Tipping for Children

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='BlueHerons']Cruizer, what kind of position do you have in the hospitality industry that could result in criminal prosecution for accepting a tip?

[B]tip:[/B]
A small sum of money given to someone for performing a service; a gratuity.

[B]gra·tu·i·ty[/B] (A favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service.

[B]bribe[/B] [I]n.[/I][LIST=1]
[*]Something, such as money or a favor, offered or given to a person in a position of trust to influence that person's views or conduct.
[*]Something serving to influence or persuade.[/LIST][/quote]
I handle large sums of money. I am not in the banking industry. I am in the financial industry. A tip to me would be interpreted as an attempt to get more business out of me or an attempt for me to pay more than I should (I have had people state that if I added more to the bill, we could split it). This same rule of tips vs. bribes applies to anyone who is responsible for paying out large sums of money (in my case over $2 mil per year). People who have tried to bribe people in my position have gone to jail for it. It is usually part of another crime known as fraud. Anyone, other than my employer who gives me money, or anything more valuable than a pen, lunch or a drink on a hot day will be reported - without exception. I have had to return gifts (though it was clear those were gifts and not bribes). Not all gifts have to be returned. However, if it has any real value, my employeer will know about it.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']Sorry, you lost me at the end of chapter one. :rolleyes:

Seriously, rather than writing a novel trying to justify it, just be cheap and don't tip. And don't tell us about it, we'll be none the wiser!!!!![/quote]

If this comment was meant for me, I will repeat, I have always tipped at least the recommended amount on my cruises, and in some cases I have increased that by as much as 50%. If I run into a situation where I feel the service falls below a minimum standard, I will deal with it at that time. So far that has never been a problem. For those I give extra to, I make sure they know it is in addition to the standard.

[GoinCruisin]

Here is some info on the service sector jobs where we generally are expected to tip...

United States and Canada
In the [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States"][COLOR=#0000ff]United States[/COLOR][/URL] and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada"][COLOR=#0000ff]Canada[/COLOR][/URL], these people are likely to expect to be tipped ([I]suggested amount[/I]):
[LIST]
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiter"][COLOR=#0000ff]Waiters[/COLOR][/URL] (20%)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellman"][COLOR=#0000ff]bellman[/COLOR][/URL]/[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellhop"][COLOR=#0000ff]bellhop[/COLOR][/URL]/porters ($3 per bag)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maid"][COLOR=#0000ff]maids[/COLOR][/URL] ($2 per day)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] Room service (15–20% [I]Same as restaurant gratuity below.[/I])
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartender"][COLOR=#0000ff]Bartenders[/COLOR][/URL] ($1 per drink)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab"][COLOR=#0000ff]Taxicab[/COLOR][/URL]/[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limo"][COLOR=#0000ff]limo[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving"][COLOR=#0000ff]drivers[/COLOR][/URL] (15–20%)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valet_parking"][COLOR=#0000ff]valet parking attendants[/COLOR][/URL] ($1–2 upon both arrival and departure)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairdresser"][COLOR=#0000ff]hairdressers[/COLOR][/URL]/ [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barber"][COLOR=#0000ff]barbers[/COLOR][/URL] (10% in small towns, 15–20% in cities; Tip whether this is the proprietor or not.)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza"][COLOR=#0000ff]Pizza[/COLOR][/URL] (and other food) deliverypersons (At least $2. Remember he must pay for his gas.)
[*]Curbside [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luggage"][COLOR=#0000ff]luggage[/COLOR][/URL] handlers at [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport"][COLOR=#0000ff]airports[/COLOR][/URL] ($1 per bag)
[*]Coat checker ($1 per coat)
[*]Ski instructors (sometimes, especially when giving a private lesson)
[*]Piercers and tattoo artists
[*]Movers
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_shine"][COLOR=#0000ff]Shoe shiners[/COLOR][/URL][/LIST]As a rule, the proprietor/owner of a business would not expect an additional tip.
Gratuity is generally 20% for breakfast, lunchtime, and dinner meals. Many restaurants will automatically add a gratuity of 18% to the bill for large parties (often defined as 6 or more people)—if this is done the amount should be clearly indicated on the check as a "gratuity" or "service charge". In this case no additional tip need be added to the total, however if you're dining during a dinner meal, it is customary to tip a bit more to cover the 20% that is usually tipped.
Sometimes, this information on the menu can serve as a guide to patrons. If a diner is unsure of how much to tip a server, often the gratuity stated on the menu is the appropriate percentage to apply.
In some large cities, especially [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York%2C_New_York"][COLOR=#0000ff]New York[/COLOR][/URL], the staff of [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartment_building"][COLOR=#0000ff]apartment buildings[/COLOR][/URL], such as [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super#Building_superintendent"][COLOR=#0000ff]building superintendents[/COLOR][/URL], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_%28carrier%29"][COLOR=#0000ff]porters[/COLOR][/URL], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concierge"][COLOR=#0000ff]concierges[/COLOR][/URL] and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doorman"][COLOR=#0000ff]doormen[/COLOR][/URL], expect an annual tip from residents during the [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter"][COLOR=#0000ff]winter[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday_season"][COLOR=#0000ff]holiday season[/COLOR][/URL]. The amount to tip varies on the occupation of the person receiving the tip and the size and wealth of the building; most residents typically budget $75 to $200 in total each year for building holiday tips. Building staff also expect tips for performing services not normally part of their jobs, such as watering a plant or running an errand.

