You know the tipping rule for restaurants (15 to 20 percent, duh!) and for hotel maid service ($1 to $2 per night).
But the opportunity and obligation to offer gratuity abounds, and you may be surprised to learn that you’re tipping all wrong. In fact, many people don’t even understand the full equation when it comes to gratuity, says Jodi R. R. Smith, an etiquette consultant and author of The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners, $19.28 at Books-A-Million. (Get Books-A-Million coupons.)
“Most people tip because they want to reward a job well done—and that is certainly part of the process,” Smith says. “But tips are also to ensure that the service provider is adequately compensated for their time and efforts. And most people don’t also realize that tips are an insurance policy on good service going forward.”
For example, generously tip the pizza delivery guy on Thursdays (a popular family pizza night) and you’re buying insurance that you’ll likely get speedy service the following Thursday.
We asked Smith to give the skinny on various scenarios in which tipping rules may elude the average customer.
Restaurant where you order at the counter or get food to go
General rules: “There is no reason to tip unless they go above and beyond—like in respecting an order for someone with allergies,” Smith says.
“Even if there is a line on the receipt for a tip, just write a slash through it and sign.” This applies to restaurants where there is a dine-in option like Macaroni Grill.
How much: For extra-special orders, give 5 to 10 percent of the bill.
Insider tip: “In any situation, if a tip is not appropriate, the best thing you can do is refer other clients and customers to the business,” Smith says. “Also, it can be important to write a letter of thanks that they can display in their store.”
Airport curbside baggage handler
General rules: Tip outside, not inside. Union and employment practices differ on the inside versus the outside of the airport. Inside, employees usually get health insurance, paid sick days and other benefits, while outside, there is less job security.
How much: $1 to $2 per bag, depending on size
Insider tip: “Even though the gate agents and the skycaps seem to be doing identical jobs, their situations are totally different, and the guys outside are working for tips,” Smith says.
Salon stylists
General rules: You know that you should tip your hairstylist 15 to 20 percent of the bill. However, the old rules dictated that salon owners needn’t receive gratuity, though an end-of-year gift was called for.
Today, customers are rarely loyal to their salons, hair cutters or colorists, and new etiquette calls for tipping the service provider on each and every visit.
How much: 15 to 20 percent of the bill
Insider tip: “If you really are loyal and go to your stylist for years on end, then it is fine to give a lavish gift or generous tip at the end of the year,” Smith says.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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