Tipping Guide

[billc]

This is one thing I have been thinking about also.I am planning what i would say is a big trip with 15 animals between me and my son.I do believe in tipping for a job well done.What i can not figure out is.Like the service part of my hunt will be like 7000.00 or so.The animals to hunt around 10,000 to 12,000.So is the tip based on the service part or am I to tip on the animals also.If I had millions of $$$$ would not worry as much. I work very hard for my money do remodeling which tips do not happen.I have tipped ever guide I ever hunted with if animals were taken or not.I was thinking around 1000.00 to 1200.00 total for the whole trip is this not enough.I know if the hunt was good I would want to tip more but that is about all I would have extra for this.I put so much away as I work for this trip and would almost need to wait another year with some of the tip amounts talked about.

 

[enysse]

I think your tip of $1000 to $1200 is more than enough, we all understand, some of us are blue collar workers....just my two cents.

 

[nsok]

If 1.000$ - 1.200$ is the tip you can afford, that is the best tip

 

[M. Egan]

Hey Billc
I think that if you get all that you expect and then some, ( I'm talking of the quality of your hunt, not your killing success)your $1k to $1.2k would be plenty. When it comes right down to it, it's up to you. In my opinion, the sums that you quote are sufficient for an exceptional serviced hunt. If you receive less than exceptional, I would tip less.
I know that most don't want to say a dollar amount, but this is my opinion, for what it is worth.

 

[nitro476]

Many thanks Jerome,

I was about to ask you about this subject as it has been a while since I have been on Safari! I intend to go next year for a 18 day hunt and I am very happy to have this information!

Many thanks,

Dave Kroeplnicki

 

[karibu]

Tips in Spain is a way to gratify the work done and the maximun is a 10% .And most of hunters pressent something of valeu, but for shore is more a feeling valeu, to gratify a special hunt.
To explane to you, that hapen in all cases, in a restaurant or in the bush.
And that depends of, as I observe:
1º how hard the profecional work, some times clients feel he can afford some more from his profecional, as I say in the restaurant and the bush.
2º Objetives dones. If I go for a 55" kudu and you tell me you have that kind of trophy in your land, I can´t be so happy hunting a 48 " kudu bull. Even If I take 32 trophys in 7 days.
And of course, Gently and good services, human factor is bery important, we go to africa to live a dream, and it cost money, time and some time is bery hard for most of hunters.

 

[Mark H. Young]

Tipping

In my job I get questioned about tipping on a regular basis. I don't really like to address this because it is impossible for me to assess exactly how the client will perceive the quality of the experience that they have.

Clients do want me to make a recommendation so I give them a general guideline. For a PG hunt where a client thinks everybody worked hard to make the safari a success the PH should get $50-$75 per day and on a DG hunt $75-$100. I also think the camp crew and vehicle staff shoud get the same but divided between them all.

The actual passing out of the tips should be left until safari's end and the PH should be the one to decide who gets how much as the PH will understand the pecking order in the camp. Often the PH will offer some recomendations and personally I find that often I give a little more to the folks that I think worked particulalrly hard to make my safari the best it could be.

On the 2x1 issue I'd say the PH should get about x 1.5 rather than twice as much but a 2x1 is a heck of a lot harder for a PH than a 1x1.

I also don't see why an owner should not be tipped. If he does the work what difference does it make? I tip for service. It doesn't matter to me what size the guy's net worth is.

As others have said tipping should be for the amount of effort put out and not based on the number and quality of dead animals. I remember very clearly the expression of absolute joy on the faces of a camp crew several years ago when they found out they would get a nice tip even though we did not get our lion. Those guys worked their butts off and deserved everythng we gave them.

 

[Bullhunter]

Tipping is an special thing.
And it is a combination with serveral things, like culture.

I was last year (and will bei this year) in Namibia.

