Tipping is a well-established practice in many parts of the world, commonly associated with services like dining out, taxi rides, and haircuts. However, there are numerous other scenarios where tipping is also appreciated, yet often overlooked. Recognizing and acknowledging the efforts of workers in these unexpected places can make a big difference in their lives and enhance your own experience. In this blog, we will explore some of these lesser-known tipping situations and provide guidelines on how much to tip in each case.
Grocery store baggers play an important role in making your shopping experience more convenient and efficient. They carefully pack your groceries, often handling heavy or awkward items with care to ensure nothing gets damaged. While tipping baggers is not always common practice, especially in stores where they are employed by the business, a small tip can be a great way to show appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they help carry your groceries to your car.
Typical Tipping Amounts:
• $1 to $3 per trip, depending on the level of assistance provided
• More if they go above and beyond, such as helping load groceries into your vehicle in bad weather
Regional Variations:
• In some regions, tipping grocery baggers is more common and expected, while in others it might be less so. It’s always a good idea to observe local customs or ask a store employee if you’re unsure.
Hotel housekeepers work behind the scenes to ensure your stay is comfortable and clean. They often handle a range of tasks, from changing bed linens to replenishing toiletries and ensuring the room is spotless. Despite their hard work, they are frequently overlooked when it comes to tipping.
Recommended Tipping Practices:
• Tip $2 to $5 per day of your stay.
• Leave the tip daily, as the housekeeping staff may change throughout your stay.
• Place the tip in a visible spot with a note indicating it is for housekeeping.
Tips for Ensuring Your Tip is Received:
• Leave a note with the money to clearly indicate it is a tip.
• Hand the tip directly to a housekeeper if you see them.
Tour guides offer valuable insights and enhance your travel experiences by sharing their knowledge about the places you visit. Whether you’re on a city walking tour or exploring a historical site, a good tour guide can make a significant difference in your understanding and enjoyment.
Suggested Tipping Amounts:
• For half-day tours: $5 to $10 per person.
• For full-day tours: $10 to $20 per person.
• Consider tipping more for exceptional service or if the tour guide went out of their way to make your experience special.
Differences in Tipping Practices in Various Countries:
• In the United States and Canada, tipping tour guides is common and often expected.
• In Europe, tipping practices vary by country; some places may include the tip in the tour price, while in others, a tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
• In Asia, tipping may not be customary, but it’s still a nice gesture for excellent service.
Salon assistants perform a variety of tasks that contribute to your overall experience, such as washing your hair, applying color, or preparing your station. Their work helps the main stylist focus on cutting and styling, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Appropriate Tipping Amounts:
• $3 to $5 for hair washing or other basic services.
• If they assist with a more involved process, consider tipping $5 to $10.
• If you’re particularly satisfied with their help, feel free to tip more generously.
Impact of Tipping on Their Income:
• Salon assistants often rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
• Your tip acknowledges their contribution and can help improve their job satisfaction and motivation.
Furniture delivery and assembly workers handle heavy lifting, careful transportation, and sometimes complex assembly tasks to ensure your new furniture is set up correctly. Their work requires physical effort and attention to detail, making a tip a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Standard Tipping Guidelines:
• $5 to $10 per worker for a simple delivery.
• $10 to $20 per worker for delivery and assembly, especially for larger or more complicated items.
• Consider tipping more if the delivery involves stairs or other challenging conditions.
How to Show Appreciation for Exceptional Service:
• Offer a tip directly to each worker, expressing your thanks for their hard work.
• Providing a cold drink or snack can also be a nice gesture, especially on hot days or after a particularly strenuous delivery.
Car wash attendants work hard to ensure your vehicle looks its best, often dealing with dirt, grime, and tough weather conditions. Whether they’re hand-washing your car or drying it off after an automated wash, their efforts can greatly enhance your car’s appearance.
Recommended Tipping Amounts:
• $2 to $5 for a basic car wash.
• $5 to $10 for more extensive services, such as detailing or waxing.
• If you receive exceptional service, consider tipping more generously.
When and How to Tip:
• Tip at the end of the service, directly handing the money to the attendant.
• If multiple attendants work on your car, try to distribute the tip among them or leave a larger tip for them to share.
Public restroom attendants ensure that facilities remain clean, stocked, and pleasant to use. Their work often goes unnoticed, but a tip can be a meaningful way to acknowledge their efforts, especially in high-traffic areas like airports, hotels, and upscale restaurants.
Appropriate Tipping Practices:
• Tip $0.50 to $1 for basic services, such as handing you a towel or keeping the area clean.
• Tip $1 to $2 if the attendant provides additional services, like helping with personal items or offering luxury toiletries.
Situational Tips for When to Tip:
• If the restroom is exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
• When the attendant provides personalized service or goes out of their way to assist you.
• In high-end establishments where tipping is more customary and expected.
With the rise of online grocery shopping and delivery services, personal shoppers play a crucial role in selecting and sometimes delivering your groceries. They ensure that you get fresh and quality items according to your preferences.
Suggested Tipping Amounts and Methods:
• Tip $5 to $10 for a standard grocery order.
• Consider tipping more for large or complicated orders, or if they go above and beyond in selecting quality items.
• Tip directly through the app if available, or in cash if you meet the shopper in person.
Differences Between In-Store and Delivery Services:
• For in-store personal shoppers, a small tip handed in person or through the store’s tipping system is appropriate.
• For delivery services, tipping via the app ensures the shopper receives it directly and promptly.
There are various other unexpected places where tipping can make a significant impact and show your appreciation for good service.
Other Unexpected Places:
• Coat Check Attendants: Tip $1 to $2 per coat, especially if they provide excellent care and service.
• Golf Caddies: Tip $20 to $50 depending on the course and level of service, as caddies often provide valuable advice and assistance.
• Parking Valets: Tip $2 to $5 when your car is returned to you, with additional tips for exceptional service or if they handle special requests.
Brief Tips for Each:
• Coat Check Attendants: Tipping ensures your belongings are well taken care of and encourages attentive service.
• Golf Caddies: A generous tip recognizes their hard work and expertise, often enhancing your overall golfing experience.
• Parking Valets: Tipping promptly and generously helps ensure quick and attentive service in the future.
Tipping in unexpected places not only shows appreciation for good service but also recognizes the hard work and dedication of individuals who often go unnoticed. By being mindful and generous with your tips, you contribute to a culture of gratitude and respect.
Recap of the Importance of Tipping in Unexpected Places:
• Acknowledging the efforts of workers in less obvious roles can make a significant difference in their lives and enhance your overall experience.
• Tipping helps support workers who rely on tips as a vital part of their income.
Final Thoughts on Showing Appreciation for Good Service:
• Always observe local customs and practices when deciding whether and how much to tip.
• When in doubt, a small tip is better than none, and it can brighten someone’s day.
• Being mindful of the hard work and dedication of service workers encourages a positive and respectful culture.
Encouragement to Be Mindful and Generous:
• Consider the impact of your tips on the recipients and the appreciation they feel for being recognized.
• Spread kindness through thoughtful tipping, making the world a more considerate place.
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