What’s the deal with bathroom attendants? They hide out during the week then catch you off guard on the weekend when you just want to relieve yourself.
I’m never quite sure how to navigate the situation. Do I talk to them or does that just make the situation worse? Should I accept the paper towel even though I’d prefer to get my own?
Maybe your best bet is to ignore them.
In this article we’ll get to the bottom of bathroom attendants. We’ll discuss where they come from, why they appear on the weekend and we’ll investigate why they enjoy hanging out in bathrooms.
Bathroom Attendant: Why?!
What the heck. Who’s idea was this?
If we look back at history, bathroom attendants likely got their start at fee restrooms (toilets that cost money to use).
Anyone paying to use the bathroom or toilet expects it to be clean and well-managed. Thus, there was always someone around to clean the toilets and sinks as well as make sure there were paper towels. The early fee restrooms make sense.
As fee bathrooms evolved their managers realized they could branch out to public restrooms and double or triple their money by providing simple things like gum, soap, and cologne.
They could make extra cash and keep the bathroom clean as well. Things got out of hand quickly as bums set up shop in public bathrooms and started hassling people for money (you can’t do that in a PUBLIC bathroom). The practice was quickly outlawed by municipalities and bathroom attendants were forced to regroup.
The next target for bathroom attendants were businesses that allowed them to work on busy nights. It seemed like a win-win for the business and the attendant as the bathroom would be kept clean free of charge and the attendant could make extra cash with tips.
The key to the booming industry of bathroom attendants came when they decided to earn cash on an “optional tip” basis.
The concept of tipping a bathroom attendant threw everyone off and worked in the attendant’s favor.
It was especially successful at clubs where drunk people would use the bathroom and, while pissing, get so conflicted about giving the guy money that they’d end up leaving a 5 spot. Upon walking out of the bathroom they’d wonder “why the hell did I do that?”
These days deuce-droppers have mixed opinions bathroom attendants.
- Are they resourceful chaps that really want to help?
- Are they leaches that only strike up conversation for cash?
- And how about their products – is that cologne really Hermes Eau De Rhubarb or a knockoff from China?
These are legitimate questions! 
Eye Contact With The Bathroom Attendant
One of the keys for a bathroom attendant is to make eye contact with every person entering the bathroom. This does a few things for the attendant:
- Initiates contact
- Develops familiarity (you know he is there)
- Gets you thinking about a tip
- Sets up conversation
The earlier the attendant interacts with you, even if only eye contact, the better chance he/she has at a transaction.
As someone who is walking into a bathroom, you’ll likely be caught off guard by the person staring at you when you enter. Your first reaction will be to look away quickly, then you’ll realize it was obvious so you might return a glance and nod your head.
Don’t worry, you haven’t committed yet.
Some people think it’s best to not look the bathroom attendant in the eye and act like you’re busy thinking about something else. But the key is to acknowledge them, give them the respect they deserve as a human, and continue with your business.
Small Talk: Should I Engage With The Bathroom Attendant
Talking is the next step. If you’re alone in the bathroom with the attendant it might get a little awkward.
The attendant will be on you like white on rice. Conversely, if one person is not busy enough for the attendant they might be on their phone and not acknowledge you (totally unprofessional even by BA standards).
You better believe that at some point the attendant will initiate contact with a smile and a laugh. You’ve got a few choices.
- Buy into the conversation and start yapping about the weather
- Give a nod and a smile
- Short one-word replies like “yes” and “no”
- Put your hands up and attempt sign language you learned as a kid (one of my favs is spelling my name)
Over the years I’ve learned that communication is key to solving misunderstandings. It’s always ok to engage with the bathroom attendant and say “no thanks” if they offer something – this is actually a good and honest way to approach the situation.
But if you excel in confusing situations try the sign language (you might get better service too).
Alone With The Bathroom Attendant (Awkward?)
Being the only one on the bathroom means this guy will know:
- How long you’ve been sitting on the dunny
- What your trumpet sounds like
- How to decipher what you ate last night (remember these guys have spent years in bathrooms – they know their shit).
- If you wash your hands after the toilet
If you’re on the pot and not feeling social you can check your email on your phone and buy yourself time until other patrons enter the bathroom.
Once two or three people enter the bathroom bathroom attendants will have their hands full and it’s a great time to make an escape (with or without washing your hands).