I ask the PH (a normal farmer, not a full-time pro) how mutch the worker get in the month.
He said 100 Dollar each.
He was a great guy, but I think this was no correct (I think he gave them less. ...but of the other hand, he had only part-colths an, the oldest clothes I ever seen, but on the other side, they had an big flat screen in the house and the chief-skinner hat 3 handy and used them dayly, so I think in the first moment he was a druck-dealer...)
So I gave the each 20 dollar.

For the farmer and his wife we gave them some tings he need, mayby a good falshlight and I wrote them a peronal letter, with a true thank you and 100 Dollar.
(For a 5 day hunt).

I think this is okay.
We are still in contact, I come back, no problems.

Here in Germany it is not usuall to give a tipp.
Then you are in a restaurant and the bill is 32,20 Euro. You give 33 or highest 33 Euro.
Only then you are yound and you have your girl with you you give 40 Euro and say thank you and leave in the same moment.

 

[Blaserman]

Tipping

I just came back from a 10 day plains game hunt. I am a Blue collar worker and save , scrimp , slave to save for my Hunts I budget my Hunts . I give tips that I can afford.
I gave my skinner , who came into the Hunt after the first one was fired after 4 animals ,which cost me a worthog because of a lazy tracker not looking or misdirecting my PH. He got the tip I could give. The Ph was paid just before we we getting on the plane back to Joburg from the cape.I also taked all hunt long about getting and sending the PH thing he could use that were expensive in S. Africa , like 300 H&H brass ect.
When I arrived in Joburg something was amiss there was tention in the air with the out fitter . My friend was there he was the booking agent. He corned me and said that I shorted the skinner and the PH on Tips.
I said first of all you can't tell me how much to tip and I was on a budget . He said you want to borrow money. I said no I am on a Budget and I am not borrowing any money. What happened was by the 1 1/2 hr flight was over the PH call the outfitter and complained.
Well I thought to myself piss on him , sending anything else to Him. I explained to the outfitter in an email and never got a response. Well will be looking for another Cape outfitter in a year or 2. I have no complaint about anything else about the hunt what so ever.

 

[TERMINATOR]

..Excellent Post!! I generally gave about 10% between the Ph & Camp staff. Your artical definitely covered alot of the gray areas! After seeing how a lot of the camp staffs in Africa are treated not much better than slaves It makes a person feel more generous to them because The ones I have dealt with really did go the extra mile & deserved much more than I could afford to give!

I hunted with a great PH (great in the field, judging trophies, planning stalks, enjoyable to have a Scotch with) but he made it clear to me that he missed "the good ole days" and treated his staff pretty much like slaves.

He told me the stories about "Don't tip the staff or they wont show up for work tomarrow" and "don't treat them too nice or they will expect it all the time" (I gave the two boys skinning my Eland in searing heat each a Coke from our cooler, which the thankfully accepted, while we sat in the shade watching them)

At the end he insisted I give the staff's tip to him so he could "Sort it out accourdingly" and to be honest I always wondered if the cash in that envelope ever made it to the staff.

I have nothing but good to say about my hunt with that PH but I had to wonder if my "staff tip" really made it to the staff or was just added to his own.

 

[michaelhh375]

Terminator.
Since first time I came to Africa, i have been lucky with PHs. Still best friend, with my first PH and hes also my "mentor" for African hunting ( PH Jaco Haar Tzaneen RSA ). He has given a lot of good advices, and one of them is... IF you want to give a certain person in staff something... always let the PH know, before you do, there can be "misunderstandings" between the staff if you only "tip" one.... We always, at last day of hunt, collect all the gifts we brought, on a table, we also give some money, and all is divided into equal parts to all of the staff, and we do it openly so all can see that all got about the same.... It is always good to come back for another hunt, when you are certain that all involved are happy to see you again. If you decide to give money, make sure to bring small bills, so you can give each one same amount, all involved will appreciate this more then if you select 2-3 persons and give them, without anyone else knows, cause the whole camp will know about this soon anyway..... No PH I know, will "steal" your tip money, they will always make fair payments to all of the staff.
"Be smart but not to smart" ( Chinese expression )

 

[Blaserman]

Mark young

That was a good post $50 to $75 a day is reasonable , and maybe more than $75 to $100 a day on DG hunt . I agree on that.

