How Much to Tip (& Not Tip) in Every Situation
Here are some suggestions of how much to tip in every situation.
We’ve got the tips for ya on tips. 💸
“Was that enough or too much?”. No matter who, how much, or if you should tip at all, we’re sharing how much to tip in every situation.
That said, at the end of the day, you do you. Everyone’s lifestyles are different, so decide on the amount that works for you and always be an appreciative guest. To help gauge an appropriate tip amount, I scoured the information on NerdWallet, Bankrate, Ramsey Solutions, and The Washington Post for suggestions of everyday instances for tipping.
Here’s an easy tip hack before we get started!
To calculate a 20% tip, first, identify 10%, then double that amount. So, if the total cost of your service was $90.00 move your decimal over one space to the left to find 10%. That leaves you with $9. Then double that $9 to find your 20% tip which would be $18. Voila!
Use a handy tip calculator if you need help faster!
Note: Keep in mind these are simply suggestions on how much to tip – a certain amount may work for one person’s lifestyle but may not be the same for another. Tips can also 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.
Now, here’s our extensive guide on how much to tip in every situation:
How much should I tip bartenders?
$1-2 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.
Attendants for wine tastings, breweries, and similar experiences are some you should consider tipping extra for, as they are providing a learning and enjoyable experience.
How much should I tip coat check?
$1 or $2
This applies only if it’s a courtesy coat check. A nice rule of thumb according to RealSimple.com is $1 per coat and $2 for a larger bag. If there’s a fee, then no tip is required.
How much should I tip musicians (at a lounge)?
$1-$5
Typically, patrons tip on their way out when a gratuity receptacle is present. Consider adding an extra dollar if they played a song you requested.
How much should I tip musicians (at a table)?
$1-$5
According to EtiquetteScholar.com, a good rule of thumb is $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.
How much to tip on a cruise?
$10-$13 per person a day
This amount is split between bussers, the cabin steward, Maitre d’, and the waitstaff. Most cruises post suggested gratuities for services on their websites or in your cabin. This can vary depending on which cruise you board and Etiquette Scholar also noted it will depend on the stateroom category you’re staying in, too.
How much should I tip restroom attendants?
$0.50-$1
If it’s a nicer establishment, they’re keeping the counter clean and restocked, handing you a towel, and sometimes even giving you complimentary items such as fragrances, candy, and more. Tipping anywhere from 50¢ to a few dollars is definitely a nice gesture.
How much should I tip 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.
How much should I tip casino servers?
$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.
How much should I tip baristas?
$0.50-$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 gratuity on a quick coffee isn’t necessary.
How much to tip for takeout?
$2-$3 or 10% of the bill
Food for thought (pun intended): Although there isn’t an obligation, it’s nice to leave a good impression if you’re a regular at your favorite takeout spot.
How much should I tip tattoo artists?
15-20%
You definitely want to find a tattoo artist who is reputable for doing a good job. And just like any job well done, he/she deserves a nice gratuity.
How much should I tip movers?
5-10% of the cost or $4-5/hour
Moving furniture is a lot of manual labor, and it’s not easy for anyone. If the moving company helps bring in and set up your furniture, they definitely deserve a tip. The amount will depend on the level of difficulty, the number of items they’re moving, and the effort of the crew, so use your own discretion. The amounts above are based on OnTheGoMoving.com.
How much should I tip massage therapists?
15-20% of the service
It’s appropriate to tip 15-20% of the bill at most day spas. However, if you’re getting a massage at a bargain price or are using a coupon code, the gratuity should be based on the actual retail value of the service and not the reduced rate.
If you’re staying at a resort spa, note that many spas add a service fee of 18-20% to the massage or facial. If you think you received exceptional service, you can give the therapist additional money in the treatment room.
How much should I tip beauticians and cosmetologists
15-20% of the service
When it comes to manis and pedis, tip them like you would tip your hairstylist. With a 15% to 20% tip, you can’t go wrong! If you are having an extra service done, adjust the amount accordingly. This also goes for eyelash extensions and waxers.
How much should I tip car washers?
- $2-$5 for a standard car wash
- 10-20% for detailing
For a standard car wash, a $2 to $5 tip is appropriate. Many times, car wash businesses have a general tip jar that gets split up among all the car washing employees. However, if you are having your car detailed, 10-20% extra on top of the total price is more appropriate.
How much should I tip dog groomers?
15-20% of the service total
Dog groomers deal with all sorts of things on a daily basis that requires a lot of tough physical labor and a whole bunch of patience. Your dog groomer lifts, pulls, clips, grinds, squeezes anal glands, bathes the dog, gets covered with water and soap, dodges bites and scratches, and deals with other common dog behavioral issues and things throughout the course of a day.
Showing your appreciation by tipping a dog groomer 15-20% of the bill is the least we can do.
How much to tip for furniture delivery?
$5-$20 per person
The amount will depend on the size and complexity of the delivery. If the delivery person is delivering and putting the furniture together in your house, you may want to opt for a more generous amount.
