For yacht charter crew and captain, tips can make up a large portion of their pay. By maintaining this expense as a separate item, the charter party can reward a crew that has done a fabulous job and a crew that feel if they go the extra mile, they have a chance of getting a bonus for their extra efforts.

Some charter parties take advantage of the system. They write copious, glowing notes in the yacht's log book and even on the post charter form they send to when they return home, yet they walk off the boat without leaving a cent. Clients should always be informed of the policy.

A reputable yacht charter broker will take care to mention the gratuity at the very beginning of the charter booking process, so that charter party knows about this cost when selecting a boat in a selected price range. When a summary of costs is sent with the contract, for them to look over before they confirm.

The gratuity is clearly shown under costs, including a suggested range depending on service received.

Another problem often mentioned by yacht charter brokers is that the tipping concept can negatively affect sales.

Most charter parties like the all-inclusive approach and some would rather not bother with adding a tip. Some see tipping as an unnecessary and annoying expense.

This is particularly true if a yacht charter broker has only brought up the subject after the charter is confirmed. Most brokers are thoroughly reputable, but like any industry, there are a few that twist the rules.

Yacht Charter agents can help the situation by genuinely being up-front with the concept and explaining that crews do many of the things you would normally tip for, from making the beds to serving your meals and entertaining you.

Whether a boat could increase bookings by saying a 10% gratuity is included is uncertain - they actually might.

For crews, it is especially difficult, because they are at the mercy of other people.

There is nothing worse however, than a crew that drops hints about the tip during the charter. Even mentioning it in an introductory letter to guests really starts the charter off the wrong way. Providing the charter was booked through an agent or broker, it is better for the crew to ask the broker before the charter if he/she is sure their guests know the yacht charter fee does not include the customary tip.

Many crews have no idea how comments on tips can turn off guests.

Written by :

The - YCT - Yacht Charter Team.

Points: 9