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Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

Centerfield Sep 01 2015 11:30 AM

In the other thread, we mentioned tipping non-waiters. This concept completely and thoroughly confuses me. I feel like when I was growing up, tipping was for waiters and delivery guys. The rationale was simple. The price on the menu was for food/item. You tip the waiter for the service, and you tip the delivery guy for hopping in a car and bringing it to you. But here, in NY, I find I am expected to tip for countless things. Most of these make no sense to me. 1. Barber: I pay for the haircut. I tip him extra. I have no justification for why I do this, other than everyone else does it. 2. Taxi: I pay for the ride. I tip the driver extra. Again, I have no explanation why. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I pay for the right to park. I tip the attendant, I guess, for not crashing my car while parking it. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Like a couch or something. I do not think I should tip these guys and generally don't, but will do so if they go above and beyond. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: I only use full service in NJ, where it is required. I do not tip these guys, but I have seen others do it. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I don't tip them. I have heard of others doing this. 7. Bartender: I tip them. For preparing my drink, even if it is just to take the cap off my beer. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: I do not put bread in that jar. I don't understand why I would be expected to.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 01 2015 11:40 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

Let me try this: 1. Barber: My dad cuts my hair, so not applicable. 2. Taxi: I rarely ride in taxis. The only times are when I'm in a strange city, and usually only for rides to and from airports. I do tip cab drivers. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I don't tip these guys. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: The only place we get delivery from is our local Chinese restaurant, and only because they don't have easy parking. Usually I go to pick up our takeout food because it's a lot quicker that way. I do tip the Chinese delivery guy. I don't think they have a delivery charge. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: I also only use full service in Jersey. (And in Oregon, which has Jersey-like rules.) It never would occur to me to leave a tip. 6. Cable Installation Guy: No. 7. Bartender: Not applicable. I don't think I've set foot in a bar in over twenty years. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: When I buy a bagel at Dunkin Donuts it costs 99 cents. When they give me my penny change I drop it in the tip mug, but I try to do it without anyone noticing. It's not really a "tip" it's just a convenient way to dispose of an unwanted penny.

Ceetar Sep 01 2015 11:48 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: I make my wife cut/buzz my hair. 2. Taxi: This is like waitresses, they make money on the tips, but they should get a living wage instead. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I get Valets I guess, cause usually that's how they make money, but I don't usually tip parking garage people. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: It's bs but I've starting doing it. I assume these guys get a regular wage. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: No way. What am I paying you for? You never ever make this process FASTER than I could do myself if you let me. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I did when I moved into the house, even though it was really just a basic two room install. $20. I didn't in the apartment before that, and he had to run wire, and I kinda felt bad about it. 7. Bartender: Like waiters. They're not getting paid in most cases. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: No. I occasionally put a dollar or two into the jar at Bagel Nosh, the local bagel place because they're a friendly/family run/local type place, but that's really it. They're fairly friendly in general, though not as much to me because I'm not real great with the casual small talk chit chat stuff. 9. HVAC/PSEG guy. Had a guy come from PSEG to diagnose and then fix my furnace. (needed a small part that he had to leave and get and come back for) Didn't tip him the first time when he came and told me what the problem was. Did tip him $20 when he came back and fixed it months later when I blew out the sensor. 10. Movers. I tipped the damn movers even though they were a fucking scam. I feel like I did it more out of fear they were going to pull some crap afterwards. I think I gave the lead guy $100 for the 3 of them.

