Who do you tip?

Question

I generally tip servers, delivery drivers, anyone who helps me with bags or luggage, valet drivers, hotel maids and room service people, people in other similar positions, and my hair stylist. My mother, though seems to believe you're supposed to tip absolutely EVERYONE.

The plumber just left, and she was annoyed that I didn't tip him (plumber owns his own business, no employees, charged for parts and service). Last week I had the rear windshield on my car replaced, and she was mad that I didn't tip the guys that replaced the glass (small family owned business, no non-related employees, charged for parts and service). When I got my oil changed, apparently I was supposed to tip the mechanic. We had to have a tree cut down in our yard before it fell on our house, and she was upset that I didn't tip...I don't know...all 6 workers that showed up to cut down one tree, for which they charged $500 in the first place!! I remember her tipping a confused babysitter (who set her own rate like other babysitters) once when my younger brothers were little, and I even remember her trying to tip my piano teacher when I was young and my teacher looking annoyed at her while politely declining the money.

And for those who disagree with my mother's tipping practices, no, she's not some snobby rich woman who likes to hand out money so everyone knows how rich she is. Our household income is less than $25k right now, and most of it's coming from me.

Answer 1

Waiters and waitresses make much less than minimum wage ($4.00 or less), because their restaurants know the tips will account for much of their pay (a bit greedy on the employer's end, but that's how it works). Tip between 15-20% for good service. Tip more if you are especially happy. Try your best not to under-tip, especially when it comes to meals. If you get coffee everyday (Starbucks), you can get away with tipping a little less because it is less work for the waitress and you are there often enough to chip in a bit each day.



Please do not under-tip these other services! They are professionals who went to school and got expensive training! :) Often times, when they work for a company and charge a lot, the employees do not get a great portion of what the service is charged, so they NEED the tips to survive. A lot of times these are physical jobs too, so the labor wears them out and they deserve the extra cash if they do a great job.

Hair (cut, style, dyeing, etc)

Skin care (facials, waxing, threading, etc)

Nails

Plumbing

Electrician

House painters

Anything that comes from a vocational school, needs a license, earns a diploma or certificate, and is earned in less than two years, basically. If it's a tipped profession, count on those tips being needed. Do not fall into the trap of thinking they do not need the tips, because that is simply not true! Best of luck :)



P.S: If they are running their own business, remember that they are still purchasing their supplies and all that stuff, so it is still expensive for them to run their business. The plumber you had was understandably miffed, because he is still relying on the tips. He probably wanted to be nice by offering you a deal, and in return wanted the respect of being tipped. When you don't tip, it's like saying you don't respect the person's work or that they were not worthy of the extra money they need to live on as someone who works in a tipped profession. You made an honest mistake, but I advise you not to make it again. It's very, very hard to live off of tips and at the mercy of others! It's understandable if you don't want to tip a lot, but tip SOMETHING. At least 10% if the service was expensive.



That said, I suppose mechanics work the same way. I can see why this one is annoying, because like seeing a doctor, cars will need necessary "check ups" too. In this case, when things are expensive and necessary, still leave something. This is not like getting nails done or anything of luxury, so IMO it's more understandable to leave less. Still leave it out of respect and acknowledgment though.

Answer 2

P.S: If they are running their own business, remember that they are still purchasing their supplies and all that stuff, so it is still expensive for them to run their business. The plumber you had was understandably miffed, because he is still relying on the tips. He probably wanted to be nice by offering you a deal, and in return wanted the respect of being tipped. When you don't tip, it's like saying you don't respect the person's work or that they were not worthy of the extra money they need to live on as someone who works in a tipped profession. You made an honest mistake, but I advise you not to make it again. It's very, very hard to live off of tips and at the mercy of others! It's understandable if you don't want to tip a lot, but tip SOMETHING. At least 10% if the service was expensive.

Answer 3

Tip the plumber. Not on your life. they charge well enough as it is. Just tip for services that you don't want to do yourself. The mater D for getting you a good table yes ($2 or $3). The waiter depending on the class of restuarant anywhere from 10 to 20% of the total bill unless the service & or the food was exceptional. I usually over tip when totally satisfied with everything. Most service jobs are paid minimum wage & depends on tips to servive. Don't evaluate the situation & think oh well there are lots of people here so I'll just tip a dollar. Tip "ONLY" for your individual satisfaction of the service YOU recieve. Just think that if you frequent a place often & tip resonably The next time your service will be much better or even great. I do. It's a growing scale for service folks. IF a good customer tips well the next time they come in THEY are remembered belive me. They will get much better service with the idea that the tip this time will be a better one. Human nature. I am in & have been in the customer service business all my life. The customers that treat me right gets the most attention & service always. The rest of the folks are taken cared of well but being respected for your good service without bad situations are always, always delt with in the best manner. Customer attitude in any situation lends to the type of service you will recieve. Service pesonal are not slaves, they are there to serve you to make you happy so you will return for another pleasant uneventful experience. It's not necessary to tip everyone. Your mother is way out of line. The plumber??? really?? imho-rkl

