Top 10 services to tip

Top 10 services to tip
A suggested tip for movers is $10 to $20 for a light move and $20 to $50 for a heavy move. Do you know how to tip your service providers?

A suggested tip for movers is $10 to $20 for a light move and $20 to $50 for a heavy move. Do you know how to tip your service providers?

When to tip and how much to give causes anxiety for many Angie's List members. "I'm not always sure who to tip, especially those that provide a service at my home," says Angie's List member Shelia Sewell of McDonough, Ga.

Nearly 70 percent responding to a recent online poll say they tip to show appreciation while more than a third tip at least 20 percent. "Why do I feel compelled to tip just about everyone?" asks member Deborah Pursifull of Snoqualmie, Wash.

Others are more selective about who they choose to reward. "I don't think tips are always called for, like with a plumber or electrician," says member Nina Rankin of Pittsburgh.

In addition to members, we reached out to several highly rated service companies to get their view on gratuities. Across the board, they say they don't take it for granted and equally appreciate a positive review or recommendation. "Sometimes, referrals from family, friends and co-workers are the greatest tip of all," says Jennifer Miller, co-owner of A Do Hair Design, a highly rated Indianapolis hair salon.

Here are the top 10 Angie's List categories - determined by poll respondents - in which members most often consider leaving a tip:

Movers

Doing the heavy lifting may not require a bonus. "We never expect or ask for a tip," says Mike Atkinson, owner of highly rated Experienced Movers in Pearl, Miss. "We don't want to burden our customers with trying to figure in a tip after we've given them an estimate on the cost of the move."

However, grateful homeowners tend to show their appreciation, regardless. For light moves, offer a $10 to $20 tip per mover. For larger moves, companies say a tip of $20 to $50 is appropriate.

House cleaners

"If customers ask me about tipping, I tell them that it's never required, but would always be appreciated," says Linda Rabenberg, owner of highly rated Linda Rombach Personalized Cleaning in St. Charles, Mo. "We don't expect tips because I pay my employees well and house cleaning is fairly expensive to begin with.

"Almost all our customers leave a Christmas tip or gift," she adds, which might be a box of chocolates or 100 percent of their pay. "During the rest of the year, very few customers tip."

Contractors

If you use a handyman or lawn care professional regularly, give them a $15 to $50 tip once a year - perhaps during the holidays - as a thoughtful "thank you."

Contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, don't expect a tip. However, some Angie's List members feel compelled to reward those who go above and beyond. "I have tipped my plumber," says Friday Hamlet of Box Elder, S.D. "He went out of his way to help me by driving to my home to hook up the water so I could wash clothes. All free of charge!"

Pet sitters/pooper scoopers

Pet sitters and pooper scoopers don't require a tip, but they say it's appreciated. "I've had people give me gift cards for fuel or coffee," says Jim Skirvin, owner of highly rated K-9 Scooper in Fairfield, Ohio. "I certainly don't ask for anything extra, but it's nice." If you regularly use the same one, provide an occasional 15 percent tip or annual gift.

Hair stylists/barbers

Deciding who to tip at salons confounds even the best of us. "Many guests have questions regarding how to tip when there is more than one person helping out," Miller says. "If someone other than the stylist shampoos your hair, that person will always be appreciative of a little extra money."

Stylists say they typically receive a 15 to 20 percent tip, but it varies. "There are clients who always tip and clients who never tip," says Karla Watson, owner of highly rated Flip Hair Salon in Portland, Ore. "Clients shouldn't worry about tipping a certain percentage, but should tip the amount they feel comfortable with."

Taxi/shuttle/limousine

When hiring a bus or limousine service, be sure to check that company's policy on gratuity. Some strictly forbid it, while others build it into the rental price. "We operate under different rules than most transportation outfits," says Kay Smith, manager of highly rated Caledonian Coach Co. in Stafford, Texas, which provides private bus charters and tours. "It varies per region." Typically, the driver receives at least $1 per passenger.

It's customary to tip taxi drivers 15 to 20 percent. If you don't have cash, make sure the driver accepts credit cards.

