Tipping Etiquette

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Tipping Etiquette

• http//www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php

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Have Mercy

• Instead of skipping the tip, talk to the manager
  about poor service.

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Pre-tax or Post-tax?

• Tips may be calculated pre-tax, but many people
  just use the total bill.

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Coupons and gift certificates

• Tipping is always based upon the normal price of
  the good or service. If you get a coupon for 20
  off, then tip on the original price. The amount
  of work done by the server is not less because
  you paid less. If you have a coupon for a free
  entree, then tip based upon the regular price of
  the entree.
• Many gift certificates act more like a debit
  card. A 50 card is the equivalent to 50 cash.
  You can use the card to pay for the tip as well
  as the food or service. If you have a gift
  certificate for a free meal or spa treatment,
  call the manager before you go and ask if the
  gratuity is included. If it is not, ask for the
  estimated value of the gift certificate, and then
  tip in cash based upon that amount.

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But the service is already so expensive!

• With proper tipping etiquette, the percentages of
  your tips do not change because of the cost of
  the service. If it is really a big crunch for
  you, then use the service less often or find a
  place that is more within your budget.

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Tipping the owner?

• In the US, the answer used to be no. Now it is
  yes.

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Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Christmas is a great time of year to remember
  those people who serve you regularly. A gift or a
  tasteful Christmas card with a tip inside is
  recommended. Delivery should occur in the month
  of December prior to Christmas day. Tip those who
  serve you all year long and whom you have a
  personal relationship with.

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Maid - one week's pay. This is for maids in your
  employ whom you pay directly. If you use a
  service and never know who is coming out, don't
  tip at all.
• Gardener - 20-50.
• USPS Mail carrier - Non-cash gifts with value up
  to 20. This is for mail carriers that you know
  and see regularly.
• UPS - Regular driver - 15.
• FedEx - Not allowed to accept cash gifts, but a
  gift up to 25 in value is permissible.

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Apartment building superintendent - 50-200. Tip
  less if you tip throughout the year.
• Apartment Doorman/concierge - 10-80 or more
  each, depending upon building. The fewer doormen
  the building has, the more you tip each one.
  Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
  
• Apartment building handyman - 15-40 each.
• Apartment building elevator operators - 15-40
  each.

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Shampoo assistant- 10
• Manicurist/pedicurist - 15 or more
• Hairdresser/stylist - 15 or more
• Massage therapist - 15 or more.
• Newspaper carrier - Daily - 25 - 50, weekend -
  10

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Teacher - 25-100. Give a gift certificate to a
  bookstore or office supply store. If you know the
  teacher's hobbies or interests, then a gift
  certificate would be nice from the local movie
  theater, hobby shop, mall, fine restaurant or day
  spa. Or, join a group gift.
• Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music
  teachers - A small gift from your child.

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Garbage collector(s) - 15-30 each. Nowadays,
  most garbage collectors are really truck drivers.
  The truck has an arm that does all the work. If
  this is the situation, there is no need to tip.
• Baby sitter - One night's pay, plus a small gift
  from your child.
• Full-time nanny - One week's to one month's pay
  based on tenure, plus a small gift from your
  child.
• Au pair - One week's pay, plus a small gift from
  your child.
• Day care service - 25-70, plus a small gift from
  your child.

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Detailed Christmas holiday tipping etiquette

• Parking attendants - 10-20 each
• Personal trainer - 60-100 upon reaching goal.
• A minimum of 50 for your waiters, locker-room
  personnel, front-desk employees, and golf
  professionals is recommended. For head waiters or
  special service, make it 100.
• Dog groomer - 1/4 - 1/2 cost of a session.
• Dog walker or sitter - 1-2 week's pay.

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At the Airport

• Porter or skycap - 2 per bag or more if the bags
  are heavy. If you arrive late and he helps you
  get to your flight on time, tip an extra 5-20.
• Electric cart driver - 2-3 a person.
• Wheelchair pusher - If they are just pushing you
  down the ramp from the gate to the plane (or in
  reverse), then nothing. If it is from the ticket
  counter to the gate/plane or from the gate/plane
  to the luggage carousel, then 5 is appropriate.
  Tip more if they help you with your luggage (1-2
  per bag) or if they help you to your car. If they
  are pushing you from one terminal to another
  (long distances), then 10-20 would be
  appropriate plus extra for luggage. Tip less if
  they are unpleasant or rude.
• Flight attendant or other in-flight personnel -
  Nothing.
• Charter pilot - Nothing.

