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Archive through November 29, 2004

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Mar. ~ 2005 May: Who do YOU tip? How much, and why?: Archive through November 29, 2004 users admin

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Eeyoreslament
Member

07-20-2003

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 1:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
OK, I'm a waitress, and we all know to tip our waitresses.

But I've heard of things like tipping your landlord, tipping your hairdresser a separate special envelope at Christmas, etc. This got me wondering, because I'm PI$$ED if I don't receive at least 15% (because servers have to tip a fixed amount out to the kitchen and bar no matter WHAT they get for a tip). So if I haven't been tipping extra to my hairdresser around Christmas (I do tip each haircut), or that I have NEVER tipped my landlords, then am I a jerk?

So I'm just wondering:

Who do you all tip?
How much do you tip them? and
Why do you tip them as opposed to other people?

Maybe add in where you are from, as there may be geographical trends(i.e. New Yorkers).



Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i'm from Northern California (an hour north of San Francisco). i have NEVER tipped my landlord, or tipped my hairdress a separate evenlope. i tip for each service i get. (i'm also a 20% tipper) i do give a christmas cookie package to the landscaper (he comes once a week).

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I spend a lot of money in tips this time of year.

Here's a rough estimate:

I regularly tip 20% or more for good restaurant service. For poor service, 15%.

I do tip my hairdresser at holiday time -- usually 40% or so on top of the service (I normally tip 20%).

I also tip my trainer at the gym -- the cost of one session.

I tip our building's concierges as well (there are three of them). $50.00 to $100.00 each. (I give the daytime concierge the $100 because that's when I get most of my work deliveries, etc., and he's is especially helpful all day for me and my business)

I've never given a tip to a landlord.

Karen
Member

09-07-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I tip my waitress, my cabbie, and my hairdresser. That's about it. Waitress, about 20%, depending on what I had, how long I was there, etc. CAbbie, I usually round up to the next dollar and then add $2 -- I never take a cab very far, the fare is never more than $10 pre-tip. And the hairdresser, well it's usually a $10 cut so I generally give her a five, unless she's given me color, then I'll give her ten or 15.

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
On Friday nights Tim and I go to the brewery bar and always leave $5 (the bill is usually $8-$12).

Restaurants about 20%- sometimes more, only less for a good reason (like the other night out waitress was awful and crabby but I overheard something about the closer not showing up and she was going to be stuck there...I'd be kinda crabby too- I left her a 20% tip...I think they were otherwise short people too).

Hair- I guess I do 20-30% depending on if I'm happy or not. I do 20% when I'm not happy. one time I hated my haircut so I called back and told the person who answered I didn't want the woman to feel bad so I got a free fix it at their other place in Green Bay. I gave that woman a tip based on what the cut should have cost.

Eyebrow waxing- costs about $12, I give them $2 or $3.

I never really order pizza but when I do I guess it's probably $3 or $4 (assume about $15 for the order).

I never heard of anyone ever tipping a landlord.

I can't think of where else I might tip. I don't stay in hotels often, I don't take cabs anywhere...

I always feel bad when I leave a tip on my card instead of in cash, but I rarely have much cash on me.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I have never, and will never, tipped my landlord and I love him. He's the owner of my building, after all, and it's unnecessary to tip owners of businesses. In fact, my landlord gives us small gifts each year. [My old hairdresser in Philadelphia owned the salon and always suggested that those who wouldn't take "no" for an answer should just give it to his assistant]

I tip my hairdresser about 20%. I give an additional amount for the holidays because I have gone to the same person for several years. That always means I have to give my colorist something too, but it's less because I see her less and like her less.

I don't take cabs. At restaurants, I tip ~20% or so but actors who do their job poorly get tipped less. I generally tip better when people deliver food for some reason. I think because they have to pay for gas. I live in L.A.