What Is The Proper Etiquette When Dealing With The Bathroom Attendant
In the sections above we’ve mentioned some the interactions you should expect to have with a bathroom attendant, however, proper etiquette depends on the place you’re visiting.
If it’s a swanky bar or nightclub the etiquette is up in the air. Make your own rules and play by none.
I most cases I assess the effort and appearance of the attendant. Has the attendant gone out of his/her way to act the part? Do they actually have quality stuff to offer or is it the bare minimum?
If you’ve been invited to a party or event, there’s more reason to appreciate the bathroom attendant. More-than-likely the attendant has been hired or asked to be there. As a guest, you should appreciate the effort that went into the event and people who are working.
Etiquette doesn’t always refer to tipping. You can have proper etiquette without tipping a bathroom attendant by engaging and smiling with them.
If you feel inspired, feel free to leave a tip but this is my rule. Never leave a tip without taking something (towels don’t count). Leaving a tip without taking a stick of gum or a breath mint is not transactional (it should be give-and-take).
What Items Do Bathroom Attendants Have
Bathroom attends arrive with a lot of stuff, some of it junk while other things are useful. A veteran bathroom attendant will always have mints, gum, cologne, comb, toothbrush, toothpick, mouthwash, and condoms.
Paper towels don’t count as they are probably using the bar, club, or event towels (never tip for towels)
If you see a bathroom attendant with random things like Blow-Pops, shoe horn, mosquito repellant, or old Halloween or Easter candy this probably means there was a sale at the Dollar General store. In this case, avoid taking items.
The same goes for if items are organized in a haphazard way. Remember there’s no good way to mix bacteria-laden bathroom with food.
Lastly, always check expiration dates on mouthwash, gum, energy drinks, and candy.
A list of the most common bathroom attendant items:
- Paper Towels
- Soap
- Gum
- Cologne
- Mouth Wash
- Toothpicks
- Toothbrush
- Comb
- Condoms
- Candy / Mints
- Cigarettes
- Energy Drinks
- Rose
Is A Tip Necessary For Paper Towels or For Turning the Faucet On
This is an understandable and salient question.
You’ll notice bathroom attendants are always quick to get the simple things for you – water and towels. These take little effort on their part and usually pay big dividends in the form of tips.
Why? Because there are no expenses with water or towels! Those are paid by the business.
I always get offered towels but when was the last time you were offered a piece of gum while washing your hands? I bet you can’t remember. Offering a towel is actually a bit stingy on their part!
Here are the rules for tipping a bathroom attendant.
- If you don’t feel like it, don’t tip (nothing worse than a reluctant tipper)
- Make a point to operate the faucet and get your own towels (help is unnecessary)
- Never tip for help with faucets and towels (if you give a tip, take gum, mints, or spray cologne)
- 1 dollar is fine for mint, gum, or a spray of cologne
- 2-3 dollars for condoms, comb, mouthwash
- More for cigarettes, roses, energy drinks
- Never let a bathroom attendant dictate your tip. A tip is voluntary, not a negotiable price. If they loose money on your tip, they’ll make up for in by turning the faucet on for someone else.
- Always be grateful and never ignore a BA even if you don’t tip (thanks and a smile go a long way)
Conclusion
Let’s be clear, I’m still not sure about bathroom attendants. I DO know it takes a unique individual to kick-it in a bathroom and keep things looking good.
On one hand these guys and gals deserve a tip, but on the other hand, they are volunteering to hang out in a small, smelly room.
Bathroom attendants are people-persons and they’re usually helpful. Knowing more about their history and evolution helps us better understand what they do and the benefits they offer.
Eye contact is something that will occur in a bathroom. Don’t avoid it, as it’s to be expected. Small talk is fine too and just because you talk with a bathroom attendant doesn’t mean you owe him anything. Who tips for conversation?
Awkwardness can ensue if you’re alone in a bathroom with an attendant. This usually means work is slow or it’s early in the evening. Some people prefer to wait in the toilet stall until more people enter (this is a good distraction technique for exiting).
Lastly, we covered the items a good bathroom attendant should have and how much is an appropriate tip.
Remember, never tip for towels or for turning on the off the water – you make it too easy on the attendant. If he/she wants a tip make sure the transaction is mutual and leave with something (mint, gum, cigarette).
Hopefully, this article illuminated the life and work or a bathroom attendant. It can be a profitable gig. Make sure you understand the ground rules and don’t afraid to engage with him/her. Thanks for reading!