The tipping thread to end all tipping threads

• Food server - 15-20%.
• Self-service restaurant or buffet - Nothing unless there is some service. Tip 10% if the server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps your drinks refilled.
• Takeout - If you get good service, in other words, the waiter gets and packages the food, then at your choice you can tip $1-2 or up to 10%. Nothing is really necessary.
• Drive through - Nothing.
• When breakfast is included in the price of the hotel room - Estimate the value of the meal by looking at a menu. If there is no breakfast menu, consider the quality of the hotel and the price of an evening meal, then make your best estimate. Your tip is 15-20% of your estimate.
• Teppanyaki chef - 15-20% of the total bill. The gratuity will be split among the wait staff and the chef.
• Counter service - 15-20%.
• Cocktail server - 15-20%. For free drinks in Vegas, tip $1-2 per round.
• Bartender - 15-20% or $1 per drink. If at the bar before a meal, settle up with the bartender before you go to your table.
• Wine steward or sommelier - 10% of wine bill.
• If a bar has a cover charge, you do not tip on it.
• Busboys - Nothing, unless he did something extra special like cleaning up a huge mess. Then give him $1-2.
• Maitre d' - Nothing, unless he gets you a special table or the restaurant is full and you had no reservation. Then give $5-10 or more.
• Coat check - $1
• Restroom attendant - $1
• Separate checks - If you want separate checks, ask the server to go ahead and add 18% gratuity to each check.
• Musician that visits table - $2-3 if you make a special request. Optional if he just stops by and plays.
• Musician in lounge - $1-5
  

• Porter or skycap - $2 per bag or more if the bags are heavy. $2 extra for curbside check-in is optional. If you arrive late and he helps you get to your flight on time, tip an extra $5-20.
• Electric cart driver - $2-$3 a person.
• Wheelchair pusher - If they are just pushing you down the ramp from the gate to the plane (or in reverse), then nothing. If it is from the ticket counter to the gate/plane or from the gate/plane to the luggage carousel, then $5 is appropriate. Tip more if they help you with your luggage ($1-2 per bag) or if they help you to your car. If they are pushing you from one terminal to another (long distances), then $10-20 would be appropriate plus extra for luggage. Tip less if they are unpleasant or rude.
• Flight attendant or other in-flight personnel - Nothing .
• Charter pilot - Nothing. It is not necessary to tip pilots unless they provide extra services. Then it is whatever you deem appropriate for the service.

• Dining car waiters, stewards and bar car waiters: 15 percent of bill (or estimated cost of meal when included)
• Red caps, or porters: $1 per bag
• Sleeping car attendant: $5 per passenger per day

• Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver - 15% of the total fare. Up to 20% if the driver helps with the bags or makes extra stops. No less than $1. If someone else is picking up the tab, they are responsible for tipping also. Be careful, the rate quoted for limos often includes gratuity.
• Driver of courtesy shuttle - $1-$2 per bag if he helps with the bags.
• Auto dealership shuttle driver - Nothing.