Manicurists/pedicurists

Most times, the same nail technician will do both your manicure and pedicure and a tip of 10 to 20 percent is appropriate. However, if different people perform individual services, then be sure to split the tip accordingly. "I'd say 95 percent of clients leave a tip," says Laura Puhl, owner of highly rated The Laura Gregory Salon in Columbus, Ohio. "If you can't, you can't - it varies. Some people tip way too much."

Car wash

A full-service car wash - which may include vacuuming, waxing and towel drying - should warrant a $2 to $3 tip for a car, or $3 to $5 for an SUV, truck or van. Many places post a box for tips near the exit, with all tips split between the workers. If there's no box, give a couple bucks to whoever performed final touches after the wash.

For full detailing, consider a 15 percent tip. "I try not to place any expectations on gratuity," says Kenny Ryan, owner of highly-rated Echelon Detailing in Carrollton, Texas. "The services we offer are pretty well covered in the cost. When it does come, it's a bonus."

Massage therapists

Massage therapists at spas often receive a tip of 15 to 20 percent. "It varies from place to place, but most massage therapists work on commission as an employee of the salon or spa," Puhl says of her Columbus salon. "Any extra reward is always appreciated." However, a medical or rehabilitative massage typically doesn't call for gratuities.

Animal grooming

Customers find pet groomers in a variety of settings - from big box stores to mobile grooming vans. If you're especially pleased, tip 15 percent of the bill or $2 per dog. Be sure to offer a little extra for a filthy Fido. "People will leave a larger tip if their dog is difficult," says Jennifer Lavelle, owner of highly rated Kool Dogs Training Academy & Kool Klips Grooming in Brookhaven, Pa. "But I always tell them it doesn't matter if they tip me or not."


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I don't see a reason to tip anyone that is the business owner. As a (sole proprietor) math tutor, I never expected a tip. Yet, I have run into salon owners and pet sitters who do expect a tip even though they are the service provider. They can set their rates at whatever they want. Why tip? NPR suggests the main reason people tip is out of GUILT if they don't. I concur.

i prefer that the price be higher and the tip not be required period as in Hong Kong, Singapore and many European countries... tipping is a form of tax whereby the employee is not paid by the employer and the customer must put up the untaxed difference since tip are grossly under reported. Stop tipping all together for all services, I say.

I don't quite understand. We leave tips for restaurant people because their hour pay is so low. What is your explanation for tipping someone who should earn a proper hourly wage?

I thought the article about tipping was disgusting in the amounts it suggests tipping, and for services that must only recently have started receiving tips. Oh, well, if a crash is really coming, it will clear out that "aristocracy" pretense.

I LOATHE tipping, especially if it's based on a percentage of the total cost. To think that you'd give a car wash guy $2-$3 for an $8 car wash is ludicrous! That's upwards of a 40% tip! I'd rather the carwash was just a buck or two more and there was no tipping. I especially hate it in restaurants where you can buy the same basic meal at two different restaurants, one cheap, one expensive, and tip more at the latter simply because the check costs more. The wait-person did the same job in both! So I refuse to tip anything based on a percentage. Also, had furniture delivered recently and came online to see how much to tip. Interestingly, most furniture companies discourage tipping. Living Spaces has it right on their website to not tip their deliverymen. Good for them!

Do people typically tip for daily service in hotels?

I'm not interested in hearing from people all over the country about tips. There can be regional differences. All I want to know should come from Indianapolis companies.

I have rottweilers, which can be a handful even though they're friendly and well-trained, so I always tip groomers 15% rounded to the next dollar. My housecleaning service has it pretty easy at my place, but I figure on individual Christmas cards with money enclosed, early in December.

You forgot the wheelchair transporters at the airport. They make service wages so tips are crucial to their income.

No one ever tips the Flower Delivery Guy. Flower Delivery guys should be tipped.

Angels Home Cleaning Service in Melbourne, FL did an exceptionally detailed and time consuming job. It went way above their expectations so I tipped them 20%. They were so appreciative that the next time they came, they did even more than expected, without expecting a tip. The two girls Betty and Morgan are great housekeepers with great references and I would recommend them to everyone in the area!

people should ONLY be tipped for doing better service than normally expected. The % should be based on degree of service not some arbitrary formula. That is why presently most service providers give average or below average service because they know people have been brainwashed to give a tip no matter how good or bad the service.

