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How to Tip Like a Pro: A Guide

Tipping can be tricky and confusing. How much should you tip your waiter, your hairdresser, or your delivery person? What if the service was bad or exceptional? How do you tip when you pay with a credit card or an app?. Tip Like a Pro by using this guide.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and etiquette rules for tipping in different situations. Whether you’re at a restaurant, a hotel, a salon, or anywhere else, you’ll know how to show your appreciation and avoid awkward moments.

Tipping like a Pro at a Restaurant

When you dine out, you should always tip your server, unless the service was truly terrible. The standard amount is 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill, depending on how satisfied you were with the service. If you pay with a credit card, you can tip on the receipt or use an app like Venmo. If you pay with cash, make sure to include the tip in your payment.

If you’re at a bar, you can tip $1 for a beer and $2 for a cocktail, or 20% if you order food or get exceptional service. If you’re at a buffet, you can tip 10% of the bill, since the server still brings you drinks and clears your plates.

Tipping at a Hotel

When you stay at a hotel, you should tip the staff who make your stay comfortable and pleasant. Here are some guidelines for tipping at a hotel:

  • Housekeeping: Tip $2 to $3 per day, and leave it in an envelope marked “housekeeping” on your pillow or nightstand. Tip more if you have kids or pets, or if you make a mess.
  • Bellhop: Tip $1 to $2 per bag, or $5 for a large or heavy load.
  • Concierge: Tip $5 to $10 for special services, such as making reservations, getting tickets, or arranging transportation.
  • Valet: Tip $2 to $5 when you drop off and pick up your car.
  • Room service: Tip 15% to 20% of the bill, unless the gratuity is already included.

Tipping at a Salon or Spa

If you are getting a haircut, a manicure, a massage, or any other beauty service, you should tip 15% to 20% of the total cost. If you’re happy with the result, you can tip more to show your appreciation. Some salons require you to tip in cash, so be prepared with some bills. If you have multiple service providers, such as a shampoo person, a colorist, and a stylist, you should tip each one separately.

Tipping for Delivery or Takeout

When you order food for delivery or takeout, you should tip the person who brings you your food. The usual amount is 15% to 20% of the bill, or $3 to $5 for smaller orders. You can tip in cash, or use an app like Uber Eats or Grubhub. If the weather is bad, or if you order a large or complicated order, you should tip more generously.

Tipping for Other Services

There are many other situations where you might want to tip someone for their service. Here are some examples and suggestions:

  • Babysitter or nanny: Tip 10% to 20% of the hourly rate, or give a bonus or a gift at the end of the year.
  • Dog walker or pet sitter: Tip 10% to 20% of the bill, or give a bonus or a gift at the end of the year.
  • Taxi or rideshare driver: Tip 15% to 20% of the fare, or $2 to $5 for short trips. You can tip in cash, or use the app.
  • Coat check or luggage storage: Tip $1 to $2 per item, or more for large or heavy items.
  • Barista or coffee shop worker: Tip $1 or round up to the nearest dollar, or more if they make a special drink or give you a recommendation.
  • Teacher or tutor: Don’t tip with cash, but give a small gift or a gift card at the end of the year or semester.
  • Doctor or nurse: Don’t tip with cash or gifts, but write a thank-you card or a positive review online.
  • Mail carrier or package delivery person: Don’t tip with cash, but give a small gift or a gift card at the end of the year, up to $20 in value.
  • Coach or camp counselor: Don’t tip with cash, but join with other parents to give a group gift, such as a personalized item or a trophy.

Tipping Etiquette Tips

Here are some general tips to help you tip like a pro:

  • Always be polite and respectful to the service provider, and say thank you when you tip.
  • If you’re not sure how much to tip, ask a friend, a coworker, or the manager for advice.
  • If you’re unhappy with the service, don’t skip the tip, but talk to the manager or the service provider and explain the problem.
  • If you’re paying with a credit card or an app, don’t feel pressured to tip in front of the service provider. You can take your time and tip later.
  • If you receive exceptional service, compliment the service provider and tell their manager or supervisor.
  • If you’re with a group of friends or coworkers, make sure everyone contributes to the tip, or offer to pay the tip yourself.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the tricky world of tipping. Realsimple has a great guide on the subject. Remember, tipping is not only about money, but also about showing gratitude and appreciation for the people who make your life easier and better. Happy tipping!