Booking a Limo? Here's What You Need to Know about Tipping
Booking a limo for any type of occasion allows you to get to and from your destination in style. While the nature of the vehicle itself might be what initially turns your head, a good experience can become a great one due to the professionalism of a driver. Although part of conveying your gratitude for the driver's care and attentiveness should be to share a hearty "thank you" at the end of the ride, another key way to show your thanks is by tipping. If you haven't had much limo experience, the prospect of determining how much you wish to tip might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here's the approach to take.
The General Rule
Although tipping -- and the amount that you opt to give -- is always up to the passenger's discretion, tipping chauffeurs between 10 and 15 percent of the cost of the ride is generally expected. The range of five percent provides you with the flexibility to carefully consider the different aspects of the limo ride that made the experience enjoyable and then tip within that range.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Numerous factors can influence exactly what percentage you choose to tip your limo driver. First, start by thinking about your interactions with the driver and his or her general demeanor. If the driver was friendly, punctual, helpful, and willing to accommodate not only your agenda, but also any spontaneous changes in your plan, consider these factors when you're trying to decide how much to tip. Keep in mind that oftentimes a limo driver will engage minimally with those riding in the vehicle so as to not intrude. Don't take this approach as a sign of rudeness, however. Additionally, think of the elements of the ride itself and tip on the higher end of the range if the driver got you to your destination on time but did so in a manner that was safe and smooth.
Approach to Tipping
It's always best to tip in cash rather than try to add it to the bill for the limo. Have enough bills of various denominations on hand to allow you to put together the tip you wish to give. If you're splitting the cost of the limo with others, take change by handling the tip and then asking your fellow riders to compensate you accordingly afterward. When you arrive at your final destination, thank the driver for his or her service and offer a handshake along with the tip. For more information, talk to a company like Pittsburgh Limo Service Extreme.