To Tip or Not to Tip. 19 People To Tip (and 11 You Won’t)
When should I tip? When shouldn’t I tip?
Tipping seems like an easy concept – only it isn’t! Whether it’s who to tip, how much to tip, or if you’re even supposed to tip at all, I’ve had my fair share of moments where I ask myself “was that enough?” or “was that even necessary?” As a guide, I try to err on the side of more rather than less, mainly because I like to leave a good impression.
That said, at the end of the day, you do you. Everyone’s lifestyles are different! Decide on the amount that works for you and be an appreciative guest always. To help gauge an appropriate tip amount, I scoured the wealth of knowledge on TipAdvisor.com for suggestions of everyday instances where tipping is common, along with some not so obvious situations.
Bartenders
$1 per drink or 15-20% of the bill
This varies depending on the atmosphere of the establishment. If your bartender is extremely knowledgeable about the drinks they serve, they’re friendly and conversational, or they buy you a round, I’d consider tipping a little extra.
Coat Check
$1 or $2
This applies only if it’s a courtesy coat check. If there’s a fee then no tip is required.
Musicians (at a lounge)
$1-$5
Typically, patrons tip on their way out when a tip receptacle is present. Consider adding an extra dollar if they played a song you requested.
Musicians (at a table)
$1-$5
A good rule of thumb would be $1 per person in the musical group, maxing out at $5. Again, if you have a song request granted, consider throwing in an extra dollar.
On a Cruise
$9-$13 a day
This amount is split between bussers, the cabin steward, Maitre d’, and waitstaff. Most cruises post suggested tips for services on their websites or in your cabin.
Restroom Attendants
$0.50-$1
If it’s a nicer establishment, they’re keeping the counter clean and restocked, and they hand you a towel, tipping is definitely a nice gesture.
Casino Dealers
Varies between casinos
Wages for casino dealers can widely vary between casinos, so tipping can be standard based on the location. You can tip by either placing a bet for the dealer, tossing a chip to the dealer, or tipping with bills when you cash out.
Tipping can also get the attention of dealers and pit bosses, which may make them more likely to provide drinks and comps during your time there.
Casino Server
$1 per drink
Even if you’re playing somewhere that offers free drinks while you’re actively participating in table games or slots, tip your server for each trip they make to the bar on your behalf.
Barista
$0.50 to $1
Most tips consist of the change from the order, though this applies more to handcrafted drinks or when heated food is involved. Most baristas agree that a tip on a quick coffee isn’t necessary.
Takeout
$2-3 or 10% of the bill
Food for thought (pun intended): Some places keep your phone number on file with your name, so they’re likely to remember you on your next order. It’s best to leave a good impression.
Golf Course
Varies between courses
For tipping a caddie, your best bet is to ask the caddie master or head pro what is customary. If you’re having your clubs cleaned, tip anywhere between $3-5, plus a little extra if they bring them out to your car – though some clubs may have a no tipping policy. Tips for shoe service, like changing spikes, cleaning, and polishing, is anywhere from $5-$10.
Maître d’
$10-$20
This is the host of a nice restaurant. Times when you would consider tipping them: when they give you the best table, when they offer you a table without a reservation on a busy night, or if you just want to impress your date.
Delivery Person
10-20%
The factors here include timeliness and the condition of boxes/bags of the order.
Valet
$2-$5
If you’re not sure exactly how much, some people use the rule of thumb of $1 per $10,000 the car is worth.
Buffets
10-15% of the bill
This might seem a little out of the ordinary due to the self-serve aspect, but someone is usually still taking your drink order and clearing your table as you make trips to the buffet line. Tips can be more than this suggested amount in the case of great service.
Outdoor Guides
No standard
If you have an exceptional experience from a well trained and knowledgeable guide, consider a 10-20% tip. Some companies have a no-tip policy though, so don’t be shocked if your offer is turned down.
Barber / Hairstylist
10-20%
This depends on a few factors: Did you ask for a more complex cut or style? Do you know them well enough to schedule outside of calling the salon directly? Did they fit you in last minute? In those cases, it’s better to tip on the higher-end. Also, if a different stylist colors your hair, tip them separately but at the same 10-20% rate. Lastly, if an assistant shampoos your hair separately from the stylist, it’s appropriate to give between $2-$5 to that person directly.
Hotel Housekeepers
$1-$5
As a rule of thumb, tips are typically $1 per person, per night. To ensure the best service, it’s best to leave the tip in an envelope for housekeeping each day rather than all at once at the end of your trip. If you make special requests, like extra amenities, consider throwing in a little more.
Waiter/Waitress
15-20%
This is the most common tipping situation, so I’m going to break it down a bit further:
If you have a favorite waiter or waitress, feel free to leave higher than the typical amount. Or if you like to visit the restaurant often, this will ensure the staff recognize you when you come in to eat, which could result in quicker/more attentive service.