Answer 4

If the service is good, A Waitress 15%, If it's excellent, 20%. Bartender $3:00 + change, Do not order out. If I get the seat In a restaurant I ask for, and we are addressed Mr and Mrs, $10:00. Any serviceman called to the house, nothing, he charges for the trip no matter the distance. Barber, always $5:00. Don't require a valet. Gardener, set price, no tipping.

Answer 5

Taxi drivers if they drive right. Like the short way to town is around 98 Piso the long way close to 120 piso. So I pay flat rate 120 piso. or 45 cents U.S. A waiter for good service alone 20 piso. 50 piso if more than one 100 piso for a group. Information most to drivers. You can spend months here looking for items. Ask a taxi driver or 4 and they find for you. 50 piso for such sometimes more. Depends on item cost. the trash persons for X Mass. 200 piso. for all to share. If at a hotel I leave a tip in the room. I carry my own bags here. Tipping is not a custom here unless for good service. A good days wage for 12 hour day is U.S. $10 for regular help. I also give out a glass of ice water to the boy's who deliver special messages or such. Like there is a package for you at the post drop, or the fish are biting on the reef right now. Usually 3 will show up only 1 needed. But ice water is a treat here.

Answer 6

I tip the same people you do. Your mom is over the top. I have to say though that there has been a time or two that I tipped a mover or other professional. Typically just one person, not owner, who did a remarkable job. And for some reason I tip the car wash guys.

Answer 7

I believe that tipping is for non-professionals. In a restaurant, you tip the waiter, not the cook. Although a restaurant recently upped their prices and stated that no one needs to tip. This is because there are other non-professionals working in the kitchen who do not already get apiece of the tip I do not tip business owners, however people who cut your hair seem to be an exception, for some reason.

Answer 8

I always tip 20% (sometimes 25% for impeccable service!), but for low end service I do 10-15%. I am not showboating or anything when I leave a large tip, it's just that I respect and appreciate when people perform service jobs, that often times go unappreciated or under compensated. Even the people who do a bad job are still there, trying to make some money, maybe they have been stiffed once too many times? Maybe their kid ran away? Maybe they lost a loved one? Maybe the can't make rent and are worried? I try not to judge too much, maybe a little positive reinforcement ala a nice tip, might change a wayward attitude? 🙂

Answer 9

Your Mom is a sweetheart but goes overboard a little. You tip more traditionally. If you've lived in Nevada, as an example, you tip allot. Gaming people depend on your tips as do food service people. Hotel workers all depend on tips.

As a rule, tipping goes a long way BECAUSE people normally will remember you. That extra towel from the housekeeping staff, possibly a stronger drink from your bartender, quicker drinks from a bar server or waitperson.

Answer 10

I ditto this:





I tip the same people you do. Your mom is over the top. I have to say though that there has been a time or two that I tipped a mover or other professional. Typically just one person, not owner, who did a remarkable job. And for some reason I tip the car wash guys

Answer 11

When I go to a restaurant I normally tip between 10% and 20% of what my bill is. If I go to a fast food places like subway or Starbucks I give them a dollor. But I don't tip people unless I have a little extra to spare

Answer 12

You should not tip the plumber (who is already charging too much), or any tradesperson who works, because they are all paid well, especially if they own the business.

Americans are far too generous in my opinion, and tip far more than they need to. Nobody tips the cashier at the grocery store who gets paid very little. but they give big tips to people who work in restaurants, making huge amounts of money in tips.

Answer 13

You are usually supposed to tip at least 15% However this is considered "common courtesy" So if my server doesn't visit the table, or my delivery is late from a pizza place I dock their tip depending on certain factors. At the the end it all depends on you though! Some people don't tip at least you do. Another thing I do is if I do still feel so inclined as to leave the waitor/waitress A tip and he/she was/had a horrible personality/attitude or dismissive, I'll set the money on top of my cup, grab the plate toss it on top, and flip it over so that if he/she wants the tip, after being horrible, that they have to dig through your dirty plate and dry off the dollar bills. And as A retired server I know both how customers and servers can be so just keep in mind that the dining experience is based off of the both of you! "It takes to to tango", "It takes 2 to make A thing go right" lol

Answer 14

Your mom is very generous to tip just about everyone. However, I agree with you- I tip the 'service' people- like servers/waiters/waitresses, for example. I also give a small tip to my hair dresser and the nice woman who washes my hair. I also include a small tip for our newspaper delivery person- we get billed and I include a $20 tip every time we pay (4 x a year).



