Do you tip your tailor?

[TintinATL]

A rule of thumb I have always used is that you do not tip a business owner, only an employee. Since my tailor has his own shop, I don't tip. Business owners can set their own prices and therefore determine how much profit margin they make, so tipping doesn't make sense. In fact, it might be considered borderline rude. Employees do not have that freedom so tipping them may be appropriate, depending on custom and culture.

 

[Grayland]

I've never tipped him, but I did give him a box of fresh Italian pastries at Christmas (he's Italian).

 

[zalb916]

Originally Posted by Sator

Alas, I have no Rolex watches to give away - to myself, let alone anyone else.

However, some people just have too much money. One tailor told me how after making him a vicuña sports coat, the client just handed him his credit card like a blank cheque, and said "charge me whatever you want". He charged $5000.

I was chatting with a tailor who recently completed a coat for me. We were discussing fabrics, and he pulled out a vicuna coat that he was finishing to show me. He gave me a rough idea about the cost. I can't imagine how the tailor above did not lose a decent chunk of money.

 

[contaygious]

well my tailor doesn't own the shop so that's why I asked.

 

[videocrew]

I think a nice bottle of wine or something similar at Christmas is appropriate, whereas tipping would not be. It's a little like tipping your lawyer, these people are skilled and well-trained people, and should theoretically be paid what they are worth.