Weekly Bet Ya Didn't Know: The Great Tipping Debate.

(Photo: crystaltipjar.blogspot.com)

How much should I tip my server, hair stylist, valet, delivery guy and cab driver?  Some of life's mysteries!

I feel like I often over tip out of fear that I will tip too little and offend the person or make them feel like they did a crappy job.  But I also don't want to go broke.  My mom was a waitress and has always been a big tipper because she knows how hard it is to work for tips and that people remember both the good and bad tippers.  But what exactly is the proper amount to tip?  I needed to find out some guidelines and of course share with you what I found to be agreed upon by multiple sources.

(Photo: malys-midwest.com)

1. Server or Bartender.  15-20% for adequate to good service and no less than 10% for bad service is agreed upon to be appropriate.  And remember if the food was bad, don't take it out on the server, it's not their fault if the kitchen messes up.  If you use a coupon or gift card of some type, be sure to tip on the price before the discount.   When ordering take out, think about giving a few dollars to the person that got your order together.  Often times, they have to do a lot to put your order together so a little something is much appreciated.

2. Hair Stylists and other Spa Services.  15-20% is also standard for these services.  If someone different shampoos your hair, you should give them a few dollars in addition.  I like to give a little extra tip around the holidays.  

3. Valet and Coatroom Attendant.   $2 or more for the valet that brings your car to you.  Some sources think you should tip the person that parks your car as well.  $1 per coat for coatroom attendant seems to be standard.

(Photo: dixieyid.blogspot.com)

4.  Food Delivery Person.  10-15% is generally sufficient.  However, if the delivery is difficult, like in bad weather, adding a bit more is a good idea. Plus, that delivery person may be back and you want to get your food hot next time as well, don't you?  Also, don't assume that the delivery charge goes to the delivery person, ask when ordering before you include that when calculating your tip. 

5. Taxi Driver.  15% is standard and add more if he has to help with bags.

And there you have it, some guidelines for surviving in the tipping world.  Now, if only I was good at math...

Sources: http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/tipping/, http://artofmanliness.com/2008/06/24/gentlemans-guide-how-much-should-tip/,  http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/12/basic-tips-on-tipping-how-much-and-to-whom/