If you have a poor experience, let your waiter/waitress know BEFORE leaving a bad tip. Many establishments will work to resolve the issue, such as comping your meal or issuing a credit for a future visit. If the issue is resolved, you should still tip as normal. If the issue is not addressed or the situation turns negative, you may opt to tip on the lower end, though you still may want to speak with the manager before leaving the restaurant to make your case.
It would be extremely rare to come across a situation where it is justified to not tip at all. The employees will likely remember you, and you may not feel very welcomed in the future.
Lastly, when using a gift certificate, promotion or coupon, remember to tip on the full meal value, not just on what was actually paid.
When are tips not necessary?
There are actually a few instances when a tip is not required, such as:
- House Painters
- Laundry Service
- Personal Shoppers
- Tailors or Seamstress
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Telephone, Cable, Satellite, or Internet Installers or Repairmen
Here are more situations when a tip is not necessary.
For the following, a tip isn’t necessarily required, but offering them a drink for their hard labor in your home is a courtesy gesture:
-
Appliance Repairman
-
Carpet Cleaners
-
Electricians
-
Plumbers
- Handymen
- Home Services when the owner is the one completing the job
While I follow the suggested tipping situations and amounts, please keep in mind these are simply suggestions – a certain amount may work for one person’s lifestyle but may not be the same for another. Though tips can vary between customers, everyone should treat each experience and the people involved with respect and courtesy. Expressing gratitude and leaving with a big smile gives confirmation of a job well done.
I am having eyebrows microbladed by the salon owner. I had heard you don’t normally tip the salon owner, is this true?
Owners use to take a cut of the others tips but most now do not. Id still tip.
Agree with Jillian. My mom’s salon was the family business. Generally, you *do* tip the owner these days.
Hi Danielle,
No, this is not true, the salon owner is working just like the rest of the stylists & usually ends up working harder BECAUSE she/he is the “owner” , I understand how it can be a misconception, however they end up doing their work & usually part of everybody else’s. … so please always tip. Thank you 🙏🏼 😁
Danielle, I was wondering the same thing.
I always go to the eyebrows by the thread at the mall, those girls who work there is not the owner. the service normally is like $9. I will give the girl $1 for tips and they will look at me with the puzzle eyes. it almost make me so embarrassing to hang her $1.
so to tip or not to tip?
Maybe because it’s only $1. I’m in Texas so maybe it’s different here but I always tip $3-5.
I always tip my eyebrow threader very well- at least 20% if not 25%. They see you all the time and if they do a good job, then why not? $1 doesn’t seem like it’s enough, sorry.
Thank you everyone for the replies. I will plan for a $50 tip.
I didn’t tip my lady that did my brows they charge 500.00 so in my opinion they don’t need it. She gets the whole amount.
House cleaner?
I have someone who comes every other week and I tip her at Christmas.
I had an awesome cleaner. So I tipped $20.00 on a $200.00 service. I had another cleaner who did subpar work and I gave them no tip.
If you are using them long term, a holiday tip is customary.
If you are using them long term, a holiday tip is customary.
I am wondering about this, too. I have a crew (usually 2-3 people) through a larger service that comes every four weeks and I’ve tipped so far but now I feel like I have to keep doing it since I have already even though it’s a regular appointment.
I went to a brand new fancy pancake place in Edgewater NJ for brunch and we had the best waiter ever. He comped our OJ, refilled the coffee continuously, offered samples on a new French toast they were trying out and was just super attentive. Since they were new they only had the swipey thing on the iPad to pay and it didn’t have the tip part set up. I had no cash and neither did my mom, they did not have an ATM inside either. I went by bus so I couldn’t drive out and find a bank. I was so mortified. He prob thought I was being super cheap when I said I couldn’t tip on my $50 bill. I took his name down and came back during the weekend just with a 20% tip. Now he is my bestie when I go back.
What about massage therapist? I’m never sure about whether to tip them.
I do the same as at the salon–20% on the fill price of the service. (My massage therapist sells package deals at a discount so I’m paying less than full price for the service itself.) I figure that massage therapists are often in spas or salons and often rent their space similar to a hairstylist or nail technician.
my sister is a massage therapist and has told me that the same 10-20% as a hair salon is pretty typical for her field.
Yes
I was surprised this one was not on the list as I read through and as a licensed massage therapist, yes, a massage would be same as eating out due to them providing you a service (and on the pre-coupon/discounted price of course.) Particularly if you are at a fancy spa or something, it would be expected just like if you get hair or nails or any other service done. The spa expects it since they factor that into how much they pay a therapist…when a therapist is sitting there with no appointments filled for a block of time that is where the very small hourly amount comes in just like with a waitress. Simply tip according to the service they provided…ask yourself if they friendly and did their best to make you comfortable and provide a relaxing massage etc. The only instance I would say not required is when going for a massage at a chiropractor office, for instance after you have been in a car accident and are getting work done for a 6 week period or something…then it is up to you…some chiropractor offices have no tip policies, some are fine if you want to, so just depends on what you decide, you could ask the therapist in that instance if they made you feel comfortable enough to check.