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Tipping on trains

• Dining car waiters, stewards and bar car waiters
  15 percent of bill (or estimated cost of meal
  when included)
• Red caps, or porters 1 per bag
• Sleeping car attendant 5 per passenger per day

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Ground transportation

• Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver - 15 of
  the total fare. Up to 20 if the driver helps
  with the bags or makes extra stops. No less than
  1. If someone else is picking up the tab, they
  are responsible for tipping also.
• Driver of courtesy shuttle - 1-2 per bag if he
  helps with the bags.
• Auto dealership shuttle driver - Nothing.

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At the hotel

• Inquire if gratuities (a daily fee) are included
  in the price of the room. If not
• Valet or parking attendant - 1-3 is appropriate
  for parking or returning the car. It is not
  necessary to tip for parking, but always for
  returning the car.
• Doorman - If he hails you a cab, 1-2. If he
  helps you with your bags in or out of the car,
  0.50-1 a bag. Use 1-2 per bag if he carries
  them all the way to the room. If he just opens
  the door, nothing. If he is exceptionally helpful
  with directions or restaurant recommendations,
  same as concierge.

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At the hotel

• Bellman - When he helps you with your bags, tip
  1-2 per bag. Give him the tip when he shows you
  your room. If he just carries the bags to the
  front desk and then disappears, save it for the
  person who carries the bags to your room. Upon
  checkout, tip a bellman who helps with your bags.
  Tip more for additional services.
• Concierge - 5-10 for help with hard-to-get
  dinner reservations or theater tickets. Tipping
  is optional for just plain advice. Tipping can be
  done at the end of the trip or at the time of
  service.

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At the hotel

• Room Service - If gratuity is included, add
  nothing or 1. Otherwise add 15-20 to the total
  charge.
• Delivery of special items - If you request extra
  pillows or an iron, tip 1 per item received,
  minimum 2.
• Hotel maintenance staff - Nothing to replace a
  light bulb, fix the air conditioning, etc.

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At the hotel

• Maid service - 1-5 per day typically, up to 10
  per day depending upon how much mess you make.
  Tip daily because there might be a different maid
  each day. Leave the tip on your pillow, and tip
  on the last day also.
• Swimming pool or gym attendant - Nothing, unless
  you require special services such as extra
  seating or inflating pool toys then it is 2-5.
  If you want the same deck chairs every day, then
  tip 2-3 per chair beginning the first day.

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Tipping at a Bed and Breakfast (B B)

• Many, if not most BBs have a no-tipping policy
  in the US and Canada. In other countries it
  varies. The safest bet is to inquire at the
  specific Bed and Breakfast where you plan to stay
  before you arrive.
• If there is hired housekeeping staff, then tip
  the same as at a hotel.

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Tour guides

• Check ahead. If the tip is not already included,
  give 10-15 of the tour price. No less than 1-2
  for a half-day tour, 3-4 for a full-day tour,
  and 5-10 for a week-long tour. This is a
  per-person rate. Tip private tour guides more. If
  the bus driver is particularly helpful with bags,
  then tip 1-2 per bag.
• Boat trip - If the trip is over 3 hours, tip
  10-75 depending upon the cost of the excursion
  and the quality of service.
• Outdoor guides (fly fishing, horseback riding,
  river rafting, etc.) - 15 of the cost of the
  service. Some companies have a no-tipping policy.
  Check when you book the trip.
• Private Yacht Charter - Tip the crew 10-20 of
  the charter fee based upon the quality of
  service. Hand the gratuity to the Captain for
  distribution to the crew.

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Cruise ships

• Many cruise ships have a no-tipping policy. Find
  out in advance. If you are supposed to tip, find
  out if it is done at the end of the trip or at
  the time of service. Oftentimes, at the end of
  the cruise you are provided envelopes with
  suggested tip amounts. If you are supposed to
  tip, budget about 20 per day.
• Waiter - 3 per day per person.
• Cabin steward - 3 per day per person.
• Bus boy - 1.5 per day per person.
• maitre d' - Not necessary unless special services
  provided.
• Bar steward - Usually, 15 is automatically added
  to bill.

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Restaurants or Bars

• General guideline 10-15 on the alcohol and
  15-20 on the food
• Food server - 15-20.
• Counter service - 15-20.
• Cocktail server - 15-20. For free drinks in
  Vegas, tip 1-2 per round.
• Bartender - 15-20 or 1 per drink. If at the bar
  before a meal, settle up with the bartender
  before you go to your table.
• Wine steward - 10 of wine bill.
• If a bar has a cover charge, you do not tip on
  it.

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Restaurants and Bars

• Busboys - Nothing, unless he did something extra
  special like cleaning up a huge mess. Then give
  him 1-2.
• Maitre d' - Nothing, unless he gets you a special
  table or the restaurant is full and you had no
  reservation. Then give 5-10 or more.
• Coat check - 1
• Restroom attendant - 1
• Separate checks - If you want separate checks,
  ask the server to go ahead and add 18 gratuity
  to each check.