When we moved to our new home, we tipped the furniture delivery people (they were mostly college boys working to earn money to pay for college). One hot summer day (a VERY hot summer day) we had some electrical work done on the outside of our home. We tipped those guys because they worked in very extreme conditions and got the job done within a reasonable amount of time. We also tipped the man who painted our house (inside and out). He charged a reasonable fee, we paid for the paint, but we gave him a bit extra- he was working to pay for a replacement truck as his was stolen right out of his driveway.



So, I guess it's up to you as to who and when you tip.

Answer 15

This was a good question with some great responses. I do as you do, though I live in a small community and there are just things you do for better than average service. A few bucks, pizza, drinks on long jobs, stuff like that.

Your mom might like being thought of as that "nice lady who tips good". You tip as appropriate.

Answer 16

I tip because it's a way to express gratitude for a service...I definitely tip waiters/waitresses because I know that tips make up the bulk of their pay and I was once a waitress so I know it's not much.

Answer 17

I used to tip only waiters/waitresses because that was all I knew. I try to tip some of the other professions you listed. But if you are financially unable to tip, ask the service provider for some of their business cards and let them know you will refer some friends, etc. They will be just as happy or even love you if you do that!

Answer 18

That's way overboard. I tip servers when they make the experience enjoyable. My last haircut was not what I liked and the barber was snotty, so I gave no tip. I didn't tip aboard ship since it was automatically added daily, except our waiter was exceptional so our table tipped him generously each dinner. Hotel maids- I leave a tip. The plumber, mechanic, doctor, dentist, bus driver, cabbie, grocery clerk- they aren't beggars so I don't treat them like that. One time at Sears during a sale, one woman was running the whole shoe department alone and I offered her a tip because she was working like a dog and she refused because it was against store policy. That Sears store has since closed down and is being sold to Uber.

Answer 19

I tip my barber, food servers, and people in professions that customarily get tips. In the last 25 years there are lots of people who jump on the tip wagon who were never on it.



I do not tip at restaurants when I order food to go and the restaurant advertises food to go. Why? Burger King and McDonald's have food to go and I do not tip there.



I generally do not tip the business owner if she/he provides the service because the assertion is the fee they charge allows them to make a living wage.

Answer 20

I tip for those who go beyond what is expected, and can either through their actions or simple explanation,

convince me they have done so...



so even if the food at a restaurant or bar is pitiful, so long as the waitperson can convince me they had done

their best to ensure my experience under their care was remotely close to excellent, there will be a few extra bills on the table when i leave.



it may sound meticulous in writing but in actuality my standards for restaurant excellence are pretty low;



anything above just giving me my food and taking my money could do it for me.

"and here are some napkins."

you get a tip

Answer 21

In a restaurant with excllent food and service. If I am welcomed with "Hi guys" no tip.

In Australia tipping is not necessary as we pay most workers proper wages, and they don't rely on tips to get a living wage.

Answer 22

I avoid tipping as much as possible.



But at best, I might just give a msall tip to waiters.



I'm sorry, but tips are not deeply ingrained in Portuguese culture.



Anyway, we are nice in many other ways.

Answer 23

Most people don't realize that T.I.P. is . A T.I.P. was given before a task is done to make sure the doer is given reason for a task well done. Like a person would give a T.I.P. to a youngster along with the cost to bring a newspaper. I tip servers more than double the amount of the taxes. They work hard, low wages sometimes. If the server fails in doing the best as I feel they can in the situation they have to deal with then I feel for them. If the server does not meet my standards, forgets us, fails to keep the glasses refilled, goofing off then, not so good for them. Also I give a tips to most hands on people like gardner, hairdressers, box boy or girls and such.

Answer 24

If someone is getting a professional job i consider if they offered a particularly good degree of service then i may give them a tip a gift.

But if they're a known service worker a barber waitress a doorman that goes out of their way. I tip.

Answer 25

Ask her where she learned these tipping standards. Did your grandmother do this? Then tell her that these are not customary tipping standards. Tell her that money is tight, and she should not be tipping people who aren't expecting a tip anyway.

