There’s a pretty good chance you’ve been compelled to tip someone at some point in your life. There’s also a pretty good chance that you’re in college (and subsequently close to broke). Tipping may seem like a luxury only afforded to you when your finances are slightly more in order than they presently are, but this is completely untrue. Not only is tipping the polite thing to do, but it’s fairly necessary in some professions. Regardless of your opinion on tipping, it can’t be denied that some people make their livings from tips. However, tipping is not a “one-size-fits-all” practice. For that reason, I’ve decided to create a handy guide for tipping all the people in your daily life.
####Restaurants:
**The norm:** 15-20 percent
**Ben’s opinion:** 20 percent
It’s 20 percent, or more if you feel so inclined. Anyone who tells you otherwise lacks basic human decency. Considering that the vast majority of any server’s pay comes from tips, slighting them can make a huge dent in their income. If something in your dining experience has caused you to want to tip less, take a second to consider if it was the direct fault of your server. If the food was bad or your drink wasn’t made right, don’t blame your server for it.
####Barbers/Stylists/Spa Technicians:
**The norm:** 10-20 percent
**Ben’s opinion:** 20-25 percent if you’re a regular, otherwise follow the norm.
Before my current stylist, I got my hair cut by the same woman for almost nine years. She was wonderful, and I always tipped her 25 percent. When I switched to the woman who now cuts my hair, I continued with the 25 percent rule when she went above and beyond my expectations. Bottom line: If you’re seeing the same person regularly, tipping well is a nice gesture.
####Dry-Cleaner/Tailor/Cobbler:
**The norm:** Don’t tip
**Ben’s opinion:** It depends on the job.
It’s a fairly common consensus that these people need not be tipped. For day-to-day tasks (dry cleaning a normal item, simple alterations), I would agree. However, if you’ve tasked your tailor with the impossible or brought something to the cleaners with a pamphlet worth of instructions, I think a tip upon pickup is a good move.
####Bars:
**The norm:** $1-2 for beers, 15 percent on cocktails
**Ben’s opinion:** It’s a good baseline rule.
While the standard bar tipping etiquette is generally a good route, you can switch it up depending on the situation. For example, tossing your bartender $20 early on in the evening might ensure they take care of you a bit quicker or make your drink a double for no extra cost. Regardless, tip a dollar or two for beers and a bit more (15-20 percent) on cocktails or other complex orders.
####Food Delivery:
**The norm:** $2-4; 10-15 percent of bill
**Ben’s opinion:** Follow the norm.
Up until researching other opinions on tipping, I always tipped delivery drivers 20 percent of the bill. However, most sources say that’s not necessary at all, and 10-15 percent is perfectly fine. I say follow that, unless the delivery was difficult in some way (large order, difficult commute, etc.).
####Baristas:
**The norm:** Not required
**Ben’s opinion:** Only for tough orders.
In the same vein as bars, tipping at coffee shops really depends on your order. For a simple cup of coffee, don’t feel compelled to tip. However, for a pour-over or more labor-intensive drink, tossing a dollar or so into the jar never hurts anyone.
