As a consumer, you have the right to determine who should be the recipient of your gratuity. Using a little common sense when figuring your tip will help you show your gratitude for the services that make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Ever wondered how much you should tip or how little? Read on and wonder no
more!
A tip is a gratuity given to someone who has provided a useful service to
us. We give a tip out of obligation, gratitude, or as good etiquette. No matter
the reason, it’s imperative that we know how to tip properly.
Hairstylists/Barbers/Manicurists
The amount you tip your hairstylist/barber usually depends on the amount of
the services you received and whether or not you had several people working on
your ‘do.’ If only one person worked on you, a 10-20% tip of the total bill is
sufficient. If you seldom go to your hairstylist, you may consider giving more,
at least $5. If someone shampooed your hair, one or two dollars would be a good
amount. If you go to a barbershop, a 10% tip is the norm. Your manicurist
should receive one to three dollars.
In an upscale salon, you may want to add the tip into the bill, making sure
to specify how it should be divided. However, if you go to a less fancy shop,
be sure to have a few dollars on hand and tip the stylist separately. Some
salon owners accept tips and some do not. You may want to check with the receptionist
to find out before offering a tip to the owner. However, it is completely
acceptable to only tip those who are offering their personal services to you.
Masseuse
If you’ve ever had a relaxing massage, be sure to tip your masseuse well.
This may ensure your future visits are just as enjoyable. Standard rates for
gratuities are 10-15% of the bill before sales tax.
Newspaper/Mail Carriers
Tipping for your newspaper carrier should be based on how often you receive
your paper. If you get the weekend plus the weekday editions, you’ll want to
tip more than if you just receive the weekend edition. You may want to add in
your tip to your monthly payment. However, if you do, be sure to specify what
the extra money is for or the deliver person may think you’re just paying for
your paper in advance. Some people chose to tip newspaper carriers around
holidays, rather than regularly. This is perfectly acceptable. Just remember
the tip should be a little larger if you’re tipping less often. Typically, a
good tip for a newspaper carrier would be $10-$15. A generous gift would be
$25.
Because mail carriers are federal employees, they are forbidden by law from
accepting cash. They are also prohibited from accepting gifts in excess of a
$20 value.
Taxi Drivers
Typically, 15% of the fare is considered an adequate tip for cab drivers. Be
sure to have at least 10%. You may want to tip more if your cab driver performs
services over and above what is expected. Suppose he helps you with your
luggage or provides helpful information about a city new to you. In this case,
you may want to tip more. It’s customary to either tell him to ‘keep the
change’ or to tip him from the change you receive from the fare.
Headwaiter or Maitre D
The headwaiter of an establishment is the person who is in charge of seating
you when you arrive at a restaurant. He generally does not require a tip.
However, if you do tip the headwaiter, do so discreetly. Usually a $5 to $10
gratuity is acceptable. If you’re a frequent patron, you may want to tip after
every few visits; you’ll be remembered and welcomed back enthusiastically.
Restaurant Wait Staff
When dining in a buffet-style restaurant, a minimum amount of service is
received. 5-10% of your total bill is an adequate gratuity. However, if the
staff serves your drinks, you may want to increase your tip. If you’re dining
in a full service restaurant, your tip should be at least 15% of the total
bill. If you’re dining in a four-star restaurant, 20% is acceptable. A tip is
not required for the owner of a restaurant.
Concierge
Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘concierge’ as French meaning ‘to serve.’
Concierge services vary from small jobs to more complicated ones. A concierge
can make arrangements for your social functions or find that perfect gift for a
special someone. If you’re a busy professional, concierge services are
imperative. It isn’t necessary to tip, however, depending on the extent of the
services, a $5 to $20 tip will be appreciated.
Most upscale hotels have concierge services. It isn’t necessary to tip the
concierge unless he provides a service to you. If so, you’ll want to have some
small bills on hand to tip him once the service is performed. A $5-$10 tip with
a word of appreciation is sufficient.
Latte Maker
Ever question how much you should put in the tip jar at your favorite coffee
shop? A good rule of thumb is $1 per item ordered.
Bartender
It’s been said the acronym ‘TIP’ stands for ‘To Insure Promptness.’
Pre-tipping in a crowded bar ensures the bartender will respond promptly. If
you’re in an upscale bar, a pre-tip of $10 is standard. However, for a bar less
‘posh’, a $5 tip is sufficient. Pre-tipping is especially beneficial in a bar
teeming with patrons. Afterwards, an ample tip is $1 for every two drinks. If
you prefer to tip as-you-go, $1 for every two drinks is satisfactory with a
larger tip at the end of your stay. During your time, you definitely want to
keep the bartender’s interest to insure good service throughout the evening.
Remember a bartender, as well as other service people, depend on tips to
supplement their incomes.
Pizza Delivery Person
Ummm! The aroma of a pizza, delivered hot to your door! Tipping for your
delivery driver should be 10% of the bill before sales tax or a minimum of two
dollars.
Gas Station Attendant
While most of us pump our own gas these days, there are a few gas stations
out there that employ gas station attendants. Generally, if you have your tank
filled up, you will want to tip the attendant at least $2. However, if he
provides any other services, such as washing your windshield, checking your oil
or air pressure in your tires, you’ll want to double that figure.
Train Attendants
When traveling by train, you may receive services from several different
people during your trip. You should tip your dining car waiter 15% of your
dining bill. For stewards and/or bar car waiters, give 15% of your bar bill. If
you’ll be using a sleeper, the sleeping car attendant should receive $3-$5 per
passenger daily.
Airline Attendants
If traveling on an airliner, no tips are required for in-flight personnel.
However, for those that attend to handling your bags, your wheelchair, or
provide electric cart transports, $1-$5 is adequate.
Other services
Typically, the following rates apply when tipping for these services:
Car washer- $2-$5
Movers- $10-20 per person
Shoe shiner- $2-$3
Coat Check Person- $1 per
coat
Valet- $2-$3
Janitor- $15-$25
(annually)
Parking attendant-
$15-$25 (annually)
Garbage Collector- $15-25
(annually)
Nanny/Babysitter- one
week’s pay (annually)
Gardener/Housekeeper- one
week’s pay (annually)
Personal Trainer- $30-$50
gift certificate (annually)
Restroom attendant- 50
cents-$1
In conclusion…
Still a bit apprehensive about tipping in a given situation? Presenting a service
provider with a gratuity need not be nerve-racking. A standard 15% rate is
never too little. Remember that ultimately, tipping is a choice. Use your good
judgment to decide when a tip is applicable to your situation. As a consumer,
you have the right to determine who should be the recipient of your gratuity.
Using a little common sense when figuring your tip will help you show your
gratitude for the services that make life a little easier and a lot more
enjoyable. A word of thanks along with your tip will go a long way to showing
your appreciation.