photo credit: Marcin Wichary
I came across an interesting article published in the Dallas Morning News that lists 39 suggested presents or tips for various professions. What exactly is the proper tipping etiquette and do you tip for every service you receive? I’ve struggled with tipping for several occupations that just have tip jars out and the service is not extraordinary. I guess it comes down to how you were served on that particular day and if you feel like the Starbuck’s barista gave you an extra level of service and maybe an extra shot of espresso. Do you find yourself following the herd and if the person in front tips, you do as well? Or do you ask yourself “How much to tip” questions when you occasionally get a shoe shine or a car wash? I believe in tipping based on outstanding service and I enjoy going above 15-20% if the service is outstanding. Two weeks ago I had a rare occasion where I got to tip above 15% at a restaurant.
My wife purchased tickets for a local play for the Velveteen Rabbit and we decided to have a kid friendly meal before the play started. Nothing fancy, but something quick and easy for the kids. We decided on Chili’s as they were located next to the theater and we could park easily. The Chili’s restaurant was packed so were lucky to get seated quickly at the last available table. As soon as we sat down we noticed that the air was blowing on our table. Normally I don’t say anything and eat quickly and leave. But, we had about 1 hour until the performance and I wanted the kids to be comfortable and asked our waitress if she could turn the air off or the heat on for our room. I was shocked when she said yes, and in less than 1 minute the air had turned warmer. I’ve asked only a handful of times in past years and usually get a luck of “huh” from a food service worker. This time was different, and our waitress knew how to control the thermostat. Our food came and the service continued to be stellar for the remaining time at Chili’s. When our check came I wanted to leave a tip that said “thank you” and not the typical 15% or 20%. If I had just won the lotto, I would have inserted a $100 bill, but that was not an option that night. I left $10, which was a 33% tip and left a note. It’s funny because many waiters or waitresses will leave a note and sign a name with a big smiley face. This time I took the opportunity to say thanks for turning up the heat and for her fantastic service. One other way to make sure a food worker gets noticed, check to see if the restaurant has a survey or contest. This Chili’s had a survey and I made sure to leave positive feedback for our families experience. Do you have a great story for when you left a large restaurant tip? Or, maybe you have a story when you left nothing.
So, did you leave any tips or presents in 2008 for these 39 professions? This info is coming from the Dallas Morning News, and might be higher or lower in your particular city. I want to know your thoughts on tipping and if you gave anything extra to your child care or child’s teachers?
1. Au pair or live-in nanny, one week’s pay and a gift from your child.
2. Regular babysitter, one evening’s pay and a small gift from your child.
3. Day care provider, a gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren).
4. Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper), one week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.
5. Private nurse, a thoughtful gift from you.
6. Housekeeper/cleaner, up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
7. Nursing home employees, a gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
8. Barber, cost of one haircut or a gift.
9. Beauty salon staff, give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you.
10. Personal trainer, up to the cost of one session or a gift.
11. Massage therapist, up to the cost of one session or a gift.
12. Pet groomer, up to the cost of one session or a gift.
13. Dog walker, up to one week’s pay or a gift.
14. Personal caregiver, between one week’s to one month’s salary or a gift.
15. Pool cleaner, the cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
16. Garage attendants, $10-$30 or a small gift
17. Newspaper delivery person, $10-30 or a small gift
18. Mail carrier, small gift only
19. Superintendent, $20-80 or a gift
20. Doorman, $15-$80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
21. Elevator operator, $15-$40 each
22. Handyman, $15 to $40
23. Yard/Garden worker, $20-$50 each or a gift
24. Teachers, a gift (not cash)
25. Wait service (sit down) 15-20% pretax
26. Wait service (buffet) 10%
27. Host, no obligation, $10-$20 on occasion, if you are a regular patron
28. Takeout, no obligation, 0-10% if the person went above normal service
29. Bartender, $1 per drink or 15-20% of tab
30. Tipping jars, no obligation but tip occasionally if you are a regular or if the person went above normal service
31. Restroom attendant, 50 cents-$3, depending on service
32. Valet, $2-$5
33. Skycap, $2 first bag, $1 per additional bag
34. Housekeeper, $2-$5 per day, left daily
35. Concierge, $5 for tickets or reservations, $10 if hard to get; no need to tip for answering questions
36. Taxi driver, 15% plus an extra $1-$2 if helped with bags
37. Hairdresser, 15-20%, ask to be split among those who served you
38. Manicurist, 15-20%
39. Facial, waxing, massage, 15-20%
I want to know your thoughts on tipping and if you gave anything extra to your child care or child’s teachers? We don’t have a regular babysitter, so we didn’t have anything for that category. We did provide a small gift to my daughter’s two preschool teachers. I didn’t get anything for our mail carrier this year. Did you?
