Welcome to GraTRUEities™!

This concept originated over ten years ago while dining out in San Francisco. Josh, our server for the evening, was attentive, proficient and personable. There was just one perplexing issue; we could not hear nor understand a word he said. He both whispered and mumbled; no amount of asking him to repeat himself helped! The situation became increasingly humorous – and frustrating – as the evening wore on. By the time our check arrived, we were convinced Josh could only benefit from a literal tip – a word of advice (Speak up!) – along with a generous gratuity, of course.

When we dined out over the years, discussing the appropriate “tip” to accompany the gratuity became a running theme and source of entertainment. Eventually, we decided it was an idea worth pursuing further and sharing with others. With input from Nancy’s son, Brian, we came up with our name – and GraTRUEities was officially conceived.

The first GraTRUEities products being introduced are the Tip Cards in three versions: Dining, Bar and Tip Jar.

These small cards are intended to enhance the monetary gratuity you leave for your service provider. Each card will be imprinted with a pertinent “tipping truism” – or will allow you to  personalize a message of your own.

GraTRUEities will be your means to voice the truth behind your tips and – To put your mouth where your money is™!

GraTRUEities.com explores the TRUTH behind the tip…from the customer perspective. At GraTRUEities.com we discuss the many facets of tipping etiquette and behavior, the evolution of tipping and the complications of navigating through today’s “gratuity-laden” world. We look at what really motivates us to tip (beyond the fact that it is expected of us!) and what we want our tips to communicate. Finally, we propose that the customer have a voice to accompany their tips!

We invite you to read, relate and redefine the tip!

If you would like more information about GraTRUEities™ please contact info@gratrueities.com.

We are the founders of GraTRUEities, Nancy and Julie.

Nancy lives in Northern California and Portland, Oregon, Julie lives in California in the San Francisco area.

Top photo: December 2003, Julie (left) and Nancy heading out for a holiday dinner at the venerable French Laundry with Nancy’s husband, our “photographer.”  It was truly a memorable evening – impeccable food and service!

Bottom photo: February 2009, hard at work at Julie’s office after a dinner out “field-testing” GraTRUEities in San Mateo.  It’s a difficult task, but someone has to do it!