[GoinCruisin]

[quote name='Cuizer2']If this comment was meant for me, I will repeat, I have always tipped at least the recommended amount on my cruises, and in some cases I have increased that by as much as 50%. If I run into a situation where I feel the service falls below a minimum standard, I will deal with it at that time. So far that has never been a problem. For those I give extra to, I make sure they know it is in addition to the standard.[/quote]

If you have said it, why repeat it? But you sure are arguing this point to death as to why NOT to tip...

Like I said (and not directed at anyone in particular... just like the last time I said it :rolleyes: )... WHOEVER, if you are too cheap to tip, then don't... it all comes back around to you, if you don't tip, don't tell us about it... hey, you can even tell us you do tip. But I can't say that I hope you have a great cruise, I hate to lie :D

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='big_duck']OK you tell me what cruiseline charges pays it's employees what Carnival does, doesn't allow tipping and has excellent service?[/quote]

That is the point! If the cruise lines paid their employees a fair wage, the passengers would not have to tip. If everyone had to pay $2140 to cruise instead of $2000 + $140 to cruise the final cost of the cruise would be the same and the employees would get a fair wage.

As has been pointed out, some of the best service comes from people who are not looking for a tip. Why is that?

[GoinCruisin]

[quote name='Cuizer2']

As has been pointed out, some of the best service comes from people who are not looking for a tip. Why is that?[/quote]

That has nothing to do with pay, or how they are paid, tipping or no tipping. It's called a work ethic. There are people that do their job well, whether or not they work for tips... and people that don't do their job well, whether or not they work for tips. This has nothing to do with how someone is paid, it goes a bit deeper than that. I have met cabbies that are amazing... they get a great tip, it's obvious they always get a great tip, they convey a great love of their job (do they love it? who knows, but I think they do, and that is what matters). I have met cabbies that work under the same system, who SUCK! People I feel tipping a buck to is too much! Same goes with many other jobs... it has nothing to do with how they are paid.

That being said, everyone I have met on Carnival has been amazing and worthy of the standard tip and then some...

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']Here is some info on the service sector jobs where we generally are expected to tip...