Answer 26

Waiters

Waitresses

Bartenders

Barmaids

Pizza delivery drivers

Informants

Answer 27

Not that I expect anything out of it...but yeah I do. If I like the service performed and can picture the possibility of being in a jam again (needing a plumber or getting my haircut right away,) I like to tip. Hopefully that person knows how grateful I am for their work and they will be sure to accommodate me in the future.

Answer 28

I tip the same people you do. Only once did I tip an AC maintenance guy and that was because he was super honest and told me I didn't need something that I was prepared to spend 75.00 for. As for Mom? I guess agree to disagree.

Answer 29

Maximum times I avoid giving tips, but I want to get more tips to get experienced.

Answer 30

P.S: If they are running their own business, remember that they are still purchasing their supplies and all that stuff, so it is still expensive for them to run their business. The plumber you had was understandably miffed, because he is still relying on the tips. He probably wanted to be nice by offering you a deal, and in return wanted the respect of being tipped

Answer 31

there is no law people have to tip. Some people do and other do not. It s their personal preference. I do not believe in the 15%-20% when eating at an establishment.

Answer 32

I never tip anyone because it is not necessary in Australia. Only wealthy people who go to expensive restaurants and other luxury places usually tip at their own discretion.

Answer 33

The people who deliver my food but my father taught me to tip regular workers too who are simply nice and give good customer service. Like at KFC there's this really sweet worker so we tip her just when ordering food

Answer 34

We only tip because we are aware that that people employed in that subservient position do not receive a realistic wage sufficient to live on, and it is somewhat of an embarresment to recieve a service, and realise that it is just that, a personal service.

Answer 35

Personally me and my hubby tip waiters/ waitresses, cooks, and delivery drivers, HOWEVER it all depends on service and reliability. If said person is a complete and total douche waffle then we will pay them 1 dollar (under a upside down glass of water (yes that gag)), however if said person has shown the normal amount of hospitality we will do the normal 6%. Now if said person goes above and beyond with their job, we give them more than 6% of the actual receipt.

Answer 36

It sounds like your mom lacks self esteem. She isn't bringing in much, if any, income and her way of coping with this is to try to act like that that "snobby rich woman" handing out money to her minions. Earlier on, there was another reason for it. What's wrong is that this isn't her money.



If it matters, my list is very similar to yours, and I'd say it's also the most common from what I've seen. But if I were you, I'd find a way to stop all this back and forth on her logic. This isn't based on a rational belief system; it's something deeper in her psyche that's been going on a long time. So you won't change it and you'll go nuts trying.

Answer 37

Unless service is egregious, I almost always tip

servers

bartenders

hair-stylists

taxi-drivers

pizza-delivery.



I sometimes tip in spite of lousy service.



I may also put my change in the jar if the service is very good for the fast food places.

Answer 38

No one. Any one who tips is supporting employers who have a low pay policy. I've even heard that there are bartenders in NYC who are paid zilch salaries and must live exclusively on tips.



Why should I tip a greedy bloated taxi driver here in London who probably makes £80,000 in a good year when I'm lucky to see only about £12,000 most years?

Answer 39

You tip non-professionals (waiters, waitresses, the girl who does your nails, etc.) You are NOT expected to tip the plumber, the guy who repairs the broken glass in your car, the guys who cut down your tree, the mechanic who works on your car, or your piano teacher. You might want to think of them as your employees. You have hired them to do a specific job for a certain charge to you. When they complete the job, you pay them the fee you agreed on, and that's it! They are all independent contractors whom you have hired to go a job.

Answer 40

i tip to those who are in non-professional jobs... why would i tip my doctor?



anyways, i tip because if they do their job right, I give them tip...



where i am came from, it's an insult to tip somebody.. but i am so accustomed to what is happening in usa, it just became thing with me as well... they don't make too much money just out of working straight from restaurant... they do provide service.

Answer 41

I tip for good service at restaurants. A plumber is a licensed professional who charges for and receives his due - if he gives a deal, he is still not losing money. I would not tip a plumber. It is, however, a matter of choice.

Answer 42

Tips should be given to those who do nice work for you which means that he makes you happy and I do the same.

Answer 43

I don't use a lot of services that I have to tip for. I tip the barber and the pizza guy. that's about it.

