TippingIs it considered standard or a way of showing appreciation for service? by Claudia Figueroa
In Paris it is already included in the bill, but in the U.S. you'd be surprised how often people forget to tip for services. While it is not required in some places, in most you will find it necessary if you want continued service. For centuries tipping has been the prime indicator of one's fortune, while some tipping experts go as far to say on first dates tipping can be pivotal to the events that transpire at the end of the evening. But most importantly, one should remember that most of us have to work for a living, so show some appreciation!
Standard tipping is usually 10-15% of charge for services. Over the this decade, the percentage has increased very little; It's the price for services that have risen steadily. A standard lunch, that might include a sandwich, salad and beverage at a reasonably priced restaurant has gone from $4.00 up to about $7.00. Dinner prices that once averaged $14.00 are up to $20.00. As a result, tipping has increased over the years mainly do to the higher costs of food prices.
In come cases, restaurant patrons find the meal's quality and preparation outweigh the service and vice versa. Here's a tip: One should not confuse tipping with food prices with the quality of service. If your dinner bill adds up to $100.00, then the minimum tip should be $15.00. If your food server's service was moderate, meaning the server presented the dinner specials during their initial introduction and was attentive to all of your needs, then it would be generous to leave an additional $5-$8. If the establishment's over-all service (including the maitre d', cocktail waitress, bartender, food server, busboy, food and entertainment) was exceptional then it is always in good tasted to add at least $30-$40.00 to the minimum amount. The following list suggests what are generally considered to be adequate amounts to tip various peopled for services rendered. It should be kept in mind that tips are a way of expressing satisfaction. Larger tips should be left for those who provide extraordinarily good service.
At a restaurant: Waiter or waitress 15% of bill, headwaiter/maitre d' none, unless special services are provided; then, about $5, bartender 10-15% of bar bill, coat check attendant $1 for one or two coats, rest room attendant $1.00, car park attendant $2-$5. One does not usually tip at buffets unless there is a server on-hand to assist with preparing a particular dish, such as slicing a roast beef or sauteing shrimp.
At a hotel: chambermaid no tip for one-night stays; $1 a night or $5-$10 a week for longer stays, room-service waiter 15% of bill, bellhop $1 per bag for bringing you to your room with luggage; tip extra if he/she takes the liberty to open and show the room, lobby attendant $1-$2 for helping with luggage or finding a taxi on the street and taxi driver 15% of fare.
At a salon: beauty/barber shop stylists are entitled to receive a tip of 15% of bill after services.
At your favorite coffee shop: Tipping a dollar in the jar at your local coffee shop can also be beneficial on those mornings when you might need an extra shot of espresso in your cappuccino to help get you through your busy work day.
Tipping