United States and Canada
In the [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States"][COLOR=#0000ff]United States[/COLOR][/URL] and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada"][COLOR=#0000ff]Canada[/COLOR][/URL], these people are likely to expect to be tipped ([I]suggested amount[/I]):[LIST]
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiter"][COLOR=#0000ff]Waiters[/COLOR][/URL] (20%)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellman"][COLOR=#0000ff]bellman[/COLOR][/URL]/[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellhop"][COLOR=#0000ff]bellhop[/COLOR][/URL]/porters ($3 per bag)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maid"][COLOR=#0000ff]maids[/COLOR][/URL] ($2 per day)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel"][COLOR=#0000ff]Hotel[/COLOR][/URL] Room service (15–20% [I]Same as restaurant gratuity below.[/I])
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartender"][COLOR=#0000ff]Bartenders[/COLOR][/URL] ($1 per drink)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab"][COLOR=#0000ff]Taxicab[/COLOR][/URL]/[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limo"][COLOR=#0000ff]limo[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving"][COLOR=#0000ff]drivers[/COLOR][/URL] (15–20%)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valet_parking"][COLOR=#0000ff]valet parking attendants[/COLOR][/URL] ($1–2 upon both arrival and departure)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairdresser"][COLOR=#0000ff]hairdressers[/COLOR][/URL]/ [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barber"][COLOR=#0000ff]barbers[/COLOR][/URL] (10% in small towns, 15–20% in cities; Tip whether this is the proprietor or not.)
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza"][COLOR=#0000ff]Pizza[/COLOR][/URL] (and other food) deliverypersons (At least $2. Remember he must pay for his gas.)
[*]Curbside [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luggage"][COLOR=#0000ff]luggage[/COLOR][/URL] handlers at [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport"][COLOR=#0000ff]airports[/COLOR][/URL] ($1 per bag)
[*]Coat checker ($1 per coat)
[*]Ski instructors (sometimes, especially when giving a private lesson)
[*]Piercers and tattoo artists
[*]Movers
[*][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_shine"][COLOR=#0000ff]Shoe shiners[/COLOR][/URL][/LIST]As a rule, the proprietor/owner of a business would not expect an additional tip.
Gratuity is generally 20% for breakfast, lunchtime, and dinner meals. Many restaurants will automatically add a gratuity of 18% to the bill for large parties (often defined as 6 or more people)—if this is done the amount should be clearly indicated on the check as a "gratuity" or "service charge". In this case no additional tip need be added to the total, however if you're dining during a dinner meal, it is customary to tip a bit more to cover the 20% that is usually tipped.
Sometimes, this information on the menu can serve as a guide to patrons. If a diner is unsure of how much to tip a server, often the gratuity stated on the menu is the appropriate percentage to apply.
In some large cities, especially [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York%2C_New_York"][COLOR=#0000ff]New York[/COLOR][/URL], the staff of [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartment_building"][COLOR=#0000ff]apartment buildings[/COLOR][/URL], such as [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super#Building_superintendent"][COLOR=#0000ff]building superintendents[/COLOR][/URL], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_%28carrier%29"][COLOR=#0000ff]porters[/COLOR][/URL], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concierge"][COLOR=#0000ff]concierges[/COLOR][/URL] and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doorman"][COLOR=#0000ff]doormen[/COLOR][/URL], expect an annual tip from residents during the [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter"][COLOR=#0000ff]winter[/COLOR][/URL] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday_season"][COLOR=#0000ff]holiday season[/COLOR][/URL]. The amount to tip varies on the occupation of the person receiving the tip and the size and wealth of the building; most residents typically budget $75 to $200 in total each year for building holiday tips. Building staff also expect tips for performing services not normally part of their jobs, such as watering a plant or running an errand.[/quote]

You forgot the politicians who award contracts based on the size of the tip / bribe / gift / kickback they get. We should not have to pay people to do their job, and most do their job, and do it well, without expecting a tip.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']If you have said it, why repeat it? But you sure are arguing this point to death as to why NOT to tip...

[/quote]

Absolutly untrue! I have never said or argued that you sould not tip. If you believe I have, quote the post. I have said and argued that we should not have to tip someone to do their job.

I have to repeat myself because you are remembering what you want to remember, not what I actually said.

[GoinCruisin]

[quote name='Cuizer2']Absolutly untrue! I have never said or argued that you sould not tip. If you believe I have, quote the post. I have said and argued that we should not have to tip someone to do their job.

[/quote]

Sorry, but in my opinion... those two comments are one in the same. You have given page long lectures on it... called it bribery in some cases, and argued it to no end. I can form my own opinion ;)

And to that end, so even though many of these jobs are low paying (meaning that part of their salary, in accordance with wage law includes tips, which are included as part of their wage, and included on a W2) we shouldn't have to tip them to do their job, even though their specific job relies on tips? A waitress who makes $2.33 an hour, waits on you and your family for 2 hours, cleans up after you... and deserves to make $4.66 for that time? Geez!! I can't imagine thinking that way. You cannot live on that sort of wage!!!!

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']That has nothing to do with pay, or how they are paid, tipping or no tipping. It's called a work ethic. There are people that do their job well, whether or not they work for tips... and people that don't do their job well, whether or not they work for tips. This has nothing to do with how someone is paid, it goes a bit deeper than that. I have met cabbies that are amazing... they get a great tip, it's obvious they always get a great tip, they convey a great love of their job (do they love it? who knows, but I think they do, and that is what matters). I have met cabbies that work under the same system, who SUCK! People I feel tipping a buck to is too much! Same goes with many other jobs... it has nothing to do with how they are paid.

That being said, everyone I have met on Carnival has been amazing and worthy of the standard tip and then some...[/quote]

I agree. That is my point. The way people are paid does not control the quality of the service. I believe the service people should be treated more like professionals. They should get paid a real wage and should receive promotions and raises based on their performance. I would rather pay $2140 for the cruise and not be expected to tip then to pay $2000 for the cruise and be expected to tip an additional $140 to those who are not paid a real wage.

