KevinCope 0 #1 July 27, 2007 My wife and I are going for our first jump tomorrow tandem) I would assume you need to tip your guy/gal. My question what is the customary tip amount. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #2 July 27, 2007 You don't need to tip any one! On my only tandem I tipped 20 dollars because I thought they gave me good instruction, and I really enjoyed the way I was treated while there. I also heard a rumor that skydivers love cases of beer... after hours of course. I hope you have a great experince for your first jumps. "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #3 July 27, 2007 Tipping is not expected or required but is appreciated for excellent service. I worked in skydiving as a fulltime vocation for 7 years at a very busy year round operation, so I can give you advice from first hand experience. You are going to get a LOT of opinions on this issue, some potentially emotionally charged. Fulltime skydivers who skydive as a sole vocation average $20k or less annually, so to the full timers, tips are very welcome and appreciated. Some people here will tell you not to tip no matter what, I do not agree with that because anytime I receive excellent attention from someone in a service industry I always tip, but that is just me, let your conscious be your guide. As a camera flyer I am usually not tipped, and when I am it is between $1 and $20. As a solo freefall instructor, I am tipped around 50% of the time anywhere from $5 to $20 is the average and this seems to hold true for all the TIs I work with. I have been tipped as much as $200 before if you can believe that. A case of beer for the end of the day is always appreciated as a tip, it is best when students hang out after hours and have a few cold ones too, it is fun socializing. Often times though, after working hard for 12+ hours 7 days a week I hit the shower and head to bed early, working at a really busy DZ can be quite a marathon during the busy part of the year and it is hard work at times. I think the best tip of all is students having a great time, having fun and allowing me to ba a part of their adventure – it is a really cool one at that so enjoy!Mykel AFF-I10 Skydiving Priorities: 1) Open Canopy. 2) Land Safely. 3) Don’t hurt anyone. 4) Repeat… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #4 July 27, 2007 No tip is necessary. I don't think twice about whether i wil receive a tip or not, but when I do I'm very surprised and happy. Funny thing, my very first paying tandem was a 20 year old kid and he tipped me $20. My tips are usually $20, but I've had a $5 tip and a $50 tip. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #5 July 27, 2007 I received a $100.00 tip for video once, and when I went to split it with the TI, found that he'd received the same. My first tandem, I tipped $25.00. I've received a few $5.00 and $10.00 tips as a videographer. That said, no different than anywhere else, tips aren't expected but certainly very appreciated and gratefully accepted. If the TI makes you laugh, shows you a good time, and doesn't hit on your wife/girlfriend, at least buy him/her a cold soda. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #6 July 27, 2007 Quote If the TI makes you laugh, shows you a good time, and doesn't hit on your wife/girlfriend, at least buy him/her a cold soda. Bingo! I prefer Diet Dr. Pepper. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #7 July 27, 2007 Tips are alway apreciated, but NEVER expected!We are always hungry, so if you show up with a sammich, share! ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #8 July 27, 2007 Tips are always appreciated, but I never expect them so (as Steve said), it is always a nice surprise. I have been tipped with everything from cash ($20 usually) to t-shirts to jackets to movie tickets. If you can afford the extra expense, it is a nice thing to do. Speaking for myself - if you want to learn to skydive I would rather you spent your tip money on AFF. Others may feel differently. If the Tandem Instructor and Camera Flyer both did a tip-worthy job, including them both is a great gesture. Otherwise most TIs will split a tip with his CF.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,307 #9 July 28, 2007 I'm one of those AFFI is referring to that is adament about not taking a tip, but do not make a living in skydiving. Since previous discussions on the matter with my peers.... When offered a tip will now re-direct and introduce the tipper to the tandem packer.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #10 July 28, 2007 I'll accept tips from tandem students but absolutely will not from AFF. I prefer they spend the money on more jumps or beer for the dz.Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #11 July 28, 2007 Nice. ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ORANGENBLUE 0 #12 July 30, 2007 The funny thing is I had six students in a row tip $20 each this weekend and that was AWESOME but I kept thinking "Damn i wish I had a Sammich!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
