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You Asked: I Need Help With Tipping Etiquette

DearSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

Outside of restaurants, I just never know when to tip, and I'm always left feeling awkward and embarrassed. The other day I had a facial done at a privately operated salon. When I went to pay, I didn't tip the owner, assuming that since I had tipped the employee who gave me the facial, that would be fine. I immediately sensed a strange vibe from the woman and assumed I must have made a mistake. But when it comes to employee-performed services like haircuts, taxi drivers, bellhops, and delivery services, I just never know how much I should be giving. Can you please help me out? I'm tired of feeling foolish and cheap!

- Tip Time Tamara

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Tip Time Tamara,

Tipping is tricky business! On the one hand, it's supposed to be about the quality of the service, but on the other, there's a certain amount that most people expect no matter what. In regards to tipping the owner versus the employee, your assumption is correct. There is no reason to tip the owner in addition to the employee performing the service, as the owner already receives the full payment for the facial.

As far as the other services you mentioned, Tipping.org's United States Tipping Guide offers some very helpful percentages and ranges:

Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent plus an extra few dollars to whomever washes your hair.
Bellhop: 10 dollars for just dropping your luggage in your room.
Food Delivery: For pizza, anywhere between one and five dollars depending on the distance and size of the order. For other cuisines, no tip is necessary unless the order is under 30 dollars. Of course, if you feel the speed of delivery or quality of service was exceptional, it's always nice to offer a few dollars.
Taxi Driver: 15 percent of the fare, but an extra dollar for each bag the driver assists you with is always a nice gesture.

When in doubt, follow your instincts! If the service was great, praise accordingly. If it wasn't so good, compensate as you see fit.

Source

Diddy's Tips For Hosting the Ultimate Party

partysugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:00:25 -0800

From his annual white party to his recent 40th birthday bash, Diddy is a celebrity who's known for his extravagant entertaining. Even Martha Stewart is excited to receive a coveted invitation to one of his events.

While ordinary people like you and me can only dream of attending a blowout bash hosted by Diddy, when I spoke with him last week he shared his tips for hosting a Diddy-style soiree. Find out what they are after the break.

The How-To Lounge: On Tipping

DearSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Tipping is a very personal decision, and as I get older, I can see that different generations have very different views on tipping etiquette. The younger generation seems to be more generous with their gratitude, in my opinion, due to the fact that they currently are or at one time worked in the service industry themselves leading them to be more inclined to understand and appreciate the work at hand.

For some up to date tipping pointers, read more

Since there is such a long laundry list of people to tip, always use your personal discretion. Some people are more tip happy than others, but not all circumstances require a tip.
If you regularly see the same hairdresser, or frequent a specific eatery, tip consistently.
If you have poor service at a restaurant, remember it might not only be the server's fault. Problems in the kitchen have a lot to do with slow service so talk to the manager before taking out your aggression on your waiter or waitress.
Tipping pre or post tax is a common argument. To each their own, but most people tend to tip on the entire bill -- again, use your discretion.
When you are paying for something with a gift certificate, at a spa or restaurant for example, tip is typically not included, so remember to tip on the total price irrespective of the gift certificate.
Small tips for grocery baggers, make up artists, car detailers, shoe shiners, valets, food delivery people, coat checks, restroom attendants, etc are very much appreciated, but not mandatory. If you do opt to tip such services, a few dollars ($1-$5) is more than adequate.
Here is a general list of tipping percent for everyday services:

Hair stylist: 15-20%
Server: 15-20%
Manicure/pedicure:15%
Spa service: 15-20%
Brazilian Wax: 20-25%
Movers: $10-$50 per mover depending upon degree of difficulty
Bartenders: $1-$2 per drink
If you dine with someone who disagrees on your tipping views, you can add more tip to your portion of the bill. You never have to tip the same amount, but should always tip on your specific charge, not the total bill especially if you pay with a credit card.

I hope these guidelines on tipping are helpful. An extra few dollars goes a long way when you are trying to be remembered at your favorite hot spot or if you want to make a good impression.

Source

Bride's Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:59:47 -0700

Just because you're shelling out a small fortune for your wedding and feel like the next dollar you part with is going to make you seriously nauseous, it doesn't mean that tipping etiquette can be thrown out the window. While you're focused on the big-picture price, your vendors are each providing a unique service and you, gracious bride, must be prepared to tip when appropriate. Just as your Friday night dinner bill jumps when tax and tip are added to the total, your vendor costs will also increase when you add these two Ts into the mix. Take them into consideration when building your budget so you don't end up having to dip into your honeymoon fund to tip your vendors. Discover what's good tipping etiquette when you read more.

