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VIP December 2021

Tipping for reception in a non-tipping culture country?

mrswinteriscoming, on December 5, 2021 at 11:16 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 3

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I have just received the final invoice for our sit down reception for 39 people this weekend and included in the bill was a 10% gratuity for the beverage package (mandatory for groups) and an additional 10% gratuity on the entire bill which is discretionary and we don’t have to pay.

Living in Australia we do not have any tipping culture here as there are minimum wage requirements for hospitality staff, though establishments such as that which we are using for our reception generally tend to pay above that anyway.

What I am wondering is, should I give a gratuity and if so, how much? I appreciate that in the USA this is 100% the norm but here it is so uncommon but I feel obliged to because of how it has been put to me. Thoughts?!

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3 Comments

Latest activity by Felicia, on June 22, 2023 at 12:38 AM

Master February 2022
Rosie · on December 6, 2021 at 12:16 AM
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Wow that's pretty rude imo, considering the staff will likely be getting time and a half for a sunday/weekend already, AND there is a mandatory group beverage gratuity. I am Australian and know exactly what you mean about tipping culture - I would only want to pay this if the service was exceptional, and would therefore pay it separately AFTER the day, if the service proved to be so.
But, the fact they asked is fairly off-putting for me and I'd be tempted to give them nothing.
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Super November 2021
Heather · on December 6, 2021 at 12:50 PM
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Tipping is definitely normal in the US. A lot of companies do implement this rule that if there is an X amount of people in a group or more then there is an automatic gratuity charge. It sucks because what if the service was horrible? The staff still gets something from it no matter what.. With that being said it's up to you based on how the service went. So, if it is automatically 10% then there isn't much you can do unless it is a big issue. I'm not sure what is the way to get around that, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Now if the service was horrible then I would demand a refund of some sort to justify the service you should have gotten.
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Just Said Yes July 2023
Felicia · on June 22, 2023 at 12:38 AM
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Hi there! I think it's a little off-putting, and it happens to me just today, therefore searching for an article online lol. I am paying the minimum and will explain with the Venue Coordinator that the tip payment will come a bit later once the event is complete. Plus I have loaaads of other bills to take care now! It's not like money rains from the sky daily.
They should be understanding and show grace and no greed !
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