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?
