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I am new to the US tipping system and would love some insiders tips on how it really works. I am from Scandinavia where we do not tip a lot in restaurants or hotels, and never ever at hair salons, spas, etc, mostly due to the fact that service professions earn ok wages over there. I find it very awkward tipping here and I would like how it should be properly done.
I have been told that tipping in restaurants here in the US should be between 10 and 20 %, depending on the level of service and my overall satisfaction. However, after peeking at other restaurant goers checks I have noticed that most people tend to tip very little. I have also been advised that I should tip 20 % when I get a haircut. Is this really normal? Please someone fill me in on how much I should really tip. I do not want to be cheap but I do not want to overpay either. Also, when I am not happy with a meal for instance, is it ok to not tip at all?
I am new to the US tipping system and would love some insiders tips on how it really works. I am from Scandinavia where we do not tip a lot in restaurants or hotels, and never ever at hair salons, spas, etc, mostly due to the fact that service professions earn ok wages over there. I find it very awkward tipping here and I would like how it should be properly done.
I have been told that tipping in restaurants here in the US should be between 10 and 20 %, depending on the level of service and my overall satisfaction. However, after peeking at other restaurant goers checks I have noticed that most people tend to tip very little. I have also been advised that I should tip 20 % when I get a haircut. Is this really normal? Please someone fill me in on how much I should really tip. I do not want to be cheap but I do not want to overpay either. Also, when I am not happy with a meal for instance, is it ok to not tip at all?
You are around some cheap people! For most, 15% is considered the "base" tip. I usually tip 20%, maybe more if the service and food is excellent and slightly less if its worse. I think most people have moved towards a base tip of 20% in recent years. 15-20% is also customary for a haircut.
I am new to the US tipping system and would love some insiders tips on how it really works. I am from Scandinavia where we do not tip a lot in restaurants or hotels, and never ever at hair salons, spas, etc, mostly due to the fact that service professions earn ok wages over there. I find it very awkward tipping here and I would like how it should be properly done.
I have been told that tipping in restaurants here in the US should be between 10 and 20 %, depending on the level of service and my overall satisfaction. However, after peeking at other restaurant goers checks I have noticed that most people tend to tip very little. I have also been advised that I should tip 20 % when I get a haircut. Is this really normal? Please someone fill me in on how much I should really tip. I do not want to be cheap but I do not want to overpay either. Also, when I am not happy with a meal for instance, is it ok to not tip at all?
joden-
First, kudos to you for considering this social norm in America. Many who move here from foreign nations fail to realize that there are millions of people in the service industry who rely on tips, which are 75% of their income. They include college students, single moms and teenagers.
In a restaurant, standard tipping is 15% for OK service, 18% for good service and 20% for great service. If you don't like the meal, well that's not the server's fault, so you should still tip accordingly. I suggest you not eat the meal, call your server over and ask if there's anything else they can possibly make. Most restaurants will make you a new dish.
When getting a haircut (which costs me 12 bucks at the local barber) I usually tip 2 bucks. Obviously, the more expensive, the more you tip. Generally I don't tip more than 15% for a haircut.
If you don't like the meal, well that's not the server's fault, so you should still tip accordingly. I suggest you not eat the meal, call your server over and ask if there's anything else they can possibly make. Most restaurants will make you a new dish.
I agree with this - poor food isn't associated with the server - poor service is a different story.
With terribly poor service, it is suggested to tip something tiny like 1 cent. it lets the server know that they were not deserving of a tip, but it's not because you forgot.
I deliver pizzas part time and most people assume that if there food is wrong then it's my fault. Or if it's late it's my fault. Neither of those are true, I don't make the food. I get the food at a certain time and deliver it to its destination and if its late, more than likely the kitchen workers were behind. I know some people are just cheap. Usually tipping should be 15-20% like others said.
Also if your bill is lets say $19.63 and you hand someone a $20.00 and tell them to keep the change, that's crossing the line.
20% for excellent service. That means being knowledgeable about the menu, keeping glasses filled, being attentive, and really contributing to the dining experience.
25% for service that borders on telepathic. Or hurrying up our order because we're trying to make a concert.
20% for excellent service. That means being knowledgeable about the menu, keeping glasses filled, being attentive, and really contributing to the dining experience.
25% for service that borders on telepathic. Or hurrying up our order because we're trying to make a concert.
My sentiments exactly
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