Just found out about limos...

MyDay627 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:45 PM

Just found out about limos...

Did you know that the gratuity on the contract is only to pay the drivers salary not the tip!! How much do you tip the driver than? DH's friend just got a job driving a limo and was over the other day telling us how he took the job because it was supposed to be salary plus tip but overheard an arguement between a brides mother and the head driver when it was explained that the gratuity on the contract only covers the salary not the drivers tip. Well I have plenty of time to figure out what to pay them but I thought some of you girls coming up to the wire might be interested in knowing.

neener1211 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:48 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

makes you wonder what the $500 (or so) for each limo is for...

absolutely ridiculous!

MyDay627 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:52 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

I know. It's amazing how alot of these vendors word their contracts to make you think you've got everything covered and at the last minute something like this would make me feel bad! I mean who's walking around with extra cash on them the day of their wedding to compensate.

Tracy&Brian Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:54 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

FH used to drive limos for a few different companies and believe me, they dont see a penny of that 20%.

ChrissynRicky Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:55 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

We visited about 5 limo companies, and 3:5 included the 20% gratuity in the contract. They only said that if we felt the drivers went completely out of the way and we were very satisfied with their service, that we have the option to tip in addition ($20-$30 or so.)

I've never heard of including the gratuity on the contract and then having to place an additional tip on top of that.

i102bcute Posted: Jul 05, 2006 12:57 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

Posted by ChrissynRicky

We visited about 5 limo companies, and 3:5 included the 20% gratuity in the contract. They only said that if we felt the drivers went completely out of the way and we were very satisfied with their service, that we have the option to tip in addition ($20-$30 or so.)

I've never heard of including the gratuity on the contract and then having to place an additional tip on top of that.

That's what I was told. I had called a limo company and they said the 20% is the tip and we don't need to tip anything else additional.

MyDay627 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 01:01 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

That's horrible. See he told us that the gratuity you pay on your contract pays the drivers salary for the day and that's it. He said he was embarassed when the arguement started because it left him and the other drivers in an akward position. It's not just the limos though like I know for a fact with catering halls because when I was younger I worked in them but even that gratuity that you pay all the waiters and waitresses dont get any of it and guests dont realize this so these kids walk away for an 8hour day with about $50-60, plus taxes are taken. I never tipped neither did my parents because we always thought it was included and also you think they are just working the 4hours of the party but they are there 2 hours before to set up and 2hours after to clean up. Now we know better. Like I said you dont know unless you have the inside scoop because of the way the contracts are worded. Again the limo thing is new to me so I feel bad that we never tipped the driver at my brothers wedding. He was so good to us and so helpful.

MyDay627 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 01:04 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

Posted by ChrissynRicky

We visited about 5 limo companies, and 3:5 included the 20% gratuity in the contract. They only said that if we felt the drivers went completely out of the way and we were very satisfied with their service, that we have the option to tip in addition ($20-$30 or so.)

I've never heard of including the gratuity on the contract and then having to place an additional tip on top of that.

Like I said they make you feel as though you are already taking care of these guys. I have had a driver in the past that believe me I wouldnt have tipped even if I knew what I know now but I mentioned the driver we had for my brothers wedding that my brother thought was already taken care of and he was so nice to us. He even drove out of the way to my dads old house(he passed away before the wedding)just because we asked.

mycrayon1 Posted: Jul 05, 2006 01:14 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

I remember those days! I worked as a valet and a lot of the weddings the couple would pay us about $50 a peice and put up a sign saying we weretaken care of. Unfortunetly we usually made more money with the individual cars.
I always wondered why the couple would that. I don't mean so much the money, just that it's another expense and something else to remember!

We haven't booked our limos yet but I will be sure to double check that '20% gratuity' now.

ChrissynRicky Posted: Jul 05, 2006 01:58 PM

Re: Just found out about limos...

I understand what you're saying, and I agree that it's truly unruly and an akward predicament.

However, i will say this, and I'm just being honest. I don't feel that it's the responsibility of the bride and groom to be concerned with such a matter. I honestly believe this conflict is strictly between the employer and the employee.

I understand that you're giving us an inside 'scoop' but this isn't fair to the brides and grooms who are already paying an arm and a leg for services and gratuities. It's not our responsibility to step up in an ethical manner and compensate employees b/c their employer isn't taking care of them properly.

MyDay627 Posted: Jul 06, 2006 09:43 AM

Re: Just found out about limos...

I understand what your saying too and I definetly agree that you shouldnt have to pay more than what you've laid out. What Im simply doing is letting you know that your contract isnt exactly what it states to be. I am one of those people like many out there however who this would bother if I didnt feel like I took care of all who took care of me. You shouldnt be responsible for what their employers are doing however I do think to cast aside ethics also isnt fair. This is definetly a do what YOU feel is right in the situation but here is some info. you may not know to base your decision. Just because something isnt done correctly doesnt mean you should close your eyes too it either does it I would do what one of the girls suggested to do and go over your contract to make sure. This information was not posted to strong arm anyone into doing something they shouldnt. Im sorry if that is how it was taken.