Nov 13, 2007 10:26 pm US/Pacific
Good Question: How Much Should You Tip?
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Time to travel, eat out, get our hair done, buy gifts and
get in a generally giving mood.
So here's a good question: How much and who should you tip --
especially during the holiday season?
"While there may not be many hard and fast rules about
whom you should tip, look inside and put yourself in the person's shoes and see
how they would feel if they were tipped or not tipped," says etiquette expert Rebecca Black.
She understands this can be a
subjective issue…but says there are a few guidelines to follow.
There are the standard 15-20% tips you leave when you eat
out and get your hair done or for spa services. But what about say -- at the coffee shop?
"Sometimes people just drop pennies in and you're like
wow…okay."
The guy behind the counter at Ciocolat in Davis says he
understands if you don't have change - but don't think he doesn't see what goes
in that tip jar.
"The rule is nothing less than 25 cents," she says.
There's also a dollar a drink for the bartender. A dollar a bag applies to the porter the airport or for the hotel bellman -
two bucks if they're extra heavy. A
dollar or two for the valet parking attendant should do - the same for the
cloakroom attendant. There's no tip if
you're charged to leave your coat in a cloakroom unless there's already a
charge.
There are also situations you might consider - Black
suggests you consider - like taking a gift to the staff at a doctor's office if
they've helped you through a difficult situation.
And at the holidays - your tipping circle
increases.
"Anyone who provides a service for you on a weekly or
monthly basis - and someone that you can count on."
She suggests you make a list to include people like your
newspaper delivery person, lawn service, hair stylist, manicurist, housekeeper,
pool cleaner, pet groomer, babysitter, care taker, doorman or building
supervisor.
The tip can be a week's worth of what you would normally pay
them - but make sure the money's discreetly tucked in a card, she says or
better yet - give a gift - keep a stack of candy boxes handy or stock up on
gift certificates.
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