This is a question I think about a lot. I am talking about myself and my dog sitting. I have some customers(these customers Im talking about are my own customers, not through the service). I have some who ALWAYS tip me, and some who never tip me. Im really not trying to sound greedy, just confused sometimes. I had 2 doggie customers go home tonight. These 2 families, are neighbors, well they live 2 house apart. These families live in a VERY upper class neighborhood. To give you an example, our house is in middle of the road area. Our house goes for around $250,000. These families live in an area, with houses range from 600,000$ and upward, at least.
One family I charge my cheapest rate of 10$ per day(Im going to charge all the same next yr). This family NEVER tips me, always the exact amt of money. Their dog was here 4 days, and I got exactly $40. Ok, the money is fine, no problem. I often wonder if they realize if they board their dog they would be paying about $20 a day.
The other family, I charge 12$ a day. He was here a total of 7 days, and his bill would be $84, the man gave me $120. These 2 families live 2 doors apart. So I just wonder why some give me extra, and some don't???
What do you all think?

By Mommmie on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 07:57 pm:

I didn't know tips were expected in that line of work.

By Jackie on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 07:59 pm:

They are not "expected"...It is just that in the years Ive been doing this, "some" people always give more the the total bill.

By Kate on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:02 pm:

I have no idea why. Personally, I HATE tipping and wish our country would do away with it. People should set their prices to what they want to receive, and then be happy with their pay. Hotels and restaurants should pay their workers a set salary and those workers should either take or leave the job and be happy with their decision. Why should I pay extra to my hair stylist?? If she wants more she should CHARGE more. It really drives me nuts. I liked fixed prices, period.

I think $120 is exceedingly generous. If I was really pleased and I adored my dog and was grateful he got good care, I could see giving an even $100, but I'd never have thought to give $120. I also don't think how much your house is worth means much, as is exemplified in your own story. Some people tip, some don't. Also, dog sitters aren't one you typically think of to tip. I know I only think of waiters and hair stylists, and like I said, I totally begrudge it. I'd feel much better about parting with my money (even if it was more than if I'd merely tipped) if that's simply the cost of whatever job/service I'd hired.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:09 pm:

Jasmine goes to a kennel. He charges $12/day, for an air-conditioned building and letting your dog outside 4 times a day, plus his mom comes and plays with the dogs, because she likes to. We just pay the set amount. Jasmine likes him and he says she doesn't just lay around and sulk the whole time she's there. She only barks if she's not the first one let outside! (Yeah, what a spoiled child she is!)

By Luvn29 on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:16 pm:

Ugh, I so agree with the tipping! If I pay my hairdresser $50 to spend one hour on my hair, I think that's pretty good, and I hate having to figure out what to tip. But I do because I know that is a line of work where it is expected. I spent $26 on a simple haircut and didn't want them to style it afterwards. 30 minutes max. So what do I tip???

And I know that many restaurants make the waiters put all of their tip money together and then they divide it up. That makes me furious. I'm not tipping the other waiters. If some don't do as good of a job, then why should they get the same amount? The local Shoney's does that. We don't eat there anymore, but when we did, we didn't tip too much because we knew our waitress wouldn't be getting it.

When I worked at Hardee's, I had many customers who were regulars that wanted to tip me because I was so friendly to them, and they appreciated it. However, being a fast food restaurant, we weren't allowed to accept them.

So count me in as one of those people who wish tipping would end.

By Jackie on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:32 pm:

Let me clarify, I do not "expect" a tip. Since I have so many more customers on my own, I notice that some give me more, and some don't. I treat all dogs the same regardless of how much their owners give me. Their tipping has no impact on my treatment of the dogs here.
I don't want you all to think I am some greedy person, because I am not. I do this service for people because I truley love dogs. Many people have told me I should "raise" my prices, but I have not.So I am thinking the people who give me more money maybe "realize" what a bargain they are getting???? I do not know.

By Tripletmom on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:49 pm:

Some people may just appreciate what you do more than others.If I really respected the person and the job they were doing I wouldn't hesitate to give more.Some people can tip freely and maybe can afford it more than others.Maybe the ones who don't tip never even thought about it.Some people just don't like to tip.

By Reds9298 on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:50 pm:

I also wouldn't think of tipping my dog sitter/kennel. I never thought anyone did. I don't think you're greedy and I understand your question, I'm just thinking that if we were $ loaded and you watched our dogs, I still wouldn't be tipping you just because I didn't know that was something done in your line of work, you know?

I didn't my hairdresser ($40 for a trim) for years! I didn't even know about it and when I found out, then I felt like a real heel! I never said anything, I just started tipping from then onLOL!

By Reds9298 on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:50 pm:

I meant to say I didn't "tip" my hairdresser for years. Sorry.