Hope that helps, of course there are many different circumstances but in general I would say yes.
I’m a massage therapist and I’d say almost all therapists I know accept tips. It may not be as likely if you’re receiving it in more of a medical setting, such as a chiropractor’s office, but the very best way to know is just to ask! They’ll let you know! I typically receive $10-20 tip for an hour massage, with an average being $13, and $15-25 for a 90 minute massage, average about $20. A lot of us did get extra / bigger tips around Christmas too.
What about a massage therapist that comes to your home? Since they are “owners” and self employed, I’ve always wondered what is customary. I tip mine 15% anyway, but just curious what the norm is?
I think that would depend on the price of the massage. When I visit people at their homes, a lot of times they’re friends and family and I charge on the very low end of what a massage would cost ($35 for an hour) because I want everyone to be able to afford a massage since it’s so good for you. I really would appreciate a tip as I have to spend my time and gas getting to someone’s house on top of the hour I spend with the person, I spend my own money on sheets, laundry detergent, and massage oil / lotion, and it’s not easy moving that bulky and heavy massage table around. But if you’re paying on what I would consider the upper end of a massage (like $60-120 for an hour), and all the money is going to the therapist, then I think that therapist has probably factored in their tip into the price and it wouldn’t be necessary to tip.
I still don’t understand why it’s necessary to tip the person making your cup of coffee? I don’t get coffee often (maybe splurge on Fridays), but how is making an ice coffee with skim milk any different from the guy at McDonalds making a cheeseburger with no pickles or filling a diet Coke to go with my order? I don’t tip the guy making the fries at McDonalds since that’s part of their fast food job. Starbucks is fast food coffee basically. So what’s the difference? I’m a teacher and in the summer I work at Dairy Queen (it’s fun and I earn grocery money). People don’t tip me for making specific shakes or sundaes since that’s part of my job!
Yeah I don’t agree with that one either. I have never tipped at Starbucks and never will.
I actually came here to see if anyone else felt the same way I do. I worked in food service in the past, though not as a waitress and received maybe 4 tips in the 3 years I worked there. I didn’t expect them as I was paid a regular wage. I guess I thought tips were for wait staff who are typically paid a wage that reflects their earning of tips and for those who truly go above and beyond.
I agree. Also, nobody tips their teacher, physician, surgeon etc…
I agree with Joe. I agree with tipping, especially with good service in a sit down restaurant where the server actually serves me. But tipping has gotten out of hand. I don’t believe in tipping Starbucks, ice cream shops or any other establishment in which I wait in line, pay up front and then leave. Once I got terrible service and left a 10% tip and I actually had a server come out and ask me for more money. They were lucky to get what they did when the service was so bad.
I agree 100% with starbucks they charge so much for the drinks as it is.
and they get a very goood wage for being baristas…
When I order coffee via Starbucks mobile app, I tip $0.50-1.00 if my item(s) are ready on the counter when I arrive. I usually treat myself on Wednesdays so if everything is ready and they greet me, I tip $1 via the mobile app on my way out the door. If I have to wait less than a minute, I tip $0.50; if I have to wait, longer than like 3 minutes there is no tip. If I was ordering in store, I wouldn’t tip but I feel as though I should when I order via mobile app because it’s slightly above and beyond just ordering at the counter. If I’m at other coffee places (Dunkin, etc) and pay by cash, I’ll typically throw the change in the tip jar if they have one. The way I look at tipping on these instances is, will I really miss $1? I’d rather tip a buck and be remembered as a courteous customer with a name who gets their items quick. I def pay $1 for that experience!
I agree 100% …teachers don’t get tips–I’m sure you do a great job and deserve it! I was a nurse and tried to go above & beyond for my patients— no tips for us and I didn’t make a lot of money, nor did I ever think that I would get extra money to do it! I feel awkward tipping, if I can’t just add it to the bill—one reason I really hate going to the hairdresser and nail place! I know others probably think that’s silly but it is what it is for me!
If anyone should get tipped, it’s nurses and aides. It’s a thankless job and I thank you Jeannieny. My dad stayed in the hospital for a while and I made sure to bring in fruit, travel coffee cases, and other treats for the nurses. Also to thank them and let their hospital administrator which nurses were doing a great job.
Agreed! Nurses bust their butt to make sure their patients feel comfortable and taken care of. Plus they have the added stress of people’s LIVES. Still no tip. I wish places paid their workers a decent wage and didn’t expect tips to make up the difference. It’s one thing to tip because you received exceptional service, as opposed to tipping out of obligation.
