USVI-On-Line

Since this will be a first, renting a villa, and we are being met at the ferry by a Greeter; what is rule of thumb for tipping the Greeter.

Thanks.

I think that we have beaten this subject to death over the years.

I was a villa rental agent and I did pick ups at the dock many a time. I was never tipped and I never expected one. I was being paid to meet people and take them to the villa. It was part of my job. I do not think that tipping is necessary.

Dear Girl,

Didnt realize I was beating a topic to death, being new to the forum and villa rentals. Not to sure how long ago it was since you were doing the villa agent position but I guess things have changed since the following quote is taken from the arrival page of Viva Villa's Inc. "Greeters-Our staff of friendly and hardworking locals want to ensure that you have a wonderful time on St. John. If you feel they have done a great job, tipping is appropriate and greatly appreciated!" Once again I ask, since Tipping is appreciated by the greeters, what is the typical tip given to the greeters.

Thanks again,

Vince.

No harm. Just a heated topic at times.

I am surprised that the site actually asks for tips. I know that there are those that will disagree with me, but I do not tip.

Do you remember the movie "My Blue Heaven" with Steve Martin playing a Gangster in Witness Protection. On of his lines " I tip Everyone". Nothing wrong with slipping someone a few bucks when the go that extra mile for you. One thing I dont understand, how could anything get heated when you are discussing STJ...LOL

Very true. I guess "heated" isn't the right word. Just a lively discussion as we never really get heated on this board.

I am a tipper when I am on St John. I tip for to go food and a cup of coffee, but I never understood the villa greeter tip. I guess if I was to tip I would give $10 bucks, maybe $20.

I know that there are folks here that will have a better answer for you.

This topic HAS been discussed rather frequently and with lively debate. Let's do it again.

Do you tip the Car Rental Agent?

Do you tip the Ferry Boat Captain?

Do you tip the Cashier at the Star Market?

Think "beyond the normal" scope of someone doing their job or assisting you to do your job. Hopefully this will narrow down who gets tipped and who doesn't. I do tip as I think it is part of economic development on the island but I don't tip everybody that comes along.

If I'm paying a few thousand dollars for a place to stay, the Villa Management Agency/Owner can tip the Greeter but I don't. It's their job to get me to the Villa, explain the whatever's, and tell me how things work and what to do if they don't. That's their job and they are doing it to make their own job easier.

Just my humble opinion.

Bandit

We stayed in our first villa in January so I am speaking from experience with Vacation Vistas only, the owner/property manager for this company, Lisa, did not take the tip my husband offered her. She spent a lot of time with us at the villa and then driving my husband around Chocolate Hole to show him the best/back walking route to the Westin! I can not say enough good things about Lisa, she is professional, kind, fun and full of good information. Lisa also was very responsive with any issue we had with the villa! She deserved a big tip but would not accept it! She also left us a 6 pak of Heinekin, 6 asst soft drinks, a bag of ice in the freezer, cheese's, smoked turkey, fruit basket, chocolates, cookies and crackers. With Vacation Vista's you do not pay a service charge either!

We usually stay in hotels where you are tipping all the time, so this was very new to us.

My opinion on this matter, if the greeter is not an owner of the management/real estate company and they are prompt in meeting you, nice and helpful, spend time showing you the area or villa,and you havent payed a service fee, I would offer a tip. If none of those requirements are met, I would skip it!

Just my 2 cents worth

People I tip on vacation (if they do a good job):

Servers in restaurants
Bartenders
Boat Captains (if not owner of vessel)
First Mates (always)
Taxi Driver
Porter at the airport
Massage/Spa service provider

Otherwise, I don't tip. Showing me to the villa is part of the villa management fee and I assume these folks are paid by the villa owner.

Honey tips a $20. We don't mind spreading the love at our happy place. Do what makes you feel good, but know it probably isn't expected. Hope that helps.

I have stayed in villas many times and have never tipped the Greeter. I am NOT cheap and consider myself a good tipper but I feel that is their job. They are not getting paid a waitress/waitors rate that requires tips to make them "whole". They are getting paid a standard rate. Thus I do not feel tips are necessary. If I see the Greeter out while I'm there, I always buy him/her a drink. Just my little opinion

XOXO
Bug