PFB Consumers HELP! Gratutity advice needed!

Congratulations on your new business! First, find out if the gratuity
is included in what you're paying the caterer. Second, don't tip
anyone anything until after everything has been taken care of and
you're sure you're satisfied with the services that have been
rendered. I would base the tip on the total and divide it amongst the
three of them, because they're dividing the work between the three of
them. I hope this helps.

Congratulations. You are a person who thinks/plans ahead. With this
skill you will be successful! Well done. P.S. I can't help you with
the tip issue, but wanted to voice my support to a new business. Well
done.

Congrats, Deb! That is AWESOME!!!!!

Is this an Open Bar type setting where people will go up and get their
own drinks? If so, the bar tender will probably also receive tips
from the crowd.

We usually hold catered family events at the same restaurant with the
same staff serving so we a) know we get good service from all and b)
the tips do go to them but if the caterer was not known to us, it
would make sense to tip individually.

To undertip the guy who serves drinks for two hours. Not to undervalue
the set up and break down team, but I see that more like a busboy who
shares servers tips but doesn't get their own.

That's why I asked.

Deborah L.,

Depending on your satisfaction level 18% is customary.
In this case it would 18% (2200) or 396 dollars split between the
three. I would split it evenly if all three show the same sense of
urgency and do as good a job as the others. If not, split it as you
see fit.

If one is acting as a bartender pourng your inventory they too should
be part of this $396.

One last thought. Don't divide up the tip until everything is
straightened up, packed away and cleaned up to your liking.

Good luck.

BillR.