How to Tip With More Confidence

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Shopping Skills

Here's a clear guide to help you navigate today’s tipping culture, covering scenarios from restaurants to travel.

Restaurant Servers: Tip 15–20% of the pretax total.
Partial Service (e.g., order at a counter, served at a table): Tip around 10% to reflect the hybrid service.
Fast Food Pickup: Optional. If tipping, leave a few dollars for minimal service.
QR Code Ordering: Tip based on service. If food is delivered to your table, 5–10% is sufficient.
Auto-Gratuity with Additional Tip Line: Skip extra tipping unless service was exceptional.
Cocktails vs. Beer/Wine: For craft cocktails, tip up to 20%. For simpler drinks like wine or beer, stick to $1–$2 per drink.

Delivery Fees vs. Tips: Delivery fees are not tips. Tip 15–20%, with a $5 minimum for smaller orders.
Prepaid Tips on Apps: If you’ve already tipped in the app, no extra tip is required unless you feel inclined to add more for exceptional service.

Furniture Delivery: Tip $10–$20 per person, more for heavy or difficult deliveries.
Apartment Handyman: Tip during the holidays or for after-hours/holiday calls. Offer $10–$20 for exceptional service.
Expensive Repairs (e.g., plumbing): Tipping is not required, but $10–$20 can be a nice gesture for exceptional professionalism.

Hair Stylists/Barbers (even owners): Tip 15–20%.
Manicures/Pedicures: Tip 15–20%.
Medical Visits (e.g., dermatologists): No tipping for medical professionals.

Uber/Lyft Drivers: Tip 15% as a baseline, more for excellent service.
Taxi Drivers: Tip 15%, or more for short rides, bad weather, or remote destinations.

Housekeeping: Tip $3–$5 per day, adding $1 per extra guest. Tip daily as staff may change.
Bellhop: Tip $2–$5 per bag or $5 for light loads.
Concierge: No tip for basic help like directions. Tip $5–$10 for reservations, $20+ for difficult requests.
Room Service: Tip 15–20% if gratuity isn’t included; no tip needed for tray pickup.
Valet: Tip $2–$5 per car retrieval.

Baristas: Tip 15–20% or $1–$3 for quick service.
Movers: Tip $20–$50 per mover, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
Appliance Delivery: Tip $10–$20 per person, especially for heavy items.
Coat Checkers: Tip $1–$5 per coat.

When in Doubt: Err on the side of generosity for personal service.
Digital Payments: It’s perfectly acceptable to ask about mobile tipping options like Venmo if you’re out of cash.
Service Charge Clarity: Always confirm whether a service charge includes the gratuity.

By understanding these norms, you can tip with confidence while respecting your budget.