Edgy MD Sep 01 2015 12:20 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

[list]1. Barber: I pay for the haircut. I tip him extra. Did he cut your ears off? Did he make you look like Jerry Lewis? Give him a little extra. 2. Taxi: I pay for the ride. I tip the driver extra. Again, I have no explanation why. Did he terrify you? Did he fart? Was the ride comfortable and the conversation pleasant? Did he shut up if you clearly were not in a talking mood? Show some love. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I pay for the right to park. I tip the attendant, I guess, for not crashing my car while parking it. I guess so. We park our own cars here in Baltimore and I'm damned if I'm going to tip the guy sitting in a booth all day. But parking real estate (and finding it) is more of a premium in NYC. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Like a couch or something. I do not think I should tip these guys and generally don't, but will do so if they go above and beyond. Yeah, this comes and comes generously if somebody saves your wife's back. I had guys deliver a piano, and they were shocked to find out there were stairs. We hard reported this in our order — 22 stairs to be exact. It seemed like a racket for them to pretend to be surprised. But it was over 90 degrees, so we tipped generously and fed them lemonade. I feel my manhood is totally lost if a guy does a heavy, sweaty job for me right in front of my eyes (and my wife's) and I don't lift a finger, so the tipping is a necessary price to by back my thing. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: I only use full service in NJ, where it is required. I do not tip these guys, but I have seen others do it. Tough call. But birdshit in the windshield is fecal matter. A small amount for voluntarily doing a filthy windshield. If they're doing a clean one just 'cuz, not so much. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I don't tip them. I have heard of others doing this. I have only once had satisfactory service from a cable/WiFi guy. He's the only one I ever tipped. I would have kissed him had he asked. 7. Bartender: I tip them. For preparing my drink, even if it is just to take the cap off my beer. I have no idea how much to tip these guys. A buck a drink? 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: I do not put bread in that jar. I don't understand why I would be expected to. Baristas. A great conundrum. You're paying for the preparation of the drink but there is no actual waiting service. So you're basically tipping for tingly sensation of being flirted with by a girl with a tattoo. Tell me you've never coughed up a buck for this.[/list:u] My philosophy: Tip generously — generously enough to remind you to use gratuity-intensive services sparingly.

Ceetar Sep 01 2015 12:26 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

7. Bartender: I tip them. For preparing my drink, even if it is just to take the cap off my beer. I have no idea how to tip these guys. A buck a drink? This is the absolutely easiest one ever. A buck a drink. There are other intricacies but that will never fail you. Generally a $1 for a soda and a boughtback drink as well. Toss in an extra buck or two if say you're newish to the craft beer scene and he double as a Cicerone (Sommelier, concierge, etc), but not if all he says "oh, this one's kinda like blue moon". If you're gonna be sitting at the bar for a while, can't hurt to tip $5 or so on the first one so he pays attention to you. Nothing sucks more than waiting for him to get you another drink while he hovers down at the other end of the bar.

Lefty Specialist Sep 01 2015 12:57 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: 20% unless he goes all Kojak on me. 2. Taxi: 20%, unless he takes me on a tour of the South Bronx. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I have a monthly spot in NYC. They get $1 per day. Hell, that's $250 a year. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Heavy stuff $20. More if it's really complex. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Never. Being a Jerseyan I consider other people pumping my gas as a birthright. 6. Cable Installation Guy: Never had a good one, so no. 7. Bartender: For beers I tip a buck. I don't get mixed drinks. If I want attention I stand next to women with large, um, cocktails. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: Only change I don't want to stick back in my pocket.

d'Kong76 Sep 01 2015 01:01 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

Edgy MD wrote: Did he cut your ears off? Did he make you look like Jerry Lewis? Or worse, Pete Rose?

sharpie Sep 01 2015 01:01 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: Yes. A few dollars. Unless I know it is the owner, then I don't tip. 2. Taxi: Yes. A few dollars. Most of the taxi money goes to the taxi owner and gas, etc. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: Only valets. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: A couch, no, unless there are many stairs. If they set up a dishwasher or something, then yes. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: No. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I usually don't but recently had a guy who worked over an hour and diagnosed a problem with my cable (squirrels had chewed through the wires). He got a tip. 7. Bartender: Yes. A buck a drink. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: My daughter has worked as a barista. Her opinion is that if she is just getting you a cup of coffee, then you shouldn't be expected to tip. If she is making you a sandwich and/or some fancy espresso foamy milk concoction then you certainly should. So, that's what I do.

