How much should you tip?
The art of tipping cannot be summarized in a simple percentage. There are even certain instances when tipping is not recommended. Here are the most basic rules to know when to tip, and how much.
Why tip?
The dictionary states that a tip is a gift of money for a service, distinct from what is owed. Thus, if a plumber who works for a company does a good job of repairing your leaky faucet – that is, if he cleaned the sink as well or gave some advice or was especially cheerful – it would be nice to give him a tip over what’s on the job order receipt.
However, many of us are compelled to tip even if the service was poor, thinking that it’s our obligation. John E. Schein, author of “The Art of Tipping” and founder of Tippers International, an organization which gives customers the option to leave an evaluation card rather than a tip, says we don’t have to leave a tip if the service isn’t up to par.
Some folks leave a tip of pennies to show their displeasure, but an authority at Etiquette International feels this only makes us look small.
Sometimes it isn’t proper to stiff the staff on the tip if you’re not pleased with the service. Many employees partake in a pooled tip, so it won’t be fair to the courteous waitress if you walk off without a tip just because the soup was too salty (this is the chef’s fault). It’s better to call the manager’s attention to let him or her know about your issue.
How much and whom to tip
The rule of thumb, of course, is to give the tip after the service has been rendered, but some people slide it into a waiter’s palm beforehand to get extra special service. This is anyone’s option but is not a guarantee that you’ll get excellent service in return.
In hotels and restaurants of many other countries, a mandatory service charge is added to the bill. In the U.S., however, these are rare and often non-mandatory. But one who frequently dines out or travels in the U.S. customarily leaves 15% of the F&B bill.
Salaried employees such as personal trainers and cabin attendants are not tipped, but you need to at least give the former something during the holidays. Staff that provide so-called “invisible” services such as the housekeeping attendant or the valet attendant ought to be tipped, and Etiquette International has pegged the following amounts as guides:
Room service: 15% or a minimum of $2 each time
Bellman: $1-$2 per bag and $2-$5 for special requests or errands
Doorman: $1-$2 for hailing a taxi for you plus $1 for carrying your bags
Limo driver: 10-20% of the tab
Taxi driver: 15-20% of the fare, but this depends on the driver’s courtesy and the cleanliness of the vehicle
Valet parking attendant: $1-$2
Airport curbside check-in: $1 per bag and more if you have heavy luggage
How to tip
We can’t help but cringe at people who flash bills to call service staff over, even if they’re celebrities. The proper way to do it is to fold it in your hand and say “Thank you.” If you are playing host to some guests at a restaurant, arrange with the maitre’d beforehand that you’ll be paying the bill at the counter. This way, your guests won’t feel uneasy as you mentally calculate the appropriate tip amount.