Tip for Taxi Driver?

[RoyinNC]

We have taken JUTA, TimAir, or a resort provided bus mostly in the past but have not taken a private taxi to Negril before. What would be a respectable tip for a
taxi driver for 2 of us with luggage from Sangster to Rockhouse on the cliffs?

Thanks!

[Accompong]

We have taken JUTA, TimAir, or a resort provided bus mostly in the past but have not taken a private taxi to Negril before. What would be a respectable tip for a
taxi driver for 2 of us with luggage from Sangster to Rockhouse on the cliffs?

Thanks!

Since I generally only use friends who drive taxi, it is usually not an issue with me but what I do is ask them, "What is the best deal you can give me?" and when they give me a number back I take it and add 20% roughly to that number and reply, "I will give you (about whatever that number is), okay?" That extra (called brawta in Patois) is the tip.

This way we both are happy. Me getting a good price and them getting more than what they regarded as "fair".

If that amount is just too high (which seldom happens) I may try to negotiate a little but I will usually not argue much and take the deal. Maybe I won't use them again but we are both satisfied for the time being.

Peace and Guidance

[Big_frank]

Bill; that is a very good way of doing things. It's much the same as I operate; but I offer a fair price that I want to pay to begin with, and then on arrival; top it up by 20 per cent. They are almost always pleasantly surprised and offer "Respect". That way, they are eager to carry us in the future.
I had one bad experience in January. I thought I could trust the man and we got in without setting a price. He demanded too too much on arrival at our hotel from the taxi park, and I told him I will remember him in the future. But; ultimately; my fault for not setting the price to begin with. I was just to used too being treated well by many other taxi men.