So, dear blog readers, I am now educating everyone on proper tipping procedures. I would like to point out that I got all of these from tipping etiquette websites (links at the bottom). I feel that EVERYONE should have to be a server once in their life so they get it. If you have ever had to be a server, you will understand. When I was in Utah, I made $2.13/hour plus tips as a server. Tips are how I survived!!
Some of these are no brainers (resturaunts, manicure/pedicure, pizza delivery), but I had NO idea about some (tow truck drivers!).
Let us be educated together:
- Food server - 15-20%. Keep in mind that the amount you tip reflects the total price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc. Just because you get a discount, does not mean that your server did not serve up the full order.
- Takeout - If you get good service, in other words, the waiter gets and packages the food, then at your choice you can tip $1-2 or up to 10%. Nothing is really necessary.
- Barber - $2-3
- Hair Stylist or Color Specialist - 10-20%. $3-5 extra for last-minute service
- Manicure/pedicure or Facial / waxings - 15 - 20% Salon and spa tipping should generally be the same as restaurant tipping.
- Porter or skycap - $2 per bag or more if the bags are heavy. $2 extra for curbside check-in is optional.
- Towing service - $5 - $20 depending upon circumstances and your desperation.
- Jump start - $3 - $5
- Tire change - $4 - $5
- Locked out of car - $5 - $10
- Furniture or appliance deliveries - $5-10 per person. If the delivery is huge, then $20 per person.
- Pizza deliveries or other food deliveries - 15%, but not less than $2.
- Hotel: Bellhop: $1.00 per bag; $2.00 minimum if you have just one bag
- Concierge - $3.00 to $5.00 for dinner reservations; $20.00 for booking tours; $25.00 for tickets to sold-out show; none for directions
- Desk clerks - none
- Doorman - none; if service provided $1.00 per bag; $1.00 per person for hailing a cab
- Maid - $2.00 to $5.00 per night (leave daily as housekeepers may change)
- Pool attendant - $1.00 to $2.00 for each service
- Room service - 15 - 20 percent
- Valet - $1.00 to $2.00 each trip
My rule of thumb, when it doubt, tip! Also, when you tip, add an extra dollar to what you think is right. People who you are tipping WILL remember you, good or bad. And trust me, if you are leaving a bad or no tip, your service next time has a good chance of being really shotty.
These are awesome sites:
Tipping site 1
Tipping site 2
Tipping site 3
Thank you. This has been a message from your concerned blogger.
6 comments:
I like it better in Japan where tipping isn't a part of the culture. This habit restaurants have gotten into of not paying their waitstaff properly is total BS.
Since we're on the topic, I'd like to remind you of the incident about 10 years ago where we went to dinner at the Cucina Cucina at Washington Square, and the service was so bad that we didn't tip and you, er, ah... Now, I don't want to accuse you in front of your family, but I distinctly remember what you did to impress on our nearly-nonexistent waitress how bad of a job she did. Do YOU remember what you did?
I just read Tim's comment, what DID you do? You'll be proud to know, that in many of the suggested areas, I tip MORE than recommended ;)
Oh, I remember what we did. We stole silverware. I was gleeful to do it. But it was crappy silverware.
I was a bit distressed to learn that so many jobs were considered tip-able. But we nutted up gave our housekeeper a Christmas "gift". It's so nice to come home to a clean house. :)
Stole silverware? That's awesome. We have a nice collection of beer glasses......
We went to Don Pablos on Mother's Day and the service s u c k e d. AND the kitchen was backed up......we bitched, and what do you know? The manger gave us his business card with 3 free meals written on the back. We still tipped the dude, but he sucked.
Well, karma. We went back last night, and who do you suppose we got stuck with as our waiter?! The same slow dude from Jamaica, mon.
It was good though....and we only had to pay for our beers.; Three meals, one app, and 3 beers for $16? Score!!! We tipped him $9 though. Is that satisfactory?
Just thought I would share our recent tip story
Haha! I had forgotten we stole the silverware. LOL!!
Katie, I KNOW, right?? I had NO clue you tipped tow truck drivers. Good grief!!
Nice, Aub!
I completely agree with the whole tipping ettiquete and wish some people I know would read your blog! Anytime I go out with anyone who does not really know how to tip (one specific, lovely couple) I always feel like I need to add a couple bucks to their tip just so the server isn't gyp'd.
Also, a lot of people think it's totally fine to tip a measely $1-2 for say a facial, mani or pedi and beauty schools too. Hello! These people are students and could really use the money too...I know this from experience.
Sorry I rambled a bit, but not tipping (or crappy tipping) is a big pet peeve of mine!
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