• Valet or parking attendant - $1-3 is appropriate for parking or returning the car. It is not necessary to tip for parking, but always for returning the car.
• Doorman - If he hails you a cab, $1-2. If he helps you with your bags in or out of the car, $1 a bag. Use $1-2 per bag if he carries them all the way to the room. If he just opens the door, nothing. If he is helpful with directions or restaurant recommendations, $5.
• Bellman - When he helps you with your bags, tip $1-2 per bag. Give him the tip when he shows you your room. If he just carries the bags to the front desk and then disappears, save it for the person who carries the bags to your room. Upon checkout, tip a bellman who helps with your bags. Tip more for additional services.
• Front Desk - Typically there is no tip for the front desk, but if they help you with early check-in or late check-out, tip $1-2.
• Concierge - $5-10 for help with hard-to-get dinner reservations or theater tickets. Tipping is optional for just plain advice, but $5 is the minimum. Tipping can be done at the end of the trip or at the time of service, just keep is straight so that you are fair.
• Butler - $5-10 per service or $50-100 per night. Very special services like meals when the restaurant is closed are more like $50.
• Room Service - If gratuity is included, add nothing or $1. Otherwise add 15-20% to the total charge.
• Delivery of special items - If you request extra pillows or an iron, tip $1 per item received, minimum $2.
• Maid service - $3-5 per day typically, up to $10 per day depending upon how much mess you make. Tip daily because there might be a different maid each day. Leave the tip on your pillow. Err on the side of being generous, and tip on the last day also. If they change out your linens by request, give $1-2 each time.
• Bath Butler - 15-20%. Bath butlers are not very common. They draw a luxurious bath for you with your choice of available options such as champagne, candles, chocolates, aromatic salts, rose petals, music, etc.
• Swimming pool or gym attendant - Nothing, unless you require special services such as extra seating or inflating pool toys; then it is $2-5. If you want the same deck chairs every day, then tip $2-3 per chair beginning the first day.
• Tanning Butler - $5-10 per lotion application.
• Ski Valet - $2-5 per person, per day. A ski valet helps with rentals, stores shoes and provides dry boots each day, and stores your gear at the end of the day. They also provide trail maps, ski lift times, rides to the lift, etc. If he serves as a guide on special trails, tip an extra $50.
• Hotel maintenance staff or Technology Engineer - Nothing to replace a light bulb, fix the air conditioning, internet access, etc. If they teach you how to do something on your computer that is not a responsibility of the hotel like burning a CD, then tip $10-20.
• Personal Shopper - Personal shoppers don't typically work for the hotel. 10% of the total purchases is appropriate. You can also have the hotel send them a gift of jewelry or wine. Recommending their services to others is a great tip.
• Spa Technician - Most hotels automatically include an 18% service charge in the bill. If it is not included, tip 18%. If the service is provided in your room, the hotel will typically add a separate fee of $25-40 to your treatment - the 18% tip is on the new total.

• Boat trip - If the trip is over 3 hours, tip $10-$75 depending upon the cost of the excursion and the quality of service.
• Outdoor guides (fly fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, etc.) - 15% of the cost of the service. Some companies have a no-tipping policy. Check when you book the trip.
• Private Yacht Charter - Tip the crew 10-20% of the charter fee based upon the quality of service. Hand the gratuity to the Captain for distribution to the crew.

• Waiter - $3 per day per person.
• Cabin steward - $3 per day per person.
• Bus boy - $1.5 per day per person.
• maitre d' - Not necessary unless special services provided.
• Bar steward - Usually, 15% is automatically added to bill.
  

• Barber - $2-3
• Hair Stylist or Color Specialist - 10-20%. $3-5 extra for last-minute service.
• Hair extensions - 10-20%, regardless of the cost of the service.
• Shampoo or other assistant - $2-5 for each person. Hand the tip directly to the person providing the service.
• Manicure or Facial- 15%
• Massage therapist - No tip if at doctor's office. 10-15% otherwise. If they come to your home or hotel room, find out in advance whether a tip is included in the price.
• Electrologist, laser hair removal - Nothing.
• Salon or spa package - Determine in advance whether a service charge is included. If none is included, then 15-20% split among the service providers. You can ask for it to be divided, pay each person at the time of service, or leave it in envelopes available at the front desk.
• If the salon messed up your service, and you return for a re-do, do not tip again.
• Owner who provides any of the above services - Follow the rules above.
• The location of the service provider is irrelevant in determining the tip. It doesn't matter if they work in a salon, rent their space, or work out of their home.

• Shoe shine - $2 per pair.
• Golf cart girls - 15%, minimum of $1-2. Round it.
• Small errands - $5. What's a small errand? Running to the store, sending a fax, calling a cab.
• Bag guy - $1-2 per bag.
• Large errands - $10-20. For concierge-type services of ordering flowers, obtaining hard-to-get theater tickets, etc.
• Golf caddies - $15-25 per person above any fee for the caddy.
• Golf or tennis pro lessons - Nothing.
• Restaurants - same as at any other restaurant. See above.