Nurses make great money … if you are a nurse in the US and do not make great money it’s your hospital’s fault because most nurses I know make close to 6 figures or higher. I don’t think they need a tip. If you think someone is a nurse and they aren’t making at least 60-70k then they are probably not an actual nurse. Most of the people you first see when you go to the doctor are not nurses.
Teachers get gifts a few times a year so they sort of get tipped.
I worked as a library clerk and enjoyed the treats ( cookies and chocolates ) customers brought in during Christmas but I’ve never expected or even thought about getting tipped. I did my job well and that was enough for me.
When I was in the hospital for an extended amount of time, I always had my visitors bring bagels or donuts for the nurses. I know they don’t expect anything but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those ladies and gentlemen caring for me around the clock.
I agree 100% …teachers don’t get tips–I’m sure you do a great job and deserve it! I was a nurse and tried to go above & beyond for my patients— no tips for us and I didn’t make a lot of money, nor did I ever think that I would get extra money to do it! I feel awkward tipping, if I can’t just add it to the bill—one reason I really hate going to the hairdresser and nail place! I know others probably think that’s silly but it is what it is for me! Leaving a tip on the table for a server, yes…picking up takeout–no!
How about when you pick up “to go” food??? When I order food and when I sign the receipt (usually pay with cc) there is the spot for “tip”. are you supposed to tip and if so, how much???
If you pick it up yourself then I don’t believe it is necessary. If it’s To Go Curbside and they come out to your car then I think you are supposed to tip a dollar or so. Not more than 10% of your order.
If you pick it up yourself then I don’t believe it is necessary. If it’s To Go Curbside and they come out to your car then I think you are supposed to tip a dollar or so. Not more than 10% of your order. Also, if someone is the owner of a nail or hair salon–I guess dog groomers apply–no tip is necessary.
I don’t tip in these situations.
I disagree. I think tipping is required in this situation. Someone still had to put your order through, check it for mistakes, and package it up, all while keeping up with their tables. I think a few dollars is a good tip.
This is bordering on entitlement really.
Isn’t that really their job? To put in an order without mistakes, pack it up and keep tables (if necessary).
Agreed.
Exactly! It’s called doing your job.
So true.
Well it’s probably a nice thing to do, but definitely not “required”
I wouldn’t tip at a place like olive garden where you go in and pick up your order because it seems that they have specific people to deal with that job so I’d hope they get paid hourly for that job… but I do tip at my local Mexican restaurant even though I go in and pick up an order I placed over the phone. I tip there because the waiters are also the ones who take the calls, give me my food, and take my money…I know its cutting into the time they can be attentive to their tables…so I tip; that said, most of the time its just a matter of rounding up or adding a buck or two, not generally a full 20% like I do if I eat there and they serve me drinks and chips, etc…
I used to waitress at a coney island (if you aren’t from Michigan a coney island is like a mom and pop restaurant) and it made all the difference to me when people placed carry outs and tipped. A huge difference. I would say its not required, but if you like the person or that restaurants food then I would.
Same!! It meant a lot to me when I had to do takeout orders as a hostess and people would leave a tip so I do usually leave at least a few dollars on takeout.
To go people usually make a little over minimum wage in Georgia it’s about $8. They do pack your food, double check your order and make sure it’s correct. I tip as I’m in the service industry a manager at a restaurant and I know those tips are important to them. You can’t live off $8 an hour. I tip all service industry professionals because I know they rely on the tips. Servers make 2.13 an hour so they really need it. There are a few people who go I’ve come across who don’t tip and it’s just wrong. If you can’t afford to tip then you shouldn’t be dining out. You might not give cash to your teachers but you give them gifts of appreciation through out the year.
Some places that have dedicated to go the people are paid server’s wages which can be less than $3 an hour because they’re supposed to make it up and tips like a server. Sometimes it is a server who does it. Either way a lot of them how to pay taxes on tips to a lot of you guys think you shouldn’t have to give.
If tip spot prints on receipt for one circumstance/situation – it prints for all. My local Chinese restaurant prints tip line since they have a few dine-in tables but I don’t tip them. I asked at a local restaurant if people handling take out orders (you go in to pick up) are paid the same as servers. I was told that if working that job they get paid 3x what servers make per hour. Not sure – I never know what to do in that situation.
I tip the curbside 10% — those are often waitstaff pulled off of their tables to bag your order & bring it out to you. They’re losing income from another table being seated while they’re dealing with your stuff. Most of them hate doing it because they lose money fooling with curbside orders that don’t tip while losing out on the next table that got sat, or not doing right by their seated tables because they can’t be found for the time they’re dealing with you. If they’re on curbside all night, they’re basically making nothing for the night — a few bucks an hour.
What about dog groomers? The owner is the groomer.
Wondering the same. I usually leave $5 on a $35 bill, not sure if that’s enough. She does a good job & great with my dog.