Some vendors will make it easy for you and include gratuity in the total cost of their services. This is a common practice among caterers but some other vendors have also adopted the practice - be sure to double check all bills to make sure that you haven't double tipped. If you want to tip an individual who works for a larger company, be sure to give all tips in cash and present them just before the vendor leaves. Your wedding coordinator can handle this task for you, and if you're not working with one recruit a member of your wedding party to help you. A tactful approach is to give cash tips in sealed envelopes.

Customary to tip 10-20 percent depending on quality of service: Limousine drivers, waitstaff (if not included in contract), makeup artists, hair stylists, bartenders.
Valet and coatroom attendants: Prearrange an amount of $.50 to $1.00 per car and make sure it's obvious to guests that the tip has been taken care of. The same applies for the coatroom tip, but it's $.50 to $1.00 per guest.
DJ: It's your call on whether or not you want to tip the owner, but you should tip any DJ employees about 15 percent.
Optional, but recommended gratuity: Site's wedding coordinator and your wedding planner.
Gratuity No-no: Don't tip your religious officiant as it's actually considered bad etiquette. You may make a charitable contribution if you choose, but otherwise just pay the set fee. If you're married by a judge, tipping is expected as it usually takes the place of a fee. Justices of Peace can only accept tips if the marriage is performed after office/court hours.
Gray areas: Your florist doesn't expect to be tipped, but it's optional to tip those employees who set up and deliver your arrangements. Similarly, your cake baker doesn't expect a tip but you may tip them upon delivery if you feel it's appropriate.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Source

Your Two Cents: Tipping Etiquette

SavvySugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:18:46 -0800

Tipping can be a surprisingly hot topic for some people. I've heard some say they feel insulted that a server expects a tip, but I've always been a good tipper because of past waitressing experiences. I've felt their pain. Of course there are instances where a bigger or smaller tip may be appropriate, but I've definitely never left a tip that would make the server's night worse. What about you: Are you hard to impress when dining or do you have a pretty standard tipping etiquette?

Source

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?

Join our Money Talk group and dish your awkward money and finance experiences, learnings, and tales! Have a post you want to see featured on SavvySugar? Private message me here to pitch your ideas. I can't wait to hear them.

Party Fabulous: Hosting a Party For (Almost) No Reason

partysugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:50:45 -0700

Who says you need a birthday or anniversary to throw a fabulous party? Recently a friend hosted a welcome back party - for luggage! She attended a wedding on the East Coast and on the return flight her luggage was lost. After waiting nervously for three weeks, it was finally returned. It happened to be a Friday and she decided a celebration was necessary. She sent out a last-minute email inviting friends over for a party.

Trader Joe's catered and she stopped by the party supply store for a welcome back sign and balloons. The suitcase served as a centerpiece and when guests arrived they were asked to wear a luggage tag as a bracelet. I supplied the cocktail and voila, instant fiesta! It ended up being a fantastic night and reminder that one can throw a party for just about any reason.

Have you been to a party that celebrated something out of the ordinary?

View 8 Photos ›

Get Your Geek On in Our Community Groups!

GeekSugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:02:42 -0800

Got a go-to geek tip, favorite new website or video game recommendation you want to share? Get in on the action in the GeekSugar Community by sharing your knowledge with fellow geeky gals. Find like-minded geek friends in some of our hottest groups.

Tells Us About Your Favorite Websites!	Got a Question? Ask a Geek Girl!	Share Cool Captures Taken With Your Camera
Rant About Cell Phone Etiquette	Show Us Your Favorite Gadgets	Celebrate Vintage Tech and Trends

Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Simple Tip: Empty the Dishwasher Before the Party

partysugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:15:51 -0700

It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you're hosting a party (any kind that involves food) get in the habit of checking the dishwasher before the the soiree starts. Parties always generate a lot of dirty dishes, and the last thing you need after a night of wining and dining is a sink full of dirty dishes. It's also a good idea to take out take out the trash and recycling before the event begins. That way you won't have to deal with disposing of a full bin of trash when you should be mixing a martini for your guests.

Got a tip for better party prep? Please share with us below!

What Not To Party: Don't Come Too Late

partysugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 11:18:01 -0700

It may seem a little ironic: first I told you not to show up early to an event and now I'm highlighting the importance of not showing up too late to a party.

This rule should be remembered and practiced for dinner parties especially. Your hostess has taken the time to create a meal and has specified it will begin at a certain time, so be there and ready to eat at that time. A dried out roast chicken and cold pasta are what you have to look forward to when arriving late to a party, and you are not only taking advantage of your hostess, but you are disrespecting your fellow guests. If you are running late - for whatever reason - you owe the hostess a courtesy call to let her know you will be there after the party's start time. Showing up more than a half an hour late for a dinner party, and an hour late for a cocktail party without a quick phone call is unacceptable. If you come to a party late without calling, trusting that the hostess is exceptional, do not expect to be invited to more of her parties in the future.