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Should You Tip 15 Percent Just For Being Served?

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:11 -0700

There's no question in my mind that great service should be rewarded with a 20 percent tip or more. When service is less than satisfactory, not everyone agrees on what type of tip is deserved.MSNBC talked to business psychologist Debra Condren, who says 15 percent is the minimum for just being served, even unsatisfactorily, at a restaurant. Do you agree or disagree with her?

Waitresses Who Wear Makeup Get Better Tips . . . From Men

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:07 -0700

Back when I was a waitress for a nanosecond, we were encouraged to touch our customers to make a connection with them. Nothing perverse, of course, just a little tap on the arm or shoulder now and then, in an effort to obtain better tips. Interestingly, in a recent study published by the International Journal of Hospitality Management, researchers confirmed another method for waitresses to up their tips - wearing makeup.

But there's a catch: it wasn't women customers who actually tipped at higher rates, it was men, who doled out 25 percent more to these cosmetics-donning servers. Sexist? You might say. Psychologist Ingrid Collins told the Daily Mail, "The object of make-up is to enhance the features, making the eyes bigger and the mouth fuller, much like the proportions of a baby’s face. Women look more vulnerable but alternatively the enlargement of the lips suggests sexual availability and arousal." She went on to add, "It makes men feel they need to be masculine and tipping, providing for this need, does that rather well." What do you have to say about this phenomenon?

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Yummy Links: From Frozen Daniel Craig to Tony and Mario

partysugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:50:23 -0700

Would you eat this Daniel Craig Popsicle? - Eat Me Daily
Are you buying less organic milk? - Serious Eats
Tipping rules for takeout and delivery. - Bon Appétit
Flank steak salad with arugula is hearty and delicious. - Chow
Top Chef season six has wrapped filming in Las Vegas. - Eater SF
Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali talk everything from cupcakes to Food Network. - Grubstreet

San Francisco Restaurant Eliminates Taxes and Tips

YumSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:07 -0700

Earlier this year, we broached the question of whether it was fair for establishments to impose a built-in surcharge for large dinner parties - and many of you were strongly opposed. But how would you feel if taxes and gratuities were eliminated altogether?

Frank Klein, owner of San Francisco's Fish & Farm, thinks the idea has potential to succeed in times like these. According to San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer, Klein will remodel Fish & Farm, reopening with a new menu that has all-inclusive prices.

The restaurant's new tabs will have "no surcharges, no extras, no nothing above what it says on the menu. We are going to become the anti-surcharge restaurant." The waitstaff will still be adequately compensated because the computer will automatically deduct sales tax and 18.5 percent gratuity for every check.

Although this isn't a new concept - it's standard in many countries like France - it's uncommon to see in America. At a time when many Americans feel nickel-and-dimed, does this strategy have the potential to succeed - and catch on in other restaurants?

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Your Two Cents: Do You Tip on To-Go Orders?

SavvySugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:30:34 -0700

When your card is swiped for a to-go order, the receipt you're signing most likely has a line to add gratuity if you choose. And if you're paying cash, it's rare that the counter is free of a tip jar. If you've called in an order and are picking it up to enjoy from the comfort of your home or if you stop in to grab-and-go, do you leave a tip for the effort it took to assemble your order?

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Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Give?

SavvySugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:58 -0700

If you've cut back on generous tipping you're not alone. While most of you say your restaurant gratuity is about the same, some say 2009 is the year of lousy tips.

Anyone who has worked in the service industry will tell you tipping is crucial to getting better service and making up for the employee's low hourly wage or base pay.

For my guide on how much you should give to whom, read more.

If you are unsure how much to tip a service provider start with 10 percent of the cost of the service, which is usually the correct amount or close. If a service is more tedious or dirty consider what you'd like to be paid if you were doing the work and compensate fairly.