As a former groomer I was surprised to see that dog groomers didn’t make this list. Most people don’t realize how hard grooming is and the wear and tear that it is on your body. It is like being a hairstylist but having a client that wants to bite you, pee on you, and wiggles while you are trimming. Tips for groomers are very much appreciated, owner or not. As in anything, I would tip based on how satisfied you are with the groom. But keep in mind, usually when a groom doesn’t look great it is because your dog is harder to work on. I know when I had clients that I knew would tip I stayed more positive and upbeat while grooming their dogs. And yes Rebecca $5 on $35 would be an appropriate tip in my opinion 🙂
We take our dog to a grooming service that has self service bath tubs. It’s very inexpensive ($13), but the room is a mess after we’re done washing and drying our lab. I always tip the girl that I know has to clean up after us.
Definitely tip the groomer, even if they are the owner. We have two dogs and it’s $35 per dog…so $70 total. We always give $80. $10 tip/$5 per dog. Having to groom a wiggly pet is not any fun, otherwise we would all groom our own pets.
Do you tip your contractor? The men who help the contractor?
I almost feel like where does the tipping end?! I feel I am already paying for their service–a lot actually. Contractors and their crew are not cheap!
definitely not…they bid the job and get ample pay accordingly. if anything, take out a case of soda or cold waters out to the crew on a warm day or even bake cookies or have burgers on the grill for them to take when they leave some night but no cash, compared to what you’re paying them for the job, any tip would seem silly I’d say…can’t add 10% to a construction job! yikes.
I feel the same , where does it end. If your already paying for the service I don’t think tips are necessary in this case and in many other cases.
My husband used to be a casino dealer and they made less than minimum wage. They are paid the same rate as the servers and make less in tips. I would say you should tip anyone that makes a “tipping minimum wage” and you should 15% of what you win.
I wish could find a list of those that make that tipping wage!
this is crazy to me. I live in Detroit and all the casino dealers make GREAT money and are in the union. Same with the waitstaff.
I was a casino dealer in PA and relied heavily on tips aka “tokes” from patrons to make my paycheck biweekly. Everyday, the tip/toke earned that day is split amongst every dealer (besides poker dealers) on every shift (day, night, graveyard) assigned that day. This helped to balance out the hourly rate paid, which was less than $3/hr. Some weeks’ paychecks were great because the toke rate was high, other weeks the paycheck reflected a slow week. This led to most of my coworkers having to hold two jobs just to make a decent living. I was trained to always make the patrons feel comfortable, entertained, and sometimes held conversations with my regulars for 5-6 hrs sometimes. Also, each time we were tipped, we would tap the toke box and every dealer in that pit would thank that patron! Just some things to consider and some insight when deciding whether you want to tip at the casino. HTH!
I bartend ,and we do 6 pack beer take out Here is what I have to do ,I leave my bar ..I take your order, grab a cardboard 6-pack container. Then ,put your beer bottles from the various coolers that you make your selection from, in that cardboard container ,bag it ,and rang it up. Then back to my bar patrons I’m the only bartender on that shift and some people tip,some don’t ,because they say it’s takeout…
Hi VMM.I as a bartender make $2 .83 an hour and have taxes taken out of that. So I do rely on tips and if it snows or the weather is bad,then I don’t make a lot of money …some days I have left a 9 hour shift with 27 .00. In tips and less than 21.00 in pay ..at least I’m making around 5.25 and hour …and thankful I have a job.
Thank you for the insight. I had no idea that the wages were so much below the minimum wage! I will make sure I let all my friends know about this. We always tip the bartender, but now we will tip more.
My wedding is coming up in October and I’m wondering how tipping will work for all of my vendors – photographer, videographer, DJ, makeup artist, venue catering etc. where many of them several thousand each. Am I expected to tip 20% of their fee or are there set amounts for these things?
I have a child getting married this year. The wedding coordinator said usually the DJ gets a couple hundred dollar tip, the food a 20% tip, but I forgot to ask about the photographer. We’re not using a videographer or makeup artist. He said all but the food, which is a set 20%, is given at the end of the evening based on how satisfied we are with their services.
I’m wondering this too. I’m getting married in November!! We didn’t factor tips into our budget and now I know they will be hundreds!!
I wish there were a list of service type jobs showing which gets paid hourly vs a lower rate like waitresses do. I tip pretty well but, I too, feel like the expectation has gotten out of hand and I would like to not tip those who are paid hourly….I get paid hourly so I see these jobs as not tip-worthy. or is wait staff the only job that gets a lower payrate with expectation of tips making up for it?
Oh man, I have never even been in an environment where most of these positions exist. LOL
IGood question above. I’ve wondered the same thing. I thought as long as it was take out, No. I mean they basically just bagged your food and rang it up. No waitressing involved? Good Question? I’d love feedback myself?
I always wonder about laser hair removal. I know that sounds crazy but I do wonder. I usually tip for other salon services – hair, nails, etc. but they also don’t cost $100s. If I tip 20% on top of that, it will add quite a bit to my total. Also, the place I go, the owner is doing the treatments. If I am supposed to tip, do I tip up front when I pay for the whole package or each time I go in????