How much should I tip house cleaners or maid service?
15-20% of the service
If you have a house cleaner who does a great job, it is always nice to show your appreciation by giving them a nice tip. However, the amount can vary on the amount of space they are cleaning, if they’re tackling a really dirty project (like a filthy kids’ bathroom), and how well the job is done.
How much should I tip for room service?
15-20% if gratuity has not been included in the bill
According to a gratuity guide from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, room service staff should be tipped 15-20% of their total meal bill. However, some hotels may already include gratuity on the bill, so be sure to check the fine print on the menu carefully. If this is the case, there’s no need to tip the staff directly.
How much should I tip golf course caddies?
Varies between courses
For tipping a caddie, your best bet is to ask the caddie master or head pro what is customary at that golf course. 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, such as changing spikes, cleaning, and polishing, are anywhere from $5-$10.
How much should I tip a host or maître d’?
$10-$20
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. 😉
How much should I tip a restaurant delivery person?
15%
The factors here include timeliness and the condition of the boxes/bags of the order. Remember that they do not make your food, so if there is a problem with the contents that don’t involve transport, that’s something to speak with the restaurant directly.
How much should I tip a valet?
$2-$5
If you’re not sure exactly how much, some people use the rule of thumb of $1 per $10,000 the value of your car.
How much should I tip at buffets?
10% 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.
How much should I tip outdoor guides?
No standard
Consider a 10-20% tip if you have an exceptional experience with a well-trained and knowledgeable guide. Some companies have a no-tip policy though, so don’t be shocked if your offer is turned down.
How much should I tip a barber/hairstylist?
15-20%
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 at 10-20%. Lastly, if an assistant shampoos your hair separately from the stylist, it’s appropriate to give between $2-$5 to that person directly.
How much should I tip hotel housekeepers?
$2-$5
As a rule of thumb, tips are typically $2 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.
How much should I tip a 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 recognizes 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 welcome 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.
What about services booked through tech?
It’s hard to navigate proper etiquette when so many new services are booked through tech. Should I have a full-blown conversation with my rideshare driver? How many notes are too many for the shopper tackling my grocery list? And the most commonly debated question—what’s the appropriate amount to tip? With insight from etiquette experts, we’re also outlining the suggested tipping amounts for modern-day services below.
How much should I tip Uber, Lyft, taxis, or other ridesharing services?
Uber originally boasted a “no-need-to-tip” policy, but that has changed over the last couple of years. When in doubt, you can use this helpful scale developed by Julia Boyd, an international etiquette consultant. She recommends tipping between 15-20% for exceptional service, 10-15% for good service, and 10% for average service.
That said, what’s considered exceptional, good, and average will vary person-to-person, but in an effort to make sure your driver knows how to perform “exceptionally”, let them know if you have a preference for the conversation level, music, or temperature.
How much should I tip Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, or other takeout delivery services?
Similar to a delivery person directly from the restaurant, you should tip your delivery service personnel around 15%. Coming from someone who lives in an area with unfortunately cold winters, we’re grateful for the delivery people who pick up our takeout while it’s snowing. They’re the real MVPs!
Just make sure your gratuity is reflective of the delivery and not the food itself. You may also want to consider how far your driver is traveling and many people tip based on milage rather than the percentage of their bill. As an idea, consider tipping $2 for every mile driven.
How much should I tip for Instacart, Shipt, Walmart+, and other grocery shopping and delivery services?
According to Ramsey Solutions, a 15-20% gratuity is suggested when using a grocery delivery service. You’re making a list and sending it to someone who is going to physically shop for you and, most of the time, be in constant contact with you asking questions and making sure they have everything you need.
Depending on the service, they might use their own personal vehicles to deliver those heavy groceries. Luckily with services like this, you can gauge a job well done after the shopper has left your doorstep. Are your frozen products still cold? Is the produce fresh and vibrant? Did they communicate about substitutions or out-of-stock products?
If you think your shopper did an outstanding job picking out the best fruits, lugging a large pack of water up your stairs, or suffering through inclement weather to get to your home, feel free to show that appreciation through a tip.
Hip Tip: Read why we’re huge fans of grocery delivery services!
How much gratuity should I pay for specialized delivery services?
- 10-20% or $3
For services that will deliver just about anything, like takeout food, office supplies, or a new computer, take into consideration what you’re asking when it comes to tipping. It also doesn’t hurt to acknowledge that these individuals are making less than minimum wage without tips and are worth their weight in gold when it comes to convenience.
Small food orders probably won’t warrant much over the 10%, but when large, heavy, or bulky items come into play, you may want to consider upping that percentage.
How much gratuity should I pay for miscellaneous services?
- Up to 10%
- Popular services: TaskRabbit
This is a tricky situation, as you typically set the price for the task you’re asking (and people who commonly use the service feel the company discourages tips). This one is completely up to you and can be based on how long the person worked on your project or if they went above and beyond.
Keep in mind there’s a reason you contracted out the assembly of your new IKEA bookshelf—deciphering those instructions can be a pain! Taskers set their own wages, but the tips 100% go directly to them, so anything above their price point will suffice if you’re looking to reward an individual for a great job.
