Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Tipping Etiquette – How Much and When


Sometimes it is hard to know just how much to tip, and when it is appropriate to do so. Here are some “tipping” tips:

Dining or Drinking Out:
  • If you sit at a bar, tip the bartender 10% to 15% of the tab.
  • In a restaurant restroom, if there is an attendant, tip them .50 to $1.00.
  • When eating in a cafeteria or buffet, you should leave a 10% tip for the person who services your table. Who knows, you might get a free cookie.
  • For dinner or lunch, tip your server 20%, unless the service is deplorable. I’ll leave that up to you.

At a hair salon: This gets complicated, but here goes –

  • For your hairstylist or barber, a 15% to 20% tip is appropriate for a haircut or perm.
  • If an assistant shampoos your hair, a few dollars is appropriate.
  • Tip the manicurist at least $2.00 or 15% of the cost.
  • When the salon owner does your hair, it gets even more complicated. I tip the same as I would for a non-owner, but I know many women who do not tip the owner.

For takeout delivery:

  • A minimum of $1.00 to $5.00 is appropriate, depending on how much food you have ordered.
  • For bad weather, conditions add $1.00 to the tip.

For a taxi:

  • 15% tip with a .50 minimum is about right. If the taxi driver takes the long way to your destination, I’ll leave it up to you.

At the hotel or airport:

  • For bags tip at least $1.00 per bag at the airport or hotel.
  • When a bellhop brings something to your room, tip at least $2.00.
  • Leave a tip for the room maid of $1.00 per day.

By Lois Jamieson

Do you need more etiquette tips? Then you’ll want to read: