Tipping people who provide services hairstylists, nail techs, movers, bartenders is a common practice.
Its also something that elicits a lot of strong opinions.
They argue that the expectation makes it almost meaningless as a token for a job well done.
Yes, weddings are expensive and you should add tipping to the budget. Check out our completeguide to tipping wedding vendors.
There are not many financial topics that evoke such strong feelings as the idea of tipping.
If you need proof, ask your Facebook friends their opinions on tipping.
Expect lots of responses and maybe even a heated discussion.
The Penny Hoarders Ultimate Guide to Tipping is here to help.
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Why Is Tipping a Thing in the U.S.?
Leaving tips in the United States has become standard and ubiquitous.
We picked uptipping etiquettefrom European royalty in the 1800s, even though Europeans generally stopped leaving tips.
However, it has become part of the system here, especially in the service industry.
Tipping customs vary from place to place.
Overall, expect to tip 15-20% for decent to good service.
A 25% tip works for outstanding service.
This has gone up a little over the last few decades.
How you tip is up to you.
While not a pandemic of a problem, there are cases of employers withholding tips from employees.
Tipping can also be an investment in future service.
If thats not you, calculating the tip doesnt have to be difficult.
Ten percent of that is just moving the decimal point over one space to the left.
So, a $20 bill would mean a $2 tip at 10%.
Twenty percent is double that amount; that $2 tip becomes $4.
Another reason why 20% is a great amount, easier math!
Some people like to then round up to the nearest dollar, which is a nice gesture.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
The following guide will help you understand how to decide how much to leave.
Hospitality
Almost everyone knows that tipping is a standard practice when going out to eat and drink.
Always put a few dollars in the going out budget for tips.
Many restaurants have their servers and bartenders tip out other staff too.
This means servers are not getting all of the amount left by patrons.
Per drink, depending on the drink: $1-$3.
Sit down restaurants: 15-25%.
As restaurants scrambled to stay open, takeout was often the only option and folks tipped generously.
Some drivers can see the tips ahead of time on the app and choose deliveries.
Tip on the higher end when the weather is bad!
you’re able to change the amount or opt out.
Anyone bringing you delicious pizza should be generously rewarded!
Basically plan on $2-$3 a pie, unless it is a big order and then more.
Calculate 15-18% of the total bill.
Enjoying spa services is a lovely treat.
When you are done and feeling good, add a tip to the bill for those who helped you.
It is pretty standard to tip your hairdresser 15-20% when you are pleased with the results.
That is the usual amount for almost all self-care services.
The same as with a hairdresser.
Tip the guy who gives you the expert fade or flat top 15-20% of the bill.
The technicians at the nail salons are doing all manner of pedicures and manicures, plus facials and waxings.
The going rate for tipping is 15 to 20%.
That hourlong or more facial takes skill plus lots of emoluments and equipment.
Leave an 18-20% tip as a token for making your skin glow.
Should You Tip Massage Therapists?
Tipping etiquette with massage therapists depends on location.
Scott Elliott, a licensed massage therapist in Gulfport, Florida, says that tipping is OK.
But in a clinic setting it is not expected.
(However) all welcome it!
Ready to find out how some folks effortlessly earn the big bucks?
Millions of Americans ignorethese easy tipsthat could have you padding your wallet in no time.
Travel
Include tip money in your travel plans.
If you are traveling overseas, check to see tipping guidelines for the countries you are visiting.
Always tip your tour guide!
When various rideshare companies started, it was a cashless exchange.
Tip your taxi driver the same as you would a rideshare: 10 to 20%.
There are a couple of ways to tip housekeeping.
If you think your room is more trouble to clean than the average feel free to leave more money.
A thank you note with the tip also goes a long way.
Either $5 for the trip or $1-$2 for each bag.
Between hotels and restaurants, especially in urban controls, self-parking parking is difficult.
If theres no bag handling, tip the bellhop $1-$2.
Check the bill to see if gratuity has already been added.
A 15% gratuity is an appropriate tip.
Check your contract to see if tips are already included.
Even if they are, being generous to staff can help maximize the pleasure of your cruise.
Tipping tour guides depends on a few factors.
Group tours where everyone is giving something would be 4 to 5% per person.
It feels like its never been tougher out there.
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Here are a few to add to your list.
Tipping movers has a few factors to keep in mind.
Is this a short move or are you going a few states away?
Did your humongous flat screen make it safely because it was carefully hand carried?
Did they move a dozen or more boxes of hard-back books?
you might also provide food and drinks to the movers if it is an all-day job.
A reasonable tip for the dog groomer is 15-20%.
Dependable and thorough house cleaners are in big demand.
Tip them enough so that they stay with you.
Detailing definitely deserves more money and takes more time, so 10-20% of the total package is good.
Car wash attendant pay is low, so the tips really matter to the workers.
And you may be drawn to play a game like blackjack while youre there.
If you win big, you’ve got the option to tip more.
After all, the cashier is the person double-checking youre getting the money you deserve.
Weve all seen the open guitar case or tip jar street musicians have lying around.
If you liked it, and $5 seems too much, just throw a few dollars their way.
Of course, if you think they deserve more than that feel free to tip more.
If you are an avid golfer, you might find yourself with a caddie companion quite often.
Different clubs have different levels of caddie services from forecaddies to junior caddies to single and double-baggers or more.
Dont get too lost in all the variation.
Its safe to go with the standard 15-20% tip upon completion of your golfing outing.
Tipping a landscaper or gardener has some nuance.
Surfing instructors are customarily tipped the same rate, at around 10-15% for lessons.
Lots of surfing instructors are also lifeguards, so consider your tip as doing double duty.
There are some shooting ranges that suggest you tip your range safety officers.
Its their job to keep one of the potentially most dangerous places safe.
While diving can be one of the coolest experiences out there, breathing in water is not.
While babysitters are typically compensated, there may be times when a tip is appropriate.
More from The Penny Hoarder:
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
Freelancer Dennis Lynch contributed to this post.
