Tipping etiquette has grown controversial with consumers furious that they are expected to cover the expense of employees’ livable wages. In contrast, it’s an excellent method to express gratitude for a work or service well done. However, determining exactly how much to leave might be complicated. Here is a handbook to help you understand various scenarios.
Tipping Etiquette is Circumstantial
Although paying is always a nice way to say “thank you,” tipping etiquette has evolved in recent years, especially after the epidemic. People began to question whether they should tip, given that most restaurants just served takeout. Meanwhile, critical workers developed innovative ways to help others. Tipping etiquette varies according to the circumstances, although it can be a lovely gesture in virtually any situation.
Tipping Etiquette is More Inclusive
The first point to make about tipping etiquette is that more service tasks should be rewarded with a tip. For example, it was traditionally normal to tip for spa or salon appointments, food or beverage service, and personal services such as the bellhop transporting your luggage to your hotel room. If you observe tipping etiquette, almost everyone who offers a service should be compensated with a gratuity. Interestingly, gratuity can be offered in non-monetary ways, but understanding how much to give is essential.
Tipping Etiquette for 10-20%
While previously it wasn’t necessarily an expectation to leave a tip for takeout, tipping etiquette calls for somewhere between 10-15% of the bill, which also applies to services like pet sitting, walking, or grooming, and food or grocery delivery.
Meanwhile, tipping etiquette calls for 15-20% for these services:
- Dining in
- Car services like Uber and Lyft
- House Cleaners
- Furniture or Large Appliance Delivery
- Hair Stylists
- Nail Technicians
- Massage Therapists
Tipping Etiquette for a Few Dollars
In most circumstances, a tip of $1 to $5 is reasonable. For example, bartenders should be compensated $2 each drink. Meanwhile, baristas should be paid $1 each drink or $2 per sophisticated order. However, other experts argue that tipping etiquette does not require gratuity for “counter service,” which refers mostly to baristas and cashiers.
Another example where only a few dollars are required to follow tipping etiquette is with hotel workers. On the one hand, housekeeping should be paid $1-$3 each night plus $5 for additional cleaning services. On the other hand, the bellhop should be compensated $2-3 per bag, plus $5 for room delivery.
More Costly Gratuity
Although a doorman can be tipped as low as $5 for their service and still follow tipping etiquette, those who go above and beyond, should be given an extra special thank you of around $15-$20. Valet drivers also receive higher tips post-pandemic, the range is $5-$10 or more for any special requests.
A personal trainer ranges from $10-$20 but doesn’t have to be given at every session. Tipping etiquette calls for an extra thank you at the end of a several-session regime. In contrast, service providers like Amazon and FedEx drivers should be tipped $5-$20 for large deliveries. Lastly, movers are given $20 per day, per mover. Or $50 for a supervisor.
No Need for Tipping Etiquette
Although tipping etiquette calls for some gratuity for most service providers, a few don’t expect a tip. Or in some cases, can’t accept a tip. For example, USPS and other government jobs prohibit workers from receiving tips.
Here are a few jobs or situations in which tipping etiquette contrasts with the previous information:
- Teachers
- Health care providers
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Open Bar Events
- Poor service was provided
- Gratuity has already been included whether electronically or included in the total bill.
Other Ways Show Gratitude
Although everyone appreciates cash, there are other creative ways to express your gratitude. A simple note with a gift card or present of no more than $50, given during the holidays, is an excellent way to express gratitude while adhering to tipping standards. Plants, flowers, and handwritten messages are all excellent ways to brighten someone’s day and express gratitude for a job well done.
Another fantastic method to express your gratitude is to leave a review. Small businesses benefit greatly from evaluations since they generate more revenue. Writing a review takes very little time, and your positive feedback means more to a small business than a few bucks.
