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Fun fact for the day: tipping is believed to have originated “to insure promptitude” (or, t.i.p., for short) some 400 years ago. Today, tipping has become an expression of gratitude rather than a carrot for fast service. While the reason is always the same, tip amounts vary from service to service and it’s hard to keep track. Not to mention, there is a fine line between cheap and overly generous. We’ve all been faced with the awkward moment while picking up takeout. A moment of quick math, and down it goes, a 20% tip. After all, that’s how much you would tip if you ate in, right? Wrong. It’s too much. We’re not advocating being a cheapskate, but we also don’t want you to part with more cash than necessary. Use the below guide to sufficiently express your customary gratitude in the future. Keep it handy by print-screening the below list and saving it to your smart phone.
| DINING: | |
| Server | 15-20% of pre-tax bill (NOT on total) |
| Cocktail/Bartender | $1-$2 per drink |
| Takeout | No obligation but 10% for any large or complicated order |
| Delivery | 10% of order |
| TRAVEL: | |
| Valet | $2-$5 (optional for fee-based valet) |
| Bell Hops | $2 for first bag; $1 for each additional bag;
$2-$3 for each additional service |
| Taxi Driver | 10-15% of the fare and a few $$ for luggage |
| Skycap | $1-$3 per bag |
| Hotel Housekeeper | $2-$5 per night
(paid daily as housekeepers change shifts) |
| Concierge | $5 plus, depending on service |
| BEAUTY: | |
| Beauty & Spa Services | 15-20% for main service providers |
| Hair Wash | $2-$5 for the person washing hair |
| FREQUENT SERVICES: | |
| Car Wash | $3-$5 for 15% of detailing service |
| Roadside Service | $5-$10 |
| Pet Groomer | $5-$10/15-20%
($15+30%+ for special circumstances) |
| Movers | $20-$50 |
| DON’T DO IT: | |
| Dry Cleaners, Tailors, Uber/Lyft Driver, Courier | |
To learn more about the ins and outs of tipping, check out the General Tipping Guidelines on The Emily Post Institute website.