How much should I tip for grocery store pickup services?
- 0%… seriously!
- Popular services: Kroger grocery pickup, Safeway pickup, Walmart pickup
When ordering your groceries directly through a store for pickup, you’ll be happy to know that the price you set out to pay doesn’t come with any other financial strings attached. A majority of the stores that offer this type of service have policies in place to prohibit tipping as a safety precaution for their employees.
Many store associates will let you know if they’re not allowed to accept tips should you try to slip them a few bucks upon pickup, but you can always call and speak to a store supervisor if you have questions about their tipping policy.
When are gratuities unnecessary?
There are actually a few instances when a tip is not required, such as:
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- House Painters
- Laundry Service
- Medical appointments
- Personal Shoppers
- Tailors or Seamstress
- Telephone, Cable, Satellite, or Internet Installers or Repairmen
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:
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- Appliance Repairman
- Carpet Cleaners
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Handymen
- Home Services when the owner is the one completing the job
Let us know in the comments which services you love and your thoughts regarding these tipping ranges. And remember, everyone approaches tipping differently so please be respectful of varying views in responses. 🙂
Looking for more ways to express gratitude? Check out our random acts of kindness ideas.
Why do you suggest that Grub Hub and Door Dash get at least $5, but other restaurant food delivery people only get 10-20%??
That is because the person delivering through Door Dash is using their own gas, own car, and Door Dash doesn’t pay a minimum wage. You are working for tips, most jobs they try and send are not even worth it after the gas, and time spent.
Actually door dash employees are paid hourly. My daughter made $9.00 from door dash during her deliveries plus tips. That’s the reason she chose them over uber eats. She made a little more hourly wage although uber eats also pays hourly. That was a year ago though so unless something has changed they do pay hourly wages.
They have changed their method and now include the tips in the hourly wage to pay. I try to tip them in cash as that isn’t figured in.
I was a pizza delivery driver (briefly) when I was between jobs. I used my own car and my own gas and was required to have my own insurance on the car. Pizza Hut doesn’t hand you a company car to use.
But that’s usually the same for delivery drivers who are employed by the restaurant. They have to buy gas, use their own car, pay insurance, and often do not get minimum wage. I tip at least $5, no matter who delivers to me. I don’t see how one service is worth more, or less, of a tip than the other
They are LITERALLY risking an accident or injury to bring me dinner, because I don’t feel like going out, myself. Also if they know you tip well, you’ll get your order very quickly. If you’re a lousy tipper your house will be the last delivery they make on a run.
Most I agree but why am I tipping take out? I wouldnt tip at McDonalds or Wendy to go orders. so why would I at Chilis
Because of the way the servers are paid at Chili’s vs fast food.
I worked at a restaurant for a long time. A lot of times, it takes a lot more time to prepare a take out order than a dine-in order because of all the to go Tupperware such as all the tiny little sauces that go with it. It takes time away from your actual tables and is always very disheartening to not be tipped at all. Also, servers have to tip the bartenders and bussers from their sales, so if they are not tipped, they have to pay for that take out order from their own tips.
Wow, very nicely detailed response, Laura. Thank you. I had no idea.
I worked in take out in college. The kitchen staff often brought it to the front where I was bartending. I got paid hourly. The servers never had anything to do with take out and my take home pay was higher than theirs. Rarely did I get tips on take out orders and honestly it was fine with me. But every restaurant and situation is different. If you send them back to change things, get more bread, or dressing or if you ordered during a busy time, I would feel like it was more necessary to consider tipping. If you walk up to the bar on a Monday afternoon when the restaurant is dead, don’t feel obligated. Honestly I think all these hourly employees asking or expecting tips makes it to where people feel tapped out by the time they get to the servers who actually rely on the tips.
We always give 20% or more. When the service isn’t good then it will be 15%.
Why do u suggest tipping for a takeout order? For example: a restaurant where I call in, place and order, drive to the restaurant and pick it up myself? One of the reasons to do this, versus sitting at a table, is to not feel required to tip as there was no server involved.
I answered this same question from my perspective above. Hope that helps!
I just seen your response. Very similar to my experiences.
If one of your reasons for not eating out is to not have to tip, that is just sad.
how is that sad? I agree with her! Isn’t that being responsible? But I see what Laura is saying.
I don’t think it’s sad. I think it is responsible and more thoughtful.(for not using up to much of their valuable time) Some people don’t have a ton of extra money and still deserve to get take out for their family.
When my budget is so tight that I don’t have $2 to tip for a restaurant take-out order, I go to Wendy’s, where the food is cheaper and I don’t have to tip. And that’s most of the time, lol
I don’t think that’s sad at ALL! We do the SAME thing for the SAME reason. When you are a family on a budget every little that you can save helps.
Fixing dinner at home is cheaper. Otherwise, you’re spending more money AND having a restaurant employee subsidize your food budget with the tip you’re keeping from them.
Jodi, so true!!
