Tipping can often feel like navigating a minefield, especially with the increasing number of situations where we’re prompted to add a little extra. Figuring out who deserves a tip and how much to give can be perplexing, varying widely based on the service, situation, and even geographical location. While tipping is ingrained in the culture of some countries like the United States, it’s not as prevalent or expected everywhere.
Historically, tipping was a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service. However, with stagnant minimum wages – the US federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009 – it has become a critical part of income for many service workers. Adding to the complexity, only a handful of states mandate that tipped employees receive the full minimum wage before tips; elsewhere, base wages can be as low as $2.13 per hour.
Everyone You Should Remember to Tip Over the Holidays (and How Much to Give)
So, how can you ensure fair compensation for those in the service industry who often rely on gratuities? Consider this your comprehensive Tipping Guide, designed to clarify exactly when, who, and how much to tip in various scenarios.
- Expert insights for this guide are provided by:
- Robin DiPietro, Ph.D., professor and program director at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
- Nicolas Graf, Ph.D., associate dean at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University
- Salvatore Tafuri, bar director of the Times Square Edition Hotel in New York City
- Emilio Baltodano, founder of Eleva Coffee in Brooklyn, New York.
- Jonathan Cousar, a former Uber driver and the director of outreach at Ridester, an online resource for rideshare drivers
- Julia Esteve Boyd, an etiquette consultant in Lausanne, Switzerland
Situations Where Tipping is Expected
In numerous service-oriented settings, from dining out to personal grooming, factoring in a tip should be considered a standard part of the overall cost.
Restaurant Tipping: Navigating Gratuity
When it comes to restaurant tipping, the generally accepted range is between 15 percent for satisfactory service and 20 percent or more for exceptional service, according to Robin DiPietro, Ph.D. Regardless of the service quality, leaving a gratuity at a restaurant is generally considered customary and expected.
Group Dining and Splitting the Bill:
Handling tips in group dining situations can be tricky, especially when splitting checks isn’t an option. Nicolas Graf, Ph.D., advises that those paying with cash should include the tip amount along with their share of the meal cost. For those using credit cards, the tip should be calculated on their portion of the total bill, not on the reduced amount reflected on the credit card receipt after cash payments have been deducted.
Tipping on Restaurant Tax – Is it Necessary?
While etiquette traditionally suggests tipping on the pre-tax amount of a restaurant bill, as it logically excludes non-service charges, Nicolas Graf points out that some servers might perceive this as being frugal. If your budget allows, tipping on the total amount, including tax, is considered a more generous approach.
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Bar Tipping: Drinks and Service
For bar service focused primarily on drinks, it’s common practice to tip fixed amounts rather than percentages. Salvatore Tafuri recommends tipping $1 per beer and $2 per cocktail. However, if you order food at the bar or receive particularly attentive service, tipping 20 percent is appropriate.
Taxi and Rideshare Tipping: Getting Around
For traditional taxi services, a standard taxi tipping guideline is 15 to 20 percent of the fare, often rounding to a dollar or two. In the era of rideshares like Uber and Lyft, Jonathan Cousar suggests a minimum tip of $2 per ride.
Hotel Tipping: Ensuring Good Service
Instead of leaving one large tip at the end of your hotel stay, Nicolas Graf recommends tipping daily for housekeeping, around $2 to $3 per day. This is because different housekeepers may service your room each day. If you are traveling with children or pets, consider increasing this amount slightly. Always clearly mark the tip as intended for housekeeping with a note of thanks.
For bellhop services, tip $2 for the first bag and an additional $1 for each subsequent bag. Concierge services, particularly for booking tickets, making dinner reservations, or arranging tours, warrant a tip of $5 to $15, or up to 20 percent of the ticket price for more complex requests, according to the Emily Post Institute.
Tour Guide Tipping: Showing Appreciation for Guidance
Whether you’re on a short walking tour or an extended multi-day tour, tour guide tipping is customary. Many tour companies provide suggested tipping amounts, either a specific daily figure (around $7 to $10 per person) or a percentage of the tour cost (10 to 20 percent).
Hair and Nail Salon Tipping: Beauty and Grooming
A 15 percent tip is standard practice at most hair and nail salons. Be aware that many salons prefer or require cash tips. If you are short on cash or need to tip multiple individuals (such as a shampoo assistant and stylist at a hair salon), inquire if you can use a money-sharing app like Venmo to distribute tips.
How Much to Tip Hairdresser
Spa Service Tipping: Relaxation and Rejuvenation
For spa services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and comprehensive spa packages, a 20 percent tip is generally expected, unless the spa is all-inclusive and explicitly states that tipping is not necessary.
How Much to Tip for Massage
Babysitter and Nanny Tipping: Childcare Gratitude
While you likely agree on an hourly rate with a babysitter, rounding up the total payment (e.g., from $45 to $50) is a thoughtful gesture, especially for longer hours or extra duties. For nannies, consider an end-of-year bonus equivalent to one or two weeks’ pay or a gift of similar value to express your appreciation. This guideline extends to senior caregivers as well, falling under the in-home services tipping category.
Coat Check Tipping: Convenience and Care
The standard for coat check tipping is $1 per coat and $2 for larger bags. Even if a venue charges a fee for coat check, tipping is still customary, according to Robin DiPietro. If you find yourself without cash, Nicolas Graf suggests apologizing to the coat check attendant and compensating them next time.
