Divemaster Tipping

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

What is the general concensus on the appropriate tipping amount for Divemasters? To make this a bit simpler, lets divide this into tipping for standard DM services (safety/site briefing, gear setup&breakdown, surface monotoring) and tipping for in-water/guide Divemasters. Should the tip be flat rate or percentage of the charter fee? Since there are a number of working DMs on the board I'm sure there are a variety of opinions that will vary from different areas. Let's assume you are happy with the DM and intend on tipping (not a cheap b@st@rd (b@st@rd)).

[Rhone Man]

I usually tip a standard $20 for a two-tank dive. Given that I only pay $50 for my day on the boat (with local discount), I figure a 40% tip is pretty generous, and certainly more than I used to get from customers when I was a DM.

[Gen San Chris]

Tip the Divemaster over the side of the boat if he does not do a good job! Sorry!

[RJP]

I tip $20 for a 2-tank trip. With or without in-water guide.

[fisheyeview]

I usually tip $5 per tank.

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

Tip the Divemaster over the side of the boat if he does not do a good job! Sorry!

I guess you didn't understand the question...This was assuming you though the DM did a good job and deserved a tip.

[sskasser]

I tip $5 - $10 per two-tank trip, depending on service (usually $10, rarely $5). If I'm running a trip or have students, I encourage them to all do the same (I mention this in advance, so they can have the cash on them!)...PLUS I tip at least $20 in those cases. A good divemaster/boat crew is worth their weight in Florida Spiny Lobster!

[ONESPEED]

Tip the Divemaster over the side of the boat if he does not do a good job! Sorry!

:huh::shakehead:

[fisheyeview]

I usually tip $5 per tank.


I should qualify this though. If I am on a boat that I don't know that well I may tip more as I always have my housed camera with me. I always make sure they know how to handle it, and not to put it in the camera rinse bucket. I always provide my own camera bin. If they take care of me, I take care of them.

I usually dive off of the same couple of boats, and the crews all know me, and know how to deal with my camera. I usually only tip $5 per tank on those boats, but I usually end up helping the crew. I sling tanks, help getting divers on the boat if the crew is stressed, work as a guide, and sometimes hook into the wrecks for them.

[LowVizWiz]

On a bigger boat 12+ divers $5 per tank is pretty standard and that's what I tip... if you get additional help not offered during the briefing for example you may opt to give more.

On a six-pack (if they happen to have a DM) I would do $10 per tank. If it's just the capt. I may or may not tip. (Since you asked in this forum I assume this is for local charters not abroad)

I think that it really depends on how much help you actually need from the crew. If you just need a ride to and from the water there's not much service involved there; however, if your dives are enhanced because of their help your gratitude should reflect the tip. And it doesn't always have to be money. At times, I have given or shared my catch with the DM.

On a side note, I really appreciate a sincere thank you and repeat business from a costumer even if their tips are not the biggest.

[Docc]

10 bucks a tank to the DM and 10 bucks a tank to the boat captain(unless he ain't where he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be).

[the gooch]

$10 a tank!!?? Are you guys serious. If a DM is not guiding me underwater and the crew is very pleasant then I will throw a $10 bill in the tip jar for the whole crew. But $10/tank to both the DM and Capt. --that is absurd.

[Rhone Man]

$10 a tank!!?? Are you guys serious. If a DM is not guiding me underwater and the crew is very pleasant then I will throw a $10 bill in the tip jar for the whole crew. But $10/tank to both the DM and Capt. --that is absurd.

Maybe if it was a crew made up of Victoria's Secrets models lathered up with baby oil...
otherwise, yeah, I agree, that sounds a bit much.

[SailNaked]

I think it should be $20.00 per tank to all Texas DMs, they have it tough and only get to dive in clear water a few times a year so they deserve more, however when I move to Florida then I think in the future $20 should be the standard also. If you look at it like a poor DM may not be paid by the operator and if he is out on the boat for 1/2 a day then consider his lost wages at $100 a day so the boat as a whole needs to tip him at least $50. of course if they carry your tanks across the hot sand to the boat and lift your fat wife out of the ocean with her integrated BC and 35# of lead in it, then maybe you should pay a premium and kick in your kids college fund, they will never use it anyway and the DM is at least working for it.

[El Orans]

I usually tip $5 per tank.Ditto.