Lmao on the restaurant employee subsidizing the CUSTOMER’S TO GO food budget. Lmao. Without customers, restaurant employees would not have a job. Are you trying to be funny? hahaha
It varies. Many places require servers to take to go orders and get them together. I know as a server years ago, I wasn’t motivated to take a to go order and get it together for $2.15 an hour. It would also then go on my sales to claim tips for. A place I worked at in high school had separate staff for to go orders that were getting a decent wage.
i didn’t realize there were people who didn’t tip for take out. they prepare my order, they make sure there are napkins, forks, sauces, chop sticks…and if fast food restaurants allow it, like some local burger joints, i tip them too. usually it’s a keep the change situation which may amount to between 1.50 and 4.00 depending on how much my order was
It has never occurred to me to tip for takeout. I agree with you. I don’t think it’s necessary and I don’t intend to start doing it.
I’m just going to put this out there – tipping has gotten ridiculous. That said, I still tip 18-20% but don’t tip for everything on this list.
I agree. Wish it was just a straight fee everywhere built into the product. It’s confusing. And take out??? I was a teacher and your salary is your salary.
How can you compare a restaurant worker’s wages to a teacher’s salary?? Those jobs aren’t even remotely similar.
Exactly! I used to think you just tipped for eating out but turns out you need to tip for any and every little things. It’s a bit ridiculous 🥴
I agree as well. Its getting to be a bit much
Totally agree! We were charged 22% tip one time at a restaurant. And 20% and another for 5 ppl. Not going back to those places anymore. Most other countries don’t require tip. They have great service too!!
Agree. I tip my hairdresser $6 for a $14 haircut. She deserves it. But I don’t tip for takeout or furniture delivery.
I didn’t know you were supposed to tip hotel room service. Also, when you hire someone to clean your house who has their own business and rates, are you supposed to tip them? I’ve only hired someone one time but I didn’t know I was supposed to tip :/ I’ve always done 20% for hair. Is it normal to tip between 10-20%?
Ok thank you, that is helpful!
Kay, love your comment! A tip is a bonus and should not be demanded or expected anywhere!
You don’t have to tip housekeeping but it is nice if you do. When I was working as a hotel maid the first tip I received was a dollar bill under the pillow. I thought maybe it was a trick so I left it there. This was more than 30 years ago so the dollar was worth more. So now I usually leave a couple dollars under the pillow each day. If you are going to tip the maid please do it everyday since the maid can change each day.
i am generally traveling with a family of 4-6 depending on how much of us go…we always need extra towels, extra everything really….so as long as we get what we need i put a 5 on the desk each day we are there, and the last day whatever small bills we have gets left up to 20$ … i’m telling you that 5$ a day makes a world of difference in the service we receive from hotel staff
I stayed at a 5 star expensive hotel. $300 a day but 3 weeks. The house maid didn’t even come in to clean my room bc some days I would be in the room & kept quiet to see if they come in. They didn’t even come in to change my sheets
It is not the server’s fault that the system is rigged against them.
Yikes. Very disheartening to read this is how people feel. Your server is not at fault for the system that’s in place. Some people serve because it allows a flexible schedule to meet their childcare needs.
Glad you posted something regarding tipping on cruises. Sometimes I see people taking off the auto-gratuities from their bill (yes, you have that right) because they are tipping in cash to the people who service them or I have even seen this — people get to the end of their cruise and get their bill and see what they’ve spent at the casino, bar tab, ship stores, etc., and they figure taking off the auto gratuities will “save” them money. I feel so bad for the servers who have waited on these people in and behind the scenes. We always leave the auto gratuities on (personal choice) and tip extra if a staff member has gone above/beyond for us. Also remember too that spa serves already have the 18% gratuity automatically added on to them.
Same here Lisa! We leave it on too & tip extra around the ship. We don’t visit the bar so don’t have that bill but we give extra to our table waiters, cabin stewards & any service we take part in. I cruise often during Christmas & also give several crew members cards with cash inside on Christmas Day! We wrap it in a box like a gift. They love it & will often tell us how grateful they are bc they are away from their families. Another said it was exciting bc he could send the money home vs waiting on pay day!
We always just pre-pay the cruise gratuities; I agree that they more than deserve that tip. We add cash tips also for great service along the way.
Grub hub/Door dash/Postmates vs other delivery:
Delivery places, like pizza companies, pay minimum wage plus reimbursement for mileage. The tip is on top of that, so a large tip is not as necessary (but still very much appreciated).
App delivery companies do none of that. It can be as little as one run for $4 where the person has to drive to the restaurant, wait at the restaurant for your food (places like Buffalo Wild Wings can be a 30 min wait), drive to your house, then drive to their next destination. It’s A LOT more miles for A LOT less pay. Please tip at least $5.
Consider tipping extra for services that do more than just delivery (i.e. grocery shopping and delivery).
Also, a lot of people think that the “delivery fee” like $1.50-2.50 is going to the driver, its not…it goes to the company, drivers need a cash or added tip.