Do you tip owner of salon for hair color or perms if she does your hair?

Why do people tip hairstylists who make $20-40+ for 20 minutes of work? Even if they're on commission, that's still $30-60 per hour! I tip waitstaff, period, because their pay structure depends upon tips. Most of the folks you describe earn many times minimum wage and I feel no need to tip them. Tip a contractor who's making $100s per hour? Don't think so! I'll refer people to them if they're fair and do good work.

I always tip my hairdresser at least 20%

I always consider tipping service personnel if they are employees. However, if they own the business, or a business partner, I do not. For example, if a stylist who cuts my hair owns the salon, I won't tip, but if it's a stylist who is an employee, I will. Another thing, always tip the housekeepers at motels. They work hard, are given only a short time to clean a room immaculately, and commonly make only minimum wage. Tips are very much appreciated by them.

Is it still proper etiquette not to tip the owner of a salon or business if he/she is the one providing you the service, but instead average out money spent for a holiday bonus?

should you tip if that person is getting the full amount for the service any way?

servers are one that MANY people do not tip appropriately. A lot of times wait & bar staff tip others they work with & sometimes it is mandatory. Sometimes they have to do extra work for that person, but there is no 'tip out'. People who leave very little or nothing can leave their server in the negative for that table. With no tip we basically work for free. I am a bartender & I make a larger wage per hr. than a server but my weekly check is under ninety dollars & a server's is under nine dollars, if anything, after taxes.

I'm a massage therapist who works out of my home. I don't pay a lot of overhead and price my massages so that tips are not needed. However, I disagree with the statement that medical or rehabilitative massages don't call for gratuities. While it's true that most people don't tip on these types of massages because they see it as a medical visit, it is still greatly appreciated by the massage therapist, who is usually only making a percentage of what the doctor is charging. I think the same rules of tipping should apply to these MT's...if you really like the work they did, a tip is appropriate.

I appreciated this story. Very helpful. I'm an older person and people often offer additional help. It is good to get a ball-park idea of how to thank them.

You forgot an important one. Tip your maid service in your hotel. They aren't getting rich and if they do a nice job on your room, say thank you. Some say tip daily but at least when you leave, if the service has been good say thank you.

Should u tip the owner or just the employees of a company?

I think people would like to know guidelines for tipping hotel staff as well, esp. housekeeping staff.

I think tips are for someone who does an especially good job, not just everyone. Otherwise, they might just as well raise their rates to pay themselves properly. Tips are a privilege, not a right.

Great info guys. Quick question- How much should you tip a valet?

The info on movers should be changed to say "For larger moves, companies say a tip of $20 to $50 PER MOVER is appropriate." Put a larger comment box on your "Leave a comment" screen.

when to tip and how to tip is always a timely issue. Overtipping has become a problem recently. Don't tip for counterservice ever!! Just because they have a jar, doesn't mean they deserve a tip. Also, don't automatically tip 20 percent for good service. The standard has been 15 percent. Maintain that. Dollars go up with inflation. There is no reason to increase the percentage as well. But do tip well for good service. 20 percent or more is good for a thoughtful server. 20 percent should never be an expectation.

What about Salon owners? I was told that a Christmas gratuity was appropriate.

don't believe that electricians, plumbers and house repairmen warrant tips at 30-75.00/hour plus travel?????

What about pool cleaners?

You don't comment on the situation of business owner vs. employee. I've always heard that if the service provider is the business owner, tips are not necessary (for example, in a hair or nail salon). I would still provide a holiday or special occasion gratuity of some kind, but not for regular appointments. Same with cleaning personnel. Do you agree?

very helpful... clears up a lot of confusion... and validates what I thought!

Recently, I was taken by ambulance from an acute care center to a hospital. The driver of the ambulance was acting like my husband should have tipped him. Do you tip ambulance drivers?