Until this happens I will pay the standard tip to those who meet at least the minimum standard of service and pay an additional amount to those who perform above average. However, just because I continue to play this tipping game does not mean I believe it is the best way to get good service.

[Leafpeeper]

Some people will tip extra, some will tip recommended amounts, and others will not tip at all. I am guessing the salaries average out to a similar amount for each cruise.

I don't expect cruiselines to change their policy on tipping because they are content with things the way they are. I must admit that I prefer the tips added to my account for freestyle cruising more than traditional cruising because I enjoy different waiters and different restaurants. We had the worst waiter ever imagined on our Hawaii cruise on RCCL in March. We tipped our cabin steward extra with the $ we originally budgeted for our waiter. The food and service was horrible on that cruise. I will adjust tips downward in those situations, but usually we tip the recommended amount on our account and give cash for extra tips.

[big_duck]

[quote name='Cuizer2']
As has been pointed out, some of the best service comes from people who are not looking for a tip. Why is that?[/QUOTE]

Because these are highly trained people who have dedicated there lives to service (butlers for example). They don't come cheap and won't work for Carnival wages (even if those wages are bumped up to include the now included tips).

For Carnival to replace there entire service staff would result in doubling the cost of a Carnival cruise.

[steveNcindy]

Too tired to read the whole thread but if I were to take my 2 kids, the full tips would be paid. Just looked at their rooms and the stewards would more than earn it. Have a hunch they, as well as most kids, are more work to look after, assist, etc than adults.

[Hojo's redbeard]

[quote name='Timmys_mom']Comment cards are worth their weight in gold to staff.
[/quote]
Amen! We just got back from the Carnival Miracle. Our cabin stewardess when I gave her an extra $20 cash was more concerned with the comment card than with the money.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']Sorry, but in my opinion... those two comments are one in the same. You have given page long lectures on it... called it bribery in some cases, and argued it to no end. I can form my own opinion ;)

And to that end, so even though many of these jobs are low paying (meaning that part of their salary, in accordance with wage law includes tips, which are included as part of their wage, and included on a W2) we shouldn't have to tip them to do their job, even though their specific job relies on tips? A waitress who makes $2.33 an hour, waits on you and your family for 2 hours, cleans up after you... and deserves to make $4.66 for that time? Geez!! I can't imagine thinking that way. You cannot live on that sort of wage!!!![/quote]
I don't mindyou forming your own opinions, but don't then say that they are my opinions. You would not like it if I did that to you.

You are missing the point. I believe they should get paid a living wage. I agree they don't get paid a living wage. I agree that the tips are used to supplement their wages. I just don't agree that that is a fair or good system.

There is a difference between not liking something and so stating that you don't like it and suggesting that something should not be done. Lots of people don't like the way taxes are collect, and have made their point very clear, but they still pay their taxes and don't say others should not. I have never said other should not tip. I have said I don't like the system and would like to see it changed. Your inability to understand this difference does not change this. So I resent your claiming that I have stated one should not tip is completely untrue. You can verify that by reading my posts.

[GoinCruisin]

But just like someone else, on another topic... how is that getting solved here? On a FUN cruise message board??? How does it help when you write page after page on the subject? Nobody here is going to change how things have been done for YEARS... who are you trying to convince??? Oh well... I'm confused. I will continue to tip... I'll pay for it one way or another, doesn't really matter to me. And I also would not want to change it... I can't imagine the service we would get in all restaurants if they took away the gratuity system... and bars?? NO THANK YOU!

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='big_duck']Because these are highly trained people who have dedicated there lives to service (butlers for example). They don't come cheap and won't work for Carnival wages (even if those wages are bumped up to include the now included tips).

For Carnival to replace there entire service staff would result in doubling the cost of a Carnival cruise.[/quote]
Who said anything about replacing the staff? All I would like to see is that these people earn a fair wage and the cruise line include all fees (including what are now called tips) in the cruise fair. The final cost of the cruise would not increase. Tips could still be offered, even if not expected.

I also disagree with your claim that only highly trained people take pride in their work. I have met many people who are not highly trained take a lot of pride in their work. People who take pride in their work do a good job without the thought of getting extra compensation at the end of the day.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='Leafpeeper']Some people will tip extra, some will tip recommended amounts, and others will not tip at all. I am guessing the salaries average out to a similar amount for each cruise.

