Tips On Tipping
Tipping is a way to send a message to a person providing a service, but it also communicates something about you. In addition to showing gratitude for a job well done, tipping indicates that you understand the backbone of most service industry jobs and don’t see it as an extra perk. To many of us, the difference between a dollar or two will hardly be noticed, but to someone serving us, it will be notable and appreciated.
To make sure we reward quality work and never appear stingy, we put together this guide to tipping. Remember, when in doubt, give a little more, not a little less.
General Advice:
It is now expected that you should tip the same amount if served by the owner.
Generally, don’t tip with coins and leave at least $1 regardless of the total cost.
If you are using a coupon or gift certificate calculate the tip based on the original cost, not the discounted amount.
Be discreet. Flaunting any amount of money is never tasteful.
Porter/skycap: $2 minimum plus $1 per additional bag or more for especially heavy bags.
Taxi/car service: 15% to 20% of the total fare. Factor in if the driver helps with your bags.
Courtesy shuttle: $1-$2 per bag if he carries them for you.
Car detailing/washer: 15% or $3 for a basic car wash.
Valet: $3 to $5. Tip more during inclement weather and if they park your car in a premium spot up front. If there is a parking fee you still need to tip the valet.
Concierge: $5 to $10 for making dinner reservations or tickets (tip more for a hard to get table or show). $0 to $3 for simple advice or directions.
Housekeeping: $2 to $3 per day left on top of your pillow.
Doorman: $1 to $2 per bag if he carries your luggage. $2 to $3 if he hails you a cab. No tip necessary for opening the door or providing basic directions.
Bellhop: $1 to $2 per bag, but a minimum of $3 if he carries your bags to your room.
Room Service: 15% to 20% of the total charge if gratuity is not already included.
Tour guides: 10% to 20% of the fee based upon the quality of service. Check with the company to see if the tip is already included or if they allow tipping.
Waiter: 15% to 20% of the bill depending on the quality of the service. If you receive horrible or particularly excellent service tell the manager who can either correct the situation or reward the server. Tip extra if you hold a table for an especially long period of time. Also, don’t punish the server for problems with the kitchen.
Bartender: 15% to 20% of the tab.
Coat check: $1 to $2 per coat.
Shoeshine: $2 for shoes, $3 for boots.
Restroom attendant: $1 if he turns on the water and hands you a towel.
Musician: $2 to $5 if you appreciate the quality or make a song request.
Takeout: $1 or $2 for the staff that packages your order.
Maitre d’: only tip if he makes a special arrangement or slips you in a booked restaurant without a reservation – $5 to $20 depending on what he pulls off for you.
Food delivery: 15 to 20%, a little extra during bad weather.
Tip jars: optional, but the barista that knows your name and order should get a $1.
Barber/hairstylist: 10% to 20% depending on if it’s a quick trim or an overhaul.
Golf bag guy: $5 per bag.
Casino dealer: $5 chip per winning session