Thx so much for this post. I am a bartender in Pittsburgh Pa. I work 2 days and one night a week. I make 2.83 an hour ,without taxes taken out. My pay check with taxes taken out is around 47.00..I cant tell you how many times people tip 1.00 after a few drinks, buying rounds ,and making shots. There bill is more than I make for the week. I know I picked this profession.I know people dont even think about what servers make .I really do love my job ,I just wanted to let people know we dont make anywhere near minimum wage.God bless.
You’re so welcome! Thanks a bunch for taking the time to share with us!
With the popularity of wine tasting especially in California, many people “overlook” tipping their tasting room attendant. Tasting room attendants will usually spend between 30-45 minutes and sometimes longer with you educating you on all areas of the wine (growing, harvesting, processing, characteristics, venue etc…) hourly wages are usually on the lower end. 🍷cheers!
Do you get a percentage or incentive if I buy the wines I like? I always wondered how that works.
If wine is purchased, the profit goes to the owners or company. Most wineries in our region don’t typically give tasting room attendants a percentage of profit. They might give a small $ amount if a customer signs up for the wine club.
What about Sonic? I try to give a little, but I hardly ever have cash, and the machine doesn’t give you the option to pay another amount/add tip.
I was told by a Sonic franchisee that his car hops made at least min wage – $9. They won’t turn down tips but it’s not required which is why it’s not an option they list on screen. HTH
Remember though, there are no set rules for tipping. This is just a cultural thing and what Collin and her team suggest. You can or don’t have to tip. Your choice. There are no rules, just suggestions.
Do you tip before or after tax in a restaurant? I noticed that when we were living in SoCal, i just double the tax and that’s the tip, plus more if it was an excellent service. But when we moved here in the Bay Area, they have the tipping guide printeb in the receipt, and it’s always after tax. Maybe because of the ridiculous prices here. But keep in mind, i read that servers in CA make minimum wage, unlike other states where they really depend on tips to survive.
Riss, that’s what my hubby does as well regarding the tax and doubling it, but just don’t forget if you utilize any discount or coupon, to tip the original amount before any deductions.
Tipping should be on the amount before taxes. The places that print the guide and use after tax amounts are just gaming the system.
Tipping percentage should be on pre-tax amount. Although I was never going to turn down a tip on a post-tax amount. 😉
I don’t know if this is true for all Starbucks, but my husband worked there and mainly worked the drive through. He had lots of customers tip him $10-$20 but all the tips get put together at the end of the week, and are divided between all the employees based on hour worked. He would work 40 hours q week and his biggest tip payout on his checks was $27 during the week of Christmas. So if you tip big forward a certain barista they may have to split it between every single worker in that store.
At least they get hourly pay, too.
I just looked at this and I don’t know if anyone else’s disagrees but I used to be a stylist and that is not enough. In fact I don’t think I will do it again because of the money. A $5-10 tip is needed to make ANY money at hair. It’s a hard job and most of the income is tips. If you want more than a five minute haircut tip more.
20% or more is what we tip.
My husband and I always leave a tip. For everything. The tip may vary on the service but something is ALWAYS better than zero. We try to pay it forward. We are on a VERY tight budget but still try to be considerate
I want to add that hairdressers (stylists) have to go to school and pay off loans. If they get paid $6/hr plus tips and have to split each customer evenly then even at a busy shop they get maybe 3 haircuts an hour IF it’s really busy (and if they do more than a 5 minute haircut) If they are getting tipped $2 tips/person than they are making $12/ hr. And that is taxed. And they have to wash hair, clean the shop and their clothes get ruined. Isn’t that less than someone without college working fast food?
Tipping $2 on a haircut??? There’s no way the Aveda salon I go to could push through 3 haircuts an hour. They’re getting $50 for a trim/re-shaping, with a blow out. Color is at least $100 more. Tipping 20% means $30 on my $150 bill — and I’m not tipping any less than that b/c I see them every month and can text them to get worked into the schedule even when they’re super-busy. They told me that they make a percentage each client’s services (I think it was 1/3 if I remember correctly), plus a small commission on selling product. That at least feels reasonable to me as a my $150 bill equates to about 90 minutes, so their third cut works out to $33/hour plus 20%. That’s a decent living wage.
I am glad we have the option whether to tip or not because I know certain places automatically add 20% tips into your bill. I won’t be going back to those places
Yep! We went to this tapas place in our town. Tapas, good for 2 only, small portions. 3 kinds of tapas and we were still hungry. Paid just a little over $100 including 2 glasses of wine, and the 20% service charge. Yikes. Never again. And the food was good, but not as good as sidewalk cafe in Spain.
My grandparents and parents have always taught me to tip generously. They taught me young that these employees depend on their tips for their livelihood. As a result, my family and I only dine out or get a haircut, etc knowing that we will paying more for a tip. Money is tight for us. If we decide to eat out, then we will sometimes only choose an “order at the menu” place. Kindness matters.
I’ve also taught my children to hand the cash to the hairdresser themselves (even my 5 year old) and tell them Thank You.