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Restaurants and Bars

• Musician in lounge - 1-5
• Musician that visits table - 2-3 if you make a
  special request. Optional if he just stops by and
  plays.
• Takeout - If you get good service, in other
  words, the waiter gets and packages the food,
  then at your choice you can tip 1-2 or up to
  10. Nothing is really necessary.
• Drive through - Nothing.

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Restaurants and Bars

• Self-service restaurant or buffet - Nothing
  unless there is some service. Tip 10 if the
  server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps
  your drinks refilled.
• When breakfast is included in the price of the
  hotel room - Estimate the value of the meal by
  looking at a menu. If there is no breakfast menu,
  consider the quality of the hotel and the price
  of an evening meal, then make your best estimate.
  Your tip should be 15-20 of your estimate.
• Teppanyaki chef - 15-20 of the total bill. The
  gratuity will be split among the wait staff and
  the chef.

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Restaurants and Bars

• Double time
• If you hold a table for two serving periods,
  make sure that you tip double.

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Barbers, salons, spas

• Barber - 2-3
• Hair Stylist or Color Specialist - 10-20. 3-5
  extra for last-minute service.
• Hair extensions - 10-20, regardless of the cost
  of the service.
• Shampoo or other assistant - 2-5 for each
  person. Hand the tip directly to the person
  providing the service.
• Manicure or Facial- 15

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Barbers, salons, spas

• Massage therapist - No tip if at doctor's office.
  10-15 otherwise. If they come to your home or
  hotel room, find out in advance whether a tip is
  included in the price.
• Electrologist, laser hair removal - Nothing.
• Salon or spa package - Determine in advance
  whether a service charge is included. If none is
  included, then 10-20 split among the service
  providers.
• If the salon messed up your service, and you
  return for a re-do, do not tip again.

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Country Club

• At many golf or country clubs, tips are included
  in your monthly bill. 57 of country clubs have a
  no tipping policy. It is worthwhile to look it up
  or check with your club first.
• Shoe shine - 2 per pair.
• Golf cart girls - 15, minumum of 1-2. Round it.
  
• Small errands - 5. What's a small errand?
  Running to the store, sending a fax, calling a
  cab.

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Country Club

• Bag guy - 1-2 per bag.
• Large errands - 10-20. For concierge-type
  services of ordering flowers, obtaining
  hard-to-get theater tickets, etc.
• Golf caddies - 15-25 above any fee for the
  cabby.
• Golf or tennis pro lessons - Nothing.
• Restaurants - same as at any other restaurant.

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Weddings

• Many contracted services for weddings include
  tips in the final bill. Make sure you read your
  contract carefully so that you are not double
  tipping.
• Civil ceremony officials - 50 - 75, more if
  travel involved
• Wedding planner - Nothing.
• Minister, priest, rabbi - Minimum of 100, more
  if travel involved. Give the gratuity to the best
  man who will in turn give it to the officiant
  following the ceremony.

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Weddings

• Coat check - 50 cents per guest.
• Limo driver - 15 of the total fare. Make sure
  the tip is not included already in the bill.
• Florists - Only necessary when service is beyond
  expectations, up to 15
• Photographers - Only necessary when service is
  beyond expectations, up to 15
• Bakers - Only necessary when service is beyond
  expectations, up to 15

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Weddings

• Reception Musicians or DJs - Only necessary when
  service is beyond expectations, up to 15 or
  25-50 per person.
• Open bar at receptions - Two theories (1) tip 1
  for each visit to the bar, or (2) the guest
  should only tip if it is a cash bar. If you are
  the host of the event, make sure it is not
  included. If it is not included, the tip is
  15-20.

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Weddings

• Catering hall wedding coordinator - 50 for the
  coordinator, and something less for the assistant
  (25). Make sure it is not included in the price
  of the event.
• Bankquet captain - 20-100.
• Wedding organist, musician or soloist - First
  check whether or not the gratuity is included in
  the rental of the church. If not, 50 per person
  or 75 per person for close friends.

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Funeral Etiquette

• The tip or gratuity for the clergyman who
  performs a funeral service is called the
  honorarium. The amount of the honorarium is
  typically 50-200. The amount is personal and
  varies based upon many factors
• How much of the service does the clergyman
  perform, and does it include a graveside service?
  
• How many ministers are speaking at the service?
• How well do you know the minister?
• How good of a job does he do?
• What is customary for the area?
• How much can you afford?

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Tipping Caterers

• If there is a service charge that is included in
  the bill and is distributed to the cooks, driver
  and wait staff, you dont need to tip anymore. If
  there is no service charge or it is not for the
  people doing the work, then tipping 15 of the
  entire bill is appropriate.

