Tipping Situations

For instance, a $50.00 gift certificate is the equivalent to $50.00 in cash or $50,00 in debit, except it can only be used at the named store or restaurant.

You can use the gift certificate to pay for the tip as well as for the food or the service.

If you received a gift certificate for a free meal or for a free spa treatment, call the manager before you go and ask if the gratuity is included. If it's not, ask for the estimated value of the gift certificate, and then tip in cash based upon the price you have been given.

Tipping with coupons is always based upon the normal price of the service. If you get a coupon for 20% off, then tip on the original price. The amount of work done by the person is not less because you paid less. If you have a coupon for a free entree, then tip based upon the regular price of the entree.

Should you tip the owner when s/he provides your service? The Montreal proper tipping answer used to be no. Now it's yes. Owners are providing the same services as the people in their employ.

You should tip him or her the same as you would tip any member of the staff. Customers are expected to tip as they would at any other place. In the "old days" one didn't tip the owner, but times have changed and it is now proper to do so.

According to Montreal proper tipping, the percentage of your tip does not change because of the cost of the service. You can always tip on the lower end of the 10% to 20% but, if you are going to more expensive places, it is assumed that you can afford the high prices plus normal tip.

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