Tipping Etiquette

money exchanging hands Tipping Etiquette

“It can be very unsettling to not now the proper amount of gratuity or tip
designated for someone offering a service whom you’d like to show your
appreciation with money. If you’re with a group, the rest of them might
not know it, but you’re panicking. You don’t want to deliver the money
the wrong way, you don’t want to tip too lite and seem like a cheapskate,
and you don’t want to give too much to come off like some kind of high
roller or won the jackpot for a slots game. The pressure
is on. What do you do?”

Below, I will try to cover as many workers in the service industry as possible, and show you how and how much to tip them. Feel free to print this out to carry with you if you feel the need to. There’s nothing wrong with taking a peek before you set out or stepping into the restroom and consulting your guide. You’ll find yourself prepared and confident.

This short list will give you tipping information on some of the more popular, frequently visited members of the service industry. Use the search feature to find more tipping guides.

Food Server - 15 – 20%
Buffet – 10% if someone is filling your drinks, napkins, etc. while you’re dining.
Takeout – $0 – $2. Don’t feel pressured to leave anything. Usually, the person in charge of the to-go orders is being paid a wage equal to or higher than the state required minimum wage. Basically, they’re doing the job they’re paid for and shouldn’t expect tips.
Drive-Thru – $0. And check your bag. You’re order is probably wrong.
Casino Cocktail Server – $1/drink
Bartender – $1/drink or $15-20% of the total tab….unless he/she’s “hooking you up.”
Bus boy – $0 unless he did something the waitress should have done. In that case, $2 is fine.
Coat Check – $1/item.
Bathroom Attendant – $1. You know he or she is going to make you feel like crap if you take a hand towel and don’t leave a buck. If you know you’re not going to have to use the restroom again, duck out. (This is personal. I don’t like this guilt trip and pressure when using the restroom. I’d rather it be empty and I dry my own hands.)
Musician – $2-$5 if he stops by the table or plays a special request.
Lounge band or musician – $1-$5
Hair Stylist – 10-20% You be the judge on the service you received and tip accordingly. Last minute or after-hours appointment? Make it 20-25%.
Barber – $2. More if you get a shave, wash, shoulder & scalp massage, etc.
Manicure, Pedicure, or Facial – 10-20%
Massage Therapist – 10 – 20%.
@ doctor’s office? $0
Shoe Shine – $2
Golf Caddie – $20/person
Movers (light) – $10/mover
Movers (medium/normal) $20/mover
Movers (hard work. long day) $50-$100/mover
Casino Dealer – $5-$25/winning session
Tip Jar – $0 almost always. You shouldn’t feel obligated to tip someone for doing the job they’re paid to do. Making coffee or a sandwich is not hard or unreasonable work for the wage they’re paid.