Give Thanks for Gratuity

Some over-tip, some under-tip, but gratuity is really a gift for service.

This means a tip is not mandatory. A lot of people in the service industry act as if tipping should be an automated response, regardless of the level of service. This is very frustrating for customers who generally tip well. "Customer service is the most important thing to remember if you want to be tipped well," said Melissa Crain, a veteran bartender. "Make them feel at home. Go out of your way."

Unfortunately service industry employees are grossly underpaid and basically make their entire salary off tips. However, the consumer is under no obligation to tip if the service provider cannot take the time to be helpful and courteous.

When a tip is not received and expected, this is a direct insult to the one providing service. "When I don't receive an adequate tip, I assume the customer feels they have gotten poor service. I may even ask them if there was a problem," said Crain. Some people are simply ignorant when it comes to proper tipping etiquette.

Crain added, "It is impossible to tell who will be a big tipper. When you least expect it, you will receive a very generous tip and when you anticipate a decent tip, you get stiffed. Generally, really drunk men that are hard-up tip me well".

The American Society of Travel Agents offers some guidance on this subject matter. The standard percentage for waiter/waitresses is 15% of the pre-tax check. This means if a bill is discounted, the tip should be calculated from the original bill.

Make sure the gratuity hasn't been already tagged onto the bill, to avoid double tipping. A standard percentage is often added to a bill for large parties or places that have frequent international customers.

Standard tips for service include: $2-$3for taxi drivers, a dollar a bag for bellman, a buck or two for a doorman hailing a cab, few dollars when a parking attendant delivers your car, $2-$10 for different concierge services, one to five for pizza deliveries (depending on distance and promptness), and furniture delivery people usually earn $5-$10 per person.

The forgotten members of the service industry often include maids, blackjack dealers, slot attendants, hair stylists, tow truck drivers, baggers at the grocery store, wine stewards and dog-groomers.

Around the holidays, remember those who have provided a year of service, such as mailmen, garbage collectors, day care providers, and cleaning people. Tips are proper for special occasions that require the services of civil ceremony officials or clergymen. Musicians and disc jockeys usually receive $35-$50 for events.

Noel Roberts has been a nail technician for many years. She says she tips depending on service, averaging 20%. Her customers usually tip her, but her wage doesn't depend on it like a lot of very low-paying service positions. "I don't expect it, but it is certainly appreciated."

No matter how large or small the tip, it should represent an appreciation for good service and a "thank you" if always proper etiquette for a gift of any value.

Sources:
The American Society of Travel Agents

Learn more about this author, Miriam Cronkhite.
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