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ok, this is a good question, and a simple answer for me, for waitresses is "Double the tax and round up". That is roughly 15% here in CA. But I too have a question about waitresses, what if it is terrible service? Food is delivered cold? Drinks are not refilled? Condiments not provided? Are they still entitled to the same tip? Keeping in mind that a tip is not mandatory, and most waitresses also receive an hourly wage. I understand that there are some circumstances that stand behind this, time of day, business of the establishment, etc. But as a waitress, could you shed some light on the subject. We experienced terrible service last weekend, and since we had a party of eight, the "gratuity" was included in our overall price. 20%. That hardly seemed fair to us, seeing as how our food came cold, we didn't get our drinks until after our meals arrived, and she never returned to give us refills. Then, if it is included in the total price, that isn't a "gratuity" it is a fee. I also don't think that the wait staff should have to "tip out" the cooks and bussers. They usually make a higher hourly wage than the watiresses, that should make up the difference.
I realize it is a hard job, very stressful at times, and often the benefit's aren't great and neither are the hours. But, people who patronize these establishments pay their hard earned money to eat there, be served, and not have to do the work, or clean up. and then get treated badly and charged for it.

I have never heard of tipping your landlord. I also don't think it is appropriate. They are making a profit from you, as well as upping their credit rating with each house payment they make, that's a pretty good tip. My landlord is never around, doesn't repair anything at our house, and makes us pay the rent in cash. No tip deserved. He'll get a card, that's it.

Paper boy, tip them during Christmas, the weather is usually not so great and it will help them buy gifts. I'd guess in this day and age between 5 and 10 bucks is fair, stick it in a card, with a big thanks.

Mailcarriers are often not allowed to accept monetary gifts, but a nice letter, card or note thanking them for their services is alwasy appreciated.

I tip my hairdresser each time she cuts my hair. Usually between 2-4 dollars, depending on how long it takes. If we are doing something more dramamtic, like highlights, etc, then at least 5 or more. 5 bucks on a fifty dollar bill is only 10%. She usually cuts me a deal any way, so I am not really losing any money.

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Don't delivery people get paid per mile (like 20 cents) if they use their own vehicle? I guess it depends on your vehicle if that's a good deal or not...My car gets about 30 mpg and with gas at $1.97...it's costing me only about 7 cents a mile. Granted, more frequent oil changes, etc....

In winter though I do feel bad for delivery people (I'm in Wisconsin and it gets cold! I've not ordered a pizza when it was really cold just cause I didn't want to make anyone walk up to my building and buzz).

I've always wondered, say someone sends you flowers... are you supposed to tip them? I never have because, like I said, I generally don't have cash and also because I didn't ask for them to be delivered.

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I tip my hairdresser an even $5. I tip my braider an even $10. I tip my nail person an even $5 and that's including brow waxing. I tip 20% at restaurants if the service is good but sometimes it's included in the bill so if it's lousey you can't undertip. I can't remember what I've tipped maids but I know I had to ask my mom and I think I added a couple of xtra dollars to that amount. Oh and Granny and I always overtipped the bartender in Vegas.

I pay a mortgate and I never tip them as they already get more than enough of my money.

Max
Member

08-12-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I tip my hair stylist and my manicurist about 20% each time I see them.

I tip waiters/waitresses 15-20% depending on the service received. If I'm part of a large party and service has been excellent, we always leave more than that.

If I'm traveling and someone helps me with bags at the airport or hotel, I tip at least $1 per bag. Usually this isn't necessary because I don't travel with more than I can easily handle myself.

At the holidays, I give gift certificates to people, sometimes along with a handmade gift. I'd rather do that than give cash -- that's just me. My hairdresser loves to read, so I give her Barnes & Noble gift certificates. The gal that cleans my house every other week will get a certicate for a restaurant because she rarely treats herself to a meal out. I gave her one on her birthday, too. Not sure what I'll give my trainer and my manicurist this year as it will be the first holiday since I started using them.

I've never heard of tipping a landlord.

Oh, and I deal blackjack for a company that does parties and fundraisers (not for real money). We rarely get tipped, but it's always appreciated when we do. Most folks don't think about it because they're playing with chips and then hoping to win a prize at the end of the evening. But we're standing there for 2-3 hours dealing cards to them, often without a break, so it really is a tip-worthy event, especially if they're having a good time (which, so far, has always been the case at my table). :-)


Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
See, when there's service like that I try to see if there's a reason why (short staffed, etc). Yeah, they get an hourly wage but around here it's $2-something an hour and tips have to make up the rest unless your tips are less than minimum wage- then there's some form or something. I don't know- I've never worked in a restaurant in my life.