• Civil ceremony officials - $50 - $75, more if travel involved
• Wedding planner - Nothing.
• Minister, priest, rabbi - Minimum of $100, more if travel involved. Give the gratuity to the best man who will in turn give it to the officiant following the ceremony.
• Coat check - 50 cents per guest.
• Limo driver - 15% of the total fare. Make sure the tip is not included already in the bill.
• Florists - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Photographers - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Bakers - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Reception Musicians or DJs - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15% or $25-50 per person.
• Open bar at receptions - There are two views on this. Some say tip $1 for each visit to the bar. Other's contend that the tax and tip are included in the cost of the open bar, and that the guest should only tip if it is a cash bar. I lean toward the latter view, but it never hurts to be generous. If you are the host of the event, make sure it is not included. If it is not included, the tip is 15-20%.
• Catering hall wedding coordinator - $50 for the coordinator, and something less for the assistant ($25). Make sure it is not included in the price of the event.
• Banquet captain - $20-100.
• Wedding organist, musician or soloist - First check whether or not the gratuity is included in the rental of the church. If not, $50 per person or $75 per person for close friends.
  

• One mover - limited move - 1-10 items and nothing over 20 pounds - $10-20
• One mover - difficult move - The degree of difficulty changes based upon stairs, narrow passages, small elevators, large or heavy items, appliances, etc. - $20-50.
• Multiple movers - Basically tip each mover the same as above, but lower it by $5-10 for each mover. Feel free to pool the tip and give it to the supervisor for distribution, but don't lower the amount because you combined it. The problem with combining the tip is that you cannot reward people based upon their individual performances.
• Car Shipping - There is not much information available about tipping the truck drivers. $20-25 is probably appropriate.

• Furniture or appliance deliveries - $5-10 per person. If the delivery is huge, then $20 per person.
• Grocery delivery - Usually included in the fee.
• Pharmacy deliveries - Nothing. If you insist, $2-3 per delivery, not per prescription.
• Flower deliveries - $2-5 for normal deliveries and $5-10 for large ones.
• UPS/Fed Ex - None.
• Dry Cleaning or Laundry Delivery - Nothing. Most services instruct drivers not to accept gratuities.
• Liquor delivery - 10-15%.
• Newspaper - Nothing except at Christmastime. See above.
• Pizza deliveries or other food deliveries - 15%, but not less than $2.
• Delivering a big box like a TV to your car - Nothing. Most stores prohibit employees from receiving tips, and the employee may be subject to discipline for doing so.
  

• Towing service - $5 - $20 depending upon circumstances and your desperation.
• Jump start - $3 - $5
• Tire change - $4 - $5
• Locked out of car - $5 - $10

• Accountants - Nothing.
• Appliance repairman - Nothing.
• Auto mechanic - Not necessary. If you insist, tip about $10-20 for bills up to $500, and $50 for bills over $500.
• Bagger at grocery store - Check in advance to see if the store has a no tipping policy. Most have one. If it doesn't, then $1-3 for the bagger and $1-5 for the person who loads your car.
• Baptism - Nothing.
• Car detailing - 15%
• Car salesman - Nothing.
• Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.
• Carpet cleaners - Nothing.
• Clown at children's party - $15-25 depending upon the quality of the performance and the heat level of the day. Others say 15-20% of the performers fee.
• Contractors, installers, and home remodelers - Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
• Cosmetologist at makeup counter - Nothing. Makeover specialist at department store - Nothing unless you used over 15 minutes of her time and then bought nothing.
• Electricians and plumbers - Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
• Exotic club - Nothing. Shame on you. I can't believe you would even ask.
• Farriers or horse haulers- Nothing.
• Financial planners - Nothing.
• Graphic designer - Nothing.
• Interior designer - Nothing.
• Maids - Nothing, except at Christmastime. See above.
• Mary Kay representative - Nothing.
• Mortgage loan officer - Nothing.
• Nurses - Nothing.
• Painters (house) - Nothing. Offer them a cool drink instead.
• Personal shopper or salesperson at department store - Nothing.
• Pet groomers - Most pet groomers are paid based upon a commission, not a regular salary or hourly wage. Typically your tip is 15% of the bill or $2 per dog, whichever is greater. If your dog is difficult, then tip more. Obviously, don't tip if the quality is poor.
• Pet sitters - Tipping is not required, but most pet sitters will appreciate a tip. 15% is appropriate if you want to tip.
• Physical therapist - Nothing.
• Piano tuner - Nothing.
• Realtors® or real estate agents - Nothing. The best way to say thanks is to refer people to them.
• Sports arena in-seat food service - This one is tricky. At most arenas you tip the person who takes the order 15%. You tip at the time of payment, not delivery. The best thing to do is to ask before you order. You definitely do not need to tip both the order taker and the deliverer unless you split it.
• Shoeshine - $1-2.
• Swimming lesson instructor - Nothing.
• Tailor or seamstress - Nothing.
• Tattoo or piercing artist - 10-20% or whatever you can afford. It isn't necessary, but it is appreciated.
• Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet installers or repairmen - Nothing.
• Title company closing agents - Nothing.
• Travel agents - Nothing.
• Tree removal service - Nothing.
• Weekly lawn or landscaping service - Nothing.
• Window tinting service - Nothing.
• Window washer - Nothing.

