Looking a gift horse in the mouth

February 14, 2006 10:25 AM

What is an appropriate tip to give for a carriage ride in central park?

Having won a free carriage ride from Anda's Spirit for this evening, I was wondering if the gratuity would be included, or if it is something I likely will be responsible for.

Also, as the organization is a non-profit that 'spreads love and positive survivorship in the face of breast cancer adversity,' what sort of donation to the group itself might be appropriate if they are soliciting/will accept them?

posted by langeNU to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

Depends on whether the horse ate any beans.
posted by zeoslap at 10:46 AM on February 14, 2006

Or any Beefarino, for that matter...

Anyway, for the typical "Hansom Cab" ride, you're already paying like $25 for the pleasure of a ten minute ride, so a flat $30 strikes me as more than generous...

...For something like this, though, I don't think it would be inappropriate to ask whoever organized the prize. And as far as a donation goes, I'm sure they would be happy to take whatever you can muster...

...Elipses...
posted by incomple at 10:52 AM on February 14, 2006

Start with 15% to 20% of what the service would have cost if you'd had to pay for it. Then add in a bonus amount of your choosing to spread the good fortune of having gotten something for free.
posted by alms at 10:55 AM on February 14, 2006

For the tip, you probably would be safe calculating it like a tip at a restaurant or for a taxi driver. Find out what it normally costs, and tip about 15%, or whatever you would tip a waiter or taxi driver for a satisfactory time. I'm assuming these rides are pretty pricey, but if they're not, I'd tip at least a couple dollars regardless.

As for a donation to the organization, give whatever you feel comfortable giving. You might be a little more generous than you would be to an average non-profit soliciting money, since they gave you the carriage ride. But that doesn't obligate you to give them a certain amount of money if you just can't give that much. I'd say be generous, but don't break the bank or anything.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 10:59 AM on February 14, 2006