Bad food? Can't necessarily blame the server for that...they most likely didn't cook it. I think they sometimes do toss salads together though. Order messed up- yeah- it may be their fault. One time I ordered a cheese omelette. I was brought a ham and cheese omelette. I told the woman that it was not what I ordered and she told me that yes, it was what I ordered. Wrong. I've never eaten ham in my life. I can guarantee that I did not order it. Wrong order and an argumentative response- low tip. Another restaurant I go to has two meals with very similar names. If you order fettucini florentine you get a cream and spinach sauce. If you order the florentine sauce (they have a sauce menu and a specialty menu), you get fettucini with a wine sauce and a chunk of spinach on top. I know this is an easy mistake, I try to be very clear about which one I want when I order but no problem if it's messed up. I like both anyway, but no reason to get mad about it.

For me, even with kind of crappy service, it's more about attitude. If a server seems extra busy, a bit frazzled, etc I try to give them a break, try to stay pleasant with them. That helps. If they look busy, I do my best to be patient. It sucks, but they're usually doing the best they can. Even Friday, after thanksgiving shopping I stood in line for over an hour at Kohl's and everyone was complaining about the line. I made sure to be nice to the cashier when I got there because I figured she was probably having one of the worst days imaginable and all kinds of people were probably blaming her for the wait instead of the 50 people in front of them with 30 items each.

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
If you are receiving something, delivery, and it isn't COD,or it has been sent and paid by someone else then no tip should be expected, That's what shipping fees are for, IMHO.

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
don't even get me on what i tip my dealers and croupiers! ESPECIALLY if i'm winning WELL! max, even if i was playing with play chips i would tip ya!

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
escapee? what if it is Cod?

Lancecrossfire
Moderator

07-13-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
cash on delivery

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I could never hold onto a chip long enough to tip a dealer. Although I should've tipped the guy who's eye I almost put out with the dice at the crap table.

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
UPS drivers, as far as I know, aren't allowed to take cash tips and we know USPS people can't...not sure about FedEx or the others. Do people get flowers delivered COD???

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Usually if it is COD, then the shipping cost haven't been paid yet. Then it is up to you whether to tip the deliverer. I think either way is fine, but it shouldn't be expected. Their wages are not dependant on tips. One summer I worked for a delivery service and we never got tips, and we didn't expect them.

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
But the shipping cost is the cost to ship- no one is tipped out of that...

Hippyt
Member

06-15-2001

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm a ex-waitress. I have never heard of tipping a landlord. My MIL has a lot of tenants,and I don't think anyone has ever tipped her anything.
I tip waiters,cabbies,hairdressers,pizza guy,hotel maids. If I dine out during the holidays and one of my "regular' waiters at a restaurant I frequent waits on me,I will leave 40% as a holiday gift.

Secretsmile
Member

08-19-2002

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
My tipping practices are on the same level as most have already posted, although I'd like to add when we lived in an apartment complex I would tip the manager one month's rent at Christmas, but it was not for the landlord. I sure hope he wasn't forced to pass that money on, since he was the one I called if there was a problem.

That apartment manager was one in a million, he was always cheerful, helpful and prompt. He offered to do extra's, like pick up our newspaper if we were away for the weekend or water our plants if we were gone longer.

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
What about buffet type places? Do you guys tip at those? Or like at coffee or bagel type places where they have a jar?

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 2:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Wow, Secretsmile. That's awfully generous. My rent is about $500 and that's about what I plan on spending total for Christmas.

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 3:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Shipping is the transport of the product, parcel, etc. Fees should be all inclusive, transport, handling, etc. Ok, that is paid for with shipping fees, getting it from point A to point B. Once it get's to point B, it is shipped, right? So are we tipping someone for walking it from the delivery truck to the front door? If they need a tip for that, here it is, "don't trip on my front step" Aren't shipping and delivery the same thing? Technically?

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 3:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Buffets, usually I don't tip, unless they bring my something, like my drink. Then, they may get a buck or two. But if they aren't waiting on me, why should I tip. They get paid to seat people, that is it, they really aren't wait staff, they are really hosts.