This post is for the FOH folks. Use what you want, discard the rest...
Pretend you are starting your first day at WDisneyW or Islands of Adventure or Sea World, and I am your trainer. Some of the things I am about to tell you may seem a bit harsh, now, but they aren't meant that way. No ego... after the Ryder Cup tell me how close I am to the truth.
Most importantly, treat everyone like they were your family. Even if you think they are from a culture that doesn't reward your efforts. You will be surprised consistently. With that in mind, here's how to identify certain cultures, their gratuity traditions, and some ideas on how to encourage an appropriate tip...
The United Kingdom and other English speakers- Most love to drink a cup of coffee while they pay their bill. And they only drink 1 cup. Easiest sale ever! Very few drink tea in America (and when they do, they don't do it again)
The Brits: They like their steaks well done (and will order a steak almost every time), will almost universally order Budweiser sans glass, and generally are the easiest people to take care of. Pretty much, an anvil could fall on the table, and they still have a good time. They tip 10% standard, unless they know better, and then they go to 15%. Rarely 20%...
The Scotts: Ask a man a yes or no question, and if he says 'Aye,' they're Scottish. A bit looser than the Brits, on average, they like to tip 12% to 17%. They are also prone to the 'exceptional tip', but it has less to do with actual job performance and more to do with how much they like the server. And they like the outgoing American stereotype. They will talk to you all night! So find the balance.
The Irish :
Northern- Every time I have had interactions with them, they come in large, extended families. Almost to the person, they have very dark hair, and an angular look to their facial structure. Super- sweet, I have always felt it a pleasure to be in their company, so haven't really tried to maximize their tips. Besides, parties that size get a gratuity.
Southern- The accent is English, but it is sung more than it is spoken. They love Americans, but do not share the Scott's thoroughness (I guess that's the word.) They will laugh at your jokes, but aren't fans of you hanging out at the table shooting cheddar. In and out, is my experience. They tip in between the Scotts and the Brits, 12-14% unless informed
The Aussies- I have lost the ability to distinguish their accents from the Brits (for shame!) As I remember it, their dialect is very similar to S London, just a bit looser. I might be wrong on this one, but I believe the word 'mate' is passe' to them. By the way, they hate being called British, as they have their own history. They won't pitch a fit, but they will secretly hold it against you. When in doubt, pay attention to the skin. They almost always look the healthiest. And that doesn't necessarily mean tanned, just the lack of 'blue,' if you get me. They are generally 18 to 20% tippers, but my experience is 5 years old...
The South Africans- Forget it, you will never peg one. They might be of Chinese descent, might be Germanic, they simply are one of the most diverse ethnic travelers in the world. The Morrocans and Swiss might have it on number of languages spoken, but when it comes to assimilated ethnicities, S Africa rules. 18% all day.
OK, the Canadiens know better and yet they consistently tip 10% Think hockey. The meal is always you getting board- checked with some sarcastic remark. And then they tip, as I said, 10%. And yet I always try to 'kill them with kindness.' Maybe this go around, I return their remarks with some snappy retorts. Kind of like (whatever)'s Last Chance. As a Disney brat, it is SOOO hard for me to do it, though. I'll probably just take my lickin's yet again...
The Germanic/ Slavs/ Nords- Wow, what a huge geographical category! I will make it easy, though...
~ If they start singing group songs, bring a lot of alcohol and strap in for a long night. You, my friend, just hit the jackpot! Someone will be naming their first- born after you before it is all done! Oh, by the way, they WILL try to get you just as smashed as them. I have even had a disgruntled Swede call my manager to the table to gripe at him because I couldn't accept the gracious gift he took it upon himself to give me.
~ If they go out of their way to explain to you they aren't from Germany, expect 18- 20%
~ If they know their order after looking at the menu for 56 seconds, and then place their order without any emotion, questions, or interaction, they probably are German. Old School. 10% to the penny, every time. Turn and burn the table, that's what they want you to do anyways. Honest!
The Eastern Block and Russian cultures I have very little experience with.
The French- Just roll the dice. They are each and of themselves. Some men kill themselves to be the first one to grab the check. Usually not a good sign. 15% Then you get THE FRENCHMAN. He will leave the check on the table till the last possible minute and then drop his card in quickly. Just to see if you were available. It doesn't matter, cause he's gonna tip you like he's your grandfather, anyways. He's everyone's grandfather, if you get my drift.
The Latin cultures require their own little set of rules, and they all revolve around sex. Being a man, I can only give you my gender- based experience. If the lady talks to you, answer politely, but never look her in the eyes for longer than necessary. Always drop your gaze quickly. I know, I know, she is beautiful in a classic way and it's hard to look away... but he generally pays the bill (even when they put it on her card.) 20% standard for the Spaniards (expect any less?), 10 to 15% for the South Americans. If they are from South America and she orders you around like a servant, bet she will pay the bill (cause she holds the strings) and bet she will 10% you.
The Japaneese are like the Germans, but 18% is their norm. They appreciate efficiency and eloquence and warm up to a good kowtow (or 15.) I always love taking care of them because they are so appreciative of the gift of hospitality. Still the same tip, whether the service was four or three star, but you can tell when they really enjoy the experience, because they chatter all the way out the door.
Like James Brown