Hip2Save, would you please change the line that says “Masseuse” to “Massage Therapist”? Nobody calls them “masseuses” any more except creepy old guys who don’t understand what therapeutic massage actually is. Let’s give the members of this hard-working, important healthcare profession the respect they deserve for all their years of schooling, exams, and licensing requirements!
Thanks for pointing that out, Maggie! The post has been updated!
Maggie, thank you! As a career Licensed Massage Therapist, I greatly appreciate your sentiment.
Abby, as a licensed massage therapist, do you expect a tip? My thinking is that you are not some unlicensed Chinese foot massage person who DEMANDS FOR more than half the massage cost for tip, you are a professional & either you run your own business or you get paid as an employee and so tips are not needed?
I feel like you’ve posted this type of thing a couple times before, and there are a lot of opinions. What I DON’T like in this article is the insinuation that if you leave a bad tip some places, then you will purposely get bad service there in the future.
Rebecca, did we read the same post? I didn’t get that from the above post.
It was mentioned that some places keep your name and number on file, which could definitely be taken as them keeping a record of bad tippers and giving bad service in the future.
I can tell you from first hand knowledge that is 100% true, employees know the good tippers and the bad tippers, and trust me they will do the bare minimum for non or bad tippers, they even talk about it amongst each other to let people know. If you are a regular anyway, start tipping something.
We do tip in restaurants & on take-out as well, but someone shouldn’t not do their job, or do a crappier job at it, if someone doesn’t. I have been a server & that never crossed my mind, always treated people the best I could, regardless. Sad that a lot of servers don’t.
It’s only common sense that people are motivated by money. When someone is known as a non tipper, there is no incentive or motivation to go above and beyond. When someone orders pizza and there is an $8 tip attached, that pizza may just be delivered first, hot and fresh. The person that lives way out of the way, on a rainy night, and is a known non tipper? Probably getting their pizza 45 minutes later. Why?….common logic. It may be “sad” but its 100% true, and I know many people in several service type industries who all feel the same way. You want exceptional service? Tip. Period. I think a lot of people understand this.
As a hairstylist of almost 10yrs, I find it tacky that 10% tip is even suggested. Yes, base it off your service and experience, etc… but we are working our tails off to make you feel beautiful, look beautiful and be your therapist. We take continuing ed to stay on trend and keep learning. That’s not free. We are sometimes working commision where we only earn a fraction of the price you pay. Poor advice. All service providers work hard, so please tip them accordingly. Personally, I do not live in a world where I tip the restaurant host more than the person who just gave me a whole new look.
Hey, this is something I have wondered for quite some time. As a graphic designer, I provide a service to my client and set my price. I do not expect a tip, but like you, I have expenses like computer, software, college degree/loans, continued education. I work hard to give my client the best experience just like a beautician does. I’m curious why it is viewed differently.
I work as a CNA. New CNAs get paid minimum wage to $15/hr here in California. We literally wipe our patient’s/clients (at home service) butt and we need to keep our certification up to date, but we do not get tips. We do more than making someone look beautiful but we do not have this sense of entitlement.
Do baristas at Starbucks get paid a lower wage so they are dependent on tips? I’m truly curious. I love their coffee drinks, but after paying $5 for a coffee I find it hard to tip as well.
No they don’t. They get paid at least the regular minimum wage.
Starbucks actually pays well. genuinely higher than minimum wage. they also have amazing benefits and are generally a good company to work for. is it a living wage in my area, no it is not. pierce and king county washington are expensive to live in. typically if i’m running through and grabbing a tea for me i don’t tip much but if i’m getting 4 drinks for myself and the kids i always put a 5 in..which is painful lol
I leave a tip based on how the service was. If you give great service you get a great tip. Not so great service small tip. I have been to places where they act like it is a bother for me to be there.
What do y’all think about places like Moe’s? They ask for a tip but don’t give any service once you are at your table. Does anyone still tip?
My hair stylist talks about his other customers and how much they tip him. I think it’s totally inappropriate. I always give him a generous tip but apparently he has very rich clients who give very large tips compared to what I give. Some things shouldn’t be discussed between stylist and customer!
Totally unprofessional for your hair stylist to talk about how much his customers tip him! That type of environment would force me to find someone else to do my hair.
I don’t understand why this person is still your stylist if you think it’s bad enough to complain about him being unprofessional. I agree with you, btw, super unprofessional to talk about how much other clients tip! Makes me wonder what else he gossips about–does he tell you who has gotten fat and who’s gotten a bad facelift? I couldn’t keep going to someone like that.
Completely agree with all your comments. The only reason I continue to go to him is he gives a fabulous cut and blow dry and I’m in and out of the chair in 30 minutes. I don’t tell him A SINGLE THING about myself.
