Job Discussion Forums

-Stu- · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 92 Location: Santiago, Chile

OK so the guy on the gate of our apartment has found someone to rent our parking space at our building. So the chap that now parks there pays the gate guy and he in turn pays us. Now should we give the gate guy a tip when he gives us the cash?

tiolee · Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 55 Location: UK - CHILE

no way.

YOU are doing them the favor. By all means say thanks but its YOUR spot and the guy renting it from the gate guy is saving himself money and HE knows it and the gate guy is making something for nothing and HE knows it so YOU keep your take and smile.

If you pay the gate guy he will just think your a dumb gringo.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

-Stu- · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 92 Location: Santiago, Chile

I'm quite happy to give the gate guy a tip, however being English I find the whole notion of tipping a little embarassing. It's like if I give the guy say $1000 am I saying look you're only worth this much? I'm more comfortable expressing my gratitude with a "muchas gracias," a smile, and a handshake. Perhaps Tiolee is right and the guy is already taking his cut before I get my cash.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

tiolee · Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 55 Location: UK - CHILE

I am chilean but having lived in England since I was 5 I also have the English affliction of being somewhat reserved when it comes to tipping matters, I always feel the need to tip that bit extra so ppl dont get offended. Once in Santiago my tip was almost half the cost of the meal, my parents told me off saying that it was way too much. Tip when its needed by all means, it helps ppl but dont go overboard.

And yes the guy will have taken his cut, ppl in Chile are nice and helpful on most occasions but they aint charity workers. Very very few ppl in life in any country do things for nothing.

eileen · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 71

yup, he's taking a cut. you're already paying him, so a tip is not necessary. I know what you mean about tipping. It is uncomfortable. My concierge helped someone carry my washing machine up to the 5th floor! I simply have to tip him. But I still feel weird handing him money, and acting like that's what he's worth!

wanderingwonderwoman · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 19 Location: chile

i dont think that giving a tip means "hey this is what you're worth. if you were worth more i would give you more, but you aint." i doubt the person receiving the tip feels that way, either.

think of the tip as a way to say "thanks" that actually counts for something more than a few kinds words. if you want to thank someone who has provided a service for you and you say "thanks" it goes just about that far. but give em MONEY and that shows that you really mean it, and they now have something tangible that they can use.

this does not necessarily apply to the gate guy, but is in reference to tipping in general.