Valet Tipping: Parking Assistance
When using valet parking services, plan to tip $2 to $5 when your car is returned to you.
Mover Tipping: Heavy Lifting Help
Although you may not use them frequently, movers who assist with relocating your belongings deserve a tip. Generally, 15 to 20 percent of the total moving cost is expected, to be divided among the moving team.
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Navigating Tipping Gray Areas
In some situations, the necessity of tipping is less clear. While most service workers appreciate any extra gratuity, even when not strictly mandatory, here’s a guide for these less defined scenarios.
Food Delivery Tipping: Bringing Meals to Your Door
Most food delivery apps provide an option to tip within the app, allowing you to add a 15 to 20 percent tip digitally, as suggested by Nicolas Graf. It’s important to remember that a delivery fee is separate from a tip and does not go to the driver. Some apps, like Postmates, even allow you to adjust the tip after delivery. However, many drivers appreciate cash tips as they are immediate and untaxed.
Julia Esteve Boyd recommends a fair food delivery tipping amount of $3 to $5 per delivery. Keep an envelope with cash near your door for easy tipping. Consider tipping extra during inclement weather. For large orders, especially for groups or parties, gratuity is often included—always check your receipt before adding an additional tip.
How Much to Tip for Food Delivery, According to an Etiquette Expert
Coffee Shop Tipping: Your Daily Brew
While not obligatory, rounding up your coffee order to the nearest dollar is a kind gesture, particularly if you are a regular customer or if the barista provides exceptional service. Emilio Baltodano suggests that if a barista goes above and beyond with latte art or personalized recommendations, tipping at least 20 percent is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Situations Where Tipping is Not Appropriate
There are certain professions and roles where tipping is generally not expected or considered appropriate.
Tipping Teachers: Education and Guidance
Individual cash tips from students or parents are typically not permitted. However, Julia Esteve Boyd suggests checking school guidelines regarding class gifts, such as gift cards to restaurants or spas. Be mindful of gift value limits; for example, in Massachusetts, public employees cannot accept gifts exceeding $50 in value.
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Medical Professional Tipping: Healthcare and Compassion
Tipping medical professionals like nurses, doctors, and therapists is generally prohibited. Instead, express your gratitude verbally or through a heartfelt card acknowledging their care and support.
Package Delivery Tipping: Postal and Courier Services
Tipping for standard package delivery is not expected. Nicolas Graf suggests an exception: if you consistently have the same delivery person and see them frequently, a holiday tip can be a nice gesture.
Many people show appreciation to delivery personnel during the holidays by leaving out baskets of snacks and drinks—a kind gesture, but not an obligation.
Camp Counselor and Sports Coach Tipping: Youth Development
For camp counselors and sports coaches, group gifting is appropriate. Organize with other parents to contribute to a larger gift, such as a personalized jersey or trophy, at the season’s end. Ensure all parents are given the opportunity to participate and that the gift is clearly from the entire group.
Employee Tipping: Workplace Dynamics
Giving cash tips to employees in a workplace setting is generally considered inappropriate, according to Julia Esteve Boyd. Instead, recognize employee hard work with small gifts or thoughtful gift cards as a token of appreciation.
Gifts for Employees
Common Tipping Dilemmas and Solutions
Navigating tipping etiquette isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common dilemmas and how to handle them gracefully.
Dissatisfaction with Service: Addressing Concerns
If you are unhappy with the service, whether it’s a haircut that’s shorter than requested or an incorrect meal at a restaurant, it’s important to address the issue. Julia Esteve Boyd advises speaking up respectfully but not withholding the tip entirely. It is acceptable to tip less than usual, perhaps around 10 percent, but avoid completely skipping the tip.
Feeling Rushed to Tip: Requesting Privacy
If a server seems to be hovering while you’re processing the bill and tip, it is perfectly acceptable to politely ask for a moment of privacy. A simple phrase like, “Thank you, I’ll bring this back to you shortly,” is sufficient.
No-Tipping Policies: Complimenting Service
In restaurants with a no-tipping policy, express your appreciation through compliments. Ask to speak to a manager and specifically praise your server’s excellent service. Positive feedback can significantly benefit service staff in the industry, potentially leading to better opportunities or promotions.
Poor Tipping by Companions: Correcting Course
If you are dining with someone who is a poor tipper, you can rectify the situation. Offer to contribute extra to the tip, mentioning the server’s attentiveness. If directly addressing it isn’t feasible (e.g., dining with a superior), discreetly give cash to the server separately when excusing yourself.
Ensuring the Tip Reaches the Right Person: Cash is King?
Concerns about tip theft, where tips, especially those paid by credit card, might not fully reach the service staff, are valid. To ensure your tip directly benefits the person who served you, providing a cash tip directly is the most reliable method.
Cashless Situations: Digital Tipping Solutions
In an increasingly cashless society, carrying cash for tips can be challenging. If you find yourself without cash, ask if the service provider accepts digital payment apps like Venmo or PayPal for tips.
Unnecessary Tip Prompts: Discretion Advised
Tip prompts are becoming more common, appearing even for minimal transactions. While tipping etiquette suggests $1 or $2 for coffee, for simple transactions like a grab-and-go pastry where minimal service is provided, you are not obligated to tip if you don’t feel it’s warranted.
