Here’s a Tip: The Fine Line Between Over-Tipping and Cheapskate

Today’s standard tip at a sit-down restaurant is 15 to 20 percent of the cheque before tax is added. (Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock)

Tipping is important; waiters count on their tips to survive, or perhaps your plumber went above and beyond without charging you extra. But do you need to tip everyone you come into contact with? The short answer is no.

Sit-Down Dining

One legend says that the term tip—“to ensure promptness”—began as a box that was set on a table in an old English tavern where people tipped before the meal in order to bribe the server over to their table. Today’s standard tip is 15 to 20 percent of a restaurant check before tax is added. You can go up to 25 percent for truly outstanding service, or if you have a large, demanding group, a bunch of energetic children, etc. If you got a free meal or discount, tip as if those amounts were added to the bill.

The exception to the 15 percent minimum is genuinely bad service, where the server was rude or inappropriate, ignored your requests, or was completely absent. In these cases, make the manager aware as well.

Whenever you tip, make sure it hasn’t already been automatically added to the bill.

Casual Eats and Drinks

More and more fast food and fast casual restaurants have a tip jar out, and sometimes others give you the evil eye if you don’t tip. If the service was particularly great, leave a dollar or two, but otherwise keep your wallet in your pocket. This holds true for a food truck as well, although you might decide to tip if you see the vendor regularly at Food Truck Fridays.

If a fast-food drive-thru asks if you want to add a tip, feel comfortable saying no. You also don’t have to tip at a coffee shop if you’re just getting plain coffee. If you’re a regular, or they’ve prepared a complex drink, and you want to tip, round up the bill or add a dollar.

Bartenders are different; tip them $1 to $2 per drink, and more for a special order. Likewise, food delivery personnel traditionally receive 10 to 15 percent for saving you the trip.

Service Providers

Ridester advises tipping 10 to 20 percent of an Uber, Lyft, or taxi fare, or around $1 to $2 for a short ride, and $5 to $10 for a long trip. You can do it with cash or via the app.

Parking valets normally get $2 to $5 for parking your car. Tip your massage therapist 20 percent, and your hair stylist, barber, manicurist, or other aesthetician 15 to 20 percent.

You don’t have to tip your plumber, electrician, or cable guy, or the guy who installs your car windshield replacement glass; these are well-paid skilled tradesmen. Of course, the idea of a tip is to say thanks, so if they do more or stay longer than expected, a $20 or more tip will make them feel appreciated and probably put you at the top of their call list next time. Before tipping an exceptional home health care worker, check what their company policy is.

Travel Gratuities

When traveling abroad, check the local customs before you tip, or you may risk insulting waiters or the hotel staff—such as in Japan—when you’re trying to be kind.

In the United States, Canada, and other countries where tipping is the norm, curbside porters at the airport or cruise ship port are tipped $5 for the first bag and $3 to $5 for each additional bag. Bellhops at top hotels get $5 per bag, with $1 to $2 per bag being more common at more modest establishments. Hotel maids are tipped $2 to $10 per day, while helpful concierges should receive $5 to $20 for making reservations, etc. It should be noted that in Europe, the hotel staff expects to be tipped.

Holiday Gifts

Mail carriers aren’t allowed to receive cash; you can tip them with a thoughtful gift under $20 on special occasions, with gifts not to exceed $50 in a calendar year. FedEx and UPS have similar policies.

Exterminators are normally tipped $20 at holiday time and can be tipped throughout the year if they do a special service, such as moving furniture to treat an area. You don’t have to tip everyone in your life, but if you want to, pet groomers, hair stylists, nail technicians, pool and lawn services, and the like are normally tipped an amount equal to one service once per year. Nannies and home health aides typically receive an annual tip equal to one week’s pay.