 

[firehuntfish]

Tipping on your Safari

Wow... This has been a very interesting discussion. I can't believe the replies have continued for 2 years. I must admit that I have been suprised by some of the commentary and the different points of view, especially from those in different countries where tipping is not customary...

I believe the who, when and how's of tipping have been thoroughly covered. Speaking as a client who has hunted and fished with outfitters all over the world, and as a sportfishing guide myself for the last 30 years, here are a few more points I would like everyone to consider.

For those of you who originate from countries where tipping service staff is not customary, that is all well and good.. I will respect that, and refrian from tipping as well when I visit your countries. However, whether you agree with the practice or not, there are many countries where tipping is customary and expected for workers providing exceptional service. If that concept is a problem for you, maybe you should consider patronizing a different destination. When I am a visitor in a foreign country, I go out of my way to learn and practice the accepted customs of that culure. I do not judge or try to enforce my beliefs when I am the visitor. If you are uncomfortable with the customs, politics or social structure of the place you are visiting, then leave and don't go back...When in Rome....

The best advice given throughout all of these posts was that research, planning, and asking questions BEFORE your trip is the best way to ensure you will have a great experience. Check as many references on your outfitters as possible, and thoroughly question your outfitter about what to expect and what is customary not only with tipping but with all aspects of your visit. You should be able to trust the recommendations of a reputable outfitter. If your outfitter's answers are vague or suspicious, you need to look for another outfitter.

As a guide myself, I can assure you that tips are a welcome aspect of the transaction. I also understand that many clients are uncomfortable about tipping when it comes time to decide who and how much. I personally make a point to discuss this with the client prior to the trip so there are no suprises or uncomfortable moments. I think it's the obligation of every guide or outfitter to address this with their clients. I tell my clients beforehand that if my effort and enthusiasm of myself and the crew is not obvious, then we don't deserve a tip. I have never had a problem....

It was also mentioned that some clients are not wealthy and tipping on top of the cost of the hunt is not within the budget. Or, you should tip what you can afford...My answer to you is that tipping SHOULD BE part of the budget. My wife and I are not rich people by any means. I fish 300 days a year and put in 60-70 hours a week. But, when we plan a trip, we budget for the total cost of the trip including an acceptable gratuity that we know the staff will be happy with. We know this because we asked about it before the trip. If you can't afford to leave a gratuity, you shouldn't take the trip.

My advice to the outfitters & PH's out there is to be open, honest, and proactive about discussing tips with your clients before, during, or after the trip...I can assure you that most Americans are happy to tip accordingly. However, we don't like to be suprised, pressured, or feel like we are being taken advantage of when it comes to reaching into our pockets. I personally DO NOT LIKE the practice of being presented the long list of staff members to tip at the end of the trip. I feel my PH is the boss of the crew. I like to tip him a specific amount, and them have either him or the outfitter divide the gratuity for the staff as they see fit. Again, if you don't trust that your PH/Outfitter is trustworthy to distribute the tips fairly, then you have chosen the wrong outfitter. Now, if you have a particular tracker or staff member that you specifically want to reward for going above and beyond, you should be able to do so at your discretion.

And lastly, for those of you that are wealthy....Get off your wallet and be generous! It's good for the ecomomy....Spread the wealth..

The only thing worse than a bad tipper, is a rich bad tipper!

 

[enysse]

I think the whole tipping culture needs to end and everything needs to be added into the cost of the hunt. Not to hurt anyones feelings, but expectation would be the same on each hunt or fishing trip. Having taken a clock cleaning hit during this new economy in the US...along many others, I have come to the realization that just because things have gone this way or that way for 100 years or a thousand years doesn't mean they can't be changed in a millisecond...it someone new has the power reigns in hand.

