From gas to groceries, it feels like it’s taking a hit on the wallet these days. Then, when you decide to treat yourself to dinner or a cup of coffee, you are asked – or told – to leave a tip.
This can be confusing. Do you have to tip a barista? If a restaurant automatically adds an 18% gratuity to the bill, is it negotiable? What is an appropriate amount to tip?
Here’s a quick guide to help next time you go out.
What is appropriate advice in a sit-down restaurant?
According to Bankrate.com, the baseline tip is 18% of the pretax bill. If the server does a good job, the tip may increase to 20% to 25%. UCLA’s Dashu Center for International Students and Scholars ranks satisfactory service at 15% and excellent service at 20%.
What is automatic gratuity?
Some restaurants add an automatic gratuity to the bill when you dine with a large group – usually for parties of six or more people. Businesses must clearly disclose automatic gratuities before placing an order.
Do you have to pay for it? Yes. Automatic gratuity is not a tip; According to the IRS this is a service charge. Tips are given freely, but service charge is a mandatory fee.
How much should you tip a bartender or barista?
For bartenders: $1 per beer or glass of wine is standard. For cocktails – especially specialty drinks that take longer – an 18% to 20% tip is suggested. For baristas, it is common to tip about 10% to 15% for a coffee or $1 for a drip coffee.
Do you need to tip at a fast food or counter-service restaurant?
Tipping is not expected at takeout restaurants or places where you order at the counter. There may be a tip jar, and customers may leave something, but it is not required.
If you are paying by credit card, you do not need to select one of the suggested tip amounts. Tips are voluntary – you can choose a custom amount, no amount, or pay cash.
Quick Tipping Guide for Other Services
Here’s a quick guide from Bankrate.com:
- Restaurant Delivery: $5 or 20% of meal price
- Grocery Delivery: 15% to 20% of total order
- Liquor Delivery: 15% to 20% of total order
- flower delivery: $2 to $5
- Hotel Porter: $2 to $3 per bag at a standard hotel; $10 per bag at a luxury hotel
- room service: 20% of meal price
- House kepping: $3 to $5 per day in a standard hotel; $10 per day in a luxury hotel
- Manicurist: 15% to 20% per nail technician
- Hair stylist or barber: 15% to 20%
- massage therapist: 15% to 20%
- Limousine Driver: 10% to 20% of rent
- Taxi Driver: 15% to 20% of rent
- Ride-Share Service: 3% to 5% of rent
- Shuttle Driver: $2 to $3
- Babysitter: 15% to 20% of total
- Movers: $10 per person for 2 hours; $20 per person for 4 hours; $40 per person for 8 hours
Reporting by Greg Giesen, USA TODAY Network. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
