Tips for Party Pros at BounceU

[Anonymous]

I hosted a party at BounceU this weekend. I've actually hosted several parties there over the years. This time, inside the checkout folio, they had a laminated chart of "suggested gratuities" for each of the Party Pros. The chart had a few paragraphs at the top of it, which read a bit like a lecture on tipping. It said that Party Pros rely on tips ("much like waiters and waitresses") and should be tipped generously. The chart suggested that each Party Pro receive a "$50.00+" tip if they did an awesome job.

The party cost approximately $500 dollars for 15 kids. There were two Party Pros.

What say you, DCUM?

[Anonymous]

I think we tipped 50 for each. There were 2 people that helped with the party.

[Anonymous]

We tipped at the generous level because both of the party pros were in there actively playing with the kids. For instance, one was in there helping the smaller kids who couldn't manage that spider web climbing tube thing so they could make it to the top instead of having to give up. Another was in the bounce houses actively letting the kids jump all over him. They didn't just stand around supervising, they worked hard (even during the lunch portion, they were constantly moving to make sure everyone had food, drink, etc.) the entire party.

[Anonymous]

I've only tipped $20 each.

If the established has printed something comparing their workers to waitstaff who legally are paid as little as $2.10 and hour, I find it outrageous.

[Anonymous]

Can I ask which state? Maryland or Virginia? That's an expensive party compared to what the one in Rockville charges. They charge $349 for 20 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can I ask which state? Maryland or Virginia? That's an expensive party compared to what the one in Rockville charges. They charge $349 for 20 kids.

No, it was Rockville.

The base price is $329 for 15 kids. Add on $99 to make it "spectacular", which is the only way the kids get fed with pizza and cake. So now you're at $428...plus we added pizzas for the adults at $17/pie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've only tipped $20 each.

If the established has printed something comparing their workers to waitstaff who legally are paid as little as $2.10 and hour, I find it outrageous.

I would not be surprised if the owner of the Rockville Bounce U only paid his staff $2.10/hr. I recently had the misfortune of having to deal with him after my child's birthday party there was cancelled by him due to weather (literally twenty minutes after his staff had told me the party was still on, and I had in turn told my guests to still come). He refused to answer/return my calls asking for a refund for three days, and when he finally got on the phone, he literally screamed at me, calling me rude and other insults. He was angry (very angry) that I continued to call in an effort to speak to him, since he refused to return my calls, and since his employees and manager all said that I needed to speak directly with him in order to discuss refunds. I find it outrageous to ask for such large tips on the day of the party...if such tips are expected, this information should be provided ahead of time, so that the host may decide whether the added $100+ dollars is worth having the party there. I have had many parties at gymnastics places and at The Little Gym, where the "party pros" have been absolutely fabulous, and I have never been specifically told exactly how much to tip. I would have honestly been very turned off to receive such a portfolio at the end of the party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've only tipped $20 each.

If the established has printed something comparing their workers to waitstaff who legally are paid as little as $2.10 and hour, I find it outrageous.

I would not be surprised if the owner of the Rockville Bounce U only paid his staff $2.10/hr. I recently had the misfortune of having to deal with him after my child's birthday party there was cancelled by him due to weather (literally twenty minutes after his staff had told me the party was still on, and I had in turn told my guests to still come). He refused to answer/return my calls asking for a refund for three days, and when he finally got on the phone, he literally screamed at me, calling me rude and other insults. He was angry (very angry) that I continued to call in an effort to speak to him, since he refused to return my calls, and since his employees and manager all said that I needed to speak directly with him in order to discuss refunds. I find it outrageous to ask for such large tips on the day of the party...if such tips are expected, this information should be provided ahead of time, so that the host may decide whether the added $100+ dollars is worth having the party there. I have had many parties at gymnastics places and at The Little Gym, where the "party pros" have been absolutely fabulous, and I have never been specifically told exactly how much to tip. I would have honestly been very turned off to receive such a portfolio at the end of the party.

