As I was sitting getting my roots touched up this morning, I started to think about tipping etiquette. You know – tipping waiters at restaurants, tipping your hair stylist/manicurist/masseuse, tipping the UPS guy during the holidays – that kind of tipping.
I’m all about giving what is rightfully deserved, yet at times get confused as to what the norm is when it comes to gratuities. Tipping for a sit-down meal at restaurants, for me, has always been 20% or $1 for every $5. That is pretty easy to remember and calculate. It’s the other scenarios that I feel we need a refresher on.
FOOD-RELATED TIPPING
- Dining In: As mentioned above, the norm is 15 – 20% – pre-tax. I didn’t know the “pre-tax” part, so that was a good to find out (although it doesn’t make that much of a difference unless you live in a high state tax location).
- Long meals: It’s super considerate that if you are at the table for 2 sittings, that you tip double the amount. You are technically taking up that table for the amount of time that two parties could’ve sat and eaten, and it’s only fair.
- Take Out: I was always confused if it was customary to tip on take-out food. Emily Post, the authority on standards of etiquette including tipping etiquette, states that you have no obligation to tip, but if someone goes above and beyond it is nice to give a little something.
- Delivery: It is customary to tip between 10 – 15% for a food delivery order. We make sure that the minimum tip is $5.00, taking into consideration the cost of gas these days!
- Sushi Bar Tip Jars: Depending on the level of service and quality of the food, we usually tip a few dollars. It is not necessary, but more of a nice gesture.
- Bartenders: 15% or $1 – $2 per drink is on par.
- Valet Service: There have been a few different recommendations, but I’ve seen the median being $2 – $5.
TRAVEL TIPPING
- Porters and skycaps: $2 per bag, but a few extra dollars if the bag is heavier than usual. Also, if you come across someone that helps you get to your flight should you be running late, tip them at least $5, if not more.
- Taxi, limo, shuttle drivers: 15% of the fare is normal, but make sure that the fare is not inclusive of the tip (as in the case of some limo fares).
- Rideshare: If you rideshare, using Uber or Lyft, tip at least $2 per ride.
- Bellman: $1 – $2 per bag once the bags have arrived at your room
- Concierge: $3 – 5 minimum for securing reservations or tickets to a hard-to-get show or restaurant.
- Doorman: If the doorman helps to hail us a cab, we like to tip $1 or $2.
- Maid service: I have to admit, I never really knew what to tip so it was nice to clarify that we should tip $3 per day, tipping each day as there could be different maids each day.
- Room Service: Make sure that gratuities have not yet been included in the bill – this is VERY common. If they haven’t, I recommend tipping 15% of the total.
- Cruises: Definitely confirm ahead of time, as in most cases, the gratuities are calculated and envelopes are dropped off at your cabin the night before you disembark.
ENTERTAINMENT TIPPING
- Musicians in a club or lounge: Tipping etiquette calls for tipping based on the quality of the entertainment, but I’d say $1 – $3 min.
- Restroom attendants: When I was in college, I used to come across restroom attendants at the clubs and bars and never knew what to do. I’d try to remember to have a few singles handy for just those moments (especially knowing that I would have to go to the bathroom at some point during the evening). $1 is customary, but don’t feel obligated.
COIFFING TIPPING
- Hairstylists: 10 – 20%
- Shampoo-er: $2 for each person (I have one or two, depending on if I am getting color or not).
- Manicure/Pedicure: 15% is recommended, but I usually tip 20% (it’s easier to calculate). If the ending product is bad (polish not reaching both sides of the nails, etc.), I tip accordingly.
- Massage therapist: I customarily tip 20% if the service is on par (if you are looking for a massage therapist that is on par, email me…I have a great local recommendation).
- Re-do: Ever have to go back because the color isn’t what was expected or the keratin didn’t take? You do not have to tip again.
THE GREY AREAS
- Tipping on a gift certificate: If you receive a gift certificate for a service, tip on the retail amount.
- Tipping the owner: Long ago, people said you didn’t have to but now you should. They are still providing the service.
- Pre-tax or post-tax: This was touched upon above. It is customary to tip pre-tax but sometimes easier to do so post-tax. Your call!
YOU DON’T HAVE TO TIP
I always wondered about some of these, so I hope I shed some light below on the scenarios where you DO NOT have to tip!
- Tip jars: they are popping up like Starbucks. Actually, they are at every Starbucks 😉 . If the barista went out of his/her way, or you want to tip the remaining change from your bill, they would totally appreciate it.
- Wedding planner: Oops I totally tipped mine. He was amazing!
