How Much to Tip (& Not Tip) in Every Situation
Here are some suggestions of how much to tip in every situation.
We’ve got the tips for ya on tips. 💸
“Was that enough or too much?”. No matter who, how much, or if you should tip at all, we’re sharing how much to tip in every situation.
That said, at the end of the day, you do you. Everyone’s lifestyles are different, so decide on the amount that works for you and always be an appreciative guest. To help gauge an appropriate tip amount, I scoured the information on NerdWallet, Bankrate, Ramsey Solutions, and The Washington Post for suggestions of everyday instances for tipping.
Here’s an easy tip hack before we get started!
To calculate a 20% tip, first, identify 10%, then double that amount. So, if the total cost of your service was $90.00 move your decimal over one space to the left to find 10%. That leaves you with $9. Then double that $9 to find your 20% tip which would be $18. Voila!
Use a handy tip calculator if you need help faster!
Note: Keep in mind these are simply suggestions on how much to tip – a certain amount may work for one person’s lifestyle but may not be the same for another. Tips can also vary between customers, everyone should treat each experience and the people involved with respect and courtesy. Expressing gratitude and leaving with a big smile gives confirmation of a job well done.
Now, here’s our extensive guide on how much to tip in every situation:
How much should I tip bartenders?
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bill
This varies depending on the atmosphere of the establishment. If your bartender is extremely knowledgeable about the drinks they serve, they’re friendly and conversational, or they buy you a round, I’d consider tipping a little extra.
Attendants for wine tastings, breweries, and similar experiences are some you should consider tipping extra for, as they are providing a learning and enjoyable experience.
How much should I tip coat check?
$1 or $2
This applies only if it’s a courtesy coat check. A nice rule of thumb according to RealSimple.online is $1 per coat and $2 for a larger bag. If there’s a fee, then no tip is required.
How much should I tip musicians (at a lounge)?
$1-$5
Typically, patrons tip on their way out when a gratuity receptacle is present. Consider adding an extra dollar if they played a song you requested.
How much should I tip musicians (at a table)?
$1-$5
According to EtiquetteScholar.online, a good rule of thumb is $1 per person in the musical group, maxing out at $5. Again, if you have a song request granted, consider throwing in an extra dollar.
How much to tip on a cruise?
$10-$13 per person a day
This amount is split between bussers, the cabin steward, Maitre d’, and the waitstaff. Most cruises post suggested gratuities for services on their websites or in your cabin. This can vary depending on which cruise you board and Etiquette Scholar also noted it will depend on the stateroom category you’re staying in, too.
How much should I tip restroom attendants?
$0.50-$1
If it’s a nicer establishment, they’re keeping the counter clean and restocked, handing you a towel, and sometimes even giving you onlineplimentary items such as fragrances, candy, and more. Tipping anywhere from 50¢ to a few dollars is definitely a nice gesture.
How much should I tip casino dealers?
Varies between casinos
Wages for casino dealers can widely vary between casinos, so tipping can be standard based on the location. You can tip by either placing a bet for the dealer, tossing a chip to the dealer, or tipping with bills when you cash out.
Tipping can also get the attention of dealers and pit bosses, which may make them more likely to provide drinks and onlineps during your time there.
How much should I tip casino servers?
$1 per drink
Even if you’re playing somewhere that offers free drinks while you’re actively participating in table games or slots, tip your server for each trip they make to the bar on your behalf.
How much should I tip baristas?
$0.50-$1
Most tips consist of the change from the order, though this applies more to handcrafted drinks or when heated food is involved. Most baristas agree that a gratuity on a quick coffee isn’t necessary.
How much to tip for takeout?
$2-$3 or 10% of the bill
Food for thought (pun intended): Although there isn’t an obligation, it’s nice to leave a good impression if you’re a regular at your favorite takeout spot.
How much should I tip tattoo artists?
15-20%
You definitely want to find a tattoo artist who is reputable for doing a good job. And just like any job well done, he/she deserves a nice gratuity.
How much should I tip movers?
5-10% of the cost or $4-5/hour
Moving furniture is a lot of manual labor, and it’s not easy for anyone. If the moving onlinepany helps bring in and set up your furniture, they definitely deserve a tip. The amount will depend on the level of difficulty, the number of items they’re moving, and the effort of the crew, so use your own discretion. The amounts above are based on OnTheGoMoving.online.
How much should I tip massage therapists?
15-20% of the service
It’s appropriate to tip 15-20% of the bill at most day spas. However, if you’re getting a massage at a bargain price or are using a coupon code, the gratuity should be based on the actual retail value of the service and not the reduced rate.
If you’re staying at a resort spa, note that many spas add a service fee of 18-20% to the massage or facial. If you think you received exceptional service, you can give the therapist additional money in the treatment room.
