Hi, I'm throwing a small bday party for my son next week. It's at a train store actually, but it has play tables and a party room. It's a flat amount for 2 hours, and I was just wondering...should I tip on top of that?? Thanks!
Thanks for all your help and advice!! :) It is at Choo Choo Bob's in St. Paul--my boys love playing there! (www.choochoobobs.com -- they have story time there too which is really cute!)
I always worry about who I should tip, and how much...I guess I'll play it by ear. I'm sure it's going to be a great time, and they take care of pretty much everything (cake, juice, gift bags) which is wonderful!
No. I wouldn't. You are already paying for the room. Unless you are having someone from the store "cater" to the party and provide services you are not obligated to tip, and I wouldn't. Good luck!
A little about me: SAHM of 2 girls, 4 and 16 mos. and currently epxecting a third!
Hey S.,
That's a very good question. I would call and ask the store what their policy is about tipping. Have a great party! L.
I would make a phone call to the place and ask them their policy, because maybe employees are not suppose to accept tips and could get in trouble in they did.
So let us in on where this store is that does train parties?????
I would only tip if you have alot of individual attention from an employee or one that goes out of their way. If the employee is running back and forth getting stuff, or helping out big time then I would. If your kinda on our own I wouldn't tip then.
Is this at Choo Choo Bobs? I love that place! As far as tipping goes it is generally for service. Will there be much set up and breakdown? Will there be someone on hand to help out during the party? It gets tricky, especially if it is a small owner run business. I once went by the rule of thumb that if it is the owner who is providing the service you don't need to tip. I learned otherwise after having stiffed an owner of a local salon during my first few visits. (She wasn't the one that corrected me) Each industry has its own standards. If it is at Choo Choo Bobs, I can't think that he would be expecting a tip. In fact he might be offended by the idea. But, I always think that offering something extra for additional service or attention is appropriate.
I would not think a tip is required or even presummed. If someone goes out of their way to make your son's birthday more memorable or if they cut cakes, or do set up and clean up then a tip would be appropriate. I hope it helps.
I'm not sure what kind of a place it is, are there servers or anyone like that? If not, I would say you do not need to tip. I'm curious about this train store...where is it? My son loves trains!