- Appliance repair person: Nothing except for a cold drink.
- Carpet cleaners: same as above
- Handyman: Nope
- Nurses: Not needed, but I did bring goodies when I had both of my boys!
TIPPING ETIQUETTE 101
There are so many other scenarios that may be questionable…be sure to comment below and I will research for you!
Meryland says
Excellent post, tipping can be so confusing sometimes. The pre-tax advice is right on the money, sometimes people forget that taxes are included in the total when you calculate the tip, depending on the balance it can add up to a big amount if you don’t take it out before calculating the percentage of your tip. Awesome post.
Dana says
Thank you Meryland!!!
Patricia-Ann Que says
great post! this is very useful as tipping can really be tricky especially when travelling as each country also have their unique tipping cultures but this is a good general guideline!
Dana says
Patricia-Ann, you just brought up a great point…I want to write a post about tipping when traveling to different countries!
Lisa says
As a Canadian I used to tip all the time, that was the norm. I moved to Belgium and since Belgians don’t tip neither do I. More places should simply pay their employees a reasonable wage.
Dana says
I have to agree with you Lisa, that in some cases the employer should foot the bill in terms of adequate pay. I need to research how and why tipping came about.
Terri says
I have always tipped the owner. I never thought it was fair not to, even though they do own the business!
Dana says
You were doing the right thing all along!
Terri Beavers says
I always tip everyone to show my appreciation. I never knew what the percentage amount of tipping should be though. I need to memorize these for upcoming events and my hair appointment.
Kristen says
My boyfriend use to be a waiter. We don’t go out too much anymore with 2 kids but I always let him handle tipping because I knew he knew what was best!
Dana says
Kristen, waiters would know best – I agree!
Marissa Zurfluh says
This is a really good guide. Luckily I have stuck to most of these guidelines!
Dana says
Thank you, Marissa!
rain says
There are definitely some people who need to print this, read it and save it. I always go by the 28% rule when I go out with my friends and we split the bill. Whatever my portion is I automatically add 28.5% which covers tax in NYC + 20% tip.
Dana says
That is a good rule! I think I need to make a printable that people can print and put in their purse or wallet!
Elle says
Excellent advice Dana! Some of these are such grey areas, it’s nice to have it laid out.
Oyinkan says
I tio according to the service. I don’t think it’s fair to give 20% tip to someone who provided terrible service. But yes tipping is definitely necessary.
Oyinkan says
Tip**
LavandaMichelle says
Great tips, I never really thought about the different establishment. I raised to provide a tip of the tax times 2, an additional $1 every time they visited my table.
Dana says
Thanks for checking this out, Lavanda! That is an interesting way to tip as well – it sounds right on par and I like how you tip additionally with the amount of attention you receive from the waitstaff.
Blair villanueva says
Thanks for your guide. It is very helpful. There are also places like Japan were tipping is discourage. Many Japanese doesn’t agree on tipping coz some japanese Aunties and Uncles find it disrespect. They take pride on their work (whatever it is). The best move is to buy more (instead of tipping).
Jelena says
An interesting post but I must add that these tips differ from culture to culture. Let’s say, here in Serbia will rarely give money to food delivery, but the music in the cafe will just leave it twice as much as it did for a drink.
Dana says
Very interesting, Jelena! I love to learn about different cultures, thanks for stopping by!
Brandy Ellen Writes says
This is such an important topic to discuss! I am constantly looking up whether I should tip or not and how much with every little service type thing that I have happen in my life. This information is so helpful!
Kara Guppy says
This is the one thing that really confused me when I visited the states and during our cruise. We largely don’t tip here in the UK, restaurants add a service charge these days. The only thing I tip for is the hairdresser now
Rosey says
I go with my heart for tipping. Sometimes I even feel compelled to tip if someone was grouchy. I never doubt my gut. 😉
Lori Bosworth says
That is a great reference for tipping etiquette. I’m never sure if I’m tipping my hairdresser enough.
Brianna says
This is so helpful! I have always wondered this about a few things you listed. Pinning this for the future!
Eileen M Loya says
This is a very helpful post. Now I know how much to give as a tip, depending on the service I am taking advantage of. Thank you for your valuable advice.
Courtney says
Oooo such a great guide to tipping! This is something I am always googling when I travel so I make sure everyone is getting what they deserve lol
Ana says
I always feel that tipping is so confusing when you travel to different parts of the world. For instance, in New Zealand, it is not necessary to tip at restaurants, hotels, and salons for any services as everyone earns decent wages. However, in the United States, the scenario is entirely different.