Tipping etiquette has become controversial as customers are outraged that they’re expected to cover the cost of employees’ livable wages. In contrast, it’s a great way to show your appreciation for a job or service well done. Yet it can get confusing to know exactly how much to leave. Here’s a guide to offer some clarity in various scenarios.
Although tipping is always a welcomed way to say “Thank you,” tipping etiquette has changed in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. For example, people began to question whether they should tip, considering that most restaurants were only open for takeout. Meanwhile, essential workers created new ways to serve others. It turns out that tipping etiquette varies depending on the circumstances, but unsurprisingly, it can be a nice gesture in almost any circumstance.
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Tipping Etiquette is More Inclusive
The first thing to note about tipping etiquette is that more service jobs should be rewarded with a tip. For example, it was always customary to tip for services such as spa or salon visits, food or beverage service, and personal services like the bellhop taking your bag to your hotel room. However, nearly everyone who provides a service should be given gratuity for their service if you’re following tipping etiquette. Interestingly, gratuity can be given in ways that aren’t always monetary, but knowing how much to give is important.
Tipping Etiquette for 10-20%
While previously it wasn’t necessarily an expectation to leave a tip for takeout, tipping etiquette calls for somewhere between 10-15% of the bill, which also applies to services like pet sitting, walking, or grooming, and food or grocery delivery.
Meanwhile, tipping etiquette calls for15-20% for these services:
- Dining in
- Car services like Uber and Lyft
- House Cleaners
- Furniture or Large Appliance Delivery
- Hair Stylists
- Nail Technicians
- Massage Therapists
Tipping Etiquette for a Few Dollars
In many cases, $1-$5 is an appropriate tip. For example, bartenders should be given $2 per drink. Meanwhile, baristas should be given $1 per drink or $2 for complicated orders. However, some experts say that tipping etiquette doesn’t call for gratuity for “counter service,” which relates primarily to baristas and cashiers.
Another example where only a few dollars are required to meet tipping etiquette relates to hotel staff. On one hand, housekeeping should be given $1-$3 per night and $5 for providing extra cleaning services. On the other, the bellhop should be given $2-3 per bag plus $5 for room delivery.
More Costly Gratuity
Although a doorman can be tipped as low as $5 for their service and still follow tipping etiquette, those who go above and beyond, should be given an extra special thank you of around $15-$20. Valet drivers also receive higher tips post-pandemic, the range is $5-$10 or more for any special requests.
A personal trainer ranges from $10-$20 but doesn’t have to be given at every session. Tipping etiquette calls for an extra thank you at the end of a several-session regime. In contrast, service providers like Amazon and FedEx drivers should be tipped $5-$20 for large deliveries. Lastly, movers are given $20 per day, per mover. Or $50 for a supervisor.
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No Need for Tipping Etiquette
Although tipping etiquette calls for some gratuity for most service providers, a few don’t expect a tip. Or in some cases, can’t accept a tip. For example, USPS and other government jobs prohibit workers from receiving tips.
Here are a few jobs or situations in which tipping etiquette contrasts with the previous information:
- Teachers
- Health care providers
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Open Bar Events
- Poor service was provided
- Gratuity has already been included whether electronically or included in the total bill.
Other Ways Show Gratitude
Although everyone appreciates cash, there are other thoughtful ways to show your appreciation. A small note with a gift card or gift of no more than $50, around the holidays is a great way to say thank you and still align with tipping etiquette. Plants, flowers, or hand-written notes are also great ways to brighten someone’s day and thank them for a job well done.
Another great way to show your appreciation is to write a review. Small businesses thrive on reviews as they bring in more business. Writing a review takes very little time and your kind words will mean more to a small business and go further than a few dollars.
While some would argue that tipping etiquette and culture have gotten out of hand, it’s never a bad idea to spread a little joy if you can afford it. Furthermore, places you frequent will cherish your visits, and may even offer special perks like free extra sauce or coffee refills.