Tipping - A Question of Balance

[Guest Utopia]

The recent thread HooBoy's Brazil took a direction about some clients being excessive when tipping a escort / when compared to the fair market value within that culture.

 

Tipping is not only a gesture of appreciation it is also an acknowledgment of what one can reasonably afford.

 

The thread, where I added my 3 cents, started me thinking about my own tipping practices. When I look back over the last 5 years I realized that I rarely tip escorts hired from the Internet. In fact, I think my largest tip was $20.00.

 

But when I look back slightly further and even within the last 5 years at all the guys I have hired from the streets and I realized that I am as "guilty" as OZ (not that OZ is guilty just an expression). I have tipped street kids upward $150. - $200. I do this if I have a good time (OZ tips guys in RIO well if he has a good time) and in my case I do it because I appreciate how hard there life can be and if it makes them a little bit happier for a night, I'm happy.

 

So am I ruining the street life economy? Am I any better than OZ who I somewhat criticized in the other thread? The more I think about it the more confused on the topic I am.

[jack]

RE: Tipping - A Question of Balance (OZ)

 

I think you are doing fine. You are not "ruining" anything. You are rewarding people you want to reward -- you are following your best instincts including how you'd want to be treated in reverse roles. You should not feel responsible for what other people do. Your tip makes your escort very happy while showing him a special degree of respect. Life is too short. These guys deserve the respect, appreciation and tip for what they do. When I travel to NY, for example, I use Campus and tip the guys $50. More often than not, they say not everybody tips, and that they really really appreciate being tipped. I cannot understand how anybody, in fact, would not tip. We tip waiters, taxi cable drivers, doormen, the guy handing out towels in the Waldor Astoria men's room, we tip caddies, we tip everybody. A person would have to be real cheap to not tip an escort -- the agency fee or his fee is like everybody else's basis -- a basis for tip. ;-)

[Guest msclonly]

Don't remember getting tipped, since waiting tables!

 

I can not remember beeing tipped for my services, since I waited tables, which is two thirds of my life in the past! So for the last two thirds, I provided much more valuable service and never been tipped, but have received some thank you gifts of moderate value. The real value was in the thought!

 

But why do I have an eerie feeling, that this topic of excessive tipping was started by the same person from another popular BBS doing the same thing there in discussing his generosity?

Can anyone confirm, that it is or is not the same person?

 

Thanks

 

[Guest Utopia]

RE: Don't remember getting tipped, since waiting tables...

 

>>

>But why do I have an eerie feeling, that this topic of

>excessive tipping was started by the same person from another

>popular BBS doing the same thing there in discussing his

>generosity?

>Can anyone confirm, that it is or is not the same person?

 

I can assure you it is not me. I have been posting here from nearly the beginning, previously using a different screen name that has since been deleted.

 

The ONLY other forum I post in is CFS and ONLY in the Thailand Forum (where I noticed a few of your posts). I post there about 4 times per year and my screen name there begins with an "A"

 

I started the thread because I felt after my comments to OZ is the other thread I might be hypocritical since I'm doing basically the same thing here.

 

Also, I should mention that aside from this forum and CFS I don't even read other forums. I do read some Usenet groups but they are unrelated to any of this.

 

Not me at all in whatever the other forum is.

[marc anthony]

>

>So am I ruining the street life economy? Am I any better than

>OZ who I somewhat criticized in the other thread? The more I

>think about it the more confused on the topic I am.

 

I also responded to that thread... and I really think that my points are exactly the reasons that you are confused. It is not pure economics. There are all kinds of emotions involved. And depending on what side of the fence you are sitting, there are all kinds of perspectives involved.

 

It is a business designed to bring you pleasure... so do what makes you happy. But remember that part of the equation of making you happy would involve at least consideration of being reasonable with money. And for me (and many others) it also involves making sure the boy you are with feels respected and well-treated as well.

[CT Dick]

Generally, I don't tip independent escorts. They set their rate and keep all the fee.

 

Agency boys, on the other hand, usually have to give 1/3 of the fee to the agency so I tip them. The amount depends on how good the experience was.

 

In Rio, I pay the R$50 fee to sauna boys who don't put anything extra into the programa. I do tip the rest but only VERY rarely more than R$20.

 

Discussions on the "South of the USA" foum have convinced me that I should go along with the policy of the country I am visiting. I do reserve the right to be very generous to someone who comes to my hotel room, though.

 

Dick

[HooBoy]

I am on record here of personally not tipping an escort, unless he works for an agency.

 

However, many years ago, I accidentally became friends with a very high profile ex-escort here. We never had sex together but have become great friends and we stay in touch - I stay in his home, he and his bf and I often meet in cities just to see each other and have fun - go to clubs, eat, listen to musick and just laugh a lot - you know, the thing good friends do.

