One of the most common behaviors in our society today is tipping. Both restaurant-goers and those providing the service have developed opinions and beliefs around when, where, and how to tip. This article seeks to explore the nuances of tipping etiquette, and the controversies that have arisen surrounding it. Taking an in-depth look at these conversations, this article will uncover the ethical implications of tipping in different contexts that have been debated and discussed since tipping became widespread. It will also provide insight into the varying conventions that have been developed when it comes to tipping, and the impact those conventions have had on our culture.
The most widespread form of tipping in the United States is tipping at restaurants. This custom has been an inherent part of the dining experience for generations, and is expected by people in many instances. Although the exact amounts vary depending on the culture and region, the general rule is to tip 15 to 20 percent of the total meal cost before taxes for satisfactory service. There is much debate around what is considered “satisfactory”, although these days it has become a standard for servers to be friendly and attentive. Furthermore, as restaurants continue to adjust to changing dining conventions, the amount and reasons for tipping have evolved, with some restaurants offering a pre determined gratuity for large groups or adding service charges to bills, this has been widely accepted in recent years.
Tip-based gratuity is also expected for many other service based professions, such as hairdressers and barbers. Typically the amount varies based on the level of service and the amount of time the client spent with the professional, but it is common to tip 15 to 20 percent. There are many scenarios in which it is appropriate to forego the customary gratuity as well, such as when a stylist ensures that the haircut is just right before the client leaves the shop or if it is the first time the client has been to the establishment.
Tipping for taxi and ride-sharing services has become more mainstream as peer-to-peer services such as Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity. Although there is no universal tip for this type of service, the amount usually varies based on several factors such as the quality of service provided, length of the trip, and level of wait time for pick-up. Generally, a 10 to 15 percent tip is standard.
Tipping for grocery and food delivery services is another common practice, and is often seen as an appreciated gesture of kindness. The amount is typically based on the difficulty of the order or delivery, time of delivery, and type of service (e.g., in-person delivery vs. curbside pickup). It is important to note that many delivery services, such as Instacart, have a “tip” option when placing an order, so it is recommended to leave a tip if the customer has an enjoyable experience.
Tipping for hotel services is an increasingly common practice, especially as hotels move away from offering personalized assistance to guests. This includes tipping doormen, valets, porters, and housekeepers. For a typical stay, 15 to 20 percent of the total bill is generally acceptable, but individual tipping depends on the level of service and how many staff were involved in the service.
In conclusion, the custom of tipping in the United States has been an accepted part of the dining and service experiences for generations. Although amount and circumstances vary, 15 to 20 percent is usually the standard amount of tip for many services, such as restaurants, hairdressers and barbers, taxi and ride-sharing services, grocery and food delivery services, and hotels. In most cases, customer satisfaction is the main determining factor when it comes to deciding how much to tip and, in recent years, many restaurants, services, and businesses have adopted the pre-determined gratuity system for large groups. Ultimately, tipping etiquette should be adjusted to the customer's preferences so long as respect and appreciation is shown to those who serve them.
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