In many high-end private clubs, tipping for services such as shoe shine is not allowed.
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Dan from Maine asks:
As a guest at a high level private courseshould i feel obligated to let the club employee shine my shoes? On the one hand, I don’t want to add to their burden. But I also don’t want to offend them by not allowing them to do their job. Personally, I’d be fine not cleaning my shoes. But I want to make sure I’m not, um, stepping on any toes.
Dear Dan:
Just as great power comes with great responsibility, playing as a guest at a beautiful private club comes with all kinds of annoying questionssuch as how you should dress (psst, skip the cargo shorts!); what kind of thank-you gift you should get your host (how about a nice bottle of wine?); and whether you order the club sandwich or the crab bisque (hint: the club sandwich is the safer bet).
Fortunately, yours shoe shine The question should not add to your stress.
Before we get to the answer, a little context. Most private clubs offer a variety of extras, from clubhouse storage and amenity stations to valet parking and, yes, shoe shine. Very often, the costs of these services are folded into the monthly membership fees. In many of these same clubs, tipping for these services is prohibited. The benefits are part of the luxury package, there to be enjoyed by members and their guests.
Should you feel compelled to use them?
Forced it’s a funny word. The label would not go so far as to say that you are required to clean your shoes. But he would recommend it. You can too. After all, what’s the harm? The worst that can happen is that you’ll leave the club looking sharper than when you arrived. In the best case scenario, you will be allowed to tip the attendant for their efforts. Giving a nice reward creates good feelings all around.
As for feeling bad about adding to their workload, that’s ridiculous. It is, as you note, their work, and there is nothing unworthy about it.
If you still find yourself agonizing over the decision, a good rule of thumb is to follow your host’s lead. To clean or not to clean? Whatever they choose, you can easily do the same.
Beyond that, there’s no need to give your shoes a second thought.
However, to be safe, you probably shouldn’t change them in the parking lot.