Maybe if it was a crew made up of Victoria's Secrets models lathered up with baby oil...:daydreaming:

[krawdady]

Maybe if it was a crew made up of Victoria's Secrets models lathered up with baby oil...
otherwise, yeah, I agree, that sounds a bit much.

I agree. Of course, the tip would all be in one dollar bills. I do $5.00 a tank for the most part.

[fisheyeview]

Maybe if it was a crew made up of Victoria's Secrets models lathered up with baby oil...
otherwise, yeah, I agree, that sounds a bit much.


We used to have a boat here in Ft. Lauderdale that only hired hard bodied female DM's. Standard uniform was a bikini. I miss that boat.

[deepstops]

Maybe if it was a crew made up of Victoria's Secrets models lathered up with baby oil...


Where does that charter run because I'm in like Flint

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMxNTM1NjEzM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjcyOTM2._V1._ SX600_SY388_.jpg

Seriously, I usually tip a minimum of $5/tank on a standard S FL recreational charter.

[fisheyeview]

Where does that charter run because I'm in like Flint




Brian,

Did you ever dive with Walt off the Dry Martini? :D

[deepstops]

Brian,

Did you ever dive with Walt off the Dry Martini? :D


Only once before he stopped operating. That was a great operation indeed. ;)

[ONESPEED]

$10 a tank!!?? Are you guys serious. If a DM is not guiding me underwater and the crew is very pleasant then I will throw a $10 bill in the tip jar for the whole crew. But $10/tank to both the DM and Capt. --that is absurd.

If someone wants to tip a bit extra what do you care? DM's ain't getting rich doing what they do and neither are captains, if someone wants to throw a few extra bucks their way I say more power to them. It never ceases to amaze me how many unbelievably cheap divers there are. My 2 cents is $5.00 a tank is a bare minimum, if you don't like it, go shore diving or buy your own boat.

[the gooch]

A tip of $10 on a $55 trip is 18%--how is that being a cheap ass? And to tip $10 a tank to both DM and capt. which would be $40 for a $55 trip is retarded. This is assuming just a ride out because I do not want anyone messing with my gear.

[djtimmy77]

Another reason why we prefer six-pack boats with no DM. Of course we usually swing a reasonable tip to the captain because he treats us so well.

[JohnQPS122]

We had a great discussion about this a few weeks ago. Search box should be able to find it.

[ONESPEED]

A tip of $10 on a $55 trip is 18%--how is that being a cheap ass? And to tip $10 a tank to both DM and capt. which would be $40 for a $55 trip is retarded. This is assuming just a ride out because I do not want anyone messing with my gear.

Nobody said you have to tip that much but who gives a crap if someone else wants to give a little extra? And it's not "retarded" to help someone make a living. DM's and captains are on that boat long before you get there and long after you leave, cleaning, doing maintenance and making sure you have a safe and good time, just because they didn't guide your dive doesn't mean they didn't do anything. Your $10.00 tip split between a crew of two or three certainly doesn't go very far. Again, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a $5.00 per tank tip but if someone wants to give a little extra, it's their business and nobody elses.

[frankc420]

Nobody said you have to tip that much but who gives a crap if someone else wants to give a little extra? And it's not "retarded" to help someone make a living. DM's and captains are on that boat long before you get there and long after you leave, cleaning, doing maintenance and making sure you have a safe and good time, just because they didn't guide your dive doesn't mean they didn't do anything. Your $10.00 tip split between a crew of two or three certainly doesn't go very far. Again, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a $5.00 per tank tip but if someone wants to give a little extra, it's their business and nobody elses.

I have to say, the cleanup after a trip can be more difficult than the actual diving. Having to get in the small nooks and crannies to get all the salt off the boat can be a chore, especially if it's a large boat and only 1-2 people doing the cleanup. Then again, we rinse the engine for almost 30 minutes after a 200 mile run too, just to be sure it's nice and clean :D It takes us more time to clean the boat than we get underwater.

Charters may be different, they may not clean their boats as much, that I can't judge :)

We prefer to take a charter these days, rather than taking out my friends boat for this reason alone.