d'Kong76 Sep 01 2015 01:24 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: No hair. 2. Taxi: Round up and add a couple of bucks depending on route chosen, speed, and how far up my throat my heart is. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: Not applicable, but a valet at a restaurant gets a buck or two. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: We generally pick up, but yes a couple of bucks. I always felt the restaurant gets that delivery fee for gas/car expenses. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Never. 6. Cable Installation Guy: Lord, no. 7. Bartender: Buck a beer/soda. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: Never. Places that sell coffee for those prices should pay the pour-staff better. Extra credit: I give my regular postal carrier $25 around the holidays, but make sure she gets and not a sub. Furniture delivery guys, I dunno, $10 apiece. I don't tip the garbage men around the holidays, but I know some of my neighbors do. I don't like the bathroom attendant guy, but he gets a buck for handing me a towel and watching me pee.

soupcan Sep 01 2015 01:27 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

You guys are some cheap bastards. 1. Barber: If the guy cutting my hair does not own the place, I tip. If the owner cuts my hair, no. Always $5 to the shampoo girl. 2. Taxi: at least $2 -$5 every time 3. Parking Garage Attendant: $2 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: $20 for each guy for furniture and the like. For food - probably $5. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Never even knew this was a thing. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I've offered, they've never taken it. 7. Bartender: The more you leave the first time, the less you have to wait for subsequent drinks. I usually leave $5 the first go-round then at least a buck or two thereafter. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: Whatever change that I may get back from my purchase up to $1.

Nymr83 Sep 01 2015 01:29 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: a couple of dollars 2. Taxi: 15% or so 3. Parking Garage Attendant: a dollar, maybe 2 if you are actually busy and hustle to get my car instead of walking slowly 4. Delivery Guy for Items maybe 10-20 for heavy furniture or 50 for a complete move of an apartment 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: no way, i'd pump it myself if your dumb state didnt force you to do it for me, thats your problem not mine. 6. Cable Installation Guy: no fucking way. 7. Bartender: $1 per drink for booze, for non-alcoholic drinks i wont tip if they are overpriced unless the bartender has been nice ("nice" means helping me ahead of people who were clearly waiting longer, hey i'm paying for service!) 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: nickles, dimes, and pennies returned to me when making change.

dgwphotography Sep 01 2015 01:30 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: I give my barber $5 on a $15 haircut 2. Taxi: I can't remember the last time I was in a taxi 3. Parking Garage Attendant: I usually give them a couple of bucks when I'm in the city 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Again, I can't remember the last time I did this... 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Never. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I had a female installer come over, [crossout]and I just happened to be home alone. She got a lot more than the tip...[/crossout] Oh wait.. what? Sorry, wrong forum... 7. Bartender: Usually a buck - the last time I was at a bar was at a friends wedding... 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: There's a local place called Sundae House that is only open Spring/Summer/Fall, and is usually staffed by local college/high school kids - I always throw a few bucks in there

TransMonk Sep 01 2015 01:32 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: 20% 2. Taxi: 20% 3. Parking Garage Attendant: N/A 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Yeah, I live out of town and my house is tough to get big stuff in and out of. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: N/A 6. Cable Installation Guy: No. 7. Bartender: Yes...especially in crowded places. In my experience, tipping often gets you a drink quicker the next time you hit the bar. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: Nope.

Rockin' Doc Sep 01 2015 06:27 PM Gratuity Not Included (Revisited) 2

1. Barber: I don’t tip the lady that cuts my hair once a month. I do give her an extra $15-$20 when I get my December haircut. 2. Taxi: I think the last time I rode in a cab was in June 2012 during a meeting in Chicago. On the rare occasion I do need a cab, I always tip the driver 15-20%, unless I feel lucky to get out of his vehicle alive and in one piece, in which case I tip less. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: Seldom need to pay for parking. Most parking towers in the south are automated, so there is no one to tip even if you felt compelled to do so. I do pay valet $2 or $3 for prompt service of my car in one piece. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Like a couch or something. I generally provide a gratuity for those deliverymen that provide exceptional service and are careful not to tear up my house. On the rare occasions that we order food (Pizza) for delivery I generally tip 10-20% depending on how promptly he arrived and whether the food is still hot. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: I haven’t seen a full service gas station since I last drove through New Jersey. I tip if I need directions or information. Otherwise, I’d rather just pump the gas myself, which is generally much quicker. I worked at a full service station in downtown Chicago for 3 years during grad school. Cleaned windshields and if requested would check oil, brake fluid, or transmission fluid and if customer desired, I would add to any fluid levels found deficient. I found that the small minority (maybe 5%) ever tipped any of us that worked there. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I have never had a problem with the service of our local cable company. I never tipped nor felt that I was expected to do so. 7. Bartender: I generally tip the bartender a buck or two for each round of beers. If I run a tab, then I generally tip 15% or 20% of the total depending on how good the service was. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: I often throw whatever change I receive in the cup. If I have a large order, family travelling together, then I toss $2 or $3 in the cup for good service.