Speaking as a former delivery driver, I do not tip half of these. But then again I don’t get half these services.
I definitely tip waitresses or my sons hair place because the lady is excellent. ( he is 6.)
I don’t think percentages work well anymore. S a driver I made $4.25 an hour in my car to pack and bring you food. So tipping one or two dollars isn’t great unless you live extremely close. Quite a few deliveries took 30-45 minutes round trip and would put me below minimum wage based on 10 to 20%.
Speaking as a former delivery driver, I do not tip half of these. But then again I don’t get half these services.
I definitely tip waitresses or my sons hair place because the lady is excellent. ( he is 6.)
I don’t think percentages work well anymore. S a driver I made $4.25 an hour in my car to pack and bring you food. So tipping one or two dollars isn’t great unless you live extremely close. Quite a few deliveries took 30-45 minutes round trip and would put me below minimum wage based on 10 to 20%.
If you’re willing to pay $3 for a 2 liter, at least have the courtesy to tip the driver.
What about nail services I recently went and I dont go often but usually have one person working on me , they had 2 people working on me and their prices really have increased since they moved locations so Im slightly bitter cause I feel they got more greedy . I have to say they do a better job then most salons around here but when I went to tip he acted like I was cheap because its primary cash place with a now 5 percent discount if paid in cash . I guess cause I had two people I was suppose to double my tip amount. Idk I guess they gonna see me as cheap tipper not do a good job next time. I mean I dont have tons of money and they already raised their prices so Idk I felt so cheap. I splurged cause it was my birthday.
The prices probably increased because the new location’s rent is more expensive. Also, every other job gets a least a yearly raise. The only way they can get a raise is charging a little more. I don’t believe they are being greedy. But you should tip each nail tech that worked on you 10-20% of the service they performed on you separately. I hope this helps.
What about a grocery store where they do the shopping for you and bring it to your car? In our area, it’s Kroger. I never thought about tipping (they charge $5 for the service) the first 2 times I used the service. I don’t know why I thought about it the 3rd time, but I asked friends that I knew had used the serivce. One friend tipped based on the attitude of the person that brought the haul out. One friend never thought about but asked a store manager and they just said it wasn’t required but is apprecaited by the “kids” that usually do that job. So, I tipped with that 3rd trip because the gal was super kind and I plan to in the future.
Walmart pickup workers are not allowed to accept tips, think it depends on store.
My daughter worked for Kroger before leaving for college. They aren’t allowed to take tips! Go to Kroger.com and look under click list frequently asked questions.
What about the mechanic that works on your car? one time my boyfriend told me I should tip the mechanic for doing hard work. But at the same time, I was being charged A LOT for labor. Lol.
I would tip on the service .. I went to barber shop with my 3 year old for a haircut .. it’s not easy for a 3 yr old to sit down quietly for a cut .. the lady made faces while he loved and growled at me to ask him to sit quiet .. her body language made me give her a 0 tip .. next time different place the lady was also making an effort to make him comfortable along with me .. hair cut was 7 .. I gave her 10
Saying this .. depends on the attitude of the person .. I hate tipping just for the sake of tipping Ina restaurant .. everyone gets paid for the work they do .. Boone’s working for free .. if someone does something over n above from their regular work they deserve a tip .. I goto restaurant u take my order get the food ..I wouldn’t tip .. u get it fast .. u give me recommendations .. u make sure the water is filled up . U deserv a tip .. hate mandatory tips
Agree 100% Tumi. No one is working for free. You sign on to do a job whether it is bussing tables or collecting orders. Expecting tips for doing your job is just crazy.
I understand from the comments left above and my friends working in the restaurant industry, that the wait staff makes less than minimum wage, sometimes close to half of the minimum wage and DEPEND on tips to make a living.
So it is only fair to expect tips when your job description is such.
I agree! I hate the mandatory tipping! You pay for a service that should be it. A tip is for an outstanding, above and beyond experience! I sure don’t feel shamed to tip everyone!! It’s ridiculous!
What about nurses?! Can we start tipping them 😊
Nurses are not struggling at all … they make great money. Close to 6 figures and they signed up for that type of job. Do you tip your therapist, social workers, etc … these are all thankless jobs and nurses actually make more than both.
My mom has been an LPN for 40 years and is not even making HALF that. Best friends are RNs and not making anywhere close to 3 figures. Giving a nurse a box of candy or a coffee is a sweet gesture. Many jobs are thankless, but nurses are on their feet all day cleaning up your loved one’s bodily fluids and constantly checking they’re cared for properly. As a teacher, I appreciate the smallest gifts from students… nurses appreciate those little acts of kindness, too.
*6 figures lol
what about the UBER driver?