[LetterBoy]

If the DM's and CPT have done good I normally give 20 a piece... Those guys work there butts off for several hours getting the boat prepped, the dives and cleaning up after we leave...
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sh@rkW@tcher]

$10 a tank!!?? Are you guys serious. If a DM is not guiding me underwater and the crew is very pleasant then I will throw a $10 bill in the tip jar for the whole crew. But $10/tank to both the DM and Capt. --that is absurd.

I'm guessing you only dive cattle boats, and probably not the same one twice in the same year. Ever wonder why you get poor service from DMs and crew? I'll bet waitstaff love you too!

[the gooch]

I'm guessing you only dive cattle boats, and probably not the same one twice in the same year. Ever wonder why you get poor service from DMs and crew? I'll bet waitstaff love you too!
There are a few charters I have used plenty of times, and I get great service. Waitstaff does love me too! :lotsalove:

[ONESPEED]

I'm guessing you only dive cattle boats, and probably not the same one twice in the same year. Ever wonder why you get poor service from DMs and crew? I'll bet waitstaff love you too!

Good point, there are a couple of boats I dive regularly that often comp my trips, I doubt seriously that this would happen if I was tipping their staff $3.00 each for the day. They get an even better tip when my trip is comped and I still pay less than others on the boat. I guess you could look at a good tip as an investment.

And that's my tip for the day.;)

[the gooch]

I'll be sure to tip the Cook, Server, and Hostess $10 each for my next $40 meal just for you guys.

[ONESPEED]

I'll be sure to tip the Cook, Server, and Hostess $10 each for my next $40 meal just for you guys.

I'm pretty sure they don't expect a tip at Mickey Dee's.:D

http://students.zmschools.us/webdesign/kelli0809/Ronald_McDonald_Photo.gif

[LetterBoy]

Tipping is an investment when u r a return customer...

Tip the same waitstaff member well consistently and see what happens to what they have control over comping and the speed with which u r served etc...


Posted via Mobile Device

[the gooch]

U think I am not aware of what tipping gets you. And now you are bringing up comps. If I am comped something I am sure to tip extremely well. I only tip at McDonalds when they have 59cent cheeseburgers.

[sportxlh]

when I got back into diving last year, I asked about tipping at a few local shops (local being jupiter and wpb) and was told that $10-15 to the in-water DM was pretty much standard. Some shops like the Scuba Club went as far to say that you don't need to tip the DM (the DM's are paid staff at Scuba Club). I generally tip $15 for a two tank dive and if the DM seems better than average, I tip $20 to the DM. On many boats, the DMs and deck hands will pool the tips and split them up. At Jupiter Dive Center, I almost always tip $20 since the DMs and deck hands I've had experience with are fantastic

Oh yeah, one last item: if I am on a really loaded up boat (say 20 or 24 divers) I usually go with $15, but if there are not many divers (so the DM won't be getting rich), I almost always go with $20.

[LetterBoy]

Someones name should be mooch....
Posted via Mobile Device

[ONESPEED]

U think I am not aware of what tipping gets you. And now you are bringing up comps. If I am comped something I am sure to tip extremely well. I only tip at McDonalds when they have 59cent cheeseburgers.

Actually I'm more concerned with you referring to people as "retards" for tipping well. I'm sure if you were the DM busting your ass on the boat you'd be pretty o.k. with it.

[ONESPEED]

Someones name should be mooch....
Posted via Mobile Device

:rofl3:

[LetterBoy]

:rofl3:
Who said I wasn't talking about you Mr I get dive trips comp'd ;) :popcorn:


Posted via Mobile Device

[ONESPEED]

Who said I wasn't talking about you Mr I get dive trips comp'd ;) :popcorn:


Posted via Mobile Device

I'd still laugh.;)

[LetterBoy]

I'd still laugh.;)

That's cause you have a sense of humor isn't it ;)

Posted via Mobile Device

[mike_s]

don't understand the whine factor here....

it's real freakin' simple.

good service = good tip
bad service = bad tip


I agree with chip though, don't whine on here and call them retarded because some folks want to tip better than you.

[the gooch]

Actually I'm more concerned with you referring to people as "retards" for tipping well. I'm sure if you were the DM busting your ass on the boat you'd be pretty o.k. with it. If I was a DM that did not do anything for "me" other than briefing then I would be fine with a $10 tip. If someone else wants to tip almost 80% of the cost of the dive to the crew that is their business.

