[pct-l] Tipping

[Slyatpct at aol.com]

I wouldn't bother playing games and just charge $20 per night  upfront.  I'd 
also charge for shuttles, atleast enough to pay for  gas.  What you offer is a 
bargin in anyone's book.  
 
Sly
 
 
In a message dated 12/25/2006 1:56:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
phix at optigan.com writes:


here's a thought. maybe a naive one, but reverse psychology is  often the 
best way to go about this. if you don't make it known that you  accept 
tips or donations of any sort, this does two things. first, it  creates 
an extra sense of gratitude in the mind of the conscientious  hiker, that 
you would do all this and suggest that nothing at all is  expected (or 
possibly not even accepted) in return. most hikers will  respond to this 
generosity accordingly. second, you avoid the "group  mentality" effect 
where, if someone sees a tip jar with money in it, or  even just a sign 
saying that tips/donations are accepted, many will  inevitably/wrongly 
think "oh, everyone else will leave a donation, so i  don't have to."

another thing is that openly asking for tips/donations  can tend to 
create a bit of confusion for hikers- "so, is a tip/donation  fully 
expected? is that just their polite way of saying that we're  expected to 
pay for their services?" etc etc.

anyway, just thought  i'd throw this out there. i, for one, was very 
grateful for your help and  hospitality- even that far along, us pathetic 
hikers still need as much  support, wherever it appears!!

and i'd like to thank you and jerry once  again and wish you a very happy 
holiday!! :)