Tipping is one of those things you don’t learn about in school, but it’s probably one of the most important things you’ll do as a consumer. So it seems necessary to explain things like who not to tip, who you absolutely should tip but probably forget to, and even some ways people have gotten creative with the sometimes-awkward ritual of tipping. Tipping isn’t just something customary, it shows your appreciation for someone working incredibly hard to make your experience the best it can be. It’s important not to short change these individuals, because often times they’re working for tips alone (or less than minimum wage, plus tips).
And while there are a few people in society that decide to just tip 20% wherever they go, it is generally acceptable to tip a certain amount, derived from the amount of service you’re being offered. All jobs are not created equal, and sometimes it’s fitting to tip someone more for going above-and-beyond.
Bartender – $1 Per Drink (At Least) Or 20-25% Of The Total Bill
Bartending is no easy gig, it involves being on your feet all night, coming home smelling like stale booze, making below minimum wage, and dealing with every kind of annoying drunk you’ve ever met. So tipping your bartender is an absolute must, as tips also make up a majority of their income.
When figuring out how much to reward the person who literally makes happy hour happen, it’s important to consider how much work is actually involved in each drink. For a simple pint of beer, or glass of wine, $1 per pour is considered standard. For cocktails that require more steps, like a gin and tonic, $2 is considered polite. If your bartender is a mixologist who is actually grinding fresh mint into your mojito, $2-$3 or 20% of the total price of the drink is considered fair. And be sure to add extra if you receive particularly excellent service, that is why they do that, after all.
Delivery Person – At Least 10% Of The Bill Or More Depending On The Weather
Delivery people really can’t be tipped enough. Their jobs are notoriously difficult and they’re paid very little in salary. That said, the standard tip for most deliveries is 10%. But if you’re ordering a pizza in the middle of a snowstorm, you need to tip way more. Tip what you would want to be tipped to walk or bike through whatever weather you see outside your window, and if you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford delivery.
