I never understood this whole tipping concept. Seriously. Aside from waitstaff where it is common knowledge that they make very little money and depend on tips to make their living, why do we tip...
Cab drivers for a simple trip? They already made out like bandits. I once took a cab (courtesy of AirTran) from BWI to IAD. It was $90. The guy got on 495 and drove normal highway speeds. What did he do that deserved a tip? AirTran already paid him $90 to get me to IAD. Conversely, my R/T airfare from BWI-MKE was $111.
Maid staff for making my room? Okay, if I ever leave the room a total mess or something resembling it (I never have), I'll leave them something. But, if there's no trash laying around, the beds were just simply used, and the bathroom just needs a quick once-over, well, that's their job.
FBO Van? They're saving me the cost of a cab, so sure, I'll throw them a couple of bucks. It's hard to argue that they're "doing their job" when they're not required to provide you that service.
Hotel Van? If they publish is it as being availale, IMHO they are required to provide it regardless of a tip. You ACA guys probably remember the Double Tree Club at ORD that we used. I used to hate that van... 0200 and it was *always* a 45 minute wait for that stupid van. He always had "just left" or "leaves every :30." Edited to add: Oh yeah, I forgot to add that since I was travelling on company business, engaging in a means of travel required by the company, why travel expenses (tips) were supposed to come out of my pocket. My per diem required that I show receipts for what I claimed I expensed, and tips were limited to a percentage (I think 10%) of the total bill. Was I supposed to get a receipt for the $2 I might have tipped the driver if I didn't have to wait 45 minutes? Further, if the ride was "free" I'm not sure I could have got reimbursed, as there was no value on which to add the tips. Also, you guys try eating decently for a day on $30 and then tipping the van drivers.
Valet Parking? I don't use them, unless there is no option. When there is no choice, they always nail you pretty hard and *then* you still have to cough up a tip?
The shuttle vans in LAS? You get on the van with 10 people, you're the last off, the driver touches a light bag that you packed, and you still have to tip? Just like a cab, you already paid for the privelege of riding the shuttle. It sure wasn't a courtesy.
I always look at it from the persepctive as whether or not somebody is providing an additional service or going out of their way *for me*. If they're just doing their job, no tip. If they go out of their way to make my life easier or simpler or really save my bacon, they get a tip.
BTW, I work in a position where tips are greatly appreciated, always accepted, but never required or obligatory. I always perform my job such that I feel it is worthy of a tip. If I get a tip, great, if not, I still have an hourly wage that doesn't presume I get tips. However, if I always do a lousy job with a surly attitude, I can pretty much forget getting a tip. (Side note: If you're a regular who never tips, why should you get served before/better than a "known" tipper? He does tip for a reason.)