Tipping Dos and Don'ts: A Quick Etiquette Breakdown

Tipping Dos and Don'ts: A Quick Etiquette Breakdown

Tipping is a gesture of gratitude that not only shows your appreciation for a service well done, but it allows waiters and waitresses to make a living for their hard work. Unfortunately, tipping etiquette can often be confusing, even for regulars at a restaurant. Many people find it hard to distinguish between what’s considered an appropriate or generous tip and what’s an acceptable minimum for their situation.


The purpose of this article, Learn the basics of tipping etiquette to ensure that you are providing your server what they deserve, is to provide an overview of the dos and don'ts of tipping. We’ll provide helpful information on how to properly tip your server and discuss best practices for tipping so that you can build strong, positive habits when it comes to tipping.


Restaurant Servers


When dining out, the standard tip for restaurant servers is 15-20%. It’s recommended that you review the waitstaff’s service before deciding on the tip amount. Did your server fill water glasses frequently? Did they provide helpful menu recommendations? Did the food come in a timely manner? After you have evaluated the service, remember that a 15-20% tip is considered average for decent service. If you receive excellent service, then a 20-25% tip is more appropriate.


Bartenders


When ordering drinks at a bar, a 15-20% tip is appropriate. A $1 tip per drink is the generally accepted rule of thumb. If your tab is more than $20, then a 15-20% tip is suggested.


Delivery Drivers


Delivery drivers often depend on tips, so they look for generous tipping etiquette when traveling to and from your destination. A range of 10-20% of your total order is the standard tip amount. Some restaurants may even include a prompt at check-out for customers to provide a tip.


Taxi Drivers


Tipping your taxi driver is a customary expectation. The right amount to tip varies depending on the length of the trip. For short trips, a flat dollar amount or 10-15% of the fare is the common etiquette. If you have heavy luggage or are traveling long distances, a 15-20% tip is recommended.


Hairdressers/Barbers


When paying for a haircut, it’s nice to leave a small tip for your hairdresser or barber to show your appreciation for their service. A good guideline is a 15-25% tip based on the price of your service. If your hairdresser offers exceptional services such as scalp massages and hot towel wraps, then a larger tip of 20-25% is recommended.


Take-Out/Curbside Pick-up


If you’re ordering food for take out or curbside pick-up, a 10-15% tip is an appropriate amount. If you’re utilizing the drive-thru, then a small tip of $1-2 per order is recommended.


Overall, it's important to consider the service you receive before deciding on an appropriate tip amount for restaurant servers, bartenders, delivery drivers, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and barbers. A range of 15-20% is considered an appropriate standard tip for servers, bartenders, delivery drivers, and taxi drivers. When tipping for hair services, the amount can range between 15-25%, while a small tip of $1-2 per order is suggested for take-out and curbside pickup orders. Even though the service may be included in some instances, it's always pleasant to provide a gratuity to show your appreciation for good service.

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