I think most people would be shocked to know Instacart does not pay you much past tips…If you are using Instacart and have a great shopper, you should for sure be tipping more than what you would a pizza driver! They are hand picking all your produce for you, bagging all the groceries, waiting in the check-out line, checking with the employees for out of stock items, choosing the best replacement for out of stocks, waiting in line to get your deli meat sliced, driving to the store, and to your home using their own gas, and car, and then lugging all your heavy groceries to your door. Instacart does not pay a minimum wage to full service shoppers, and we rely on tips. Most orders take atleast an hour to shop, and if customers are not tipping well, your pay could be $5-7per hour! I am not kidding. We do get to atleast choose what orders we except. I don’t choose those orders because I would be losing money after gas, but that means I have to sit in my car until a higher paying order pops up. I go above and beyond for customers. It’s really sad pulling up to a million dollar home, with their $300 order and they only tipped you $2. I do Instacart because I need to be able to make my own schedule so that I can pick up my kids from school. It’s really hard to find a job that will accomodate those kinds of needs, but I’m struggling to pay bills because of it.
Everything you said!!
Please leave the price of the home you’re delivering to out of the equation. There’s an assumption there that they have more money to spend—you don’t know their life circumstances or specific situations. Nor is it any of your business.
Million dollar houses mean they have money. But usually rich people are cheap
I feel so sheepish…I never (I’m being very honest) knew that tipping for dog grooming was a thing. I feel a little ashamed I haven’t tipped for this. I’ve always taken our pooch to our local vet for grooming, so hoping they charge a base rate that is competitive….just didn’t know that. Helpful article…thank you!
You’re welcome! Thanks so much for taking a moment to share your thoughts with us!
when the owner of the paw spa i take my mutt to services my dog, i do not tip her. she owns the business…she makes the profit. when her employees take care of my muttly I tip them 5-10$ on a 60$ service.
For the restaurant servers please keep in mind that at a lot of establishments they lose a percentage of their tips to the house to “tip out” the bus boys, food runners, hostesses, etc. Where my daughter works it’s 20% of her tips and her base wage is reduced the more tips she makes.
Question? What about a chiropractor? Mine has a tip line on the receipt and I never know whether to leave on or not?
Wow, now that’s really getting ridiculous! Maybe your office manager needs to update the software that generates the receipts to have that tip line removed!
i’m going to say a big fat no to that one and i’m a huge tipper in all appropriate tipping circumstances
Is there a massage therapist located in the office? Though I never tip in medical settings even if I see the massage therapist. I think my chiropractor would feel offend if I tried to tip her.
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I would just add that your cable installer is probably not an employee of the cable company but an independent contractor or an employee of a subcontractor. My son-in-law used to work that kind of a job. The hours were brutal and anything less than a 5 out of 5 customer rating could result in docked wages. What he would have appreciated more than a cold drink was being allowed to use the bathroom since he was scheduled so tightly he could often not get lunch or a break. The trucks are gps monitored for time efficiency and safety monitoring. He was often refused by customers.
If he’s inside their home anyway, I think it’s insane that anyone would refuse use of the bathroom! I’m actually shocked by that one! It would never even cross my mind to say no.
I’ve tipped people delivering pizza and furniture full size candy bars before. They seemed genuinely happily surprised and grateful than when I’ve tipped 2$-10$
Great information here! My hairstylist is the owner of the establishment, is it true that we don’t have to tip if they are an owner? I generally tip the assistant who washes my hair and a small tip (10%) to the owner, but only because I feel weird leaving without giving her anything… Any thoughts on this from business owners on what’s appropriate? Thanks so much!
Years ago when I lived in another state, I used to go to an upscale hair salon that refused tips- they weren’t cheap, but the stylists owned their chairs. They absolutely would not accept tips and I felt that was very respectable. Because of that, I was under the impression that owners of salons or those who “own” their salon chairs, need not be tipped. However, I’ve heard otherwise recently. Honestly I’d rather pay more for the service and not have that awkwardness of the tipping.
I have the same girl who does my hair for over 13 years, and i only go to her a bj out 4-5x a year for highlights and haircut. She rents the chair from the owner, and I still give her 20% tip. It takes a while to do the highlights.
what salon is this? i want to go there
Hi, I just wanted to share an experience we had a couple of years ago after we stayed at a hotel close to Disney in Orlando (not on Disney property). We were checking out after staying 2 nights, and wanted to leave a tip for the housekeeping. We did not have enough cash in small bills, and so we left a couple dollar bills on the nightstand, took our bags with us and went downstairs to check out and also get some change. My husband returned to our room minutes later to add a few more dollars and was surprised when he discovered the initial tip that we left was gone. The room was exactly as we left it, with the exception of the missing money. My husband saw a gentleman who appeared to be the Housekeeping supervisor (or manager) knocking on the doors on our floor, and going in to check the rooms.
We addressed the matter at the front desk and was told that the Housekeeping supervisor goes in before the housekeeping staff to check the rooms, but they do not collect the tips. So what was this person doing there?
Ever since that experience, I now try to “hide” the tip left for housekeeping somewhere under pillows or other places where it is not so obvious that cash is left there. I just want to make sure the tip goes to the person who deserves it. Has anyone else experienced this, or can shed some light on it?
