How do you know when to tip?
The rules for tipping are constantly changing. While it’s always good practice to tip your waiter or bartender, there are situations in which the protocol isn’t so clear. For example, if a food truck’s credit card processing system suggests a tip, do you shell out? What if there’s a tip line on your takeout food order? Here’s what to know about when you do and don’t need to tip.
Do you have to tip if there’s a tip line or tip screen?
Payment apps such as Square and ShopKeep may include a tipping prompt at the end of your transaction. The guilt associated with hitting “No Tip” is leading to increased tipping, or “tip creep,” says Thomas P. Farley, an etiquette expert known as Mister Manners and keynote speaker at What Manners Most, a communications and coaching company. But while it may feel cruel to tap “No Tip” or skip a tipping prompt, you’re not required to give one just because there’s a digital prompt, experts say. You’re also not required to tip the “suggested amount.” For example, if the suggested tip after a taxi ride is 25 percent, which seems steep for the service received, opt to input another amount.
Do you have to tip when service is bad?
It depends. If you’re at a place where you don’t typically tip, such as the neighborhood taco stand, you shouldn’t tip for bad service. But the tipping calculus is more complicated when you’re at a restaurant because waiters and waitresses rely on tips to supplement low hourly wages. If you receive bad service at a sit-down restaurant, you don’t have to tip a full 15 or 20 percent. “You can allow your tip to reflect the service you received,” says Elaine Swann, a lifestyle and etiquette expert based in San Diego. “However, it is important that you let the server and/or manager know why you are leaving a smaller tip.”
Do I have to tip when I’m ordering takeout?
If you’re swiping your card to order a coffee, say, and the receipt you’re handed to sign includes a tip line, you don’t have to write in a tip, experts say. “With your food truck [worker], barista, sandwich maker, doughnut shop [worker], whatever it is, you are not required to leave a tip,” Swann says. Unlike a waiter or waitress, workers who man the register at a food shop should earn a wage that is not reliant on tips. That said, if you’re a regular customer or the service is particularly good, tipping is a great way to show appreciation.
Do you have to tip your Uber driver?
In the past, Uber didn’t offer the option to tip drivers. But today, it does. While nobody is forcing you to add a dollar or two to your fare, you probably should start tipping. Drivers for ride-hailing apps such as Lyft and Uber sacrifice a portion of their fare to the companies that created the app they use. It’s good financial etiquette to add a few bucks to your fare, just like you would in a traditional taxi.
Do you have to tip the bartenders at a wedding?
Bartenders at weddings sometimes put out a tip jar, but etiquette experts note that this is usually bad form. The bartender often already receives gratuity from the wedding hosts if they’re picking up the tab. “Everybody that evening, from the band to the wedding officiant, they’re getting their fee and also getting a tip,” Farley says. Experts suggest that hosts ask the bartender to leave the tip jar at home. But if the tip jar is out, feel free to ignore it unless you receive especially good service from the bartender.
Do you have to tip during the holidays?
In December, it’s traditional to tip the people who regularly provide services for you during the year. Your doorman, hairdresser, masseuse or housecleaner may expect a holiday cash gift. Don’t skip the holiday tip, experts say. Budget for this expense throughout the year. If you don’t feel like you can afford it, however, you may be able to get away with a nontraditional gift such as a tin of cookies or homemade present.
Do you have to tip if you can’t afford to?
A tip should never bust your budget. That said, if you’re enjoying luxuries such as dinners out, taxi rides and high-end massages but don’t leave room in your budget to tip the employees who are taking care of your needs, it’s worth rethinking your spending habits and making a plan to integrate regular tipping into your relationships with service professionals.
Do you have to tip the barista?
While you don’t necessarily have to tip the barista or cashier at your local coffee shop, it’s nice to reward good service and a good experience. If the employees know your order when you walk in every morning or go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and taken care of, tip to show your appreciation and encourage good service in the future.
The bottom line on tipping
If you don’t tip, nobody will throw you in jail or smack you in the face (hopefully). While you shouldn’t let a pushy point-of-sale app or credit card receipt lead you to spend unnecessarily, tipping regularly and generously is a fantastic way to encourage good service, build relationships with service providers and show your appreciation.
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Here’s When You Don’t Have to Tip originally appeared on usnews.com
