Etiquette Today: Everyday Tipping
Let's look at some of the everyday tipping practices we follow.
The following is an adapted version of the tipping advice found in Emily Post’s Etiquette, the Centennial Edition. Get your copy today!
Everyday Tipping
For many of us, tipping is an integral part of our everyday lives, whether we are out and about or receiving services at home. There are many places where tipping is completely discretionary, and other situations when we either have a minimum we should meet, or a range that is most common. Remember to always budget for a tip, and don’t feel obligated to tip more than the standard amount to impress anyone or because you feel watched. A sincere “thank you” given along with your tip can go a long way toward communicating your appreciation. Here are some common places we encounter tipping and how to handle them:
THE TIP JAR. This is a place where tipping is entirely discretionary. You can leave your change from the total, or maybe what loose change you have in your pocket. Or you can leave a dollar or more, depending on your order. You do not have to tip when you see a tip jar.
FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE. For hair, nails, waxing, personal training, massages, or spa treatments, you typically add a 15 to 20 percent tip when paying for the service.
FOR DELIVERY SERVICES. For deliveries of groceries or other daily items, or takeout from a restaurant, tip around 10 percent or $5 or more per order. For curbside pickup of groceries or food, a couple of dollars is kind ($5 if it’s a large load or order).
AS PART OF WEEKLY, MONTHLY, OR EVEN DAILY SERVICE. A regularly occurring service typically has a set rate that works for both parties, and tipping is often reserved for the end of the year. However, this shouldn’t stop you from tipping your babysitter, dog walker, cleaning person, or gardener if you really appreciate their service or they go above and beyond 1 week.
WHEN DINING OUT. For a sit-down meal, it’s important to understand that tipping isn’t an option; it’s an expectation. Even if the service isn’t good, you still leave a minimum 15 percent tip. Many people regularly tip between 15 and 20 percent for standard service, and you’re always welcome to tip more if you feel inspired. If you have a problem with the service, don’t listen to that little voice that says, I’m not going to tip. Instead, leave 15 percent and speak to the manager.
TAKE AWAY can be a full meal, a quick snack, or even just a beverage, and tipping for it is discretionary. Sometimes you’ll add your change to a tip jar, other times you’ll add a buck or two to either a sales slip, tip jar, or payment screen. It’s up to you. For large or complex orders, consider leaving a margin of up to 10 percent. You can always leave more if you wish.
How do you like to tip when it’s a discretionary tipping situation? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. Can’t post here? Become a Community Member, or visit the Podcast section where comment threads are open to all.
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