I just read the reviews on Yelp and they are pretty horrible. Minimum wage in Maryland is $8 an hour and honestly commercial rent off Gude isn't super-expensive (comparatively speaking for the area). He needs to pay his employees more rather than pushing it off tax-free on the clients.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've only tipped $20 each.

If the established has printed something comparing their workers to waitstaff who legally are paid as little as $2.10 and hour, I find it outrageous.

I would not be surprised if the owner of the Rockville Bounce U only paid his staff $2.10/hr. I recently had the misfortune of having to deal with him after my child's birthday party there was cancelled by him due to weather (literally twenty minutes after his staff had told me the party was still on, and I had in turn told my guests to still come). He refused to answer/return my calls asking for a refund for three days, and when he finally got on the phone, he literally screamed at me, calling me rude and other insults. He was angry (very angry) that I continued to call in an effort to speak to him, since he refused to return my calls, and since his employees and manager all said that I needed to speak directly with him in order to discuss refunds. I find it outrageous to ask for such large tips on the day of the party...if such tips are expected, this information should be provided ahead of time, so that the host may decide whether the added $100+ dollars is worth having the party there. I have had many parties at gymnastics places and at The Little Gym, where the "party pros" have been absolutely fabulous, and I have never been specifically told exactly how much to tip. I would have honestly been very turned off to receive such a portfolio at the end of the party.

Wow. I am the OP. Thank you for letting me know this.

I am so sorry that that happened to you. I get that the damage was done, but did you ever get your money back?

[Anonymous]

This must be a new thing. Had a party there in the fall and did not see a suggested tip of $50. I think we did $20 per pro.

[Anonymous]

It is illegal if he doesnt payinimum wage.

I feel like engaged and competent workers are included on the cost of the party. Tipping extra is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've only tipped $20 each.

If the established has printed something comparing their workers to waitstaff who legally are paid as little as $2.10 and hour, I find it outrageous.

I would not be surprised if the owner of the Rockville Bounce U only paid his staff $2.10/hr. I recently had the misfortune of having to deal with him after my child's birthday party there was cancelled by him due to weather (literally twenty minutes after his staff had told me the party was still on, and I had in turn told my guests to still come). He refused to answer/return my calls asking for a refund for three days, and when he finally got on the phone, he literally screamed at me, calling me rude and other insults. He was angry (very angry) that I continued to call in an effort to speak to him, since he refused to return my calls, and since his employees and manager all said that I needed to speak directly with him in order to discuss refunds. I find it outrageous to ask for such large tips on the day of the party...if such tips are expected, this information should be provided ahead of time, so that the host may decide whether the added $100+ dollars is worth having the party there. I have had many parties at gymnastics places and at The Little Gym, where the "party pros" have been absolutely fabulous, and I have never been specifically told exactly how much to tip. I would have honestly been very turned off to receive such a portfolio at the end of the party.

I just read the reviews on Yelp and they are pretty horrible. Minimum wage in Maryland is $8 an hour and honestly commercial rent off Gude isn't super-expensive (comparatively speaking for the area). He needs to pay his employees more rather than pushing it off tax-free on the clients.

Do you really trust yelp? Really. Come on, I've heard stories of competitors slamming each other on yelp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is illegal if he doesnt payinimum wage.

I feel like engaged and competent workers are included on the cost of the party. Tipping extra is ridiculous.

Agree with this. Party pros are included as a benefit, same as pizza. I have always tipped $20 per party pro in the past. We are hosting a party there in a few weeks and I'll do the same.

[Anonymous]

$20 here, too.

[Anonymous]

I could have written the same post OP! 15 kids, over $500 once good for kids and adults was added. I was equally put off by that tip sheet. I gave my standard $20 per party pro. BounceU is already the most expensive place we've hosted a party and that tip sheet was over the top. I've been steering the kids towards less costly options that don't feel like such a ripoff.
And that Rockville manager wouldn't let me choose my cake theme because I called after the 12pm Weds cutoff time for cake orders. I literally called at 12:05. C'mon, it's a grocery store cake for a Sat party and you need it 3 days in advance? It felt like a power play especially since I was spending so much for this party!!!