Answer 44

I tip people who earn server wages, because they aren't being paid like the rest of society and depend on tips. Waitresses, delivery drivers, bartenders. And strippers. :)

Answer 45

I agree with sharing the wealth, so I tip people who work in jobs where they don t get paid that well, such as waiters, taxi drivers, barbers and so on. I also think that in those jobs, they are rushed off their feet, and maybe don t get the thanks that their efforts deserve, so I like to tip to show them that I appreciate what they are doing.

Answer 46

I tip because it shows appreciation towards th erver

Answer 47

I never go to places where I'm expected to tip. It's an outdated model and I refuse to participate in it.

Answer 48

My mother-in-law gives chocolates bars as tips to everyone for whatever kind of service they do

She says it her way of showing appreciation

Answer 49

I think that tipping pizza delivery people and table waiters is an act of simple gratitude.

Answer 50

You are obviously a self supporting adult, so I suggest your mother no longer needs to know what you do with your money. That way she won't know to complain about your tipping choices.

Answer 51

I always tip.

Answer 52

Tip who you want to,i would not tip a plumber, they charge enough!

Answer 53

I tip on a case to case basis and do not have strict rules.

Answer 54

tip is for good service, but a plumber is normally state licence and a professional job. I might not tip a plumber but might his helper.maybe-

Answer 55

Tips are good to show that you care.

Answer 56

Ask the company about their tip policy

Answer 57

anyone who does a service for you and who you feel deserves a tip. at least that is what i think.

Answer 58

I tip to barber, taxi driver, waiter or waitress and people who help with luggages.

Answer 59

Waiters and waitresses, bar tenders, barbers, grocery bag boys, plumbers, gardeners, installers, locksmith workers, pizza delivery peeps, skycaps, hotel clerks (the ones that bring luggage to room), valet drivers, people who play musical instruments and sing for one. However it all depends on the service that they give.

Answer 60

Yes

Answer 61

If it was up to me i wouldn't tip anyone the only tip they would get is the tip of my d***

Answer 62

If you get a black table just run... They don't tip and all they want is ranch. Don't forget the water also, it's free

Answer 63

Waiters/waitresses and bartenders mostly. Probably other people if it's anything of that manner, but nothing else comes to mind.

Answer 64

Showing respect

Answer 65

Newspaper delivery man during the holidays, my esthetician,snow plow guy, bartender, wait staff, pedicurist, valet and hotel staff. I gift my male mail carrier during the holidays but I don't give my female carrier anything because she has a very very nasty attitude.

Answer 66

Escorts normally get a generous tip and sometimes my marijuana dealer, valium and 2C-B dealer. Oh and the pizza man

Answer 67

no i do not tip. i belive that they should get a better salary and people should not tip.

Answer 68

Find the tip jar

Answer 69

No one

Answer 70

i dont give tips

Answer 71

A waitress in a restaurant where she takes our order and brings the food; that's IT!

Answer 72

Gamblers!

Answer 73

Food servers, both buffet and regular service; cab drivers.

Answer 74

Depends how many bags. If you have 2 or 3, i think $4.00 is good.

Answer 75

Barber,waiters and waitresses, motel maids,door man.

Answer 76

waiters, bellmen, and valets. That's about it. Oh and Bartenders.

Answer 77

Everyone

Answer 78

You SHOULD NOT tip if someone merely meets the requirements of their job.



you leave a tip when your service was beyond the minimal requirements of the job.

Answer 79

Always

Answer 80

No one.

Answer 81

Everyone

Answer 82

Anyone who deserves it to be honest

Answer 83

On a side note, maybe you shouldn't discuss your financials with your mother since you know she is "senstitive" about the subject.

Answer 84

Tiger Woods says "Only the doctor in the circumcision ward".

Answer 85

Wait staff, bell hops that is all

Answer 86

Same as you

Answer 87

at least 15%

Answer 88

yes

Answer 89

Anyone that gives me head.

Answer 90

My mom

Answer 91

deff pizza drivers

Answer 92

15% or otherwise if service is either exceptional or "not up to par."

Answer 93

If they have excellent service, I will.

Answer 94

huh

Answer 95

Japanese sushi trains.

Answer 96

Nobody, get a real job

Answer 97

same as you

Answer 98

lots

Answer 99

drivers

Answer 100

hooker if she does a good job and make me scream

Answer 101

servers

Answer 102

waitress

Answer 103

no one :D

Answer 104

delivery guy

Answer 105

todd

Answer 106

very good question

Answer 107

me

Answer 108

waiters-

Answer 109

[e-mail]

Answer 110

the asian chick at the rub n tug!!!

Answer 111

your mom



;)

Answer 112

THE SINCERE WAITER !!!

Answer 113

Bi

Answer 114

..