Originally Posted by
11Bravo
How old are you people? You all lemmings? Got the "Keeping up with the Jones" syndrome?
Like andrewv, I can't remember anyone asking me for a tip in DECADES... and I've got a pretty good memory.
All this "people are paying too much, they're ruining it for the rest of us." Sure, there will be windfalls. So what? Punting is like gambling - it's ENTERTAINMENT. How much can you afford to lose/waste? If you can't afford what you're spending, you're wrong. So why condemn others? I've heard this crap everywhere I've gone. They are ruining it for us. No, they're NOT.
It's pretty simple, learn how to say "No thank you" with a smile. I've learned in a number of languages. Before I started here, I did my homework, read the forum, read the "user's guide" that a kind member posted. Those price quotes have stood the test of time ($50 + $50 + $50). If I've gotten an OTT quote, I just put it in the "It never hurts to ask" bin. I'm NEVER concerned with what others are paying. I know what the going rates are, and I know what I'm willing to pay. And for the record, I never tip. I pay the service charge. My tip is repeat business. The smart ladies understand repeat business is money in the bank. However, on occasion, when I'm going to turn into a pumpkin, I might round up to the nearest pineapple for a FEW regulars. But that's a one time Adios, until I return. In fact, with several, when I returned, I handed them 3 pineapples, and they always asked me to wait a minute while they got change (which I didn't want as they were worth the raise. So nah, nah, nah; flame all you want; I'm a veteran of the flame wars...)
For example: in other clime, FL's in a bar, customer asked a superstar how much for ST. She replied 700 (period). Just under $200 USD. Off they went to her place. When he paid, he handed her 7 $100 USD bills. She didn't correct his mistake, just smiled and said thank you. She told me the story later. Usually, I couldn't afford her, but she'd always stop and say hi, chat a bit before she started marketing. A year later, she was back from home leave, complaining about poor business. I asked if it was "poor" business, might I have a chance. She said yes. I asked how much for LT. About $300 USD. I asked her "what about the "poor" business discount. She looked me right in the eye, smiled, and said, "That IS with discount." She was correct, and I enjoyed. Point is, she never expected anyone else to make the mistake of prices being quoted in local currency, not USD. But windfalls are good for everyone, keeps them in the game. Why do slots pay off every now and again?
Just today here I was asked if I was interested in extras. Yes, I was, and asked what. She explained what was on the menu, and what it cost. Right in line with my guidelines so we had a deal. The only tip I gave was there was about 5 minutes left, she was starting a head massage, another customer had come in, so I gave her a nod that we were finished. QED.