 

I consider myself the luckiest guy in the world to know these two great guys, who ask nothing from me but that they accept me as a friend. Hell, we split all costs for meals or parties or car shows just as my friends and I do in New York.

 

But when we first met, my escort friend chastised me for my position against tipping. He told me that tipping got his attention and when the tipping client called, he was there in a flash, dropping all other plans.

 

We argued about it and still do, but he just built a million dollar home and I cannot pay my hotel bill in Sao Paulo because my meager money was stolen.

 

I think the rates in New York are excessive and to include a tip on top of a $350 hour is nuts unless the escort is working for an agency, however, I think Mark really said it all.

 

But I am a cheap bastard. And right now, you know where I vant to be...

 

--garbo

[TotallyOz]

>But when we first met, my escort friend chastised me for my

>position against tipping. He told me that tipping got his

>attention and when the tipping client called, he was there in

>a flash, dropping all other plans.

 

It is interesting that you bring up this point. I am here today with 4 NYC escorts. We read your post together and they all agreed. Each time a client tips them, they make sure that they are available.

[Funseeker 22]

>

> " I am here today with 4 NYC escorts"

 

Oz,

 

You "Totally" Greedy Bastard !!!

Where do they all fit ??

>

[jackhammer91406]

I would probably be classified as a generous tipper. I don't think anyone will ever persuade me not to tip when someone, be it escort, waiter, valet, hotel maid,cabbie, room service guy or anyone in a service related job, does a great job. I tip a cabbie who is willing to carry on a conversation while I am in a strange city. I became good friends with two cabbies in London, one of whom drove me to Heathrow without charge. My cabbie in Dublin drove me around for a whole day and only charged me for a few hours. He ended up showing me a great pub and carver where I took him for lunch.

I do think tipping is remembered and maybe I like thinking that. It does seem to make a difference when I return. But I don't do it for that reason, I do it because I am grateful for good service. That's the whole point.

The acronym TIPS means To Insure Proper Service. You could argue that people in service occupations should do a good job anyway, but we all know that doesn't happen all the time. when it does, I show appreciation.

It means even more to me because I don't have a ton of money, but what I have I give to those who make my life a little easier when I am out.

[BuckyXTC]

As I read this thread, it suddenly occurred to me that every single escort I have hired to date has been from an agency. I'm one of the guys who leans strongly toward tipping. and as a general rule, I'm generous in that regard.

 

This issue also gave me pause to reflect on various escort experiences, good and not so good. Perhaps a story or two is in order.

 

One of my early hires in Philly was really cute, short but well built, and pretty high up on the sexy scale. If you like the taste of latex, you'd love him. He wouldn't let you blow him unless he wore a condom. He was not a kisser, and not affectionate, but he was fun. At the end of our session, as we were getting ready to shower, he commented that "tips were greatly appreciated". I said nothing, and was ready not to tip him, but when we got into the shower, he asked me: "Am I the best you've ever been with?" I laughed, and said: "Only in your dreams." When we were getting dressed, I handed him the tip envelope that I always prepare in advance. When I realized how utterly self-deluded he was, I decided he "needed" the tip. Shortly after, he left Philly and went to NYC, where he escorted for a while.

 

I've only had one experience that I considered a total flop and it was not the fault of the escort, but rather the agency owner, who was less than honest in answering my questions about an escort I hired on his recommendation. The chemistry was zero but I tipped the kid anyway. The agency owner, on the other hand, I would have liked to rip a new asshole, but because he asked me about the experience in the presence of the escort, I didn't want to hurt the escort's feelings. That was the one and only time I've used that agency, and you can bet I won't be giving them any more of my business. And in case anyone might think otherwise, no I'm not talking about Premier. Premier has always been stellar in their treatment of me.

[HooBoy]

I hate it when cab drivers want to talk. I hate it when people, including friends, like to chat in elevators when strangers are riding with us. Or fans who talk to you at a baseball games.

 

But Jackhammer, your story about your Heathrow cab ride reminded me of my last trip to that airport a couple of months ago and the cabbie hopped out, got my trolley, loaded it with my tons of baggage and when I handed him a tidy tip, he returned it, smiled and said, "thanks governor." And he only charged me around 35 pounds - less than the meter.