A Boy Named Seo Sep 01 2015 08:36 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: My cuts are ~$30 or so. I tip around $8 and now I know the girl and wanna tip more but you can't come back down from a $10 tip just because. 2. Taxi: Screw cabs. Uber is faster, more convenient, you can track the car, and you don't tip. Even with scaled pricing on weekend nights/holidays, it's still my 100% go-to. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: N/A 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Like a couch or something. I gave the dudes who brought my new couch and love seat $20. I did pay a delivery fee, but I'm certain that nut didn't go to the 2 guys who actually lugged the shit up the stairs. I understand not wanting to 'pay twice' for the same thing, but I don't think they are. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Was just in Oregon and didn't occur to me to tip. Don't think I needed to either. 6. Cable Installation Guy: I've tipped, yes. Every install is different. Some are more complex, require more hours, and if they respect the walls, floors, etc., and do it cleanly, that's worth an Andrew Jackson. 7. Bartender: Yup, on the buck a drink. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: Change mostly. When I'm with someone who orders a drink i've never heard of with > 4 instructions and/or ingredients, then Jesus Christ, they're getting at least 1 greenback.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 03 2015 08:14 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

1. Barber: 20%. I'm having an awkward time now as my old barber has returned to the joint where I usually get my haircut meaning I needed to break up with the new guy who's still there. 2. Taxi: Usually 20%. Nice now that the credit card readers calculate it for you. It's usually late and I've been drinking when I get cabs so who knows what it was in the cash days. 3. Parking Garage Attendant: $1 in, $1 out. Sometimes more if it also involves unloading bags like at a hotel. 4. Delivery Guy for Items on Which I Have Paid for Delivery: Zip. Except for stuff like furniture that may require assembly in-house than $20 a guy. 5. Full Service Gas Attendant: Inever. 6. Cable Installation Guy: never. 7. Bartender: Every drink $1, if buying 2, then $2. 8. The Cup Next to the Cash Register at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/etc: No. How about hotel maids? I've only been moved to do it once when the maid we had on a vacation was great, and otherwise can leave a few $$ a night but not always. But when I chaperoned the kids on the chess tournament earlier this year one of the other dads insisted on $50 a room for a 3 night stay. I was like, wtf, am I cheap or what.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 03 2015 08:19 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

I usually don't tip hotel maids, but I did when we were in South Africa a few years ago. I saw so much poverty there that I felt more of an obligation to spread some cash around.

Ceetar Sep 03 2015 08:33 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

I always thought Hotel Maids fell under the $1 a day thing, but I often didn't tip them. Often maids (this is the wrong word now right? housekeepers? something?) take loose change and what not you leave out. At least, maybe at lower end places. 'money's out, must be a tip' thinking. I often forget and haven't stayed at an American hotel for more than 1 night in quite a while. (damn you money) but my general philosophy has been $5 the first night and then a $1 or so every other night. Sorta like tipping the bartender at the beginning to ensure service the entire time. I do wonder if they even notice/remember who's in a room for how long but i figure it keeps 'em refilling the toiletries and not charging you for a blanket that they lost. (Happened to me once, am still upset I gave in and let it slide after Amex denied my disputed charge)

d'Kong76 Sep 03 2015 08:47 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

Regular motel $1 a night, big city nice hotel $2-3 night? Ceetar wrote: I do wonder if they even notice/remember who's in a room for how long but i figure it keeps 'em refilling the toiletries And keeps 'em from sticking your toothbrush up their ass if you leave a messier than usual room.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 03 2015 08:52 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

d'Kong76 wrote: And keeps 'em from sticking your toothbrush up their ass if you leave a messier than usual room. There are some people who would pay extra for that!

d'Kong76 Sep 03 2015 08:56 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

D'oh, I suppose you're right. What about those guys at the airport drop-off that take your bags? $5 a bag too much? That always seemed like a racket to me.

