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Money Talk: If a Meal Is Comped Should You Still Tip?

Savvy Community — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:31 -0800

This sticky tip etiquette question comes from Angelica, part of our Money Talk group.

I had brunch with a pal recently at a fairly upscale new restaurant and the entire experience was a bust. We had just worked out and were starving so we put in our order as soon as we sat down. Unfortunately, there was a mix-up over who our server was and we ended up waiting over an hour for our food. When we realized how long it had been and finally caught a waiter, my friend politely reminded her when we'd ordered and the waiter said our meal was next up. That was a lie because they served two tables ahead of us, and when our food did arrive (about 15 minutes later!), my friend's order was wrong. Ultimately, the manager came by the table to apologize and let us know our bill would be comped. When we were finished with our very long brunch, I wanted to leave a tip because I was impressed they were gracious about their mistake, but my friend didn't like the idea of rewarding them after the wait and messed up order. We settled on what was probably a 10 percent tip after agreeing it was kind of them to comp the meal. Do you think we should have left a tip for good measure, or do you think it was unnecessary considering the service?

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Should You Tip 15 Percent Just For Being Served?

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:11 -0700

There's no question in my mind that great service should be rewarded with a 20 percent tip or more. When service is less than satisfactory, not everyone agrees on what type of tip is deserved.MSNBC talked to business psychologist Debra Condren, who says 15 percent is the minimum for just being served, even unsatisfactorily, at a restaurant. Do you agree or disagree with her?

Your Two Cents: Do You Tip on To-Go Orders?

SavvySugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:30:34 -0700

When your card is swiped for a to-go order, the receipt you're signing most likely has a line to add gratuity if you choose. And if you're paying cash, it's rare that the counter is free of a tip jar. If you've called in an order and are picking it up to enjoy from the comfort of your home or if you stop in to grab-and-go, do you leave a tip for the effort it took to assemble your order?

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Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Give?

SavvySugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:58 -0700

If you've cut back on generous tipping you're not alone. While most of you say your restaurant gratuity is about the same, some say 2009 is the year of lousy tips.

Anyone who has worked in the service industry will tell you tipping is crucial to getting better service and making up for the employee's low hourly wage or base pay.

For my guide on how much you should give to whom, read more.

If you are unsure how much to tip a service provider start with 10 percent of the cost of the service, which is usually the correct amount or close. If a service is more tedious or dirty consider what you'd like to be paid if you were doing the work and compensate fairly.

Service	Suggested Tip
Barista	You're not required to tip your latte maker, but if you pay in cash and have a few coins left over throw it in the tip jar for good measure. Making friends at your favorite coffee shop may offer the perk of quick service and occasionally a free coffee or sweet treat.
Babysitter	Tip your sitter 15 percent. Consider an extra bonus during the holidays or when they stay extra late or overnight. Always round up to the nearest $10. They're taking care of your children, after all.
Bartender	You should tip your bartender $1 per drink or 15 percent of the total bill. If you tip when you order your first round you may get better service.
Cab Driver	Give 10 percent, or a $2 minimum.
Dog Groomer	Make up for Fido's stink with a 15 percent tip.
Dog Walker	Thank your dog walker with a 10 percent tip.
Food Delivery Person	Fork over 10 percent tip, or at least $2.
Furniture Delivery	Most people suggest dishing out $5 to $20 to anyone who does heavy lifting for you and up to $50 for giant items. You might also offer them a coke or glass of water.
Take Out	You don't need to offer up a tip if you take out, but if you made special requests consider putting a dollar or two in the tip jar.
Hairstylist	Gift your hairstylist a 10 to 15 percent tip for a medium range haircut and 15 to 20 percent for a do at a super fancy salon. If a special shampooer washes your hair the tip you give your stylist will likely be split, but ask the person at the front desk if they're covered when you pay.
Bellhop	Slip him $1 to $2 per bag, or $5 total.
Hotel Housekeeper	You should reward your housekeeper $2 to $5 for each day of service. Some suggest tipping in a lump sum at the end of your stay, but I've always found tipping daily means your room will get extra TLC.
Hotel Concierge	Tip $5 to $20 depending on the service. You don't need to tip for directions, but if they set you up with coupons, reservations and services they should be compensated.
Hotel Room Service	$5 minimum (unless gratuity is included in check)
Manicurist	You should tip your manicurist 15 percent for making your nails pretty.
Parking Attendant	Tip your attendant $1 or $2 if they carry packages for you or have to use an elevator to get your car to you.
Powder room Attendant	If you don't use the powder room attendant, you don't have to tip. If you do, consider giving her a dollar or the change left over from whatever you purchase.
Spa, Facialist, Hair Removal or Masseuse	Reward your beautifier with a 15 to 20 percent tip.
Spa Owner	It's not standard practice to tip the owner of a salon. This unspoken rule stems from the idea that the entire cost of your treatment goes to the house.
Tow Truck Operator	Tip your roadside assistance crew $5 or more for a jump start, $5 if you were locked out of the car and $10 for a tow.
Waiter	Dish out 15 to 20 percent of bill. If you are at a fancy place a 20 percent or greater tip is common. Tip a maitre d' $20 to $100 depending on the restaurant.
Valet	Tip you valet $5 to $10 depending on the lot. If you tip in advance you may get your car parked closer to the exit.