• Craps or blackjack dealer - $5+ chip per session. If you prefer, you can place a side bet for the dealer up to 10%. The size depends upon the table's minimum bet; however, it need not ever exceed $25. At a $5 table, the tip would be a $1 chip. At a $25 table, use a $5 chip.
• Poker dealers - $5+ chip per session. You may tip 10% of your winnings, but not to exceed $25.
• Roulette dealers - $5+ chip per session.
• Keno writers/runners - $1+ for first ticket. If you play a lot, tip more. 5% if you win.
• Drinks waiter - $1+ chip per drink. Remember that you are getting free drinks because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and you will gamble more.
• Slot machine changers - These guys are pretty much obsolete because most machines today spit out paper receipts of winnings. If you do have a machine that pays in coins, tip $1+ chip per change, plus 5% on a jackpot, not to exceed $25.
• Slot machine attendants - $1-2 chip when they repair your machine.

• Starbucks - Nothing.
• Any fast-food restaurant - Nothing.
• Buffet-lines or cafeterias - Nothing. If there is a person who comes around and keeps your tea glass full, tip him personally $1-2.
• Donut, bagel or coffee shop - Nothing.
• Sports arena concession stands - Nothing.
• If you get the idea that tip jars are out of place at any food-service establishment that does not actually bring the food to your table and keep your drinks refilled, then you are correct.
• Laundry service - Nothing.
• Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.
  

• Maid - one week's pay. This is for maids in your employ whom you pay directly. If you use a service and never know who is coming out, don't tip at all.
• Gardener - $20-50.
• USPS Mail carrier - Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly. Read more below.
• UPS - Regular driver - $15.
• FedEx - Not allowed to accept cash gifts, but a gift up to $25 in value is permissible.
• Apartment building superintendent - $50-200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
• Apartment Doorman/concierge - $10-80 or more each, depending upon building. The fewer doormen the building has, the more you tip each one. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
• Apartment building handyman - $15-40 each.
• Apartment building elevator operators - $15-40 each.
• Shampoo - $10
• Manicurist/pedicurist - $15 or more
• Hairdresser/stylist - $15 or more
• Massage therapist - $15 or more. Read more about tipping massage therapists at FrappyDoo! - Powered by vBulletin.
• Newspaper carrier - Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10
• Regular overnight delivery person - $10-30
• Teacher - $25-100. Give a gift certificate to a bookstore or office supply store. If you know the teacher's hobbies or interests, then a gift certificate would be nice from the local movie theater, hobby shop, mall, fine restaurant or day spa. Some teachers might feel uncomfortable receiving gifts around grade time. If you are unsure, ask your principal first.
• Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music teachers - A small gift from your child.
• Garbage collector(s) - $15-30 each. Nowadays, most garbage collectors are really truck drivers. The truck has an arm that does all the work. If this is your situation, there is no need to tip.
• Baby sitter - One night's pay, plus a small gift from your child.
• Full-time nanny - One week's to one month's pay based on tenure, plus a small gift from your child.
• Au pair - One week's pay, plus a small gift from your child.
• Day care service - $25-70, plus a small gift from your child.
• Parking attendants - $10-20 each
• Personal trainer - $60-100 upon reaching goal.
• Country Club - I believe in tipping at Christmas regardless of the club's tipping policy. I recommend a minimum of $50 for your waiters, locker-room personnel, front-desk employees, and golf professionals. For head waiters or special service, make it $100.
• Dog groomer - 1/4 - 1/2 cost of a session.
• Dog walker or sitter - 1-2 week's pay.
  
  Taken from Tipping Etiquette Guide at FindaLink.net

NoGodForMe said:

Why the fuk I gotta tip?

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