Asking for Tips Shouldn’t Be a Big Deal

Posted on January 17, 2024 by resourcefulman

I’ve seen a lot of jokes and memes lately about “guilt tipping” or the social pressure to tip service workers. And of course, it’s a little funny to be asked to leave a tip when you press a button to pay for a service, such as when using a self-checkout machine (who do I tip?), or when paying for something at the gas station or corner store. But when it comes to the people who actually provide your service—including baristas and fast-food servers—some seem to bristle at the idea of being asked to tip, especially tips of 20% or more.

Yes, 15% used to be “standard”. But even if you don’t think the quality of service warrants it, it’s time to adapt and accept that a 20% tip is just part of the equation when making certain purchases in 2024. Whether you’re annoyed on principle or genuinely concerned When it comes to extra costs, the simple fact is that asking for tips doesn’t have to be that big of a deal. And I’m going to use some math to put it in perspective.

Barista tip cost

According to Northwestern Mutual , 53% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials surveyed believe that small, habitual purchases, such as a daily cup of coffee, will impact their long-term financial security. But as I’ve argued before, small indulgences (like a latte or a slice of the infamous avocado toast) alone wo n’t make the difference between long-term financial security and a life of chronic debt. This also means that shopping advice won’t set you up for a hard life.

Let’s say you buy a cup of coffee for $5. Twenty percent of $5 is another $1. If you can afford that latte at all, that extra dollar won’t cost you much. It’s a small courtesy that can change someone’s day. The same applies to tipping a restaurant server, a Lyft driver, and many other situations where you are given the opportunity to tip.

To become a more conscientious spender, you need to understand where your money is going. If you can’t afford to include a 20% tip in the total price, then you can’t afford this service. And if you’re so fed up with the idea of tipping that you refuse for ideological reasons, you might as well wear a shirt that says, “ I’ve never had to work in the service industry!” »

Who should you tip (and how much)

From a personal finance perspective, there’s no good excuse for neglecting the 20% tip for services you’ve budgeted for. But who should you tip? Here’s information to help answer that question and help you figure out how much you should tip.

When and how much to tip waiters, baristas and restaurant staff

Restaurant Pickup: When ordering pickup from a diner or restaurant, a 10% tip is sufficient.
Buffet: tip 10% of the total bill before taxes.
Delivery Man: Most of us know to tip food delivery people who often use their own cars; however, should you tip a dollar amount or a percentage? Both: Consumer Reports recommends tipping 20% of the bill or $3 to $5, whichever is greater. And do it in cash, please.
Supermarket Packer: Many grocery store baggers are not allowed to accept tips.

How much to tip for housekeeping services

Building Manager: Annual holiday tips of $75 to $175 are desired.
Cable guy: You don’t have to tip, although offering them a drink is nice.
Home service providers (eg electrician, plumber, lawn care): No tipping required.
Shredder: Since this may vary by region, call the company before performing the service and ask what is normal.
Home Contractors: If contractors perform work beyond normal expectations, tip 20%.
Furniture/Appliance Deliverer: $5-20 per person, depending on volume and complexity of delivery. (Make sure this amount is not already included in your bill.)
Flower delivery guy: $2-$5, or up to $10 if the plant is heavy or large. If the delivery is for an event (such as a wedding), add a little more.

How much to tip for car-related services

Person pumping gas at a gas station: Tipping is not required if you are in the extremely lonely state of being unable to pump your own gas . If you’re in one of the other 49 states and decide to use a gas station with an attendant, tip $2-$3 .
Mechanic: No tip required.
Tow Truck: $5 to $10 if they help you when you’re stuck; From 3 to 5 dollars for starting/replacing tires; $5 or more for towing.
Valet/valet: $1 to $2. If this person helps you regularly (for example, in the garage at work), the tip is $1-$2 per day.

How much to tip for travel services

Concierge: $5 to $10 per booking.
Hotel cleaning: $2 to $5 per night. (Leave the tip in a clearly marked envelope.)
Airport bellhop or cap: $1 per bag, more if it’s heavy.
Rental car transfer driver: $1 or $2 per bag if he helps with luggage.

How much to tip for entertainment and other services

Theater/Arena Con Man: It is not customary to tip ticket ushers, but if you do want to tip, $1 to $5 is appropriate.
Camp Counselors: Depends on the camp. Some camps do not allow their counselors to take tips, while others send parents a letter with a suggested tip amount (for example, $1 per day). If in doubt, call the camp and find out.
Children’s party entertainers: $15-$25, depending on the performance.
Dog walker: tip up to a week’s salary at the end of the year.
Tattooist: 15% is a minimum, 20% is the norm.
Hairdresser/colorist: tip 20% of the total – and bring cash, as salons do not always allow card tipping.

If you’re unsure about whether or how much to tip, ask in advance. For service industry workers living on limited income, those few dollars make a big difference. Don’t be stingy and tip your wait staff. Being asked this shouldn’t make you resent it, and it certainly can make a difference to someone trying to make a living.

More…

Money