The Definitive Grown-Up’s Guide to Tipping
Recently, one of our moms called us from the parking lot of a salon, wondering if she needed to tip the hair stylist for her consultation. After some quick Googling, we found that since it’s complimentary and no services are actually performed, it’s not customary to tip — phew. But that got us thinking about all the other times we need to tip (or not). Honestly, it’s one of those adulting essentials that every successful millennial woman should know, so we put together the ultimate tipping reference guide that’s sure to save the day in more than one scenario.
Food Services
Delivery: 10 percent (with a two dollar minimum)
Takeout: No tip required.
Dining In: 15 to 20 percent is still standard, but feel free to tip more or less depending on the quality of service. Pro-tipping tip: Always tip at least 20 percent if you’re a regular.
Coffee shop: Extra coins if you’re paying cash or a dollar will do if you’re paying by card (but neither is expected).
Bartender: 15 percent if you’re only drinking (and laying a couple dollars down before you’re even served will likely ensure even better service).
Sommelier: The somm usually gets a cut of the nightly server tips, so an extra tip here isn’t necessary, but as always, if you receive exceptional service, it can’t hurt.
Beauty Services
Shampooer: Five dollars — this is separate from your hair stylist’s tip.
Hair Stylist: Between 15 and 20 percent, though a little extra is nice if you’ve spent a long time in the chair, you’re making a dramatic change, or you have particularly challenging hair.
Manicurist: 15 percent — just make sure you have it ready to go before they apply the polish!
Travel
Cab: 10 percent or a two dollar minimum.
Uber: Not necessary, but always appreciated (and will almost definitely boost your rating!).
Airport Shuttle Drivers: If you’re getting a free lift from your hotel to the airport, it’s thoughtful to give the driver a couple dollars once you’re dropped off.
Hotel Housekeeping: Between one and five dollars per day. We suggest writing a quick “Thank you!” on the hotel stationery and leaving the tip and note together on the room’s desk.
Other services
Coat Checker: Anywhere from one to five dollars is fine (this is even if the coat checking service itself is free).
Pet Groomer: Just like your own stylist, a pet groomer should get between 15 and 20 percent.
Dog Walker/Cat Sitter: Not necessary, but around 10 percent is common. Leave a little more if your beloved pet has an accident or some other unusual issue.
Movers: Between 20 and 50 dollars each, depending on the difficulty of the move.
Holidays
Babysitter: A gift or cash that equals one to two weeks’ pay.
Mail Carrier: USPS mail carriers cannot accept cash, and any gift must be under 20 dollars. We suggest tackling a few of these classic dessert recipes as a sweet token of appreciation.
Building Super: You can go as high as 100 dollars here, depending on how helpful they’ve been over the past year.
Do you have any tipping advice to share? Tweet us @BritandCo and tell us your tips!
(Illustrations via Jenna Moeller)
