When checking out of a hotel recently, I got tip dizzy! I tipped room service for my breakfast, then I tipped the lady who cleaned my room, the gentleman who took my bags downstairs, the gentleman who retrieved my car from valet. Lord have mercy, this tipping just doesn't end.
Many workers do rely on tips as the major part of their income, but in today's world, it seems like everywhere I go there is a not-so-subtle tip jar. I really believe that I tip out of habit now instead of rewarding special service. To be honest, I find that I tip people who really didn't deserve it...just to be nice. You know...the waitress who was having a bad day or maybe she just doesn't like her job--yes, I tip those people. Of course I tip 20% at Starbucks for my $4-5 coffee beverage...because there's a tip jar on the counter. I'm so use to tipping at Starbucks--the other day I ordered a Starbucks inside Barnes and Noble. I didn't see a tip jar, so I asked the Barista if he accepted tips. He said "Yes, we do, but we are not allowed to keep the jar on the counter." So I tip there too, even though there's no tip jar. At the gym, we had a beverage bar and of course they also had a tip jar. Everyone wants a tip!
Do you wonder who to tip and how much?
Here are some tipping guides {pre tax}:
Waitstaff at a sit down restaurant 15-20%Waitstaff at a buffet 10%
Take out food server 10-15%
Bartender 15-20%
Restroom Attendant $2
Valet $1-$5
Hotel Maid $2 per person per day
Skycap/Bellhop $2 for the first bag and $1 for additional bags
Taxi Driver 15-20%
Spa Workers 15-20%
Hair Salon--Some people like to tip the shampoo person, the color person, and the hairdresser seperately. I would leave 15-20% of the total bill and request that the tip is split among those who served you.
When should you withhold a tip? There have been a few rare occasions that I did not leave a tip at all. When a person is very rude to me, I will not leave a tip. If someone gives me service that is not good, I will tip less than the recommended amount.
Do you just tip out of habit, maybe to save yourself embarrassment or do you tip according to the service you receive?
8 comments:
great recommendations :)
This is such a great post! Always love your etiquette posts :)
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
Thank you! I am bookmarking this for future reference.
I always tips people who get paid the tipping minimum wage about 20%. There is a separate lower minimum wage for workers who get tips! I also tip my hair dresser since I had one really bad hair cut I've become extra appreciative of someone who is skilled at working with curly hair.
Miss Janice,
As always, you're posts are so relevent. I am always making sure I have one dollar bills and five dollar bills in my wallet! It does seem that you can't go anywhere without tipping someone. One thing I have found is that tipping workers who do projects at our home (lawn care, electrical, painting, ect.) really helps next time you call them. I think they don't expect it, so they are especially grateful for this generoisty. Even though we pay a siginificant amount for the services, I know these workers are not receiving all that money... so taking care of them ensures workers who feel appreciated. Lemonade and cookie breaks, along with a generous tip are my 'go to' for these hard workers. That's a whole lot if tipping!
Warmly, Kathleen
I agree that we should always tip generously! My husband jokes that we're $50 down before we even get into our hotel room for most stays, but I feel like if you stay in a luxury hotel then you budget for the cost of the tips as part of the trip.
I admit, if its a restaurant I frequent regularly I still tip 20% even if service was bad because I don't want a bad reputation with the waitstaff
Great Post! I remember my grandparents having a sign at their business that said "Tipping is un-American". That was the 1960's. This is now. If I left a tip for all the people who take care of me, I'd be flat broke. So, I end up giving Christmas bonuses to people like the maid, my nail tech, hair dresser, gardener etc., rather than tip all year. I also make Christmas goodies for them. They all seem to be happy with this arrangement. However, I always tip well for great food & excellent service and less if rudeness or bad service is involved.
At hotels (when out-of-town) I always leave a few dollars for housekeeping every day and I'm always glad I did. Especially when out of the country.
Still, this is a great guideline and easily adaptable to one's own reality. Thanks!
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