Why Tip Catering Staff or Bartenders for Free Drinks When They're Paid Fairly?

You might be thinking, “If I’m already paying for catering or an open bar, why should I tip the staff, especially if they’re already being paid a fair wage?” It’s a valid question, and while tipping might feel like an extra cost, it plays a critical role in the quality of service you’ll receive. Here’s why.

At On The Fly Tapsters, we pay our staff well above minimum wage—many of our team members earn $30 per hour or more. However, even with these competitive wages, it can still be challenging to find top-tier staff for events where tipping isn’t allowed. This is especially true in Washington, DC, where easier, better-paying work is available in restaurants.

The Unique Challenges of Event Staffing

Catering work is more demanding than serving in a restaurant. Our staff works in constantly changing locations, which means they have to deal with parking fees, new setups, and unfamiliar environments. In contrast, restaurant staff have the benefit of a consistent environment, easy parking, and familiar routines, which reduces stress and creates more reliable income from regular tips.

Even though we pay competitive wages, many of our team members can earn more working in a restaurant where they don’t have to deal with the added pressures of event work. Without the incentive of tipping, it’s harder to attract the best professionals for catered events. This often forces us to rely on temp staffing agencies, which may result in a less experienced team and a lower quality of service at your event.

The Role of Tipping in Quality Service

Tipping helps motivate our staff to go above and beyond. While we leave tipping completely optional, and you can even request that no tip jar be placed at the bar, this will directly impact the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff. Many of the best staff won’t take gigs that don’t allow for tipping, either through a tip jar or from the host.

While our staff are paid fairly, the reality is that event work is much more physically demanding and logistically challenging than restaurant work. The extra incentive from tipping acknowledges the hard work required, whether it’s setting up heavy equipment, working long hours, or serving guests in a dynamic and often stressful environment.

Why Tipping Matters

The truth is, the best staff often choose events where tips are allowed because the work is more rewarding for them. Tipping encourages staff to provide exceptional service, knowing they’ll be recognized for their efforts. Without tips, it can be difficult to attract and retain the most experienced and motivated professionals in the industry.

The Bottom Line: Tipping Ensures Quality

While tipping might seem like an optional extra, it can directly affect the quality of service at your event. Without tips, many of the top professionals will opt for less stressful, better-paying opportunities in restaurants, leaving catering companies like ours relying on temp staff. To ensure your event runs smoothly with a top-notch team, tipping is an important factor.

At On The Fly Tapsters, we leave tipping optional, but we encourage it to help us attract and keep the best staff for your event. If you’re ready to plan an unforgettable experience with excellent service, contact us today to get started!