Like it or not - tipping for certain services is part of our culture. Until wages and benefits change for certain jobs, I suggest looking at it as a means of obtaining good karma. It's interesting that lower income people are often the best tippers. I think it's always good to treat people well who have less than me. And people who rely on tips are, for the most part, hard workers.

I was stopped by the owner of a restaurant on my out after leaving a $50 tip for four meals. The waiter had complained that it was insufficient for his service. Besides the fact that he was surly and got the orders wrong, how much should one pay to have someone write down and order and bring a plate of food? I have never been back and have told several friends about my experience.

It is my belief that tipping should be done away with. Instead, employers should be paying everyone a living wage of which Federal, State, Social Security and Medicare taxes are taken out. All employees should be paying into the tax system and it shouldn't be on the honor system. We all know that never works when it comes to taxes.

Should you tip a dental hygienist

For those saying the amounts are to high or as one person said "disgusting" please be informed that alot of us stylist are on commission and a tip is part of are income ! So next time you decide you want a last minutes haircut and we fit you in or you come in and decide you want five thousand colors done and have to be done in two hours or you bring your bratty kids in who destroy salon property and all we do is smile REMEBER HOW IMPORTANT THAT TIP IS IT MEANS MUCH MORE!

Tipping has always been a real peeve with me. I lived in Europe and spend lots of time in Mexico where you only tipping is much less predominate then in the US. I never get tipped for my work and I work hard and often do extra without charging (I'm a computer consultant). People should do great work because they take pride in what they do and employers just need to charge appropriately to pay their staff properly instead of relying on tips. It's nuts. Starbucks tip jar really makes me crazy - that's their job, to be nice and make my coffee. Sorry those of you in the service industry who depend on tips - I think it's a very bad policy.

I don't think tipping should be required as a must for anything. tipping should always be an option. People charge a required fee and should not expect more from the customer.

Several thoughts: My hair stylist recently went from being a "chair" in a salon, to having her own place. I still tip her, since she goes over-and-above for me. Next, tipping is not an "either - or" based on quality of service. If service has been poor, it's best to ask for a manager and speak with them so they can address the situation. If it has been ok or so-so, then adjust your tip accordingly, with 20% being for great service, and 10% reflecting good service. Lastly, remember that if you are an oyster eater (raw, on the half-shell), tip your oyster shuckers!

I draw the line at handymen -- their hourly fee is more than twice mine-- and for lawncare service--why can't we all get tips then-- I'd like a tip for my work as a paralegal--I make less then hair stylists; dog groomers -- geez, give me a break ---

I'm with Pablo. I think that tipping should go away. I'd much rather have the "tip" built in to the purchase price. I do tip in appropriate situations, but would greatly prefer not having to worry about it.

I tip my dog groomer $5 when my shih tzu is groomed. In return, the groomer doesn't charge me when I take my German shorthair pointer in to have her nails trimmed. She should probably charge me $50 for this job because Gracie acts like she's being killed! Since I'm not charged for this "torture" she's putting my dog through, I give her a $10 tip.

A lot of people get too much for their services already. 15 to 20% tip? Outrageous! And how many times do people tip for liquor at restaurants when you are not supposed to? If you have over 6 people they add 20% and do a lousy job. Then if you mistakenly add a tip on that they won't stop you. Too many people are expecting too much.

I give a tip to the person who pumps my gas. In Oregon it is not self-serve.

First, let me say that Medical therapists, nurses, etc. DO NOT get tipped. This is against their ethical standards and code of conduct per their licensure! Ambulance drivers are often EMTs or are employees of the ambulance service and shouldn't hint for tips!! Finally, I, too, always tip the maid service in a hotel. It's amazing how clean and wonderful your room will be. Plus, these folks work for minimum wage often and every little bit helps.

Valet!! Especially in the rain, cold or extreme heat. $2 min. but $3 to $5 shows appreciation for hustling quickly to get the car.

In your tips article you forgot entertainers: face painters, balloonists, caricature artists, etc., especially those of us who work in restaurants and greatly reduce our working price for the restaurant. Tips help to try to make up some of that discount we give to the restaurants. Thanks!

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