How much should you tip your hairstylist?

What about your food-delivery person?

Here’s when to tip, when to skip, and how much to tip in any situation.

(Many countries don’t rely on tipping like the U.S. does, for instance.)

So how do you confirm people are properly compensated, especially when most service-industry workers depend on gratuity?

Regardless of the level of service, gratuity at a restaurant is non-negotiable.

Dining in a Group?

Here’s How to Handle Tipping

Some restaurants don’t allow separate checks.

check that people leaving cash include a tip in addition to what they owe for their meal.

Should You Factor Restaurant Tax Into Your Tip?

Then again, says Graf, servers could see it as a cheapskate move.

If you could afford it, it’s kind to tip on the total with tax.

How Much to Tip at a Bar

Hanging at the bar?

If you’re only ordering drinks, go for flat amounts rather than percentages.

However, if you order a bar snack or the service was especially good, tip 20 percent.

“To be fair, tip every day.”

Traveling with kids or pets?

Consider leaving a couple of extra dollars.

Keep in mind that many require you to tip in cash.

A senior caregiver would also fall into this tipping in-home services category.

Some venues charge for checked items, but you should still tip, says DiPietro.

Tipping Etiquette for Gray-Area Situations

To tip or not to tip?

Here’s what to tip for these other services.

(Just remember that a delivery fee is not the same as a tip!)

That said, a lot of drivers prefer cold, hard, untaxable cash.

Stash an envelope of bills near your front door so you’re always ready when the food arrives.

Consider tipping a few extra dollars.

Bigger orders, like for an office get-together or a family party, will often include gratuity.

Check the receipt before you hand anything more to the delivery person.

Also, ask about rules on value.

In Massachusetts, for instance, public employees can’t accept gifts worth over $50.

Show your appreciation verbally, or write a heartfelt card to express what their care meant to you.

Package-Delivery People

No need to tip when they drop off your package.

It’s a lovely gesture, but you aren’t obligated to do it.

Employees

Giving cash is inappropriate in a workplace, says Boyd.

Thank employees for their hard work with asmall presentor a thoughtful gift card.

Common Tipping Dilemmasand How to Handle Them

You’re not satisfied with the service.

Speak upbut don’t stiff them on a tip.

The server is hovering over the bill.

It’s OK to ask for a little privacy before you punch in any numbers.

“Just say, ‘Thank you.

I’ll give it back to you shortly,'” says Boyd.

A restaurant has a ‘no-tipping’ policy.

Ask to see a manager and share what you loved most about your server.

In the service industry, repeated positive feedback can often lead to preferable shifts or a promotion into management.

The person you’re with tips poorly.

The sad truth is that not everyone is a fair tipper.

You aren’t sure if the right person will get the tip.

You don’t have cash on hand.

There’s a screen prompt for a tipbut it feels unnecessary.

The tip screen prompt seems to be appearing at more places than ever before.

you’re free to follow the directions above, depending on the establishment (i.e.

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Divison,Minimum wage.

Accessed April 3, 2023.

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division,Minimum wages for tipped employees.

Accessed April 3, 2023.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State Ethics Commission,Receiving Gifts and Gratuities- Conflict of Interest Law Primer.

Accessed April 3, 2023.