Ceetar Sep 03 2015 08:59 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

d'Kong76 wrote: D'oh, I suppose you're right. What about those guys at the airport drop-off that take your bags? $5 a bag too much? That always seemed like a racket to me. DON'T TOUCH MY BAGS. $5 maybe? but really the entire airport checkin experience is such a horrible thing that the idea of tipping anyone for any part of it seems wrong. But I haven't yet traveled with a small child either.

sharpie Sep 03 2015 09:05 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

$2-$3 a night for hotel maids. I was at a hotel this past weekend and the binder that contains hotel information even recommended $2. So that's what I left.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 03 2015 09:06 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

d'Kong76 wrote: D'oh, I suppose you're right. What about those guys at the airport drop-off that take your bags? $5 a bag too much? That always seemed like a racket to me. $1 a bag for the airport guys

sharpie Sep 03 2015 09:13 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

I guess $1 a bag is correct for airport guys. Never use them, though. One other thing about hotel maids: never sure whether I should tip nightly or at the end of the stay. I usually do the latter but my wife thinks we should do the former.

HahnSolo Sep 03 2015 09:37 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

sharpie wrote: I guess $1 a bag is correct for airport guys. Never use them, though. One other thing about hotel maids: never sure whether I should tip nightly or at the end of the stay. I usually do the latter but my wife thinks we should do the former. Nightly because you never know if you're getting the same person each night.

Edgy MD Sep 03 2015 11:01 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

I tip at the end of the stay, but I guess nightly is also a better way to ensure good service throughout the stay. I wonder if hotel maids pool their tips. I imagine lobby staff — bellhops, concierges, and doormen — typically do not. Those guys hustle for a living and likely hang on tightly to what they get.

themetfairy Sep 03 2015 12:16 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

We always tip the hotel housekeepers at the end of a stay.

cooby Sep 03 2015 01:09 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

Our housekeeper at the beach this week left an envelope with her name on it. It was kinda hard to decide whether to wait or not because I left a note asking for lightbulbs for two lamps and she got them within a day or so. I did wait til the end of the week though and I made sure she got it herself along with a thank you note.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 05 2015 11:51 PM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

soupcan wrote: You guys are cheap bastards. Oh, yeah. Bartender gets $1 a drink... in, like, a flyover state dive bar or 1990, maybe. Really, for me at least, it's a hefty tip up front ($5-10 or more, depending on order size) as goodwill/to ensure good service, then either another buck or two per drink after... or nothing/little more if the service was preventably poor. They're cut off, sorta. My barber usually gets 20 percent, unless it's the owner ; shampoo gets $5. Hotel maid gets $5-10 a day, depending on location. Taxi gets 20, on average. Garage is 1 in, 1 out. Cable, gas atttendant, and delivery without on site assembly/setup get nothing.

Nymr83 Sep 07 2015 09:57 AM Re: Gratuity Not Included (Revisited)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: soupcan wrote: You guys are cheap bastards. Oh, yeah. Bartender gets $1 a drink... in, like, a flyover state dive bar or 1990, maybe. Really, for me at least, it's a hefty tip up front ($5-10 or more, depending on order size) as goodwill/to ensure good service, then either another buck or two per drink after... or nothing/little more if the service was preventably poor. They're cut off, sorta. There is nothing wrong with $1/drink, its actually pretty generous when you add up all the drinks that are served during a typical shift of work, remember you are tipping the guy/gal not paying their full salary. and i dont need to tip enough to "make up" for the people who dont tip, if everyone else gave $1/drink too bartenders would be doing quite well.