“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”
~C.S. Lewis.
Tipping people who help you is a question and a quandary we all face every week.
How much should I tip? Do I have to tip in this situation? Should I tip the cashier who just took my money? What about the person who does my hair? Or the food delivery guy?
COVID changed many areas of our lives, and there were significant changes in tipping and the service industry. Today, more than ever, everyone wants a tip, and some businesses have used the tip to help pay their employees’ wages.
Elizabeth and I decided long ago to be generous, even when people may not deserve it. Maybe they’re just having a bad day and need some encouragement. We try to be sensitive to people other than our servers, too. Elizabeth is especially discerning in this area. We sometimes tip people who aren’t our servers.
Several months ago, we set aside a God Pocket in our wallets. It’s just some cash that, when we feel a God nudge, we can bless someone “just because.” It’s not original with us, but it’s amazing. You should try it. Just put a few extra 10s, 5s, or even 1s in your wallet and designate them as your God Pocket. I can promise that you will soon feel the nudge.
But back to the tip. If we have questions about tipping, I’m sure you have some, too. I’ve compiled a comprehensive (not necessarily exhaustive) list from different sources and our own experiences that may help guide you. (And be sure to see Chip’s Tips at the end.)
- Sit-down restaurant. 15-20%. The servers work for tips. They typically earn $2-$3 per hour plus tips, which amount to their livelihood.
- Take-out and pick-up. It’s discretionary, but 10% is always excellent since the team shares those tips.
- Fast food. Pay attention. Rule of thumb: Did they bring food to your table, refill your drinks, or bus the table? Tip ’em. Otherwise, it’s discretionary.
- Food delivery to your home or business. 10-15% of the bill.
- Tip jars are discretionary. Remember: Cashiers and food preparers are paid regular wages and typically do not make their living from tips.
- Restaurant delivery. 15-20% of your order total. The restaurant may include a delivery charge, but this likely will not go to the driver.
- Grocery delivery. 15-20% of your order total. Same as the restaurant note.
- Flower delivery. $2-$5.
- Hairstylists/barbers. 15-20% for the entire service is standard.
- Massages. 15-20%.
- Manicurist. 15-20%.
- Nail salon. (facials, pedicures, other services, etc.) 10%-20%.
- Taxi driver. 10-15%. If they’ve served you well (helping with luggage, going out of their way, etc.), 20% is a way to show your gratitude.
- Uber/Lyft Ride Share. 15-20% of the fare. Go on the high end or above if your driver is extra helpful and offers you bottled water, a phone charger, or unique insight about the area.
- Airport shuttle bus driver. $3-$5 (more if the driver helps you with your bags).
- Airport curbside check-in. $1-$2 per bag is the norm.
- Hotel housekeeping. They often go out of their way to ensure you have clean sheets and towels. A $2-$3 tip is an excellent way to say “thank you”.
- Professional Movers. These guys are taking care of your stuff. Tips are often encouraged, so $25-$50 per person is a good gauge to use if they spend the day packing, loading, or unloading.
- Valet. AAA says a good criterion is “every time the car moves,” it’s $5. That means $5 when you drop it off and another $5 when you pick it up. Now, you can bump that tip if you’ve given special instructions or they’re extra fast.
- Bellman. Again, this will vary by the number of pieces of luggage, but $10 is a good number. Most bellhops will be able to point out things to you on the way to your room so you can add accordingly.
- Dog groomers. 15%-20 %. If you have a larger dog, err on the upper side or above that 20%.
In the instances below, it’s okay not to tip, even if the tablet suggests otherwise.
- Anyone who earns a salary.
- Professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, plumbers, cable technicians.
- Counter services, such as barista, cashier, or food preparer.
- Double tipping. You don’t have to tip the barber and then add another tip at the register.
- Beware of screen pressure. You know, when the cashier turns the screen to you, and it’s “set” to 20%? If you don’t want to tip or tip that much, it’s okay to hit “No Tip” or “Custom”.
Other thoughts.
- Every state is different, so here’s a guide if you’re looking for information about minimum wage and how much tip workers get.
- Make tipping part of your giving. In other words, establish a tip budget.
- One more note: Tips are deductible in your business. You can deduct legitimate business tips as part of your meals and tips you give to cabbies, bellhops, valets, etc. Talk to your CPA about your specific business situation and how to track these expenses.
- Add the God pocket to your giving, but remember it’s entirely different from the tip.
- The practice of tipping is derived from the word gratuity, which comes from the word graciousness.
- Tip to support the employee. In most cases, it is their source of income.
- Decide your tip before the experience. In that way, you won’t be overwhelmed with a decision in the heat of the moment or driven by emotion.
- Ask yourself this question: Why am I tipping (or not tipping) someone?
- Remember: Your tip is as much a reflection of your values as the person’s service.
- Reasons people tip (according to various surveys):
- To show off or impress others.
- To bless the server and help their income.
- To improve future service.
- A sense of obligation.
- Peer pressure.
- Proverbs 11:25 (NLT): “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”