When going out for lunch with the girlfriends, all is usually made up of lots of chatter and laughter until the bill comes. At this point one or both of us take charge of the check and either picks it up, or we divide. I have noticed that some people deal with the tip easily and naturally, while others always want to have that “but what do we tip?” conversation. While I find the whole thing quite easy, there are situations (like taking a Taxi or after I’ve had a FABULOUS massage) that make me stop to think….What should I tip?
I’ve decided to tackle the whole tip thing head on to make it easy.
RESTAURANTS
The minimum FEDERAL wage for servers is $2.13, and while some states have instituted their own minimums for workers who get tips, it’s still less than 30% of minimum wage. While 15 – 20% is still the standard, I tend to err on the higher side, making adjustments for the quality of service. Generally speaking – I’m a 20% tipper.
- Coatcheck – $1.00 per coat
- Restroom attendant – .50 to $1.00
PIZZA DELIVERY
In many cases they’re paying for their own gasoline, so I tip – 15%
BARS
How do you handle tipping on those 2 for 1 happy hour drinks or a quick glass of wine? $1.00 per drink IS the standard, although if the bars hopping and you want premium service….tip higher.
HOTELS
- Room Service – I tip 15%, since it’s a one stop call (although they do have to come ALL that way from the kitchen to your penthouse to deliver the food while it’s still HOT).
- Chambermaid – In this case it depends upon how MESSY you really are, and how much that fancy room cost you. For a budget hotel, $2 or $3 per day is fine. For a stay at the Ritz or Waldorf you should leave $5 0 $10 per day.
- Bellman – $1 – $2 per bag is customary. If I’ve loaded my bag with shoes, it’s worth the $2 not to have to lug it into the hotel.
- Valet – $5 BUT when the hotel CHARGES for valet parking…an extra dollar or two for the cute guy who just brought it around for you is fine.
- Doorman – $1 for hailing that cab for you, $2 per bag if he’s the one to help you when you pull up in that fancy limo (or taxi)
- Concierge – I base this one on how tough my request is. If he got me tickets to the hottest show on Broadway, and it’s been sold out for a year – $20+, if he handed you a map of the stars houses & sent you outside to wait for that double decker tour bus…NADA.
HAIRDRESSER
Shana’s may tell me I’m way off, but generally speaking it’s just like your dinner. 10% – 20% may be customary – but remember this person holds the scissors, squeezes you in for last minute appointments, and keeps you looking your best…so, ERR on the high side.
- Manicures, massages & facials – 10% – 20% depending upon the scope of the service
TAXI
I add 15% to the total bill, but if I’m coming or going to the airport I add in extra for each suitcase he’s had to lift (20%). The same goes for the limo driver (who’ll expect 20% – because if you’re hiring a limo, you’re a big spender).
AAA
This is one that I used to struggle with, as hubby over-tips and I always under-tipped. These guys come out in snow, rain and awful weather to get you out of a jam. $10 is the least I can do to thank them.
FLOWER DELIVERIES
I love when I get unexpected flowers, but I find myself rummaging through my wallet and babbling to the delivery person while I look for money. $5 seems about right here.
DOG GROOMER
This is no different than your hairdresser, although he/she doesn’t have to listen to you drone on and on about that boyfriend/husband of yours. 15% will be fine.
I’ll try to tackle what to tip at the holidays in a future post. In the meantime, I hope this was helpful. If you think I’m WAY OFF, feel free to comment below with what YOU’D tip in these situations.
Photo credit: velo_city / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Jennifer The Quirky Momma says
I HATE the entire idea of tipping, I really do. I don’t like that hard working industries get paid terrible wages and have to depend on unsecured money in order to live. While I despite having to tip because it’s the norm, I enjoy tipping for excellent service. I tend to tip big when service warrants a special thanks.
Zippy says
I agree with you 100% Jennifer. People need to earn enough to live on, and those that work in tip based industries should be compensated more.
Kathleen says
This is a great guide. I always tip high to error on the side of caution.
Sheri says
First off, that is a crazy low minimum wage! Servers here have a minimum wage of $8.90 compared to the regular $10.25. Thank you for all of the great tips. I have always been unsure of what to tip at hotels.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
This is a great guide. Sometimes I’m so uncertain on what to tip.
Leilani says
When I get great service from whomever it may be, I always leave an extra fat tip to let the person know they are doing a beyond exceptional job. And thanks for sharing this. I didn’t know how much I should tip in some of these cases.
Billie says
I tip a minimum of 15%, but generally much better depending on service. If it’s outstanding, I want the person to know I thought so in me saying it and showing it with a nice tip. I do wish though that they just made a nice wage per hour and my tip would be an extra.
Notorious Spinks says
I always over tip. My minimum tip at restaurants is $5. If the serve is hella good they just might get $10.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
I had no idea that the Federal minimum wage for servers was so low. Thanks for sharing this.
Zippy says
Having owned restaurants and been a district manager for a major coffee chain, I was always SHOCKED and always tried to make sure that my employees made plenty of money (happy employees = happy customers = repeat business). It’s crazy to think that there are some people who have to try to live on that. I’m thinking servers in small diners, not fancy steak houses (they make great money in tips).
Zippy says
I do too. I think it’s from years of working in the food business, and the fact that they used to say that women don’t tip well.
Zippy says
Saying it is a NICE thing to do. I like that added touch. Thanks for a such a nice gracious idea.
Zippy says
Yup, I always struggled with the whole valet and doorman thing.
Zippy says
Kathleen, so do I. I’d hate someone to think that I was cheap.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
This a great guide- thanks!
Jenn @therebelchick says
I always tip 20% unless it’s a big ticket item like a tattoo or day at the salon, then I gauge it on the service and how much I can afford.
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
WOW! I needed a guide like this! Thanks!
Lolo says
Thanks for the guide! I just do not like to give a tip when they have a plastic cup with a ripped sheet of paper that says tips please.
Zippy says
LOL – that’s funny Lolo – or when it says “college fund”
Zippy says
You’re welcome
Zippy says
It’s all about the service. Next I’ll do one on tipping in Europe (very different than in the US).
Zippy says
You’re very welcome Anne.