I’ve always tipped mine. A few bucks for a shorter ride, more for a longer ride. But you’re not required to.
My husband drives Uber when his equipment operator job is rained out. The tips help out a lot, especially if it’s a short trip and under $10. If you pay less then $10, the driver is getting around $5, so tipping $3-5 helps a lot! If you have a longer ride, but go to a more rural area, tipping the $3-5 helps them offset the cost of going back where they will get their next rider. Now if you come from let’s say the airport to a downtown area that they’re likely to get another rider, and it’s over a $10 trip, then a $1 tip is just fine. If you find yourself on a long hall ride at normal rates (2+ hours) a larger tip to offset the cost of driving back home is greatly appreciated. He basically came out even on a trip like that once after the gas back home. :/
What about laser hair removal?
Over all Tipping has gotten out of hand. We should get rid of all tips. I understand not everyone can make a living off regular wages. (I still do) but when a waitress chases me out to parking lot to ask for more tip. Really??? Few years ago I was really down in my luck financially, physically, and spiritually and still had to be a care giver to my aging parents alone, as single. I had four p/t and still, I did my jobs. And nobody tipped me for my outstanding customer services/receptionist.???
It definitely is. Where does it end? I worked was a hostess/carryout/cashier back in the days and never got a tip. I didn’t expect it since it was my job. Anyone who has a job, is providing a service. No one tips the people involved who get your products into stores (trains, truck drivers, vessels, planes).
Ugh! As a customer service person, I’m not going to treat someone significantly better or worse due to tips. And if I was a manager, I would tell my employees the same, you treat everyone well, you treat everyone with respect, regardless of whether or not they are a good tipper. You never know the circumstances people are going through and things they are dealing with. And someone who just lost their job but still wanted to take their girlfriend out on a date last night might be the CEO of a fortune 500 company a few years down the road, you never know…maybe they couldn’t tip big today but they remember and come back and tip well later. AAAANNNNDDD you’ve heard how people size other people up based on how well they treat servers??? It’s true!!!
I get your point of understanding people’s circumstances but chances are if someone has money to spend eating out they have money to leave SOMETHING. Now if someone has plenty and chooses not to tip, I absolutely think it is a reflection of their character. I was at a lunch where the bill was $148 and the tip was $5, it was disgusting. The server was bringing multiple apps, drinks, sides, refills and was pretty much running ragged. The person I was with was just cheap, so I took it upon myself to throw down a $20 out of sheer embarrassment.
I own a photo booth company and I put out a tip jar. Although I’m fine with most people not tipping, if you or your child come through several times, it’s a nice gesture to tip. Also we are basically babysitters for children and drunks and keep them entertained, so tips are nice.
But it’s a job you choose to do.
Isn’t every job??? Your comment makes no sense
I believe tipping should only be at places that pay employees below minimum wage! The $2 something for waitresses is way too low! I worked fast food in my teenage years and had people try to tip me. If a manager saw they would make me put the money in Dave Thomas Foundation! If they weren’t around I would tell them I cannot accept tips! Those who make minimum wage/above and expect or wish they can be tipped is greedy! You are there to do your job and your job is paying you to do so!
On another note I recently found out you are expected to tip for tattoo…hmm
I’m an E.M.T. and when the hospital discharges a patient home after a surgery and I’m handed a tip after taking them home, I think it’s pretty awesome. I’ve been tipped $5,
$20 and even $50 before.
Tow Truck Drivers deserve a tip =) Even if you have AAA a lot of those guys make commission and its not very much! Plus sometimes they put their life on the line to tow you from the side of the freeway or road =)
If these employers would pay their employees a livable wage, tipping wouldn’t be “mandatory” it would just reflect your appreciation for someones extra effort to make your experience extra nice!!!
Agree!!
Don’t forget your tattoo artist.
I worked for a few years for a cruise line as a food server. This is really hard job – many hours of work, at least 10 a day, no day off, only couple of hours once a week and this goes on for months. The cruise companies do NOT pay wages, technically they do but they are about $36 a month! You have to buy your own ticket to fly to/back from your country, and you have to buy your own uniforms. This is why there are no Americans working as food servers, bar tenders, cabin stewards, etc.
The tip that is mentioned above is actually the salary that the servers make, BUT there are so many people that pull their gratuity back (the companies let them so they can come back) that the servers do not make enough money. And most of the money go to the matte d, anyway. You should always give extra money at the end of the cruise to your servers, forget about the maitre d, they make enough money even without the gratuity.
Wait staff makes less than minimum wage but from my understanding, if the wait staff doesn’t make a certain amount in tips, the establishment is supposed to make up the difference.
Believe this information is posted in every work place.