[the gooch]

when I got back into diving last year, I asked about tipping at a few local shops (local being jupiter and wpb) and was told that $10-15 to the in-water DM was pretty much standard. And that is to the in-water DM. If I am not being guided in water by the DM and am still tipping $10 what's the problem. Now if I was utilizing a DM's service in water I would definitely tip more like $20.

You can call me mooch but you do not even know me.

[Razz]

Being new to diving (2 recent post certification dives), this information is very helpful. I had recently hired a private DM to assist. I had looked for him after the dive to ask about tipping and would have been happy to have been able to do so, however, he had already left to get lunch. I had no idea about tipping practices. It would have been nice for the instructor to have said something about this during the certification process. I hadn't even thought about it to ask at that time. So, it sounds like most people are tipping around $5-$10 per tank. Is it customary to tip both the dive guide and the captain? If so, then that would be $10-$20 to each on a 2 tank dive? I don't mind the amounts if I am well cared for. I just want to know what is customary and proper.

-Mark

[krawdady]

If the DM only provides a pre-dive breifing I think a $10.00 tip is fair. I tend to haul my own gear and set it up so I don't feel guilty about a minimum 10 bucks to the guy. Sometimes I tip more. If someone wants to give a 40% tip than that's great but no one becomes a DM thinking they are going to get rich at it.

[ONESPEED]

And that is to the in-water DM. If I am not being guided in water by the DM and am still tipping $10 what's the problem. Now if I was utilizing a DM's service in water I would definitely tip more like $20.

You can call me mooch but you do not even know me.

I didn't call you a mooch, I pointed out that you were very condescending to those who choose to tip more than you do. Rather than being defensive perhaps you should read your posts again and realize why some of us took offense.

[wilsway]

My average tip is about $15 but I work on a service intensive charter.

[fisheyeview]

My average tip is about $15 but I work on a service intensive charter.


Yeah, Alex does need a lot of looking after. :rofl3:

[annasea]

So the captain's been mentioned, and the DM, of course, but what if the charter owner is one of these two? Do people still tip the owner even though s/he's ideally making a profit from each charter?

[mike_s]

how are tips (in the tip jar) usually split between the crew?


lets say there are three crew: one captain and one mate, plus a dive master who is there for just some of the passengers who are students.

I would assume the DM who isn't assisting everyone would get part of the "tip jar".

what about the rest? does it all go to the first mate, or does the captain have a split of it?

what about if the captain is an owner? (like asked above)

[Tom Winters]

I drove dive and passenger vessels in Hawaii for a lotta years - I never got tipped. I was paid pretty well - way more than the divers or mates. Don't worry about tipping the captains UNLESS you feel like it.
When I worked the diver end of it, we never got tipped much either. But we were all paid. Some guys hustled for tips, but we had special words for guys like that. Some of the boats had prominent tip jars, but that seemd tacky.
When I ran my own business, my DM's were paid pretty well - plus it was all cash for them to make my accounting life easier. For some reason though, we were tipped unmercifully - it was never solicited, never expected, and I always made sure that the clients knew that they were horribly overpaying me, just to make sure that there was no mistake there. So that was ok.
When I got to Florida, I found that DMs were not paid - that they worked for tips. I still wonder about people doing this for free - a lot of them do free maintenance and repair work as well. So ya kinda have to tip them.
Don't get hung up on the amounts. Tip the DM if you feel like it unless they pretty much do nothing onboard except dive and you don't feel like tipping them. If you need help with a quick repair, a dive guide, help with your pricey camera gear, you better slot that person some extra shekels for the service(s).
If there's a DM onboard to meet the USCG crew requirement for an inspected vessel, then that person should be getting some upfront dough from the owners. This unpaid DM stuff is a long Florida tradition, and I still shake my head at the wonders of voluntary involuntary servitude.
But there seems to be a neverending number of people wanting to work in the glamorous world of professional dving in southern Florida.

[LetterBoy]

I didn't call you a mooch, I pointed out that you were very condescending to those who choose to tip more than you do. Rather than being defensive perhaps you should read your posts again and realize why some of us took offense.

reading comprehension isn't everyones strong suit . . .