By Kaye on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 08:51 pm:

I am not a tipper. Mostly because I don't think of it. I tip very generously in food service. Ultimatly I didn't grow up with a lot of service things around. We were working people, people helped when they could and vice versa, we didn't tip people. Our haircut lady charged what she charged. I hate trying to figure out how much extra I should give someone. I don't tip a hair dresser if she owns the business, so for a dog sitter I wouldn't think to tip either. I don't tip my babysitter, I might round up though.

By Tink on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 09:09 pm:

I simply wouldn't think to tip a dog-sitter. I tip the people who do my hair and nails and waiters or pizza delivery drivers but that's about it. I'm a generous tipper because I know that most people in those industries are taxed based on their tips, whether they receive them or not. I'd also prefer to do away with tipping since I don't think it really serves as much of an incentive to those that are routinely tipped. As Kaye said, I don't tip my babysitter, I wouldn't think to tip someone watching my dog. It's nothing personal and doesn't reflect a lack of respect or appreciation.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 09:25 pm:

Since you asked a specific question, here is my specific answer...
Maybe one owner got to be that rich *because* he never tips. I found that, when I went trick or treating when I was a kid, the typical big houses always gave the cheapest candy. I feel they are the type of people to invest their money in things that hold value.
It's amazing how different people can be about money and their attitude towards it. Maybe the other guy never really had a lot of money to handle while growing up. Who knows...

By Momofmax on Sunday, July 9, 2006 - 09:29 pm:

I wouldn't think to tip a dog-sitter either. I just tip when I use services that normally receive tips such as restaurants, hotels, hair stylists, etc. Maybe some people REALLY appreciate your services (they've paid more elsewhere, gotten bad service elsewhere) and some just pay their bill, happy with your service, and go on. If I use a service often (like baby sitter, dog sitter, lawn care, etc.) I usually give a bonus or gift certificate during the holidays.

By Hol on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 12:19 am:

Tipping has always been a confusing topic for me, too, and I've been on both sides of it. When I worked as a hairdresser, tips were always nice, but I never expected them. I was manager of a small neighbourhood shop whose owner was an older lady who spent most of her year in Florida. Some people didn't tip because they assumed that I was the owner. Others did. It was nice to be appreciated, but as manager, I got to keep the whole amount for a service, so not being tipped was okay.
In defense of hairdressers in general, most work FOR someone, and get anywhere from 40 to 50% of the service as a commission. The shop owner gets the remainder becuase he/she needs to pay the overhead, supplies and payroll taxes for the employees. For example, if a stylist gives a perm that costs $70.00, she will get $35.00 of it before taxes. Depending on how long she worked on you, that breaks down to so much per hour. I, for one, really appreciate my hairdresser, so I tip her about 20% of the whole amount. I do the same for my dog groomer.
Also, in restaurants, most wait persons don't even make minimum wage. Their employers expect the customer to make up the difference. They CLAIM that if they paid waitstaff a full wage, then the cost of eating out would be prohibitive. Most wait people work very hard, so I usually tip 20% of the total bill, also. (Some people don't include the tax). Even if the service is mediocre, I still tip the same because anyone can have a bad day. Only once did I leave nothing because the server made us feel like we were putting her out.
DH isn't a good tipper. He says that no one tips him for what he does. (He's a postal clerk. ) I do admit, though, that tipping gets out of hand. The cab driver, the skycap at the airport, the chambermaids in the hotel, etc. It can really add to the cost of a trip.
In England, there is no tipping. The gratuity is included in your bill, and being a waiter there is a PROFESSION.
I think some people are just more generous than others. They are "givers" by nature, and this gives them a reason.
I agree with Heidi that some of the most affluent people are the cheapest. I think it is because some of them have never worked in a service industry, and don't know how hard it can be.

By Paulas on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 02:40 am:

I am another one who doesn't like tipping. I do it in restaurants and I tip my hairdresser, although I hate doing it. I'm thinking if I get my hair done and it takes 30 minutes and cost $30 that's $60/hour! My GOD....I certainly don't make that kind of money and I take LOADS of work home every night to do.

Maybe the people who don't tip in your case can't. True, they live in a big house but that could be the very reason they are unable to pay. Some people are "house-poor" meaning all their money goes in to their home, or their cars, or whatever. They have little money for anything else.

I'm curious though, why don't you charge the same rates for everyone?

By Jackie on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 05:54 am:

There is not a really good reason why I dont charge everybody the same price. It started out that I only had a couple of of my own customers, outside the dog business.Years ago, I thought $10 was a fair price. Then as the years passed I was getting new customers, and thought to up it $12, but never raised the 10$ people. A lot of people think $12 is too little too charge and assure me that people would pay me more for the service I perform. I just dont want my customers to think I am greedy, and only after their money.
Sorry if this sounds confusing.

