While there’s been a gradual shift in American tipping culture over the past several years, I feel like COVID moved us into a new place. Pre-COVID, more establishments were adding tipping options for counter service. Post-COVID, the more turned into even more. Like many, we tipped excessively during COVID, as we were grateful for essential workers and wanted to show appreciation. Post-COVID, we’ve realized we’ve continued the practice of generous tipping.
I do find it frustrating when I’m expected to tip at a counter before I’ve received a service or good, especially when the recommended lowest-level tip is 18%. I don’t know if I’m happy with what I’m going to get. I don’t know if it will be correct. And yet I go ahead and tip because I would feel like a wretched person if I didn’t.
Recently I’ve wondered what everyone else is doing? What’s appropriate? So I did a little research…
Restaurants
We generally use 20% as the starting point. Great service? 25% – 30%. Terrible service? Less than 20%. We don’t penalize a server for disappointing food but we do expect the server to make sure the order is correct and if it isn’t, take steps to correct it quickly. Experts seem to agree 18% is an appropriate amount to tip.
It helps to understand how servers are paid. Texas pays servers the subminimum wage rate, which is $2.13/hour. It’s also okay to ask a server questions about how the restaurant manages tips to ensure the server is receiving the full tip.
Should you tip on the wine/alcohol portion of your check? According to experts, yes. And if you can afford that $300 bottle of wine, you should be able to afford the $60 tip.
Experts all agree that you should tip on the pre-tax amount of your check.
Bars
The recommended tip for bars is $1 for a glass of beer or wine and 18% – 20% of total bill for cocktails, as they take more time to create. For open bars, the suggestion is $1 per drink.
Counter Service
This is a controversial one and there doesn’t seem to be a solid rule. Let’s take Flower Child as an example. It’s the type of restaurant where you order, they hand you a glass, you get your beverage, grab your silverware and napkins and find a table. They provide you with a number on a tall stand so they know where to bring your food.
When you order and pay, you have no idea if the food is going to be correct, come out within a reasonable time, etc. But they swivel that iPad and three tip levels are staring you in the face along with a “custom” option. It feels a little disingenuous at this point, but I click on the 18% and take a leap of faith. Out of the choices, 18% is the lowest. This isn’t a sit-down restaurant and I think it’s obnoxious to present three options for tipping with 18% being the lowest.
I’ve been to Flower Child (and love it) many times and I haven’t hesitated to tip after my first visit, but it doesn’t feel great to be asked for a tip when you have no idea what you’re going to get.
There are several Reddit threads I read where the majority of people absolutely refuse to tip for counter service. Of course it isn’t mandatory; I would definitely feel tip guilt though if I didn’t give one.
Nail Salon
This is an interesting one because guidelines call for a 5% – 20% tip for these services. I always tip more than that. And if I have a particularly good experience, I tip even more. I feel like these service providers are generally working so hard and care about doing a good job. I want them to know I really value and appreciate their effort. On the other hand, and this is the exception for sure, if I have a negative experience at the nail salon, I reflect it in the tip. I don’t leave zero, but the tip is going to be in the 10% range.
Hair Salon
I tip 20% – 25%. Guidelines again call for 5% – 20%. I see the same person every four weeks and am very happy with our relationship:) I’m happy to tip the goddess who makes my gray roots go away.
Injector
“My rule of thumb is no tipping at a medical office or med spa if it’s attached to a practice, and no tipping for med-spa owners or medical directors,” says patient advocate Michelle Garber, the founder of the plastic-surgery consultancy Nip Tuck Coach. “I will tip an aesthetician for a facial, but I would not typically tip the nurses at a med spa.”
“Tipping could potentially undermine the professionalism and integrity of the medical profession,” explains Terri Ross, a medical-aesthetics consultant. In fact, in the United States, there are federal laws that are broadly written to deter medical practitioners from accepting gratuities. That’s not to say it’s illegal for you to tip someone for a medical treatment.
I’m happy I looked this one up and this makes sense to me. I see an injector who is a nurse practitioner and owns the spa. Her business offers facials, etc. When I check out, I’m prompted to tip. I’m going to re-think how I handle the tip.
Spa Services
Recommended tipping for facials and massages is 18% – 20%. I appreciate clear guidelines and want to be in the appropriate range! I have not issue tipping for a great service.
Delivery Drivers
Delivery fees don’t go to the actually delivery person, so following are some guidelines. If the delivery requires going up several flights of stairs, or is during terrible weather, bumping the tip up would be appreciated.
| Service | Suggested guidelines for tipping |
|---|---|
| Restaurant delivery | $5 or 20% of the meal price (whichever is greater) |
| Grocery delivery | 15% or 20% of your order total, or more for a large order |
| Alcohol delivery | 15% to 20%, more for heavy crates |
| Flower delivery | $2 to $5 |
Hotels
Tips are expected at hotels, but often services like housekeeping are forgotten. Following are suggested guidelines:
| Service | Suggested guidelines for tipping |
|---|---|
| Hotel porter toting your bags | $2-$3 per bag at a basic hotel/motel; $5 per bag at a posh hotel |
| Room service without gratuity included | 20% of the meal price |
| Concierge who fulfills guest request | $5 or more, depending on the difficulty of the request. Snagging hard-to-get tickets to a popular show or sporting event merits a bigger tip than suggesting a great place to eat. |
| Housekeeping | $3-$5 per day for 1-3 people in the room, or $10 per day at a luxe hotel. Consider leaving money daily for the housekeeping staff because they rotate. Avoid leaving the tip on the nightstand — put it on a desk or counter along with a handwritten “thank you.” |
Transportation
When Uber started, one of its marketing mantras was no tipping. That has definitely changed over time. So what’s appropriate for private drivers, taxis, rideshare services and shuttle drivers?
| Service | Suggested guidelines for tipping |
|---|---|
| Limousine driver | 10% to 20% of the fare |
| Taxi driver | 15% to 20% of the fare |
| Ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft | 3% to 5% of the fare and up. Even if apps for ride-hailing services do not give you an option to leave a gratuity, consider tipping the driver anyway in cash. |
| Shuttle driver | $2 to $3 for a shuttle that carries multiple people, such as at airports. Tip more for a personalized shuttle. |
Movers
I’ve moved more times than I care to admit in the last three years. We all know it isn’t fun. In fact, it’s stressful and the days are long and hot if you’re in Texas! It’s helpful to think ahead about how you’re going to tip because by the end of the adventure, everyone is exhausted and you don’t even want to think about it. Our experience is that these guys work so hard and deserve a healthy tip. We order and pick up lunch for the movers. Our tips have typically been above the following:
| Length of move | Suggested guidelines for tipping |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | $10 per person |
| 4 hours | $20 per person |
| 8 hours | $40 per person |
At the end of the day, tip according to the service you receive according to experts. I’ve also used platforms like Venmo or Zelle to tip when a cash tip seems most appropriate.
What guidelines do you use for tipping?
2 comments
Really appreciate this article. Especially what to tip movers and bar service. Very informative. Thanks!
I so agree with feeling watched when they spin that IPad around! At the same time I feel like I’m making a charitable donation to someone getting paid relatively little.
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