I don't expect cruiselines to change their policy on tipping because they are content with things the way they are. I must admit that I prefer the tips added to my account for freestyle cruising more than traditional cruising because I enjoy different waiters and different restaurants. We had the worst waiter ever imagined on our Hawaii cruise on RCCL in March. We tipped our cabin steward extra with the $ we originally budgeted for our waiter. The food and service was horrible on that cruise. I will adjust tips downward in those situations, but usually we tip the recommended amount on our account and give cash for extra tips.[/quote]

I don't expect the cruise lines will chage either. I'll continue to tip if the current system stays in place. But that does not mean I support the current system.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='GoinCruisin']But just like someone else, on another topic... how is that getting solved here? On a FUN cruise message board??? How does it help when you write page after page on the subject? Nobody here is going to change how things have been done for YEARS... who are you trying to convince??? Oh well... I'm confused. I will continue to tip... I'll pay for it one way or another, doesn't really matter to me. And I also would not want to change it... I can't imagine the service we would get in all restaurants if they took away the gratuity system... and bars?? NO THANK YOU![/quote]

How is it going to change if I remain silent? The cruise lines read these boards, my comments will be read.

You don't agree with me - that is fine. I don't expect everyone will. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to my opinion. Just don't make your opinion look like it is my opinion.

By fun message board are you stating the only opinions that can be expressed are positive ones? If so I can change what I am saying to make it positive. I think service would improve if the service staff was paid a real wage, and what are now called tips were included in the price of the cruise. I believe service would improve if service staff was given raises and promotions based on how well they do their job. I believe this could be done without raising the total cost of the cruise (total cost = cruise fare plus tips). There, now it has a positive ring to it, though the message is the same.

[zqvol]

[quote name='dan40']How many believe that there is no tipping on the "no tipping REQUIRED"lines?
Well you can stop believing that.

Dan[/QUOTE]
Sorry Dan, but you are wrong on this one.

We have cruised Sea Dream twice. The crew is prohibited from accepting gratuities and if they are caught accepting them are terminated. I know becasue we tried to tip our steward the first time and it was refused.

[zqvol]

[quote name='big_duck']We aren't talking about those lines or well paid service people (20K for a cruise on Seaborne). The supposition was adding the Carnival tip to the Carnival price, there is no way they could afford the service people you mentioned under those circumstances.[/QUOTE]
There are times, if you are careful that you can get a gty one one fo the luxury lines for about the same price as you can get a balcony on Carnival.

[GoinCruisin]

[quote name='Cuizer2']How is it going to change if I remain silent. The cruise lines read these boards, my comments will be read.

You don't agree with me - that is fine. I don't expect everyone will. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to my opinion. Just don't make your opinion look like it is my opinion.[/quote]

Okay, keep talking about it. Approx. 1% of cruisers visit message boards.. I personally think voicing your opinion to the service industry itself would be better suited... Hey, I believe it was HAL that started doing it... A mandatory "service charge", not sure if they are still doing it, but it wasn't going over well. You won't have a system where everyone is happy... but if you think that the cruiselines are going to change by you posting here... post away! Good luck in your campaign!!!

[Gregor4500]

Cuizer2, I know what you're saying and I agree. I wish I could pay my employees below minumum wage and save on all the taxes that go along with it. I'd rather pay 20% more for my food or haircut or my cruise. But we're not going to change 100's of years of tipping.

[zqvol]

[quote name='Cuizer2']I handle large sums of money. I am not in the banking industry. I am in the financial industry. A tip to me would be interpreted as an attempt to get more business out of me or an attempt for me to pay more than I should (I have had people state that if I added more to the bill, we could split it). This same rule of tips vs. bribes applies to anyone who is responsible for paying out large sums of money (in my case over $2 mil per year). People who have tried to bribe people in my position have gone to jail for it. It is usually part of another crime known as fraud. Anyone, other than my employer who gives me money, or anything more valuable than a pen, lunch or a drink on a hot day will be reported - without exception. I have had to return gifts (though it was clear those were gifts and not bribes). Not all gifts have to be returned. However, if it has any real value, my employeer will know about it.[/QUOTE]
This is not the description of a service industry, which would better be called the hospitality industry.

[Cuizer2]

[quote name='zqvol']This is not the description of a service industry, which would better be called the hospitality industry.[/quote]

I don't provide a product. I don't make money (either physically - which is illegal, or via investments). My job is to pay money to those that should receive it. It is a service. If you want to say I am in the financial industry, that is fine, but the financial industry is also a service industry, the one exception is the US mint, which actually does provide a product - one which everyone whats by the way.