This may sound Socialist or whatever...but rich or poor...hunt costs should be relatively the same at the end of the day. I know the Europeans have a extensive break down on how a hunt is paid....and there are trophy fees for everything (I frankly hate it!). But at the end of the day every client should be treated the same and pay the same.

I think tipping has gone overboard. My two cents...if someone expects to make "X"amount of dollars for a hunting and fishing trip, then it should be stated in a contact be the vacation starts!

 

[sestoppelman]

Enysse, Would you do away with competition?

Agree one hundred percent that tipping has gotten out of control. Tips should not be asked for, yet at the end of my last trip the PH asked "if I had some idea what tips would be for the staff". Owing to a very unspectacular trip I tipped a little light for all concerned.

 

[James.Grage]

fire-hunt-fish

Wow... This has been a very interesting discussion. I can't believe the replies have continued for 2 years. I must admit that I have been surprised by some of the commentary and the different points of view, especially from those in different countries where tipping is not customary...

Tipping is as different as night or day...you ever go to a retirement community...where a party will order a $30 dollar meal and leave $1 dollar tip....It looks like we have some of that mentality on this discussion...i have some friends that i swear that they screw there socks on when they get up in the morning they are so tight..If you squeak when you walk you need to stay home....

I believe the who, when and how's of tipping have been thoroughly covered. Speaking as a client who has hunted and fished with outfitters all over the world, and as a sport-fishing guide myself for the last 30 years, here are a few more points I would like everyone to consider.

You have given this some thought and your comments are Well thought out...

For those of you who originate from countries where tipping service staff is not customary, that is all well and good.. I will respect that, and refrain from tipping as well when I visit your countries. However, whether you agree with the practice or not, there are many countries where tipping is customary and expected for workers providing exceptional service. If that concept is a problem for you, maybe you should consider patronizing a different destination. When I am a visitor in a foreign country, I go out of my way to learn and practice the accepted customs of that culture. I do not judge or try to enforce my beliefs when I am the visitor. If you are uncomfortable with the customs, politics or social structure of the place you are visiting, then leave and don't go back...When in Rome....

If you look at the tipping guide for places that are service driven they will have a tipping scale close by for you to look at and use...we do not have that with a safari...that is why we have a great difference of opinions...and when large groups of say 6 or more show up the tip is included in the bill usually in the 20 to 25 percent bracket...

For good to great service the tip should be in the range of between 10 to 20 Percent total for the crew...So if the daily fees and animals equal $10,000 then the tip should be between $1,000 and $2,000...

I try to ask before hand to know what is expected, and i will have a note card all filled out prior to leaving with the customary tip included...all i have to do is fill in the name and hand it out with a gift when we leave...i usually take a couple of extra cards along just in case some one was over looked...so it is a easy fill in and hand out...

The best advice given throughout all of these posts was that research, planning, and asking questions BEFORE your trip is the best way to ensure you will have a great experience. Check as many references on your outfitters as possible, and thoroughly question your outfitter about what to expect and what is customary not only with tipping but with all aspects of your visit. You should be able to trust the recommendations of a reputable outfitter. If your outfitter's answers are vague or suspicious, you need to look for another outfitter.

This is sound advise and i try to follow this my self in my planning process...

As a guide myself, I can assure you that tips are a welcome aspect of the transaction. I also understand that many clients are uncomfortable about tipping when it comes time to decide who and how much. I personally make a point to discuss this with the client prior to the trip so there are no surprises or uncomfortable moments. I think it's the obligation of every guide or outfitter to address this with their clients. I tell my clients beforehand that if my effort and enthusiasm of myself and the crew is not obvious, then we don't deserve a tip. I have never had a problem....

again very sound advise to follow...

