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In this article, discover my version of how much to tip and the ins-and-outs of tipping etiquette
Tipping Etiquette -- How Much to Tip
How much to tip? This is a common question for plenty of folks new to dining out or paying for services. I was a server for many years and know plenty about tipping etiquette (the good, the bad, AND the ugly). When tips are your livelihood you grow quite fond of good ones. Especially after providing quality service to a client.
However, before I became a part of the service industry I really didn’t care about appropriate tipping. Quite frankly, if I remember correctly, I was quite a jerk about it. I left tips (sometimes inappropriate ones like a single penny…ugh!) and never really understood what it takes to earn a living as a server. If anything went wrong I took it out on the server. I never understood restaurant dynamics. For example, the true reason my meal was so late was that the kitchen was swamped…however, in my mind it was always the server’s fault. I never took the time to pay attention and observe my surroundings.
Now, a quick glance at the kitchen usually tells me the whole story. If there are five other servers standing by the kitchen waiting to run food it is usually a good indication of a backed-up kitchen not the server.
I don’t think anyone truly understands the importance of tipping for quality service unless they have worked in a service industry or know someone who has or does.
Now, I have tipping rules….well, more like tipping guidelines.
I just want to make a point: be aware that people in the service industry live off tips. If you get quality service please pay appropriately. In fact, my philosophy is this: if you can’t afford a quality tip choose a cheaper service or restaurant so you can pay your attendant or server too.
Love this video on tipping servers (ignore the political slate if it makes you feel better):
Anyway, enough of my ranting…let’s get down to business. Use this as a tip guide:
Restaurants
The standard restaurant tip is 15-20% of your pretax bill. Most people leave 15%. I typically leave 20% for standard service. Sometimes, I leave a much higher amount for quality service. I occasionally leave 15% but the service had to have been bad to sufficient. For example, I see the server goofing off and my meal is waiting on the line. This is my big “you suck” moment.
On numerous occasions I have left my table and had a busser, manager, or someone from the kitchen staff walk my meal or get me a refill. If this happens, you better know I am disturbed. I make sure to remind the manager that customer service is what brings back the client NOT the food before I leave the place. However, the server still gets paid. I consider it part of my overall meal cost.
Keep in mind: I was also a server trainer too so, I am sometimes hyper-critical but at the same time quite laid back if I know a server is busting their butt.
Tipping Etiquette -- How Much to Tip
Taxi Drivers/Valets/Hairdressers/Massage Therapists
Here’s one that I didn’t know about until I started travelling to bigger cities with my job. I’ll never forget the uncomfortable moment I had when I gave exact change to a solid and helpful cabbie and he gave me a “Gee, thanks…” type response. Immediately, I starting thinking about the movie Trading Places. Remember when Randolph and Mortimer give their attendent a “bonus” at the club? Exactly. After that, I started asking around and discovered I should be tipping these folks to the tune of 10-15% depending on how much they helped. For example, were your bags loaded? Did they give you directions? You get the idea.
Valet parking attendants should get about a buck or two when they return your car. Unless something is wrong with it!
Typically, tip hair-stylists and massage therapists around 15-20% per visit for quality service.
Skycaps/Cabin Stewards/Overseas Service Workers
The skycaps that work the U.S. airports usually get around a dollar a bag. If you are on a cruise the cabin stewards get around $3 a day. Of course, this is all flexible. Do enough of this type of thing and you will find some real “all-stars” out there. I love outstanding service and am willing to pay for it. If you start paying attention you will see it too.
When you travel overseas you have to pay attention. Sometimes you don’t even have to tip! Check out a local guidebook or ask around. For example, if you visit Western Europe you typically pay around 10% gratuity. Sometimes, the restaurant adds the tip to the bill automatically so make sure to check the tab. If you want to pay up for outstanding service go for it!
However, sometimes you don’t need to tip at all. Like I said you need to do a little research. You don’t want to insult any shop owners or service providers. For example, if you start drinking at a pub in the U.K. you tip bartenders by purchasing them a drink. In Iceland, it’s considered rude to tip a server.
Other Service Providers
Like I mentioned earlier, I usually tip for quality service. My wife says I am like Steve Martin’s character “Vinnie” in the 1990s movie My Blue Heaven. He tipped everyone. Well, that is somewhat true. I tip for quality service no matter what it is. I have tipped on-the-ball AC technicians, outstanding flower-delivery guys, you name it. If I get good service from someone they will get as my grandfather used to say a “propina”.
Tipping Etiquette -- How Much to Tip
Look, I have a soft-spot for service providers. I worked in kitchens, as a server, owned a lawn service, played gigs as a musician, and plenty of other low paying jobs for many years before and while completing my college education. How did I survive? People paid me for outstanding service. Thank goodness most of them knew how much to tip.
Understand, these jobs typically suck and are at the low-end of the pay scale. Most folks really rely on these tips. So, if you find a real service champion pay them appropriately. Hopefully, this article addressed the age-old question, “How Much Should I Tip?” If you hate math there are plenty of printable tipping guides, tipping charts, and tip calculators out there. Give them a shot.
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