Tipping Videographer... HELP!

If he has people working for him, who will be the ones doing your wedding, then the owner is not doing your wedding, right?? Sorry, no idea, but was just trying to clarify.. you are "supposed" to tip if you feel they went above and beyond, so if you think he has, then tip him. also, a lot of vendors say that a good recommendation/review on websites is an awesome tip

I am a photographer and I don't expect a tip at weddings, it's nice if you get one, but they are not always done. Anything would be appreciated. I generally receive tips when the wedding is done by a planner. Good judgment is key. You could always give this job to your Best Man and or Dad. This is not something to stress, that is for sure. Vendors (at least I do) consider their help when working and anticipate what to pay them. I would never assume I was going to be given a tip. That would be asking for trouble. I also agree that a website testimonial and or WW review would go a lot further for me than a hundred bucks.

I am wedding videographer and while I appreciate it when a client tips, a great online review is far more valuable.

Thank you all for the advice. I will definitely be using it!

Thank you for asking this. I'm so confused about tips. I asked my venue whether the service charge covers tips and she said "Yes". Should I still tip?

I asked my photographer about tips and he almost looked embarrassed that I asked. I'm so confused about tipping.

Hi Sara, I agree with Wtta Films. It is more important for us to get a review that tipping.

This is pretty similar to a salon situation - if the stylist owns the salon, you don't tip. If they work at the salon, you do tip. So...if the photographer/videographer are working for themselves, you wouldn't normally tip them. If they are employees of a studio, you should consider tipping.

I'm self-employed so I would never anticipate getting a tip, but occasionally someone does anyway. It's nice, but like the others said, getting good reviews online is far more valuable. If you like us, refer us!

I tip at restuarants and whenever I think that someone has provided exceptional services. My decision is not based on their ownership status.

I disagree with the concept of a gratutity automatically billed to me. Forced gratuity doesn't provide for allowing someone to tip based on their experience.

In the case of tiping a videographer (or anyone who's results are not evident until after paying), I suggest deciding if a tip is warranted, once the final result is received. One bride I worked with had to threaten to sue their videographer a year and a half after their wedding because they had already paid but received nothing from him. Finally, they got about a half hour video that they say was terrible.

As the owner/sole proprietor of my business, I am uncomfortable when offered a tip, and now refuse it unless it is passed on to me from someone other than the bride and groom. I don't have a big ego or anything (one of the cheapest videographers in town), but I think tips are for service works...like your waiter or cab driver, who are working for less wages with the intent of getting tips. For me, producing videos is a skilled trade, and not so much a service industry job.

And like Matt says, your videographer hasn't really done a single thing for you, until you actually get your video. (Get the delivery time in writing on the contract, just like with your photos.) And then if you're happy with the video, give them good reviews on WW!

If I had low-paid camera boys working for me, I might be tempted to allow them to take tips. But if I had professional camera persons working for me, I'd most likely have a strict policy against them taking tips. But that's just me.

Good luck