How to Do Tips: When, Where, and How Much to Give

Tipping is a customary practice in service industries, allowing consumers to show appreciation and supplement service professionals’ income. While the core idea is consistent, customs and expectations vary by service context.

Understanding Basic Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is generally expected for personal services where a direct provider delivers the service. This includes common scenarios like dining at restaurants, receiving personal care treatments, or utilizing transportation services. For good service, the standard range is typically 15% to 20% of the total bill.

The decision to tip, and the amount given, is often influenced by the quality of service provided. Exceptional service might warrant a higher tip, while unsatisfactory service could lead to a lower or no tip. Cultural norms also play a role, as tipping is deeply ingrained in the service economy. In contrast, tipping is not typically expected in self-service environments, for highly skilled professional services like those provided by doctors or lawyers, or for retail checkout staff.

Tipping Across Different Service Settings

Specific expectations for tipping amounts vary considerably across different service environments. Understanding these norms can help ensure appropriate gratuity is provided.

Restaurants and Bars

For dine-in waitstaff, a tip of 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Bartenders typically receive $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the total bar tab.

When picking up takeout orders, tipping is less common but appreciated, with a small amount like 10% or a few dollars being customary, especially if the staff assisted with packaging or a large order. For buffet or cafeteria settings where minimal table service is provided, a small tip of 5% to 10% or $1 to $2 per person can be appropriate for clearing plates or refilling drinks.

Food Delivery Services

For app-based food delivery services, a tip of 15% to 20% of the order total is common. Considerations such as challenging weather conditions, a particularly long delivery distance, or a large, complex order may warrant a higher tip to acknowledge the driver’s effort. When a restaurant provides its own direct delivery service, a similar 15% to 20% tip is generally appropriate.

Personal Care Services

Hair stylists and barbers typically receive a tip of 15% to 20% of the service cost. Nail technicians also commonly receive 15% to 20% of the service total. For spa services such as massages or facials, a 15% to 20% tip is generally expected. When multiple service providers assist during a single visit, such as in a salon with a colorist and a stylist, it is customary to tip each individual provider based on the cost of the service they performed.

Transportation Services

For taxi and rideshare services, a tip of 15% to 20% of the fare is common. Additional considerations, such as assistance with heavy luggage or making multiple stops, might warrant a slightly higher tip. Valet parking attendants are typically given a flat amount of $2 to $5 when they retrieve the vehicle.

Hospitality/Travel

Hotel housekeeping staff are often tipped $2 to $5 per night, especially for multi-night stays, left daily in a visible spot with a note. Bellhops and porters typically receive $1 to $2 per bag for carrying luggage. A hotel concierge might be tipped $5 to $20 for exceptional service, especially if they secure hard-to-get reservations or provide extensive assistance.

Home Services

For skilled tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, or appliance repair technicians, tipping is generally not expected. However, if they go above and beyond, such as completing a difficult job quickly or arriving outside of normal hours, a small tip of $10 to $20 can be a thoughtful gesture. Movers are often tipped $5 to $10 per person per hour, or 15% to 20% of the total moving cost, especially for their physically demanding work.

Understanding Service Charges and Automatic Gratuities

Service charges and automatic gratuities are mandatory fees added to a bill by the establishment. These charges are distinct from voluntary tips and are often applied for large dining parties, specific resort amenities, or other predefined services. It is important to check bills carefully, as these charges are not always immediately obvious. These charges may not always go directly to the service staff as a traditional tip would.

Whether to tip in addition to a service charge is a common question. Generally, if a service charge has been applied, an additional tip is not strictly mandatory. However, if the service was exceptional, some customers choose to add a smaller, additional tip of 5% to 10% as an extra show of appreciation.

It is important to understand that some establishments implement tip pooling, where tips are collected and then shared among a broader group of staff, which might include kitchen staff or bussers. This means the tip you provide might be distributed beyond your direct server.

Methods for Delivering Tips

Cash tips are often preferred by service staff because they are direct, immediately accessible, and ensure the full amount goes to the individual without processing fees.

When paying with a credit or debit card, the tip amount is typically added to the total on the receipt. Customers write in the tip amount and the new total before signing. While convenient, the service provider may not receive the tip immediately, and the establishment might incur processing fees on the entire transaction, including the tip. This can result in a slight delay or reduction in the amount ultimately received by the staff member.

Many modern services, such as rideshare and food delivery apps, incorporate in-app tipping features. These allow customers to select a percentage or input a custom amount directly within the application after the service is completed.

Peer-to-peer payment apps, like Venmo or PayPal, might be used for tipping independent contractors or for services where a direct payment arrangement is made. Additionally, some establishments, like coffee shops, utilize tip jars for collective gratuities. For hotel housekeeping, leaving cash tips in a visible spot in the room, often with a note, is the standard practice.