Minimum Tip

[TotallyOz]

I know it will never happen in Pattaya, or in Thailand, but I would love to see a standard price for a short time. I think there are many that overpay and many that underpay. Part of the reason for this is the lack of knowledge many have as to what others are doing and part if just for personal reasons.

 

There is a bar that charges 1200 baht off. This is 200 baht for the bar and 1k baht for the boy

[Gaybutton]

I agree with the idea, but I think it needs perfecting. For example, if the tip is included in the "off" fee, it is collected by the bar at the time you pay your bill. How do you know that boy will actually receive it or that he will receive all of it? In some bars, the mama-sans demand a portion of tips the boys get. Also, if the tip is paid at the time the "off" fee is paid, it's the mama-sans who distribute the tips. Unless there is a way to make sure the boy will receive the tip to which he is entitled, then it's a good idea that I don't think will really work.

 

Another problem is when the boy turns out to be a dud. I have never supported under-tipping, but I do support the idea that if one has made an agreement with a boy, and then the boy does not live up to what the agreement was, then he does not deserve the full tip. Sometimes he deserves nothing at all. That does happen sometimes. If the boy knows his tip is advance paid, then he also knows he's got his tip whether he performs or not. I do not agree with the idea that a tip should be paid prior to the service being rendered. Even in restaurants that include service charges on the bill do not expect the charge to be paid prior to the service. If the service was unacceptable, then the service charge can be disputed prior to paying the bill.

 

I think the problem can be solved very simply. All a bar would need to do is to post a sign in a location that people are sure to spot and specify the expected minimum "short time" and "long time" tips.

That is the way it is done in the gay massage parlors. If, for example, you go to the Blue House massage, they will show you a menu of the available types of massages and the menu boldly shows what the tip should be for the boy. Why can't the bars do the same thing?

[TotallyOz]

All a bar would need to do is to post a sign in a location that people are sure to spot and specify the expected minimum "short time" and "long time" tips.

 

Actually, I think this is a great solution.

[Up2u]

I agree with the concept of a minimum tip but if implemented it could cause problems. The "off" fee is charged because the customer is removing the employee (dancer, waiter, mamasan, etc.) from the premises. What goes on between the two later is between them and the bar "in theory" is oblivious. By posting or collecting a minimum tip the bar may have crossed that fine line between pimping and/or prostitution. Massage parlors charge the tip because the assumption is that it is for a regular massage (right!). If the bar collected the tip some people would be concerned that the full amount goes to the boy. I think message boards like this should educate the "newbies" on tipping standards and despite it's flaws let the tip be "Up2u".

[Guest pete1969]

Up2U is right. Bars cannot legally advertise or promote prostitution in their establishments. I've been told bars don't in theory even charge an off fee. They are charging you for a drink (this is what is written on the chit you receive), and off fees are listed in the books as a special drink category.

 

I think the boys also would prefer the "up to you" sytem and come out ahead this way.

 

Pete