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You are here: Home / Social / Things I should know: What to tip

Social

Things I should know: What to tip

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

 


22 Comments

About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

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Comments

  1. Jennifer The Quirky Momma says

    December 1, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    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.

  2. Zippy says

    December 1, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    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.

  3. Kathleen says

    December 1, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    This is a great guide. I always tip high to error on the side of caution.

  4. Sheri says

    December 1, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    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.

  5. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says

    December 1, 2012 at 9:53 pm

    This is a great guide. Sometimes I’m so uncertain on what to tip.

  6. Leilani says

    December 1, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    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.

  7. Billie says

    December 2, 2012 at 1:02 am

    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.

  8. Notorious Spinks says

    December 2, 2012 at 3:14 am

    I always over tip. My minimum tip at restaurants is $5. If the serve is hella good they just might get $10.

  9. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I had no idea that the Federal minimum wage for servers was so low. Thanks for sharing this.

  10. Zippy says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    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).

  11. Zippy says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    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.

  12. Zippy says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    Saying it is a NICE thing to do. I like that added touch. Thanks for a such a nice gracious idea.

  13. Zippy says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    Yup, I always struggled with the whole valet and doorman thing.

  14. Zippy says

    December 2, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    Kathleen, so do I. I’d hate someone to think that I was cheap.

  15. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

    December 2, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    This a great guide- thanks!

  16. Jenn @therebelchick says

    December 2, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    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.

  17. A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says

    December 2, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    WOW! I needed a guide like this! Thanks!

  18. Lolo says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:56 am

    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.

  19. Zippy says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    LOL – that’s funny Lolo – or when it says “college fund”

  20. Zippy says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    You’re welcome

  21. Zippy says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    It’s all about the service. Next I’ll do one on tipping in Europe (very different than in the US).

  22. Zippy says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    You’re very welcome Anne.

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