 

I think he was happy he didn't have a yakking passenger maybe. }(

 

--garbo

[Guest skrubber]

I must agree wholeheartedly with Jackhammer. My tipping in general is generous for a job well done, be it waitresse, bartenders, or escorts. I usually tip my escorts anywhere from one to three hundred dollars, although I only hire for overnight. I consider it only fair as the escort is selling you his body and deserves the money. The ones I tip the most, I consider my friends and want to treat well, it also helps to insure they will come back again as doing so usually includes a two hour train ride from NYC. The only escort I don't remember tipping, much to my chagrin, was the phenomenon known as Benjamin Nicholas and have felt sorry about it ever since. But when it was time to exchange money, I remembered I had already given him several small gifts and did not want to seem like a future stalker. Benj, if you read this things will be different next time.

 

Everybody loves Backa Baa.

[jackhammer91406]

Well Sir,

It's your playground, so far be it from me to argue.

[KY_TOP]

I tip most of the Escorts I have hired, if they lived up to my expectations. My biggest problem with tipping Escorts has been when they were very gracious with their time and stayed past their agreed time acting like the clock does not excist or going to dinner afterwards "off the clock." I have trouble figuring out what I should tip them and usually tip a little more when that happens and it has happened often. I admit I don't overtip for weekend or overnight Escorts because the rates are high already. I was also at first reluctant to tip Agency guys since their rates are generally higher. That was until someone reminded me one day that the Agency gets a big cut and the Escort probably makes less than the other guys I usually tip.

 

I enjoy strip clubs and usually trip the guy on stage well, if I like him. I remember when I first went to Montreal and tipped someone on stage I got stared down. It took me awhile to realize that Canadians don't tip the guys on stage. I also paid a dancer more than the "going" rate to cum to my hotel, which I also got criticized for.

I figure it was my money and I was enjoying myself so what the hell. After several trips to Montreal I am now very leary of tipping anyone on stage due to local customs and what I pay my hotel visitors or tip in a private at the club I generally keep private.

 

If an Escort or dancer brings me enjoyment then I feel there is nothing wrong with expressing my satisfaction with a tip. Just as I feel that I should "Donate" or tip the guy who runs this site. It has also brought much satisfaction to my life.

[VaHawk]

Garbo is certainly a good handle for you HB. You really do "vant to be alone"!.

 

Well, I guess this means I didn't get to see you on HBO's Taxi Cab Confessions? :o

 

As for myself, I hate cabbies who won't talk, and even though I tip them, a cabbie who will shoot the breeze with me, always gets a much bigger tip. Nothing worse that a long cab ride with a taciturn cabbie, as the trip seems endless, and all I want to do is get the hell out of there asap! Besides, sometimes yakking away with the cabbie leads to more pleasant interludes, especially with those who work the gay ghettos. :9

 

Oh well to each his own, but as any escort I've hired could tell you, the only way to stop me from flapping my lips, is to stick something hot and hard between them! :7

[VaHawk]

Some things really should be communicated privately, although I definitely understand your exuberance.

[VaHawk]

"I enjoy strip clubs and usually trip the guy on stage well, if I like him. I remember when I first went to Montreal and tipped someone on stage I got stared down. It took me awhile to realize that Canadians don't tip the guys on stage."

 

Me too! That is exactly what my first time experience in Montreal was. Coming from DC, where the boys dance nude and/or strip, I was used to tipping the boys on stage. When I noticed no one else was tipping (this was Campus) and asked the bartender why, I felt like the proverbial clueless tourist when he explained.

 

Regardless, just do what you feel is right with you KYT, and the heck with anyone who would criticize you for doing so. I'm glad that I met you when you were in DC last year and I thank you for being the person that you are. From what I've read, I'm sure that everyone else who has met you, both escort and fellow client feels the same way. You are the the true epitome of the term "Southern gentleman"!

 

BTW: I'm still waiting (like Godot?) for that Kentucky bourbon you wished for me for the New Year.

[Guest Utopia]

>I enjoy strip clubs and usually trip the guy on stage well, if

>I like him.

 

Please if we ever meet and you think you like me .. don't "trip" me I bruise easily .

[Chuck50]

I must confess I am a "Tipper Extradordinare" I have never been a waiter or someone who relied on tips. I worked in my Fathers Grocery Store growing up and received not tips but a good one from him help all those that you can in life and especially those less fortunate then you and I guess Dad I did take that as and order. The only thing is I think some time that I am less fortunate than them. BUT I can't get past it whether they be waiters, porters, Taxi Drivers, Valets. I feel the need to tip them. Not to mention my Escorts and I all ready spoil them as it is. HUGS Chuck

[KY_TOP]

>

>>I enjoy strip clubs and usually trip the guy on stage well,

>if

>>I like him.

>

>Please if we ever meet and you think you like me .. don't

>"trip" me I bruise easily .

 

I am obviously not the best typer. Thanks for giving me a much needed laugh today even if at my own expense. If I can't laugh at myself...then...:7