It was also mentioned that some clients are not wealthy and tipping on top of the cost of the hunt is not within the budget. Or, you should tip what you can afford...My answer to you is that tipping SHOULD BE part of the budget. My wife and I are not rich people by any means. I fish 300 days a year and put in 60-70 hours a week. But, when we plan a trip, we budget for the total cost of the trip including an acceptable gratuity that we know the staff will be happy with. We know this because we asked about it before the trip. If you can't afford to leave a gratuity, you shouldn't take the trip.

While not wealthy all tips are part of my planning process which by the way should including shipping of trophy's plus taxidermy work is included in my budget for each Safari...That means only a couple of heads will be mounted for each safari...the other are horns/skulls on a plaque.

My advice to the outfitters & PH's out there is to be open, honest, and proactive about discussing tips with your clients before, during, or after the trip...I can assure you that most Americans are happy to tip accordingly. However, we don't like to be surprised, pressured, or feel like we are being taken advantage of when it comes to reaching into our pockets. I personally DO NOT LIKE the practice of being presented the long list of staff members to tip at the end of the trip. I feel my PH is the boss of the crew. I like to tip him a specific amount, and them have either him or the outfitter divide the gratuity for the staff as they see fit. Again, if you don't trust that your PH/Outfitter is trustworthy to distribute the tips fairly, then you have chosen the wrong outfitter. Now, if you have a particular tracker or staff member that you specifically want to reward for going above and beyond, you should be able to do so at your discretion.

And lastly, for those of you that are wealthy....Get off your wallet and be generous! It's good for the economy....Spread the wealth..

There are all scales of individuals on this forum...and some will be at the top and other will be toward the bottom...and as my grand father said if you dance to the fiddler tune you have to pay to walk in the door...meaning if you cannot pay for the privilege of going you should stay home and save your money until you can afford to pay to go...and for those that are able to go on a safari need to budget Tips as part of the equation..if makes no difference where you come from on the Tip equation...

My wife if a bigger tipper that i am, i tip around 15 to 20 percent when we go out for meals...As she said the ones waiting on us deserve a good tip if they provide great service, that is where they make there money...she will tip around 25 percent...

The only thing worse than a bad tipper, is a rich bad tipper!

 

[Nyati]

Totally agree with firehuntfish, I include tips in my safari budget.

It doesn t mean I like it, I don t, but, if it is the local custom, I accept it.

On top of that I like to give something personal to the PH and trackers, like knives or clothes.

 

[James.Grage]

I am 100 percent with this...looking for great knives for my next hunt as we speak...

Totally agree with firehuntfish,

On top of that I like to give something personal to the PH and trackers, like knives or clothes.

 

[enysse]

Enysse, Would you do away with competition?

Agree one hundred percent that tipping has gotten out of control. Tips should not be asked for, yet at the end of my last trip the PH asked "if I had some idea what tips would be for the staff". Owing to a very unspectacular trip I tipped a little light for all concerned.

The huge problem we have in the US is that we can't grow a slow economy anymore...we have to spectacular growth with...some ponzi scheme attached to it! I remember all the accounting fiascos...where companies where lying about false profits. Bankers funding homes to people that couldn't afford it....and getting into a unending...expensive war.

As far as hunting goes...why can't you put a price next to every hunt? Whoever provides the best service, can raise prices until...the clients can't afford that anymore.

After loosing collective bargaining in Wisconsin....a lot of people are living is communistic environment...where the employer dictates the pay and conditions....after they took 10 Percent plus of all their wages! With no wage increase in the forseeable future. When you take peoples rights away it's a lot easier to fix a budget....because then they don't have a voice or right to do anything about it. Sure you can quit your job....but they aren't making too many new jobs anymore.

Including the tips in price of the hunt...takes out the unexpected! Every client is at a equal level...once he or she pays the hunt.

 

[sestoppelman]

I cannot go along with including the tips in the price of anything. Tips are supposed to be optional depending on the level of service whether its a meal or a hunt. If one feels everything went well then tip according to that and your wallet thickness. If things did not go so well, tip according to that. I too include a certain level of tip money in my budget and how much of that I use is my choice depending on the aforementioned.