Welcome to the Etiquette Forum

[RoadRunner]

We created this forum because Jim says that he gets several emails each week asking him etiquette questions.

FindaLink.net (http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php) has several pages dedicated to etiquette for tipping, dining, and email.

We're going to try this new forum and see what happens.

[RoadRunner]

After you read Jim's etiquette pages, come back here and let us know if there is something with which you disagree. We need some debate!!!! {smash}

Is it proper etiquette to {smash} people in a thread?

[Alec]

This isn't a bad idea. I'm sure I'll come up with some questions.

I think it is proper etiquette to {smash} a roadrunner, but otherwise, it is considered quite rude.

[MichaelG]

Hi there.

Here's my tipping etiquette question: we're having some rooms in our house painted. The "main" contractor showed up one night and we discussed what we wanted. He came back the next week to finalize things, and the morning after that, he arrived with two workers (let's call them Ivan and Igor). Ivan and Igor have done all of the work, and will be finished in a few days.

So, do I tip only Ivan and Igor, or do I tip their boss too? If so, is the tip based on a percentage of the total project? I hope not, because we're talking a nearly $5000 project, which would make a 15 percent tip $750.

I was thinking of giving Ivan and Igor $30-$50 each. What do you think? And if I tip them that, what about their boss?

Thanks.

[jamesglewisf]

There is no need to tip house painters. This comes straight from the horse's mouth. Two different individuals who own painting companies have said so.

If you want to show appreciation, consider offering them something to drink. If you really feal they have gone above and beyond, you can buy them pizza or something for lunch, but it is not expected.

You can also make a restroom available - tell them which one up front so that they don't have to ask.

[jamesglewisf]

BTW, MichaelG, thanks for joining and posting a question.

We hope you'll stick around for other discussions.

[MsIcySparks]

Hi, everyone!

I just have a quick question, and it would help a lot if you could help me out with this one.

I love to throw parties, and always ask for an RSVP - wether the invited person is coming or not. And, as usual, less than half the people have actually given me a definate answer by the RSVP date. I have to start buying for the party and I need to know how many people are coming so I don't end up without enough food. I hate having to go chase everyone down, but obviously I have to. Is there a proper way to go about this?

[weddingconsult]

Just wanted to weigh in on the open bar question. I noticed that the advice was to tip $1.00 per visit. As a wedding consultant, I do not think that is appropriate. When someone hosts an open bar they are being billed not only for all of the drinks consumed but also for tax and tip. If every guest tipped $1.00 for their drinks then the bartenders are in essence making 35%. A guest should only tip the bartender if the bar is a cash bar.

[jamesglewisf]

Thanks for the tip. :)

I updated the FindaLink page to reflect your advice.

I'm closing this thread so that member's will start new threads about tipping etiquette.