[MissBubblyDiver]

I usually tip five dollars per head (divemaster, captain, a regular boat hand). I'm a divemaster myself. If I were doing boat work and received five from each customer I'd be happy.
I tip always-- even when I'm working as a divemaster with a class off a charter boat for which I don't get paid or tipped for. :)

[the gooch]

Talk about reading comprehension ladies, where did I ever project what I said about being called a mooch to ONESPEED? I was just addressing whomever the fool was that took the jab.

Someone get their feelings hurt when I voiced my "condescending" opinion about tipping $40 for a $55 trip. Give me a break.

[LetterBoy]

Name calling now that's a good tactic...

Btw who ever said any of my comments were directed at anyone but Chip? :hm: maybe u do have a reading comprehension problem...
Posted via Mobile Device

[the gooch]

Give it up, my screen name is "the gooch" and you just happen to say "someones name should be mooch" ---I am sure it is just a coincidence.

Whatever, I am done.

[ONESPEED]

Talk about reading comprehension ladies, where did I ever project what I said about being called a mooch to ONESPEED? I was just addressing whomever the fool was that took the jab.

Someone get their feelings hurt when I voiced my "condescending" opinion about tipping $40 for a $55 trip. Give me a break.

Shoot me a PM if you need any help with the big words....

http://selfhelprevolution.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/how_to_win_friends_and_influence_people.jpg


Give it up, my screen name is "the gooch" and you just happen to say "someones name should be mooch" ---I am sure it is just a coincidence.

Whatever, I am done.

Sure you are.:popcorn:

[David_57]

When the wife and I dive down south normally do about 10 boat dives we put 5 to 10 bucks in the tip jar depending on how well the divemaster was, based on some of the answers I have sen here I guess that makes us pretty cheap.

[LetterBoy]

When the wife and I dive down south normally do about 10 boat dives we put 5 to 10 bucks in the tip jar depending on how well the divemaster was, based on some of the answers I have sen here I guess that makes us pretty cheap.

Not cheap, everyone has a different "style" or reason for tipping the way they do. I like to be a good tipper, when it is deserved, I am not going to give some douchetard 20 bucks just for tying us into the wreck. Conversely[SP] if they do a above par job from the time we leave the dock, I am all for rewarding them.

Not to mention, if I forget to bring cash one time, I dont/wont feel bad if I say "hey guys thanks for the great job today, I will take care of you next time because I didn't remember to grab cash this AM" or whatever the excuse may be.

If this makes zero sense blame the boat CPT, CPT Morgan....

Posted via Mobile Device

[Wayward Son]

the boats I dive on, the dm/deckhand is not paid other than with tips. I'm not a dm, but I do sometimes deckhand for charters.

I'll tip $10 to $20 per diver for a trip, depending on how good a job they do. But seeing as they show up & work regardless, I tip them something. better if they do a better job, but always something.

[lottinala]

well ive never dove from a boat but my son just got cert. so when we do go im going to tip pretty well beings because i know we both will need a little extra help the first couple times. so yes i can see me tipping 20 to 30 bucks then drop to 15 to 20 bucks. maybe im wrong fill free to let me know.

[MissBubblyDiver]

As a female divemaster I take offense to your reasoning. If you want to look at hot females and tip them based on looks, go to hooters or a strip club. A dive master is supposed to be professional, not a sex object.
If the divemaster is an old crusty man like most divers are does that mean I don't have to tip as much as I would a hot young man (which never happens in this industry)? That wouldn't be right because they aren't there to be eye candy. They should be tipped based on their performance, not looks. If I were making tips as a divemaster (which I don't) I'd be annoyed if I wasn't getting tipped as much because I don't have a "hard body" and implants like Victoria Secret models. I'd be really annoyed if my tips depended on my looks and not my skills.

[deepstops]

As a female divemaster I take offense to your reasoning.

I'd be annoyed if I wasn't getting tipped as much because I don't have a "hard body" and implants like Victoria Secret models.

Lighten up Frances, Rhone Man was making a joke :no: :shakehead:

[Videodude]

As a working (part-time) DM I have received varying amounts over the years. The average is around $5 per tank.

When I dive for myself, I personally do not give less than $10 even for "sub-par" service, most of the time it is higher than that.

When I am on the boat as an Instructor, I always make sure my students take care of the divemaster, and I usually tip an extra $20 over what my students give.