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Tipping Movers

• One mover - limited move - 1-10 items and nothing
  over 20 pounds - 10-20
• One mover - difficult move - The degree of
  difficulty changes based upon stairs, narrow
  passages, small elevators, large or heavy items,
  appliances, etc. - 20-50.
• Multiple movers - Basically tip each mover the
  same as above, but lower it by 5-10 for each
  mover.
• Car Shipping - There is not much information
  available about tipping the truck drivers. 20-25
  is probably appropriate.
• Consider providing lunch if the move extends over
  lunch, and always provide beverages for the
  movers.

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Emergency roadside service

• Consider the level of danger. Tip an additional
  amount if it is roadside service versus in a
  parking lot.
• Towing service - 5 - 20 depending upon
  circumstances and your desperation.
• Jump start - 3 - 5
• Tire change - 4 - 5
• Locked out of car - 5 - 10

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Miscellaneous services

• Accountants - Nothing.
• Appliance repairman - Nothing.
• Auto mechanic - Not necessary. If you insist, tip
  about 10-20 for bills up to 500, and 50 for
  bills over 500.
• Bagger at grocery store - Check in advance to see
  if the store has a no tipping policy. Most have
  one. If it doesn't, then 1-3 for the bagger and
  1-5 for the person who loads your car.

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Miscellaneous services

• Car salesman - Nothing.
• Car wash - 2-3 for a car 3-5 for an SUV or
  large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your
  tip there. It will be split among the workers.
  Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup
  after the wash.
• Carpet cleaners - Nothing.
• Clown at children's party - 15-25 depending upon
  the quality of the performance and the heat level
  of the day. Or 15-20 of the performers fee.

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Miscellaneous services

• Electricians, painters (house) and plumbers -
  Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
• Pet groomers - 15 of the bill or 2 per dog,
  whichever is greater. If your dog is difficult,
  then tip more. Obviously, don't tip if the
  quality is poor.
• Pet sitters Not necessary. 15 is appropriate
  if you want to tip.

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Miscellaneous services

• Sports arena in-seat food service - At most
  arenas you tip the person who takes the order
  15. You tip at the time of payment, not
  delivery. The best thing to do is to ask before
  you order. You definitely should not tip both the
  order taker and the deliverer unless you split
  it.
• Shoeshine - 1-2.

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Miscellaneous services

• Tattoo or piercing artist - 10-20 or whatever
  you can afford. It isn't necessary, but it is
  appreciated.
• Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet
  installers or repairmen - Nothing.

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Tipping for Deliveries

• Furniture or appliance deliveries - 5-10 per
  person. If the delivery is huge, then 20 per
  person.
• Grocery delivery - Usually included in the fee.
• Pharmacy deliveries - Nothing. If you insist,
  2-3 per delivery, not per prescription.
• Flower deliveries - 2-5 for normal deliveries
  and 5-10 for large ones.
• UPS/Fed Ex - None.

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Tipping for Deliveries

• Dry Cleaning or Laundry Delivery - Nothing.
• Liquor delivery - 10-15.
• Newspaper - Nothing except at Christmastime.
• Pizza deliveries or other food deliveries - 15,
  but not less than 2.
• Delivering a big box like a TV to your car -
  Nothing.

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Full-Service Gas Stations

• If you receive service (clean windshield, check
  fluid levels, etc.), the tip varies from 1-5
  depending upon how much they do. 1-2 for a good
  job on the windshield, and 3-5 for windshield
  and fluid check. If you have to ask the person to
  do these things or they do a poor job, then dont
  tip for windshield only or 1-2 for the full
  service.
• There is one big exception. If the price of gas
  at the self-service pumps is 1.70 and the price
  for full-service is 2.50, then they are already
  charging you for the service.

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Casino Tipping

• One general rule for tipping at a table is that
  you tip when you are winning, not losing.
• Craps or blackjack dealer - 5 chip per session.
  If you prefer, you can place a side bet for the
  dealer up to 10. The size depends upon the
  table's minimum bet however, it should never
  exceed 25. At a 5 table, the tip would be a 1
  chip. At a 25 table, use a 5 chip.
• Poker dealers - 5 chip per session. You may tip
  10 of your winnings, but not to exceed 25.

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Casino Tipping

• Roulette dealers - 5 chip per session.
• Keno writers/runners - 1 for first ticket. If
  you play a lot, tip more. 5 if you win.
• Drinks waiter - 1 chip per drink.
• Slot machine changers - These guys are pretty
  much obsolete because most machines today spit
  out paper receipts of winnings. If you do have a
  machine that pays in coins, tip 1 chip per
  change, plus 5 on a jackpot, not to exceed 25.
• Slot machine attendants - 1-2 chip when they
  repair your machine.

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Tip Jars