Tipping is a ubiquitous social custom in the United States and helps boost the earnings of lower-paid service providers, like wait staff and cleaners, by adding a gratuity as a ‘thank you’ and a recognition of good service. While tipping is generally expected in regular restaurants and bars, here are 19 times you can safely skip the tip without fear of causing offense or being ‘cheap’!
When Service Is Included
Many restaurants and catered events automatically include a service charge on the bill, typically ranging from 15% to 20%, especially for large tables of 6–10 diners or more, which is divided among the wait staff on shift. Check the bill before you pay and don’t feel the need to pay more if the gratuity has already been added, unless you genuinely want to tip twice!
Counter Service Establishments
Fast food joints, coffee shops, and cafés where you order and pay at the counter don’t usually expect tips, although the New York Times reports that many customers still feel obligated to add a gratuity, especially when prompted. Yet employees in such places should be paid an acceptable living wage, and tipping isn’t necessary unless they’ve genuinely gone ‘above and beyond.’
Takeout
Tipping for takeout orders isn’t mandatory because all the staff typically need to do is prepare your order and handle the payment. You’ve already paid the listed price for the food, and the service primarily involves packaging your order. However, if the takeout involves curbside service, a large order, or carrying anything out to your car, a small tip might be a nice gesture.
Self-Service Buffets
Buffet restaurants involve minimal service from staff because you pay a set price for all-you-can-eat access to the food; they don’t need to take an order or deliver any meals to your table. Servers typically only refill drinks, clear plates, and maintain the buffet area, so tipping isn’t generally expected.
Grocery Stores
Cashiers at grocery and convenience stores are paid an hourly wage, and they rarely expect or rely on gratuities beyond this. Although not expected, some especially helpful or friendly cashiers might go beyond what you’d generally expect in terms of service, so you could round up to the nearest dollar or leave a few bucks to show your appreciation.
If There’s a Sign Requesting You Don’t
Sometimes, tipping creates unnecessary hassle and confusion for the establishment offering the service and can even lead to resentment or arguments between staff members. The BBC says some places have signs requesting you don’t tip and that you should always respect such a polite request if you see one. There is probably a good reason behind it!
For Rude Staff
Have you ever visited a restaurant and had to deal with a server who was lazy, petulant, or outright offensive? While very rare in the U.S., this can happen, and in such cases, the usual gratuity practices do not apply. Don’t feel obligated to leave a tip if you received poor service that was the direct result of an employee’s careless or disrespectful attitude or ineptitude.
For Easy Valet Parking
Typically, valet parking attendants receive a flat fee for parking your car, which is usually included in the valet ticket price. While a small additional tip (of around $2–$5) is a common courtesy, you really only need to feel obligated if retrieving your car is especially difficult or time-consuming; for example, if it’s raining hard or they experience mechanical problems.
Delivery Orders
Delivery orders can be a gray area. If the delivery fee is meager, a small tip (of around 10%) for the delivery driver is customary and often appreciated. However, if the delivery fee is high enough to cover the driver’s time and effort, tipping might not be necessary. It’s up to you, and it’s highly dependent on how complex the task is due to your location and accessibility.
When You Don’t Like Your Haircut
Have you ever had your hair cut in a salon or barbershop and had a negative experience? Maybe the staff member cut you by accident, ignored your requirements, or simply did a terrible job. Although Real Simple recommends tipping 20% of the cost of the entire service and treatments, you definitely don’t have to leave a gratuity if you hate the final outcome!
Unsatisfactory Spa and Massage Treatments
Like in hair salons, tipping at spas and massage parlors is expected if you enjoy the treatment and feel its benefits, usually at a rate of around 15–20% of the total service price. If you’re particularly happy with the service, you can tip a bit more. However, tipping isn’t mandatory if you’re unhappy with the standard of skill or cleanliness or are otherwise disappointed.
For Everyday Housekeeping
If you’re staying in a hotel or any serviced accommodation that offers daily housekeeping, leaving a tip is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for keeping your room clean and tidy. But don’t feel that you need to leave a little something every single day. Just wait until the last day of your stay and leave $1–$5 per night, depending on the service and the number of occupants.
Late Ridesharing Services
If you use ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft to get around, you only need to tip if the driver meets all your requirements, especially things like driving safely and within the speed limit and showing up on time! A standard tip is around 10–20% of the fare, though you can adjust it or forget about it if your ride was late, the car was unclean, or you feared for your safety during the trip!
Cruise Lines
Cruise lines typically add an automatic daily gratuity to your onboard bill, which you will pay after you disembark. This gratuity is then divided among various staff members, including wait staff, housekeeping, and entertainers. It’s best not to tip additionally unless you experience exceptional service or want to thank a particular staff member at the end of your trip.
Standard Hotel Concierge Services
Hotel Engine says tipping concierges is common; “$2 to $5 for routine requests, but up to $100 for standout service.” But remember that the concierge receives a minimum hourly wage and doesn’t rely on tips, even if they’re appreciated. You should only feel obligated to give a gratuity if they do something exceptional, like secure you a coveted restaurant reservation or make special arrangements.
Movie Theaters and Bowling Alleys
Employees at most leisure venues get paid a decent hourly wage and rarely give one-on-one service beyond taking payments, handing out equipment, and answering queries. Tipping certainly isn’t expected, although you may wish to leave a tip anyway, mainly if a staff member fixes a tough problem, makes special allowances, or is excessively helpful.
Public Restroom Attendants
While restroom attendants might provide helpful amenities or maintain a clean environment, tipping is not customary in most places. These employees are typically hourly wage earners, and the expectation is that restroom use is covered by the business. If an attendant stands out as exceptionally helpful or you get to know them, leaving a tip is a kind gesture (but not mandatory).
Unwanted Street Performers
Street performers rely on audience appreciation for their income, so it’s essential to tip if you enjoy the show and deliberately stay to watch the performance or listen to music. But what if the street performer is annoying, unwanted, or unskilled? Then, no. You don’t have to pay for something you didn’t want, especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable!
High-Price Car Wash Attendants
Full-service car washes might have the option to tip valets or attendants who help you out of your car or dry it off after the wash, but most car wash staff don’t expect gratuities for standard wash services. This is especially true for premium or high-cost services, which should pay washers more because they are faster and more skilled and pay closer attention to detail.
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