This guide is based on my personal experience and various forums I found online. Tipping etiquette varies per county and region. Check out The Tipping Page for more suggestions.

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Your Two Cents: Have You Ever Stiffed Your Server?

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:30:58 -0800

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I'm Asking: What's Your Take on Holiday Tipping?

SavvySugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:30:23 -0800

Generosity often takes a toll when times are tough, and right now definitely qualifies as one of those times. General etiquette says that during the holidays, it's a nice touch to give an extra tip or gift to the people who make our lives easier, like hairstylists, postal people, and doormen. Do you tend to tip more during the holidays, and if so, are you reconsidering your usual amounts this season because money is tight?

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Do You Know How Much Americans Tip Each Year?

SavvySugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:01 -0700

If you consider the current economic climate and the fact most people are trying to better control their budgets it's easy to understand why restaurant servers' tips have declined. Still, diners, drinkers, spa junkies and patrons across the US customarily tip 15 to 20 percent for good service. And that adds up to a whole lot of dolla dolla bills. Can you guess how much Americans tip each year?

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Restaurant Owner Eliminates Tipping to Ease Tension

SavvySugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:34 -0700

Tipping was brought to the US from Europe after the Civil War and was met with opposition - six states even passed anti-tipping laws that prevented diners from having to tip. The laws were later repealed, but the angst toward the tradition of tipping lives on in the minds of many American customers. San Diego, CA, restaurant owner Jay Porter observed that tipping was not only a point of contention for his customers, but was also causing tension between his staff members and adding to the stressful environment.

Porter channeled iconic restaurateurs Alice Waters and Thomas Keller in his proposal to the casual dining staff to replace tipping with a service charge. Waters was first to establish this policy at the esteemed Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and then Keller did the same thing in his French Laundry and Per Se restaurants. Porter's staff was supportive of his idea to impose an 18 percent service fee to be split three-to-one between the front of the house and the kitchen. Only one of his eight servers quit after the new policy was enacted, and his remaining servers acknowledge the elimination of tipping has reduced tension between servers.

The system is obviously working so far for Porter and his staff, but as a customer, would you be turned off by a permanent service fee?

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Do You Cover the Receipt When You're Tallying the Total?

SavvySugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:30:05 -0700

Something I've noticed when dining out with particular friends and was a constant when I was dating, is the tendency for many people to cautiously guard the receipt when filling out the tip.

I always wondered if dates treating me to dinner were trying to cover up the total or the tip, but with friends signing their separate bills I can only conclude they're shy about that tip line. Some people are definitely more private than others when settling the bill - are you one of them?

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Tipping Skimpers on the Rise and in the News

SavvySugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:37:42 -0700

It would make sense that restaurant servers' tips have declined with a weak economy causing more people to forgo eating out, but they are also reporting a decrease in the amount of tips received from regular customers. Bartenders, cab drivers, and hairstylists have also noticed their income from tips falling along with the economy and admitted that some customers aren't giving any gratuity at all.

People are generally putting some distance between themselves and unnecessary services: scheduling hair appointments further apart, eating and drinking at home, and opting for public transportation over cabs are some ways they're doing this. This is completely understandable, but when we do use those services we should be prepared to tip accordingly.

It doesn't make sense to me that tipping would waiver if there hasn't been a change in the quality of service. Considering that many service workers rely on tips for the majority of their income, we should be mindful when paying and remember that everyone has bills to pay! Have any of you working in tip-reliant jobs noticed negative changes as of late?

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