiter 15% or at least $2.

The hotel concierge should also be tipped. It is customary to give $5 to $10 dollars, depending on the service offered and the quality of the hotel. Make sure you tell him how much you appreciate his help while handing him the cash.

It is recommended that you tip the chambermaid daily by leaving the money in an obvious place like on the top of your pillow. Leave $1 to $2 a day, per guest. If you choose to leave a single tip at the end of your stay (which you should leave in an envelope clearly indicated for the chambermaid at the main desk), make sure it is the same chambermaid cleans your room every day, before doing so.

Give the doorman $1 or $2 per suitcase, if he carries your luggage from the car to the hotel. As for the valet parking staff, tip $1 or $2 every time they get your car. Tipping is not necessary when the valet is parking your car upon arrival.

If a taxi fare is under $10, leave the taxi driver $1 plus the change. Tip the cab driver 15% of your fare if it's more than $10. If you're in a foreign city, make sure to discuss the cab fare with the driver before the trip as there might be a fixed rate that includes the gratuity.

Leave the pizza deliveryman $2 to $5.

Most gas stations today are automated, but if someone does pump your gas for you, tip him $1. Tip him $2 if he checks your oil and cleans your windows.

There is usually a collective "tip box" at the exit of the car wash. An appropriate tip is $2.

Leave your limousine chauffeur for the evening 15-20% of the bill.

Keep in mind that a tip is mainly a reflection of the service received and if the service is poor, don't be afraid to give less if the treatment was less than adequate, but remember who you're under tipping because they might remember you and always remember the impression you want to make on the company you’re keeping as well.

“Living Like Bond” Tips - Tipping Etiquette

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