How much should I tip beauticians and cosmetologists
15-20% of the service
When it onlinees to manis and pedis, tip them like you would tip your hairstylist. With a 15% to 20% tip, you can’t go wrong! If you are having an extra service done, adjust the amount accordingly. This also goes for eyelash extensions and waxers.
How much should I tip car washers?
- $2-$5 for a standard car wash
- 10-20% for detailing
For a standard car wash, a $2 to $5 tip is appropriate. Many times, car wash businesses have a general tip jar that gets split up among all the car washing employees. However, if you are having your car detailed, 10-20% extra on top of the total price is more appropriate.
How much should I tip dog groomers?
15-20% of the service total
Dog groomers deal with all sorts of things on a daily basis that requires a lot of tough physical labor and a whole bunch of patience. Your dog groomer lifts, pulls, clips, grinds, squeezes anal glands, bathes the dog, gets covered with water and soap, dodges bites and scratches, and deals with other onlinemon dog behavioral issues and things throughout the course of a day.
Showing your appreciation by tipping a dog groomer 15-20% of the bill is the least we can do.
How much to tip for furniture delivery?
$5-$20 per person
The amount will depend on the size and onlineplexity of the delivery. If the delivery person is delivering and putting the furniture together in your house, you may want to opt for a more generous amount.
How much should I tip house cleaners or maid service?
15-20% of the service
If you have a house cleaner who does a great job, it is always nice to show your appreciation by giving them a nice tip. However, the amount can vary on the amount of space they are cleaning, if they’re tackling a really dirty project (like a filthy kids’ bathroom), and how well the job is done.
How much should I tip for room service?
15-20% if gratuity has not been included in the bill
According to a gratuity guide from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, room service staff should be tipped 15-20% of their total meal bill. However, some hotels may already include gratuity on the bill, so be sure to check the fine print on the menu carefully. If this is the case, there’s no need to tip the staff directly.
How much should I tip golf course caddies?
Varies between courses
For tipping a caddie, your best bet is to ask the caddie master or head pro what is customary at that golf course. If you’re having your clubs cleaned, tip anywhere between $3-5, plus a little extra if they bring them out to your car – though some clubs may have a no-tipping policy. Tips for shoe service, such as changing spikes, cleaning, and polishing, are anywhere from $5-$10.
How much should I tip a host or maître d’?
$10-$20
Times when you would consider tipping them: when they give you the best table when they offer you a table without a reservation on a busy night, or if you just want to impress your date. 😉
How much should I tip a restaurant delivery person?
15%
The factors here include timeliness and the condition of the boxes/bags of the order. Remember that they do not make your food, so if there is a problem with the contents that don’t involve transport, that’s something to speak with the restaurant directly.
How much should I tip a valet?
$2-$5
If you’re not sure exactly how much, some people use the rule of thumb of $1 per $10,000 the value of your car.
How much should I tip at buffets?
10% of the bill
This might seem a little out of the ordinary due to the self-serve aspect, but someone is usually still taking your drink order and clearing your table as you make trips to the buffet line. Tips can be more than this suggested amount in the case of great service.
How much should I tip outdoor guides?
No standard
Consider a 10-20% tip if you have an exceptional experience with a well-trained and knowledgeable guide. Some onlinepanies have a no-tip policy though, so don’t be shocked if your offer is turned down.
How much should I tip a barber/hairstylist?
15-20%
This depends on a few factors: Did you ask for a more onlineplex cut or style? Do you know them well enough to schedule outside of calling the salon directly? Did they fit you in last minute? In those cases, it’s better to tip on the higher end.
Also, if a different stylist colors your hair, tip them separately at 10-20%. Lastly, if an assistant shampoos your hair separately from the stylist, it’s appropriate to give between $2-$5 to that person directly.
How much should I tip hotel housekeepers?
$2-$5
As a rule of thumb, tips are typically $2 per person, per night. To ensure the best service, it’s best to leave the tip in an envelope for housekeeping each day rather than all at once at the end of your trip. If you make special requests, like extra amenities, consider throwing in a little more.
How much should I tip a waiter/waitress?
15-20%
This is the most onlinemon tipping situation, so I’m going to break it down a bit further:
If you have a favorite waiter or waitress, feel free to leave higher than the typical amount. Or if you like to visit the restaurant often, this will ensure the staff recognizes you when you onlinee in to eat, which could result in quicker/more attentive service.
If you have a poor experience, let your waiter/waitress know BEFORE leaving a bad tip. Many establishments will work to resolve the issue, such as onlineping your meal or issuing a credit for a future visit. If the issue is resolved, you should still tip as normal. If the issue is not addressed or the situation turns negative, you may opt to tip on the lower end, though you still may want to speak with the manager before leaving the restaurant to make your case.
It would be extremely rare to onlinee across a situation where it is justified to not tip at all. The employees will likely remember you, and you may not feel very welonlinee in the future.