Service	Suggested Tip
Barista	You're not required to tip your latte maker, but if you pay in cash and have a few coins left over throw it in the tip jar for good measure. Making friends at your favorite coffee shop may offer the perk of quick service and occasionally a free coffee or sweet treat.
Babysitter	Tip your sitter 15 percent. Consider an extra bonus during the holidays or when they stay extra late or overnight. Always round up to the nearest $10. They're taking care of your children, after all.
Bartender	You should tip your bartender $1 per drink or 15 percent of the total bill. If you tip when you order your first round you may get better service.
Cab Driver	Give 10 percent, or a $2 minimum.
Dog Groomer	Make up for Fido's stink with a 15 percent tip.
Dog Walker	Thank your dog walker with a 10 percent tip.
Food Delivery Person	Fork over 10 percent tip, or at least $2.
Furniture Delivery	Most people suggest dishing out $5 to $20 to anyone who does heavy lifting for you and up to $50 for giant items. You might also offer them a coke or glass of water.
Take Out	You don't need to offer up a tip if you take out, but if you made special requests consider putting a dollar or two in the tip jar.
Hairstylist	Gift your hairstylist a 10 to 15 percent tip for a medium range haircut and 15 to 20 percent for a do at a super fancy salon. If a special shampooer washes your hair the tip you give your stylist will likely be split, but ask the person at the front desk if they're covered when you pay.
Bellhop	Slip him $1 to $2 per bag, or $5 total.
Hotel Housekeeper	You should reward your housekeeper $2 to $5 for each day of service. Some suggest tipping in a lump sum at the end of your stay, but I've always found tipping daily means your room will get extra TLC.
Hotel Concierge	Tip $5 to $20 depending on the service. You don't need to tip for directions, but if they set you up with coupons, reservations and services they should be compensated.
Hotel Room Service	$5 minimum (unless gratuity is included in check)
Manicurist	You should tip your manicurist 15 percent for making your nails pretty.
Parking Attendant	Tip your attendant $1 or $2 if they carry packages for you or have to use an elevator to get your car to you.
Powder room Attendant	If you don't use the powder room attendant, you don't have to tip. If you do, consider giving her a dollar or the change left over from whatever you purchase.
Spa, Facialist, Hair Removal or Masseuse	Reward your beautifier with a 15 to 20 percent tip.
Spa Owner	It's not standard practice to tip the owner of a salon. This unspoken rule stems from the idea that the entire cost of your treatment goes to the house.
Tow Truck Operator	Tip your roadside assistance crew $5 or more for a jump start, $5 if you were locked out of the car and $10 for a tow.
Waiter	Dish out 15 to 20 percent of bill. If you are at a fancy place a 20 percent or greater tip is common. Tip a maitre d' $20 to $100 depending on the restaurant.
Valet	Tip you valet $5 to $10 depending on the lot. If you tip in advance you may get your car parked closer to the exit.

This guide is based on my personal experience and various forums I found online. Tipping etiquette varies per county and region. Check out The Tipping Page for more suggestions.

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Has the Economy Affected Your Tipping Habits?

YumSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:45:27 -0800

In a recent article in the New York Times, restaurant critic Frank Bruni discusses yet another quandary facing restaurants during the recession. Not only are people dining out less frequently and reducing spending, but they're also tipping less. This puts servers in a particularly vulnerable position. The trend doesn't surprise me at all; however, the recession has actually inversely affected my tipping habits. Even though I eat out less, I tip more than I used to, knowing that my favorite places may be on the verge of collapse.

Tell me: Have you been less generous with the bill lately?

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Your Two Cents: Have You Ever Stiffed Your Server?

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:30:58 -0800

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Built-In Tips: Fair or Not?

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:37:33 -0800

Of all cities in America, New York is certainly one that's suffered severe economic blows - yet it has the highest cost of living in the country. To protect its diners from sky-high gratuities, the city's Department of Consumer Affairs has instituted a policy preventing parties under eight from being charged automatically for tip.

Big Apple blog Newyorkology set the record straight: New York restaurants may impose gratuities only for parties of eight or more. Even in those cases, the fee must be 15 percent or less, and diners must be forewarned with a listing on the establishment's menu in font that is 10 point or larger. Despite these strict guidelines, the New York Post uncovered a dozen restaurants that were breaking the local law; those violators are hit with fines ranging from $50 to $500.

In a city where a good percentage of the denizens make a living waiting tables, I can understand the pressure for higher gratuity. But I also feel that diners need to be protected against rising costs - if not, there won't be anyone dining out at all. What do you think about the predicament? When dining out with friends, do you mind getting a built-in service charge?

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Do You Give Your Beauty Professionals a Christmas Gift?

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800

I've just given out tips to the binman, postman and my trusty Fed Ex delivery team to whom I owe much gratitude to for always delivering my beauty goodies on time. Now it's time to think about the beauty service industry, namely the professionals in my life who I visit regularly for manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts and massages.

While it's a lot of extra money to spend, it wouldn't seem right to overlook them. If I'm a little short on cash, sometimes I make cupcakes or buy an inexpensive bottle of wine. If I'm short on time, then I opt for gift cards, or (the always popular) cash. Do you gift your beauty professionals during the Christmas season and if so, do you typically tip or give out something more personal?

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