I used to be in housekeeping. The supervisor would open all the rooms of the hotel for housemaids. I never received tips for room cleaning. One weekend, a friend of mine happened to stay in a room I typically cleaned and said she was leaving me a big tip. I was so excited to clean the room, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive it. The tip was collected by the supervisor prior to me cleaning the room. 🙁
I believe a massuece should get a great tip. They literally have their hands in you body and I’m sure there are some not so clean people out there. I generally give 30 to $40 tip for an hour massage. I have a younger college girl as my usual and shes amazing. Around xmas I tip her $100
I always tip on takeout at a diner or restaurant, because it’s actually more work to pack a takeout order, between making sure the customer has everything from plastic utensils and salt/pepper, etc…not for pizza, or Chinese pickup… As far as tipping servers, if the food sucked, ITS NOT THE SERVERS FAULT…..I still tip 18-20% If service was an issue, I tip accordingly.
I paid for carpet cleaning a few weeks back. When I gave him my credit card to process,up pops a “tip” line for me to select. I couldn’t complete the transaction without selecting an amount.the guy told me it pops up automatically and he doesn’t know how to turn it off. I felt uncomfortable and trapped. I was already paying for the carpet cleaning and there was no way around the additional tipping charge.
Just out of curiosity I see a lot of hair stylist complaining about not making enough. I understand that the pay may not be good in chain salons like great clips and tips are necessary to fulfill minimum wage.
What about high end salons? I would assume that stylists should be making enough money in a place where a haircut can cost $100??
You know what happens in the service industry when they pay their employees a higher or “livable wage”? Prices go up, so it does shift this back to the patrons. If the “tip” is automatic or built into the price people will just pay it instaed of arguing about the specifics of tipping. To each their own, but servers who make $2.15 an hour and depend on tips, should get tipped…..all the time, every time, period. I was out with friends once and we had a really nice lunch for 5 people and the bill was $195, they were arguing the same nonsense about tipping, and they had run the girl ragged with extras, they did not want to give anything. I was so embarrassed I threw a $20 on the table because it was all I had on me. If you do not want to tip, do not sit and eat and take up someone’s time who is trying to earn a living. Period.
Tipping for furniture delivery? I mean I get it, they did something I couldn’t do. HOWEVER, the times I have had furniture delivered, I have paid, quite a bit for it, like over $400…. (& they didn’t have to drive more than 15 miles.) That delivery fee that I pay up front doesn’t go towards the people delivering it? Or they are not making a living wage?
Totally agree with you on this one JanaEM! I’m curious too, what’s the hefty delivery fee for then?
Drivers don’t get all that money that we pay for delivery fee. Way less!!!
Then their employers should be paying them more
I am a good tipper – wait staff 20 – 25%, my hairdresser even though very expensive 20% , pizza delivery minimum $3 or 155 but where I draw the line is counter service restaurants where I place my order and pick it up myself and they do nothing else buy make or give me my food. My rule is if they are making minimum wage or better no tip unless I ask them to do something special. I am not going to tip someone at Blaze Pizza for working the assembly line, Papa Johns when I pick up my pizza myself or a Chinese takeout restaurant for doing their job. Anymore tipping has gotten so out of hand you have to draw the line somewhere.
I’m torn on some of these. Why would you have to tip people that you are already paying to do the job, like a maid service? Why tip for furniture delivery when that is their job and you already pay a delivery fee? I see tipping waiters because they only make like $4 an hour but some of these I just don’t do.
$2.13 in Va..
Wow!
I also don’t tip when doing take out. You may feel that it is the same as dining in and being served but I don’t feel that way for take out. I think this country has got to point where people expect tips for everything.
Most servers and bartenders owe money on their sales to hosts (or hosts and bartenders in the case of servers). It can be incredibly frustrating to spend so much time packaging up individual condiments and orders to then actually lose money on the order. I highly recommend tipping on-take out orders.
As someone who has worked for a resort spa for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen the industry change greatly.
We used to receive a much higher commission and guests were able to tip according to service.
Now we receive a much lower commission per service and the hotel adds on a 20% service charge. What’s isn’t disclosed to guests is that we only receive a portion of that service charge. The hotel receives the rest. The guest has the right to ask the service charge to be adjusted accordingly and they can opt to leave strictly cash instead, which does go to the service provider in its entirety. This is always much more appreciated.
Everytime it is suggested that waiters wages be raised up to minimum wage or even $12 an hour the waiters say no. They do not want to earn a liveable wage because they earn way more than that in tips. They know that people will not tip them if they earn above minimum wage.
Yeah no sorry…if I’m paying $300 or whatever ridiculous amount for an hour or two to take pictures why would I tip??
Totally agree with you Tricia!
For those of us that go wine tasting make sure you tip your tasting room attendants accordingly. When you think about what you get and learn from them… they spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour educating you on the entire wine industry. It starts with the growing, harvesting, processing, characteristics, venue…. Tasting room attendants get paid very minimal. Most don’t get commission of wine sales so please tip according to service which is usually much more than a bartender gives 🍷