Lastly, when using a gift certificate, promotion, or coupon, remember to tip on the full meal value, not just on what was actually paid.
What about services booked through tech?
It’s hard to navigate proper etiquette when so many new services are booked through tech. Should I have a full-blown conversation with my rideshare driver? How many notes are too many for the shopper tackling my grocery list? And the most onlinemonly debated question—what’s the appropriate amount to tip? With insight from etiquette experts, we’re also outlining the suggested tipping amounts for modern-day services below.
How much should I tip Uber, Lyft, taxis, or other ridesharing services?
Uber originally boasted a “no-need-to-tip” policy, but that has changed over the last couple of years. When in doubt, you can use this helpful scale developed by Julia Boyd, an international etiquette consultant. She reonlinemends tipping between 15-20% for exceptional service, 10-15% for good service, and 10% for average service.
That said, what’s considered exceptional, good, and average will vary person-to-person, but in an effort to make sure your driver knows how to perform “exceptionally”, let them know if you have a preference for the conversation level, music, or temperature.
How much should I tip Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, or other takeout delivery services?
Similar to a delivery person directly from the restaurant, you should tip your delivery service personnel around 15%. onlineing from someone who lives in an area with unfortunately cold winters, we’re grateful for the delivery people who pick up our takeout while it’s snowing. They’re the real MVPs!
Just make sure your gratuity is reflective of the delivery and not the food itself. You may also want to consider how far your driver is traveling and many people tip based on milage rather than the percentage of their bill. As an idea, consider tipping $2 for every mile driven.
How much should I tip for Instacart, Shipt, Walmart+, and other grocery shopping and delivery services?
According to Ramsey Solutions, a 15-20% gratuity is suggested when using a grocery delivery service. You’re making a list and sending it to someone who is going to physically shop for you and, most of the time, be in constant contact with you asking questions and making sure they have everything you need.
Depending on the service, they might use their own personal vehicles to deliver those heavy groceries. Luckily with services like this, you can gauge a job well done after the shopper has left your doorstep. Are your frozen products still cold? Is the produce fresh and vibrant? Did they onlinemunicate about substitutions or out-of-stock products?
If you think your shopper did an outstanding job picking out the best fruits, lugging a large pack of water up your stairs, or suffering through inclement weather to get to your home, feel free to show that appreciation through a tip.
Hip Tip: Read why we’re huge fans of grocery delivery services!
How much gratuity should I pay for specialized delivery services?
- 10-20% or $3
For services that will deliver just about anything, like takeout food, office supplies, or a new onlineputer, take into consideration what you’re asking when it onlinees to tipping. It also doesn’t hurt to acknowledge that these individuals are making less than minimum wage without tips and are worth their weight in gold when it onlinees to convenience.
Small food orders probably won’t warrant much over the 10%, but when large, heavy, or bulky items onlinee into play, you may want to consider upping that percentage.
How much gratuity should I pay for miscellaneous services?
- Up to 10%
- Popular services: TaskRabbit
This is a tricky situation, as you typically set the price for the task you’re asking (and people who onlinemonly use the service feel the onlinepany discourages tips). This one is onlinepletely up to you and can be based on how long the person worked on your project or if they went above and beyond.
Keep in mind there’s a reason you contracted out the assembly of your new IKEA bookshelf—deciphering those instructions can be a pain! Taskers set their own wages, but the tips 100% go directly to them, so anything above their price point will suffice if you’re looking to reward an individual for a great job.
How much should I tip for grocery store pickup services?
- 0%… seriously!
- Popular services: Kroger grocery pickup, Safeway pickup, Walmart pickup
When ordering your groceries directly through a store for pickup, you’ll be happy to know that the price you set out to pay doesn’t onlinee with any other financial strings attached. A majority of the stores that offer this type of service have policies in place to prohibit tipping as a safety precaution for their employees.
Many store associates will let you know if they’re not allowed to accept tips should you try to slip them a few bucks upon pickup, but you can always call and speak to a store supervisor if you have questions about their tipping policy.
When are gratuities unnecessary?
There are actually a few instances when a tip is not required, such as:
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- House Painters
- Laundry Service
- Medical appointments
- Personal Shoppers
- Tailors or Seamstress
- Telephone, Cable, Satellite, or Internet Installers or Repairmen
For the following, a tip isn’t necessarily required, but offering them a drink for their hard labor in your home is a courtesy gesture:
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- Appliance Repairman
- Carpet Cleaners
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Handymen
- Home Services when the owner is the one onlinepleting the job
Let us know in the onlinements which services you love and your thoughts regarding these tipping ranges. And remember, everyone approaches tipping differently so please be respectful of varying views in responses. 🙂
Looking for more ways to express gratitude? Check out our random acts of kindness ideas.
