Cheers to Thanks: Tipping Tips for Every Situation

Cheers to Thanks: Tipping Tips for Every Situation

The act of tipping is rooted in basic courtesy and appreciation. It is the opportunity to show gratitude for a job completed in the service industry and to reward kindness and excellence. In many places, tips are a customary way of expressing sincere thanks. Knowing the etiquette of when and how much to tip can often be confusing. This article will provide helpful tips and suggestions on how to show your gratitude and appreciation with proper tipping etiquette, covering everything from restaurants to hotels.


Most people have a basic understanding of the basic tipping rules when visiting restaurants or getting your car washed. However, in more specialized services, such as art galleries or spa services, tipping is less clear. Knowing the guidelines for tipping in those scenarios can help you show your gratitude, but also to avoid offending the recipient with an ungenerous amount.


Many people get frustrated when trying to figure out how much to tip in different situations. This article will break down the tipping etiquette for a variety of services, making this common dilemma much easier. By following the guidelines presented, you will not only show your appreciation to those who provide services for you, but you will also be following proper tipping etiquette. So, get ready to level up your tipping game and show your gratitude!


Coffee Shops, Cafes & Carryouts


When you pick up food that you have ordered from a café or take-out restaurant, it is customary to tip up to 10%. However, this depends on the complexity of your order and the perceived quality of service. If the order is complicated or people at the shop are going out of their way to accommodate you, you may want to leave a tip that is more than 10%.


In contrast, if you buy a basic coffee or breakfast item from a coffee shop take-out counter where you rarely get served by the same person, you can just round up the total. For example, if the total is $3.67, you can leave $4.


Bars & Pubs


In most bars, the standard tip for a bar tab is 15% to 20%, depending on the complexity of the drinks ordered and the quality of service. If you are served by the same bartender for the entire night, or they help you find a special type of unusual drink, it is polite to leave a tip that’s slightly above the normal range.


If you are ordering drinks at a place with a tab system then you should leave a tip either at the end of the night or when you close your tab. If you are paying with a card, you may want to tip in cash in order to provide a larger tip without needing to worry about processing fees.


Home Delivery & Food Delivery Services


When you order takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurant or food delivery service, such as Uber Eats, the standard tip is typically 10-15%. However, some people may choose to leave a larger tip of 20% because of the added costs associated with delivery and the customer service provided by the delivery driver.


If the restaurant that you are ordering from provides its own delivery service, then it is considered polite to call them in advance and ask how much they recommend tipping the driver. If you are using a food delivery service such as Uber Eats, you can leave a tip directly within the app when you place your order.


Airline Stewards & Flight Attendants


Flight attendants and airline stewards are not usually tipped, but it is common courtesy to thank them for their help and assistance during the flight with a small token of appreciation. This can be a stick of chewing gum, a welcoming message written on a piece of paper, or a chocolate bar. It is also polite to thank your steward or flight attendant in-person for their service.


Taxi Drivers


The recommended tip for a taxi driver is up to 10% of the fare or an additional $2-$3. However, this tip will vary based on the complexity of the route and the quality of the driver’s service. If you are paying cash, it is polite to round up the fare or add an extra $5-$10.


Hairdressers, Barbers, & Salons


When it comes to hairdressers, barbers, and salons the appropriate tip is typically 15-20%. However, if the service was exceptional you may choose to leave a tip that is slightly higher. If you are paying with a card and do not have enough cash to cover the extra tip, you can always thank the stylist verbally and leave a positive review for their services.


Hotel Concierge & Bellhops


In most hotels, tipping the concierge or bellhop is customary. It is common courtesy to tip the concierge up to $5-$10 for helping out with directions, hunting down tickets to a show, or arranging transportation.


For bellhops, tipping is more complex. You should tip the bellhop at least $2-$3 per bag for bringing them up to your room. If you are having larger items moved, such as a stroller or a crib, you should tip at least $5-$10 dollars.


Valets and Car Washes


Tipping the valet when you leave a hotel is considered polite. A standard tip for a valet is $2-$5, depending on the complexity of the task. Similarly, when you get your car washed or detailed, it is customary to tip the attendant up to $5.


Tour Guides


If you are taking a tour, be it a walking tour, bike tour, or bus tour, it is polite to tip the guide up to $15, depending on the quality of their service. It is always polite to thank your tour guide verbally at the end of the tour and provide a comment or review of their service.


In conclusion, when tipping for a service, it is important to remember that the suggested tip varies depending on the quality of service, the complexity of the order, and if you are using a card for payment or not. In general, the standard tip for a bar tab is 15%-20%, taxi drivers generally get up to 10% of the fare, and tour guides typically get $15. If the service is exceptional, you may choose to leave a tip that is slightly higher. It is also always important to thank the employees verbally for their service so that they know you value them and their work.

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