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> (Similarly, you can almost always get a suite upgrade by being nice to the front desk agent checking you in and by slipping a $20 when you first walk up. This

> (Similarly, you can almost always get a suite upgrade by being nice to the front desk agent checking you in and by slipping a $20 when you first walk up. This also works for rental cars - I got a $30/day mustang once by giving the guy a $20. Saved like $1,000.) Apologies if this comes across as apoplectic, but isn't that straight-up corruption? It's not as bad as similar behavior by a government official, of course, but it's still a principle-agent problem when an employee uses their position to enrich themselves instead of doing the job they're paid to do. It's one thing when a clerk upgrades you as a nice gesture, but by involving cash I feel like you're crossing a line.

ryanianian 9y ago
> but isn't that straight-up corruption? My understanding is that check-in agents are given pretty wide liberties and that doing this sort of thing isn't really against the rules - I even do this with clerks whose nametags say "Manager". Employees are encouraged to give above-average service to customers who will bring long-term value to the business, and a customer who treats the employees well with token-but-meaningful tips is a good customer. I tend to strongly prefer return-visits to companies whose employees have done such things for me. The trick doesn't always work - if no rooms are available or if they suspect they'll probably be able to sell the room at full-rate they don't oblige. This said, every agent has graciously apologized and returned the "tip" (=bribe) or given well above the $ worth of other kickbacks (restaurant vouchers, free wifi upgrades, etc.). For the company it makes sense : it doesn't cost much more for a guest to stay in a suite versus a regular room, and the extra wear on a "luxury" car doesn't cost that much more than the wear on an "economy" car. May as well give it to a customer who's showing appreciation and will likely be extremely happy with their service and probably come back.
drunken-serval 9y ago
> isn't that straight-up corruption? Some companies will also give you these things if you complain enough or yell at the staff until they give in. There's plenty of people who get free upgrades and products simply by yelling at people until they are given free things to go away.
- ryanianian 9y ago
  If they have your name, you're in their system forever and staff can see notes from your stays in the past. Almost guaranteed that if you're a jerk you will be given the worst possible room/car/* on your next visit.

ryanianian 9y ago

> but isn't that straight-up corruption? My understanding is that check-in agents are given pretty wide liberties and that doing this sort of thing isn't really against the rules - I even do this with clerks whose nametags say "Manager". Employees are encouraged to give above-average service to customers who will bring long-term value to the business, and a customer who treats the employees well with token-but-meaningful tips is a good customer. I tend to strongly prefer return-visits to companies whose employees have done such things for me. The trick doesn't always work - if no rooms are available or if they suspect they'll probably be able to sell the room at full-rate they don't oblige. This said, every agent has graciously apologized and returned the "tip" (=bribe) or given well above the $ worth of other kickbacks (restaurant vouchers, free wifi upgrades, etc.). For the company it makes sense : it doesn't cost much more for a guest to stay in a suite versus a regular room, and the extra wear on a "luxury" car doesn't cost that much more than the wear on an "economy" car. May as well give it to a customer who's showing appreciation and will likely be extremely happy with their service and probably come back.

drunken-serval 9y ago

> isn't that straight-up corruption? Some companies will also give you these things if you complain enough or yell at the staff until they give in. There's plenty of people who get free upgrades and products simply by yelling at people until they are given free things to go away.

ryanianian 9y ago
If they have your name, you're in their system forever and staff can see notes from your stays in the past. Almost guaranteed that if you're a jerk you will be given the worst possible room/car/* on your next visit.