So are ppl not reporting their tips or are businesses cheating their employees. Or both
I tip if I dine in. I don’t tip fast food and they make minimum wage so why do some minimum wage professions deserve tips and some don’t. I do take the surveys on my receipts and make sure to include the employees name
That’s what the law was when I was a waitress – if we didn’t average at least minimum wage after tips, then the restaurant was required to make up the difference.
what about furniture delivery folks who set up your furniture? i do tip contractors. not a %, but just to show i appreciate their hard work.
We had a couch delivered last summer and we tipped the guys $20. It’s hard work especially in the AZ heat, I felt they deserved it!
How about like at Domino’s if your carrying out pizza 🍕 do you have to tip?
No, you do not tip for carry out.
Don’t forget to tip your mailman!!!!
Why? A decent/well paid union job with overtime, benefits, vacation, federal holidays off, and retirement
You can “tip” and item valued at $20 or less like a GC, cookies, gift box etc. They cannot accept anything valued more than than.
A nice Christmas gift is always nice for mailman. They do a lot for you. Yes it is their job but they’ll remember your kind act.
If you get pizza or food delivery…TIP the driver. The drivers DO NOT get the delivery fee charged by the business. If you do not believe that, ASK when you order. If you order $60 worth of pizza, DO NOT tip $2… $6-12 should be your tip based on your order total, JUST LIKE A RESTAURANT. If it’s snowing/raining be decent….seriously. People who do not want to tip a delivery driver need to drive to the business and get the food themselves. If your order is late, cold or incorrect obviously this rule of thumb does not apply. If you get known for not tipping chances are you will get pushed to the bottom of the list and no one will be in a hurry to go 20 miles out for your measly $1 tip on a $50 order, FYI.
How about the guy/girl at Sonic that brings your food out?
Tips have gone so overboard! I live where minimum wage is $11.50 – some parts of the state are actually higher than that. I personally feel like these people are already making a decent wage and a tip is an “extra” based on superior service, not just because they did the job that they were hired for. When I was a teen working in a fast food restaurant, this was unheard of, there was never a tip jar. Only in America….
We lived overseas… Crazy Americans tip for everything! Kind of enabling businesses to not pay their employees livable wages. Sad.
AGREED, SuzieQ! I agree with everything that you just said, but in all caps lol. It’s ridiculous and some of us play right into it
What about the person who delivers a floral arrangement to you? Is a tip necessary?
Please don’t go cheap on tipping your waiter! I never knew most make maybe $3 a hr until I met my husband who was a waiter at the time. I can’t believe how many people he would wait on that had a $200 bill and would tip him maybe $5. It’s sad. My neighbor tips everyone, even the guy who put the gutters on his house that he was quoted a price for, he gave a tip of $100. I just can’t do that and some of these I don’t really agree with. I don’t get people who tip the postal service, why? They make more $ than people who risk their lives everyday. No one tips a paramedic for saving their lives. Sorry this stuff bugs me. lol
Minimum wage in Seattle is $15 an hour, they have soda tax also. Tipping on top of a $15 minimum wage makes the restaurant workers have a better wage than most people working a professional job. Eating out in Washington State has gotten so expensive with the wage increase and taxes, its something I can no longer afford to do. I used to go to Gene Juarez salon a cut used to be $40 now its increased to $75. The prices have gotten out of control and with a tip added its $100 just for a haircut. Its another luxury I have given up due to the high cost of living that we are facing in Washington State.
When I was a waitress I made below minimum wage because of earning tips. Please don’t believe it’s on top of minimum wage. Restaurants don’t want to pay their employees that much!
When you order delivery you should adjust your tip up if it is hard to find your place, or takes a long time do get to (like construction slowing down traffic.) I live downtown and I always tip 25 – 50 percent for delivery orders. (which saves me money in the long run because I’ll want to order something and then decide I’ll just eat what I have in the house 🙂
To everyone saying “tipping has gone overboard”, I have a solution. Call your congress people and demand a living minimum wage. There is no reason folks should be getting less than $3/hour and even $7.50 is not enough to live on. Corporations are making record profits for their shareholders and yet the people delivering these services can barely survive.
Instead of all of this tipping, why not make rules that make a living wage mandatory for most of these positions? Tipping is often a way to shift costs from the wealthy to the middle class and poor (e.g. wealthy shareholders in restaurant chains get profit from low wages and the middle class customer makes up the rest via tipping).
Further, in high-end restaurants servers make more money than most of you all! Bell boys in wealthy cities often make 6 figures! Learn a bit about just how much these folks in hospitality make before giving over your hard-earned money.
I never tip the people who pump gas at my local station. Should I at Christmas?
we tip the one station that does, the teenagers appreciate it but the older gentleman refuses, i think he’s one of the family members that own the company—–if you’re a regular a tray of cookies or bag of chocolates at Christmas is nice
I find it interesting that nowhere in this post does it indicate that your tip should be based on the level of service your receive. Once upon a time a tip was something you earned by giving good service not something you were entitled to receive. Granted, I do tip, but this idea that you can give crappy service and expect me to tip you is craziness.