By Brooke327 on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 08:51 am:

Humm... I guess it irritates me to hear people say they don't like to tip. I have worked in the restaurant business my whole life its a family thing.I feel waitressing is a service, people go out to get waited on, and waiters and waitress's are paid very poorly, and rely on tips. As the state wants their cut and base it on 15% regardless of what the patron tips. I feel if you go out to dinner and want to be waited on and receive good service then TIP, if not don't eat out at a restaurant that has servers. Sorry if I offened anyone, just my theory.
As far as the dog sitting goes I understand where you are coming from. And do not feel you are greedy in any way. Logical question, I wonder why too..Some tip some don't. Jackie I often have asked myself the same question.

By Vicki on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 08:52 am:

The place I board our dogs doesn't allow tipping for the kennel service or for the grooming service!! The owner once told me that they pay their employees and I pay for a service. LOVE the way she thinks. LOL I also think tipping has gotten way out of hand!!

By Mommmie on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 08:52 am:

Considering inflation, maybe you should think about raising everybody and having set posted prices and then raise them yearly.

I don't have pets who board, but every year I expect my son's school tuition to go up.

By Bellajoe on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 09:27 am:

Apparently some people think they should tip you and others think that the $10 a day is all they need to give you.

I would think that if i was paying you $10 a day to watch my dog, then i would only give you $10 a day, no more, no less.

It just depends on how you grew up i guess.

By Luvn29 on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 11:20 am:

Brooke, just because I said I wish tipping would be done away with, doesn't mean I don't tip. We tip very well, especially in the restaurant service. Specifically because we know that the waiters and waitresses depend on the money since they don't get paid full amount up front. But I find this unfair, and think that no one should have to depend on their tips, that they should know how much they are getting on their paycheck week to week.

We always tip, and we tip generously, especially when getting very good service, but I find it unfair to the workers that they must depend on tips, when a lot of people don't tip or don't tip more than a dollar even if the service is perfect.

This is the reason I don't like tipping.

By Tonya on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 11:30 am:

I read all of the posts and do not know who posted what but I think tipping should be done away with also. I have worked as a waitress for many years and if people tip bad you make nothing so set my wage at 1 per hour price and leave it at that. I feel the people are already paying for their meal why should they have to pay for good service. A waitress or waiter is just suppose to give good service no matter what. That is their job.

And Jackie I agree if I were you i would raise my prices to be equal and $12 a day is cheap. Here is around like $25. It is not cheap. I say up it to $14 for all and send out a mailer to all of your customers and be even. Good luck.

By Kaye on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 11:54 am:

As for people not knowing what a bargin they are getting. For me I shop around for dog boarding prices. I know what a good deal I am getting at each place, part of why I pick my boarder Your rates are plenty fair, but you are keeping all of it, so I don't see a need to tip.

I do tip my wait staff and hairdressers because I know they don't get all of what I pay and the industry expects a tip.

I am also the person who doesn't always buy teacher gifts. If you do the job expected of you, no more, then I don't feel like I should have to give you more

By Crystal915 on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 12:22 pm:

Jackie, I had this same discussing on my blog, but about body mod artists. I tipped my piercer, and he seemed surprised. I couldn't understand why, DH and I have friends who own a studio, and we always thought it was customary to tip... after all, these are artists, and provide a service, same as a hair stylist. Anyway, I surveyed, and found it's not very common to tip tattoo artists and piercers. I am not sure if I would think to tip a dog sitter, I don't tip my babysitter, although I pay a flat rate, and will pay extra if it's short notice or a particularly late night.

By Reds9298 on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 01:15 pm:

Heidi - You're so right. I thought about my in-laws when Jackie posted this because they are SO TIGHT and tip so lightly for food service. They have a TRUCKLOAD of $$, but that's because they're so tight, not because they always had a high income. Just an interesting point I thought.

I tip 15-20% for food service, and the same for pizza delivery (when we lived where we could have it delivered!) I don't ever see myself tipping a babysitter, but rounding up. I dont think I ever got tipped when I babysat.

By Truestori on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 05:53 pm:

Jackie,
I say raise your rates.LOL
I am a very good tipper, unless the service sucked!
My girlfriend watched my animals and I bought her a handmade necklace from Berkeley, Ca. and gave her $30.00! She expected nothing but she provided a service and made our life so much easier.

By Breann on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 06:59 pm:

I wonder if maybe the one family doesn't even realize that a tip is appropriate for the service. I don't know if I would realize that. We take our cat to the vet for boarding when we are gone for more than just overnight. He charges $5/day. There is a lady down the street from us that does animal daycare and she charges $5/day for a cat as well. Probably because the cats just sit in the kennel all day. I do know that at the vet the ladies give the boarded pets extra TLC. I've never once thought about tipping them or anything. Next time it'll be on my mind though, lol ;)

I think tipping has gone overboard in our country as well.

By Annie2 on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 07:02 pm:

I've never thought about tipping our dog boarders.
We just went to a new place but as our other one, they charge according to dog size and provide kibble (we bring our own though). We were charged $12. for our large sheperd and $10 for our smaller dog, they shared a run, too.