That all being said, I have had days working as DM when tips averaged a couple of bucks per person. Nothing to do with the quality of service I provided, more along the lines of un-educated (about tipping anyway) divers not knowing tipping is proper procedure. That is why I start my students thinking about tipping etiquette from day one of class!

[Orlando Eric]

Boat DM's the industry standard is $5.00

If you are hiring a private DM to tour you around the site then whatever they quoted you and agreed to is the amount you pay. I do not tip owners of businesses. IF they need more money they and the ones who set the pricing.

[augie]

My average tip is about $15 but I work on a service intensive charter.

Please don't read anything into my question as I'm not challenging any part of the above statement, but as a "non-professional" member of the diving public it would interesting to hear from someone that does work in the industry, particularly locally, as in south/central Florida, how they define "service intensive".

Put another way, what services could be considered bare minimum, which ones go somewhat beyond that, and which ones are well above and beyond?

[annasea]

So the captain's been mentioned, and the DM, of course, but what if the charter owner is one of these two? Do people still tip the owner even though s/he's ideally making a profit from each charter?


how are tips (in the tip jar) usually split between the crew?


lets say there are three crew: one captain and one mate, plus a dive master who is there for just some of the passengers who are students.

I would assume the DM who isn't assisting everyone would get part of the "tip jar".

what about the rest? does it all go to the first mate, or does the captain have a split of it?

what about if the captain is an owner? (like asked above)


Boat DM's the industry standard is $5.00

If you are hiring a private DM to tour you around the site then whatever they quoted you and agreed to is the amount you pay. I do not tip owners of businesses. IF they need more money they and the ones who set the pricing.

Thanks for answering, Eric. :) Anyone else want to weigh in?

[fisheyeview]

Please don't read anything into my question as I'm not challenging any part of the above statement, but as a "non-professional" member of the diving public it would interesting to hear from someone that does work in the industry, particularly locally, as in south/central Florida, how they define "service intensive".

Put another way, what services could be considered bare minimum, which ones go somewhat beyond that, and which ones are well above and beyond?


Wilsway works on a 6 pack boat that is more than just a ride to and from the reef. They load and unload your gear. They have a DM in the water on every dive. They do not set a time to be back on the boat, so if you bring 130's you can dive as long as you want.

[augie]

Wilsway works on a 6 pack boat that is more than just a ride to and from the reef. They load and unload your gear. They have a DM in the water on every dive. They do not set a time to be back on the boat, so if you bring 130's you can dive as long as you want.

I know what boat she works on - it's my favorite charter on the east coast, and I was on it this past weekend. Like I said, I wasn't attempting to challenge her statement, I just thought - especially with some of the new divers viewing and participating in this thread, that it might be a good idea to categorize some of the services that DMs do as standard (minimum?), beyond standard, and "gold star".

As to the ones mentioned in your post:


They load and unload your gear

There was someone on the boat to hand our gear to, but it looked like everyone going out on the charter kind of pitched in. Maybe we didn't have to, but we didn't mind, and no one made us feel as though we weren't suppposed to. Based on my experience, this isn't any different from any charter we've been on from Jupiter to Pompano beach.


They have a DM in the water on every dive.

This is nice, but since Boynton is all about drift diving (granted - unless you tie off to a wreck), it's not that big of a deal (for me) to have someone in our group carry a flag - which is the standard practice on the boat I used for years that operates out of the same marina. But this is a big plus for a couple of other reasons; if you're dropped at any location that requires more than just drifting alongside the ledge it's awfully handy to have someone that knows which way to go to see the best of what there is to see at the site, and if you have any unexpected issues while underwater and you're not very experienced, it's good to have someone that can help you fix the problem and who knows whether that particular problem is one that you need to end the dive for.


They do not set a time to be back on the boat, so if you bring 130's you can dive as long as you want

To me, this is a biggie. I don't usually bring a big enough bottle/manage my air consumption to the point that it comes into play, but the biggest complaint I have with the operators I've used at a marina a few miles north of this one is their predetermined (and short!) dive profiles.

Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread into a different area, but like I said, I think (hope) that it may help some of the newer members of the dive community get a feel for what's expected, so that when they do receive superior service they'll know it and (getting back to the original subject of the thread) compensate the staff accordingly.

[fisheyeview]

I didn't take your post as a challenge of Wil. I was just using the boat as an example.

As a photographer it is nice not to have to tote the flag.